April 24, 2014

Etude House Haul

First thing comes to mind when it comes to Korean skincare is Etude House because it is really popular among girls. The packaging is so cute, dainty and pink! I love pink. When my aunt and cousins saw the pink paper bag from Etude House, they think I bought tons of make-up. My boyfriend and I laughed it off! I just smiled on the inside. Bought these items at the Mall of Asia.

Etude House Haul

I Need You! Hyaluronic Acid!; I Need You Bulgarian Rose!; I Need You Collagen!
I Need You Pomegranate!; I Need You Olive! Mask Sheets [Php58]

**I should have spelled my name using these masks. LOL!**

Natural Jelly Cleansing Puff [Php178]

Collagen Eye Patch [Php78]

Moonlight in Spoon Blending Sleeping [Php88]

Moistfull Aloe Lotion 180ml [Php628]

Happy Essential Foam Hyaluronic Acid [Php228]

Zero Second Mineral Serum 160ml [Php798]


I do also get a WONDER PORE KIT as a freebie since I bought Php2000 worth of items.






And lastly, I also do get Etude House's Pink Membership Card! You have no idea how happy I am! It makes it feel special that I am officially a member and... a PRINCESS.


Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening Princess! :)

Check their website: 



April 20, 2014

Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Scented Cleansing Bars

SUMMER is here! Basking out in the sun while drinking fresh coconut water! Roadtrips from here and there! Summer classes! Fun under the sun!!! But with all the humid, a nice cool bath is one perfect to beat it. I got refreshing scented soaps from Human Heart Nature that I tried these past few weeks. I did mention in my previous blog that they'd hopefully create variety of scented soaps, but I wasn't expecting they'd be released that fast. I am guessing it is one of their popular demand who love to use natural products and from the brand itself.

Human Heart Nature came out with three (3) natural cleansing bars to try: Aloe Fresh; Lemon Zest, and Lavender Mint. I bought them the day after they released their third soap, Lavender Mint last March 22nd. They had a sale and I personally couldn't resist. I had to go straight on my nearest Human Heart Nature location to get my fix.




The packaging of these soaps are very vintage-y and I like that. But personally, they look a little separated from the rest of the packaging from their other products. I kind of get it that wanted something fun and new since these scented soaps had just got its release and wanted to give customers something interesting at the same time.

Each of these bars are individually wrapped in plastic; weighs 120g for Php74.75 each which makes it affordable and natural as they are "cold-processed to retain their natural glycerin, which helps keep your skin soft and supple... cold-processing consumes less energy and produces less waste. Our soaps are 100% natural, skin-friendly, and Earth-friendly. Bathe only in goodness!"




Ingredients:

Lemon Zest : Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, aqua (water), sodium hydroxide, sodium lactate (sugarcane-derived), sodium gluconate (sugarcane-derived), decyl glucoside (plant-derived), Citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil

Aloe Fresh : Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, aqua (water), sodium hydroxide, sodium lactate (sugarcane-derived), sodium gluconate (sugarcane-derived), decyl glucoside (plant-derived), fragrance (all-natural)

Lavender Mint : Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, aqua (water), sodium hydroxide, decyl glucoside (coconut-derived), glycerine (coconut-derived), sodium lactate (sugarcane-derived), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil, Mentha piperita (peppermint) essential oil, Mentha arvensis (corn mint) essential oil 

Did you know: It took us more than two years to develop our cleansing bars because we wanted to create soap that’s truly good for the skin and the earth! They are without any trace of BHT and EDTA, discoloration-preventing chemicals commonly found in many soap bars that can irritate the eyes and skin. EDTA in particular makes the skin structure more vulnerable, allowing chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin.*





Though the soaps come in fresh scents, they do, however, come in one look: white block of soap. You won't know what kind it is unless you take a sniff to figure it out. I wasn't expecting to find a plain looking soap, but then I thought, with added chemicals into it, I guess you wouldn't call it "100% Natural" for nothing, right?


Among the three cleansing bars I tried, my favorite of all is the LAVENDER MINT. It leaves a cooling sensation every time you take a bath. The Aloe Fresh, however, reminded me of banana leaves kind of scent. Not that I hate banana leaves; the leaves are necessary to give that vibrant flavor for the food once cooked, but as for soap, I think not. While the Lemon Zest, it obviously has that lemon-y scent; it was okay, but I prefer just a bit more of lemon oil if you will.

These soaps lathers real good and moisturising. Didn't caused me allergies while using these cleansing bars. It melts kind of fast though so keep them dry after using it.

Do remember to keep these soaps away from direct sunlight; check the expiration date and store them in a room below 35 degree Celsius.

I would recommend to try the LAVENDER MINT kind out of the three.

Apply your favorite body lotion while skin is damp to lock-in moisture!



April 3, 2014

Alaffia African Black Soap

I absolutely loved their African Black Soap in Tangerine Citrus that I simply had to get two more bottles of these and thought to get other varieties besides the Tangerine Citrus; I got the Unscented and Peppermint.
What is African Black Soap? 
In West Africa, authentic black soap is known by its Yoruba name, Osee Dudu. "Dudu" means the color black, which comes from the extensive "cooking" of the soap to the point of charcoal. Many cultures in West Africa use charcoal to detoxify and purify the skin, and this is an integral aspect of our true African black soap.
Our authentic black soap is made from a centuries old recipe of handcrafted shea butter and indigenous West African palm kernel oil. Saponification is provided by adding ashes to the hot oils, then cooking the soap for six hours. The final step is to dry and cure the soap in the sun for three weeks.
The extensive cooking and curing process makes our authentic African black soap mild and gentle. In West Africa, our black soap is an "all in one" option for cleaning, and is ideal for faces, shaving, shampooing, and as a general hand & body wash for all ages. Unscented for sensitive skin. (Scented with invigorating peppermint essential oil.)


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.

Ingredients
African mint (ocimum canum) extract (aqueous), African black soap (saponified shea butter* [butyrospermum parkii] and palm kernel oil [elaeis guineensis]), lauryl glucoside

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


Sustainable Skin Care - Handmade. Domestic Packaging. Fair Trade. No Parabens.
No Animal Testing. No SLS. No Synthetic Fragrance. Gluten-Free. Biodegradable.


Alaffia Authentic Authentic African Black Soap (Unscented)
The UNSCENTED kind is perfect for sensitive skin. It has an earthy smell to it like what you should expect in an African black soap and has a beautiful brown color. I am actually almost ran out of it because I use it everyday whenever I shower as a body wash, shampoo and sometimes as a facial wash. It didn't caused me rashes, breakouts or dryness. Though I don't think it made my hair soft and bouncy. It takes a while to lather so I always end up pumping more product in my hand to get my hair clean.

Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap (Peppermint)
While the PEPPERMINT kind has a wonderful smell to it because its added peppermint essential ingredient. You can't hardly smell the earthy scent to it either. I definitely feel that tingling sensation every time I use this which makes this as my favorite. I love to use this as my shampoo, facial wash and body wash. HOWEVER, just a week later, I notice my skin starts to get red and itchy on areas such as my hands, arms and neck. I tried ignoring it at first but my skin just couldn't take it much longer! I am probably allergic to its peppermint essential oil since that is the only ingredient that differentiates between the UNSCENTED and PEPPERMINT African black soap. I only have 1/3 left of the product and I was thinking to use it as a shampoo? I haven't seen any difference on my hair as far as I know but it gets the job done keeping my hair clean. I've already considered this as my favorite until this allergic reaction happened.

For now, I switched to another facial wash and, so far so good, it helped my skin calmed down from the irritation from what the peppermint essential oil caused me. But just because of this little setback doesn't mean I won't try African Black Soap ever again. I just got to learn to read the ingredients and be sure it is as pure as it gets to get its benefits considering that the brand is Handmade; Domestic Packaging; Fair Trade; No Parabens; No Animal Testing; No SLS; No Synthetic Fragrance; Gluten-Free; Biodegradable.

Get to learn more about Alaffia.



April 2, 2014

Snoe Beauty Haul

I've been holding off to purchase SNOE BEAUTY products for months now. You have no idea how excited I was since we need to get to Magsaysay Rd., San Pedro, Laguna (If you are a fan SNOE BEAUTY, you know what that means! LOL! But I assure you we were far away) to attend to some stuff. I also looked up online for locations where I can purchase the said product. We went to Shopwise (Located in Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna) and found a kiosk of SNOE BEAUTY make-up to skin and hair care items. The girl there was nice and very informative as she showed me what the products are specifically for.


The packaging of each of SNOE BEAUTY's products are so cute, fun and girly. It's a real eye-catcher! What I also love about SNOE BEAUTY is that it is natural and Philippine-made. I love that most of the product's packaging has a small Philippine flag printed on it which gets an extra point in my book. And may I so add, never forget to look for the expiration date so you know what you get is still fresh!


I love the paper bag from SNOE BEAUTY. Very cute.

On with the haul:


Extra Strength Glutathione Whitening Powder Mask [Php349]
SIZE Net Wt 10.14 fl. oz. / 300 grams
  
Description
Glutathione – DNA synthesis and skin repair, Anti- oxidant, Revitalize, reduce signs of aging, skin dullness, blemishes. Evens out and whitens skin.
Niacinamide – reduce water loss in the skin and retain fatty acid levels (younger, plumper, firmer skin), effective acne reducer, skin lightening
Vitamin C- Anti Oxididant that promotes skin radiance and repair, Brightens complexion.
Grape Seed Oil- contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants. Polyphenols can help slow the process of aging, as well as having anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties, which also makes it great for helping clear up acne.

Ingredients List
Powder: USP Light Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Palmate Sodium Palm Kernelate, L-Glutathione Titanium Dioxide, Niacinamide – Vit. B3, Vit. C, Grape seed extract
Solution: Deionized Water, H2O2, Sodium C14/17 Sec Alkyl Sulfonate, Fragrance


*triple gasps* A soap with emu oil and acai berry in one?! I NEED TO HAVE IT!!!
Emu.cleanse Creamy Beauty Bar [Php299]
SIZE 5.2 Oz / 150g

Description
EMU OIL+ SINGKAMAS+ACAIBERRY
Anti- wrinkle. Anti-oxidant. Hypoallergenic.
Anti- inflammatory. Damage Repair
Skin regenerator . Skin repair.
Skin protection .Moisturizing.
Non-comedogenic. Whitening
Anti- bacterial.
Pain Management.
100% Beautiful skin

Gently remove dirt and grime with Emu.Cleanse Creamy Beauty Bar. This rich blend of emu oil, acai berry and singkamas will eliminate surface impurities, protect skin from environmental pollutants, heal and moisturize while whitening your skin. It leaves the skin feeling fresh, healthy and radiant.
Emu oil is rich in:
• Vitamin E – antioxidant, healing agent
• Vitamin A – skin repairer, antioxidant
• Linoleic acid – joint pain reliever, skin cell regenerator, anti-wrinkle
• Sapogens – skin softener
• Terpines – antiseptic
Ingredients List

Acai berry – most powerful and nutritious fruit in the world. Contains the highest level of antioxidants, higher than any other fruit.
Singkamas (bengkoang) – prevents skin pigmentation and lightens skin.

Ingredients:
Coconut Oil, Deionized Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Carica Papaya Extract, PachyrhizusErosus Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, EDTA Emu Oil, EuterpeOleracea Fruit Extract/Oil, Bentonite (and) BalanitesRoxburghii Seed Extract, Fragrance, CI 19140 and Ultramarines




Awesome Poresome Beauty Bar [Php199]
SIZE Net Wt 5.2 oz / 150g

Description
Awesome Poresome Beauty Bar
Your Daily Strategic Attack on Misbehaving Pores!
Calamansi. Witch Hazel. Pineapple. Cucumber
Net Wt 5.2 oz / 150g

We dare you to think of someone who could pull-off a porous look. Huge pores are a no-no unless you want to be compared to the moon’s surface full of craters! Minimize those pores and look airbrushed with Awesome Poresome Beauty Bar.

This beauty bar cuts down excess oil production and lifts dirt and impurities. It targets to slough offdead skin cells, leaving a fresh new layer of gorgeous skin. Use it daily to eliminate all the “nasties”: blemishes, breakout; and helps maximize the penetration of our powerful pore minimizing Awesome Poresome treatment line.

Ingredients List
Calamansi Puree – A Filipino beauty secret!It is a rich source of vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids that will naturally bleach dark parts of the face and body. It has natural astringent properties that safely minimizes pores, dries up pimples and whitens dark spots without being harsh to the skin. 
Cucumber extract – rich in amino acids and also contain vitamin A, C, E and K which are vital ingredients as it helps repair your skin if you suffer from acne. 
Pineapple Extract- rich in natural AHA that helps remove dead and damaged skin making skin more elastic, improves hydration and moisture while promoting clear skin.
Witch Hazel - anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, promotes skin healing, treats eczema, restores varicose veins, locks in moisture and treats sun damage.

High Grade Coconut Oil, Calamansi Puree, Calamansi Extract, Papaya Enzyme, Alpha hydroxy Acids, Vitamin C and E, Cucumber extract, Goat Milk. Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Lye Solution, Water &Citrus 



Scrumptious Body Spritz Black Pepper [Php299]
120 grams

Description
Black pepper - This unique spicy fragrance will tickle your nose with its freshly ground pepper scent! Use alone or layer on your favorite fragrance for a spicy twist! For both men & women!

Ingredients List
Denatured Alcohol, Deionized Water, Fragrance, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fixative, Benzophenone– 3 and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. May contain Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 3 (CI 45430), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 33 (CI 17200).

The story behind this was interesting even myself. My first pick was the Scrumptious Body Spritz French Macaroons or the Scrumptious Body Spritz Vanilla Bean & Butterscotch. The names were interesting but the minute I took a whiff on these two scents, it was too sweet for me. The girl had me tried other scents too just in case but I just don't like it. Until I happen to see another of their body spritz called BLACK PEPPER. It was an interesting name so I might as well give it another whiff since I was already curious the day I spotted it online, and to our surprise, I LOVED IT; it has a refreshing menthol scent to it. The girl said the scent was strong and can be described as to be used by men but I didn't mind at all. I decided to get a bottle of this instead. I guess you can't judge a name of a perfume without taking a smell of it and see if you will like it. This was definitely a surprise for me.


And finally, this body lotion right here was a FREE item since I bought over a Php1,000 worth of items of SNOE BEAUTY products. When I learned I got this for free, I am stoked! I always wanted to try this one because of its moringa extract. I LOVE MALUNGGAY (moringa)!!!
Posted in their Facebook page just an hour ago! (April 10, 2014)

Gentle Whitening Moringa for Sensitive Skin [FREE]
SIZE Net wt 100 grams
  
Description
Indulge yourself in moisturizing softness with Snoe White Gentle Whitening Moringa Body Softener. Our Silk Softness formula features hydrating moisturizers, state of the art whitening and anti-aging ingredients that replenish your skin and enhance all-over smoothness. Contains, vitamins C, E, B3, Moringa extract, Grapeseed oil, Green Papaya, Mulberry extract and Goats milk. The result is irresistible, touchable soft translucent skin.

Ingredients List
Water, Glyceryl stearate, Ceterth 20, Cetereth-12, Cethyl alcohol, Steryl alcohol, PPG, Dimethicone, Xanthan gum, Sodium ascorbate (Vit. C), Tocopherol (Vit. E), Arbutin, Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Phenoxyethanol, Grape seed oil, Triethanolamine, Stearic acid, Titanium dioxide, Glyceryl monostrearate, Green Papaya Extract, Mulberry Extract, Goat’s Milk


My thoughts on each of these are saved on my review months from now. Until then!

Visit their website here or their Facebook page.