November 28, 2013

Human Heart Nature: 100% Natural Day Moisturizer

This is a new item from Human Heart Nature about two months ago -- their 100% Natural Day Moisturizer. I did not hesitate to pick this because my skin loved their 100% Natural Moisturizing Day Fluid with 15 Vitamins & Minerals, and the way I see new packaging means they added or could have changed the formula to give their products a boost. And they did.


From their website:
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! Vitamin E • Vitamin C • Vitamin A • Vitamin B1 • Vitamin B2 • Vitamin B5 • Vitamin B12 • Vitamin D • Selenium • Lecithin • Magnesium • Calcium • Potassium • Iron • Zinc 
Plus you get an extra dose of Vitamin E, nature’s richest antioxidant, to help reduce the risk of sun damage.
Added information at the back of the packaging:
To top it all off, your skin will relish the nourishing blend of natural antioxidant oils and beetroot extract known to help skin retain its natural moisture for a full 8 hours!

I've been using this for 2 months and my skin looked good. I bought the 100ml; it is a lightweight and has a great fluid consistency moisturizer that comes in a dispenser. A little bit of the product is all you need for the face, neck and décollage. It quickly absorbs the skin making it moisturized and healthy. I love that this is inexpensive, natural and Philippine-made. The smell is quite nice like it has a floral note to it. It didn't caused me rashes or breakouts. This doesn't help me with my oily skin, so I use a blotting sheet throughout the day to combat the shininess. One thing I didn't like about this product is that it doesn't have UV protection. You have to wait for few minutes to apply a layer of sunscreen.



Now that I think about it, I cannot tell the difference between this (Php264.75 for 100ml) day moisturizer and their 100% Natural Moisturizing Day Fluid with 15 Vitamins & Minerals (Php199.75 for 100ml) after weeks of using it on my skin. I do not have premature wrinkles (yet) that is why I couldn't give out my thoughts about reducing fine lines. The added natural antioxidant oils and beetroot extracts of this product feels like a bonus to one's purchase. In any case you see both of these in the shelves, and you want to grab a good deal for your money, I suggest you select this. It costs a little bit than the original, but the added ingredients of this makes it special for your skin needs.

Do keep it in a room below 35 degree Celsius. Do check the expiration date. Keep it away direct sunlight.

It comes in two sizes: 
50ml for Php149.75
100ml for Php264.75




November 22, 2013

Juicing One's Way to Better Health

I'm not a picky eater when it comes to fruits and vegetables... until I came across to brussel sprouts one day and I try not to look back how it tasted. Growing up, my family has taught me to love to eat fish, fruits and vegetables. We eat as little meat as we can in our diet and indulge ourselves with other sources like eggs, milk and beans for protein. However, my brother has his own way of thinking when it comes to food, so let's all just say, everyone has their own preference.

I've always wanted to juice my fruits and vegetables when in comes to overall health. I've heard so much benefits that I immediately had to use this juicer my parents bought for months now. They say they didn't had the time, but I try to change what my parents think about juicing so I bought lots of fresh produce and got them to try it. I am glad they joined the bandwagon and hopefully they continue their journey to juicing.

Since it's my first time, I've searched websites for recipes; what I needed to know; and/or what to experience in my first day of juicing. I was a little dizzy on the first day because I doubled the amount of beets in the recipe. LOL! Next few days, I tweaked the recipe, and slowly, my body finally got the hang of it. I feels so good to juice these produce in the morning.

That is ME in the reflection.


This is the Bella High-Power Juice Extractor, and I love this machine so much.
Product Features:

  • Three-inch round tube fits whole fruits and veggies.
  • Powerful motor extracts juices quickly from hard produce.
  • Juice cup holds 1 liter of your favorite beverage.
  • Splash free lid and pouring spout lend convenience.
  • Non-skid feet prevent sliding on countertop.
  • Detachable, dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning easy.
  • Stainless steel housing lends a modern touch. 
What's Included:

  • Juicer 1-liter juice cup
  • Removable pulp container
  • Micro mesh filter
  • Bella recipe book 
Product Care:

  • Removable parts: dishwasher safe 
Product Details:

  • 1000 watts
  • Model no. 13694

My family and I are first time juicers. I don't know how much my mom bought it months ago, but from the website, it says it's on sale for $89.99. We juice our way to health and it extracts every produce we add inside. It is a simple, stainless steel and easy to clean machine. It's been officially a week since we started juicing, and it makes me excited to wake up in the morning when the stomach is still empty and ready to absorb these nutrients and vitamins. We start preparing these fresh produce we bought at the market such as kale, spinach, carrots, oranges, apples, a piece of ginger, celery, cucumber, beets, and chard -- all in there to amp one's veggie and fruit intake for the day! YUP! ALL OF THEM! Awesome awesome product!

We just eyeball how many we want to add in the juicer and we drink it immediately! You can't let these nutrients wait forever! Then, wait at least 30 minutes to an hour to eat heavy meal if we still feel hungry. But most of the time, I just don't feel that hungry after drinking the juice. I drink water or tea throughout the day to detox. I don't drink soda since high school. We drink at least a glass of the juice a day. We do not replace every meal with juice; we still eat solid food.

Fresh juice at home is better! You just know it's fresh, natural without the unnecessary sugars packed that our body does not need.

You can look up for recipes, and read more about juicing and its benefits online.



November 14, 2013

Venus & Mars: Rewinding Stems

Here's another facial soap from Venus & Mars that I love! I do believe this is my first try using this soap. Just by looking at the name of the product, you can immediately tell what this soap does: FIGHT LINES AND WRINKLES and INCREASE SKIN CELLS' NATURAL COLLAGEN PRODUCTION. I'm a little skeptical about it at first, but I decided to try it... which I know I will do. I've been using it for the last 4-5 weeks and my skin loves it!



Rewinding StemsThe Age Rewinding SoapENZYMATIC PEEL - STEM CELL EXTREME WHITENING SOAP (BODY PEEL & GLOW)EMU OIL + STEM CELL + WHITENERS = Tone + Peel + Revive 
Cold processed, hand-crafted, uneven cuts

COUNTERACT AGING with V&M Rewinding Stems! Make it Glow instead!
Ingredients: Effect: Difference with Lulur: Whitening alone (more intense in whitening but with semi-peeling)For best results: Leave on for 3 minutes before rinsing. 
“A professional skin care regime is one of the most important parts of maintaining your skin’s health. Your skin is not a smooth surface like a sheet of glass.
On the contrary, your skin is more like a riverbed, full of little lumps, bumps, crevasses and holes. You can give these dermatological names such as fine lines, pores, sebaceous glands, etc., but at the end of the day the fact remains your skin is far from a flat, smooth surface.
Because of this and because your skin is a living, breathing part of your body and fulfills several major functions including temperature regulation, immune defense, protection from the external environment, etc., you will need to look after it if you wish to have it work at its optimal level and hope to have good, healthy skin into your late 70?s and beyond.”

Why you need V&M Rewinding Stems! ? What benefits can you get from it ? 
1. Stem cell mixed with Emu Oil increases skin cell production by up to 50% 
2. It also increases your natural collagen production by as much as 80% 
3. The powerful combination of these superb actives creates the ability to decrease fine lines & wrinkles dramatically! 
4. The effect of stem cell-emu oil-whiteners is to stimulate the skin and awaken them while effectively peeling off dark skin cells whiten deep within! 
5. It works against pimples giving way to renewed and brighter skin!


This soap weighs 135g for Php255. Every Rewinding Stem Soap is divided in two colors: red and green. I am not sure which is which, but I do think half of it is the "Stem cell mixed with Emu Oil increases skin cell production by up to 50%", while the other half "increases your natural collagen production by as much as 80%" according to the benefits of this soap for the skin. And thus, using them together, leaves such a awesome combo for a happy skin. I always cut the soap in pieces vertically, so I do get both of these colors every time I wash my face with. And when I only have a tiny piece left, I also wash it for the rest of my body. A lot of people get a hint of apples, but what this soap really reminds me of is Play-Doh. It bothered my at first, but just as long as I see wonderful results, it's okay. It actually reminds me of my childhood.

After using it for some time, I have to say, I love what this soap does to my skin. For starters, I do not have lines or wrinkles, but I do think prevention is better than cure. I love to use this as a prevention and keep my skin healthy and happy. I love that it makes my skin soft to touch whenever I use it and leaves an even skin tone in the long run. My pores look finer, but I still use a pore strip every week for more deep clean. It feels so good washing the face without that nasty gunk! Some people have also noticed of my skin's glow. It didn't caused me dryness, breakouts or redness using this soap. It didn't caused my skin to peel, unless it's a micropeel. For the past month, I've been struggling with these little breakouts around my right jawline probably from hormones, weather changes or stress. But this soap slowly diminished some of my acne scars around my jawline. Overall, with proper diet and exercise, my skin looks awake, smooth and healthy.

I love this soap. I will definitely repurchase.



November 5, 2013

Very Random Haul

It's been a week since I got here in San Francisco, California, and I am enjoying my stay very much with my family. I still have jet lag but give me few more days for my body to adjust from the time difference. I'll be here for the next few months with them. While at it, I can't help myself but shop and look for good deals. Here are some stuff I bought. Reviews are coming up these next months.

Walgreens

Multi-vitamins in gummies! Perfect combination. You  know how much I love gummi bears, but I try to not eat these candies as much as I can because they are so addicting... for me that is. Anyways, I got this because my body is Vitamin C deficient since I got here. I bought two of these. [$15]

 I bought this to protect myself from the harmful UV rays of the sun. I am so used in using an umbrella either it's sunny, cloudy or it rained. But here, people only use an umbrella if it rains -- or, should I say, if they feel they want to use an umbrella when it rains.  [$2.99]

Everyone must have probably heard about St.Ives; helps exfoliate our skin. I use this twice a week.
[$4.something-cents]

I also bought a feminine cleansing wash, Summer's Eve. Women use it to keep themselves extra clean.
I forgot to take a photo of it. [$6.29]



Whole Foods
I was in a tight budget so I had to pick the stuff I really need.

I am almost done with my Human Heart Nature Nourishing Toner, and I need a back-up as soon as possible. I've heard about this brand and now I finally got one! I love roses. [$9.99]

 Finally! I've heard so many good things about the African Black Soap. So far, so good, I am loving it! I looked around to see if they have blocks of soap, but instead they only have it in a liquid form; a product works as a body wash, shampoo, facial cleanser, shaving, and hand soap. I need something like that. [$11.99]

While looking around, I spotted this: water in chocolate and peppermint flavor. This I got to try what it tastes like. I was also a little thirsty from walking block after block. I need to rejuvenate my body. It actually is refreshing and it doesn't taste funny; it reminds me of Andes Chocolate Mints -- chocolate-y and minty. [$1.79]


Ranch99
My parents and I ate in a Chinese restaurant, and went to the supermarket to buy food. Here's what I got besides bags of groceries.

 I've read Korean Ginseng is good for your skin. I grabbed (the last) two boxes. Can't wait to try this tonight! [$9.something-cents]

While browsing, I found this Q10 facial mask. I feel like, my skin needs more hydration. [$15(?)]


Daiso Japan
No visit is complete without a visit to Daiso! There were so many cute stuff that I caught myself grabbing items that I don't think I needed just because they are priced for a dollar and fifty. I am so tempted. But I reminded myself only to purchase items I needed the most!

 Curiosity made me bought this drink. I do not know what to expect. [$1.50]
UPDATE: November 22. 2013 : I thought it would taste like milk, or something with tapioca, but it wasn't! --- IT TASTED LIKE ORANGE JUICE! This. is. mind-blowing. WHOA!

 One look at this and I instantly remembered one Philippine brand of chips called PODS from the brand, Oishi. It almost has the same texture and yumminess as this one. These are so delicious. I should have bought the rest of the flavors for me to munch on. [$1.50]

 I can't read Japanese characters, but I do know I like to have smooth skin. According to the illustration at the back of the package, you use it in circular motion to slough off dead skin. [$1.50]

Yup, a star-shaped pumice stone. Isn't it cute? Also helps in removing dead skin while you take a shower. [$1.50]

I am so curious how it taste like. It's a hollow crunchy sweet potato cookie. It's okay. [$1.50]

Been looking for this exfoliating wash cloths for months now! I do hope this is the real thing; when I saw this, I was screaming at the top of my lungs (not really! lol!) because I've been looking for this since I got here. Koreans call it Italy Towel/daesugun/ddae soogun. Use this and literally see your dead skin removed right before your eyes every time you take a shower! I NEED TO BUY MORE OF THESE! I NEED TO VISIT DAISO AGAIN! Not only it will give that soft procelain skin, but skin care products will be more absorbed thus making skin e-x-t-r-a nice. I'M SUPER STOKED! Thank you, Daiso! [$1.50]


Target
Mom gave me this coupon yesterday; Five dollars off the price! I had to pay a visit to Target and see what I may find. *evil laugh*


I feel like in heaven. I was going to buy chocolate, but I changed my mind. Here are the stuff I bought at Target in their beauty section.


  • Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Roller [$22.39]
  • Jergens Shea Butter Deep-Conditioning Moisturizer (Lotion) [$7.39]
  • Jergens Crema Deep-Conditioning Shea Butter [$7.34]
  • No7 Beautiful Skin Energising Mask [$16.99]
  • No7 Restore and Renew Night Cream [$19.99]
  • No 7 Luxurious Foaming Shower Oil [$8.99]


Last but not least, my mom gave this to me days ago. Someone gave it to her. Now, she hands it to me. It is a sample size hand scrub.



There you have it! Items I have bought for the week. Excited to try these skin care products and let you guys know soon. Have you tried any of them? Please comment below what you think. I would love to hear it. 



November 2, 2013

Human Heart Nature: 100% Natural Healthy Lotion - Blossom Beauty

I was looking for Human Heart Nature's Lotion in vanilla or berry scents when I spotted new in their shelves couple of months ago -- their 100% Natural Healthy Lotion Blossom Beauty. I love lotions packed with all sorts of goodies for the skin. I had to grab it the minute I saw it!

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. 
Did you know: All lotions can moisturize but not all lotions are healthy! Most lotions use parabens as preservatives which studies have linked to serious health disorders like cancer. Uh-oh. That's why we came up with a truly safe and healthy lotion. No harmful chemicals! 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 
Ingredients:
water, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut-derived), glyceryl stearate (vegetable-derived), glycerin, stearyl alcohol (vegetable-derived), sodium lactate and sodium gluconate (sugarcane-derived), dicaprylyl ether (vegetable-derived), Glycine soja (soybean) oil, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, fragrance (all-natural), tapioca starch, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, xanthan gum, glyceryl caprylate (coconut, palm and glycerin-derived), anisic acid (anise seed-derived) 




I love that feminine, floral and sweet scent of this lotion. It is lightweight and has a thin consistency that easily spreads into the skin whenever I apply this after my bath. A little goes a long way! It doesn't feel greasy or sticky, and it sinks in making my skin nourished, smooth and healthy with all these 12 nutrients and antioxidants that it needs. I love this lotion! I love that it has no mineral oil, parabens, or any other harmful chemicals.


When I think I only have a little product left, I find it convenient that you can flip it upside-down because of its flat top. I usually cut the bottle in half (if I can) just to get the good bits left, but here, I don't need to.

The downside of the product is that it doesn't have SPF. I had to wait for few minutes to apply a layer of sunblock to help protect me from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Price:
50mL - Php64.75
200mL – Php199.75

Check the expiration date, store below 35 degree Celsius, and away from direct sunlight.