Cyleina Black Pearl Soap

I haven't the foggiest idea when was the last time I used this soap. It's been probably ages! LOL! This soap is another skin lightening product which I got for FREE after I purchased a few things from one online seller few weeks ago. I know I already reviewed this few years back at my other blog (now deleted). I weigh my perspective on what I think about this soap.

Cyleina Black Pearl Soap (mini) 45g [Php65-70]

Note: I got it for FREE

"Cyleina's traditional hand made cold processed and week long curing formula, utilizing fresh and organically grown fruit extracts that are very healthy for the skin. Cyleina Organic Soaps easily dissolve because of its purity. Cyleina Organic Soaps do not contain any chemical filler or low cost soap noodles which compromises the quality, making Cyleina an all natural premium soap which produces a rich creamy lather up until the last inch."

"Cyleina Organic is a great choice for a more natural approach to your skin care regimen. All of our soaps are lovingly handmade using Earth's finest skin-loving natural ingredients.

The subtle colors are derived from natural spices and botanicals. We use pure essential oil to subtly scent our natural soaps and add extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil and sweet almond oil to our soap bars to make them extra moisturizing."

Inspired by the rare beauty of South Sea Black Pearls, Cyleina gives your skin a luminous clarity using premium skin enhancing ingredients:

COLLAGEN promotes a smooth, radiant, firm and well hydrated skin.

LICORICE has anti-bacterial and natural skin whitening complex

ALPHA ARBUTIN gently exfoliates dea skin cells and inhibit melanin production

VITAMIN E is an anti-oxidant with excellent moisturizing propoerties

 

Look at that little rabbit!

The black, white and grey packaging is very unlikely for a skin lightening soap, but I have to say, it did intrigued me. If I remember correctly, I was drawn to this soap because of its sleek and black packaging, and not because of its skin lightening. Their website mentions that their products are cold-processed, handmade, and organic.  However, the box does not say if it is organic nor does it have an expiration date written on it.

Inside, you will find a circular soap also in black. It is really pretty to look at. It has that minty and sweet scent that is quite lovely and a huge surprise as well for a black soap. Unfortunately, it bothers me how the soap itself is presented in a clear plastic wrap and it is secured with a piece of tape at the back. 

Once you hit the showers using this soap, you will feel that tingling cooling sensation that is relaxing. It makes me want to stay in the shower a bit longer. Leave it on for few minutes before rinsing. It doesn't sting nor did it leave my skin any allergies. I didn't used this soap for my face; I use a different product for that. I would suggest you let this soap dry in a separate soap dish because it will leave a black stain; it'll stain your other soaps, if you use any.

Since it is a MINI Black Pearl Soap, this baby lasted me less than a week. Would you believe that! I love to bathe myself with this soap. It lathers just fine. And because of this summer heat, at least a few minutes in the shower feels cool and takes my mind off the scorching sun! My skin feels soft and smooth too. I apply my body lotion after I got out of the shower.

Did it lighten my skin? Hmm... I can't say now for sure. It is too early for me tell any difference... unless someone tells me my skin lightened a shade.

I find it okay. I loved this soap waaay back then when I first started using it. I really thought this soap was created out of a black pearl soap, but when I read the back carefully, it says, "Inspired by the rare beauty of South Sea Black Pearls". If was created from a black pearl soap, I bet it would be super duper expensive! My point of view is different now. Though I did say I loved that cool feel every time I bathe myself this with especially something to beat the heat this summer... or any season I believe! LOL! I am just not into it.

Always do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.

You can buy this at Watsons, SM Department stores, SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, SM SaveMore, Robinson's Supermarket nationwide.

Cyleina has other variety of soaps you could try: Anti-acne; Batangas Coffee; Black Pearl Supreme & mini; Chocolate Milk; Grapeseed Extract; Honey Oatmeal; Kojic; Lavender; Papaya Goat's Milk; Peruvian Cacao; Rice Bran; Seaweed; Shea Butter; Strawberry; Tomato

Price:

Black Pearl Soap 100g (supreme) -- Php125

Black Pearl Soap 45g (mini) -- Php65-70

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Snoe Beauty: Scrumptious Body Spritz Black Pepper

I was thinking of getting a fun fragrance this summer. Luckily, I spotted a selection of body spritz from Snoe Beauty. Was I super excited! I've been eyeing their Scrumptious Body Spritz French Macaroons, Scrumptious Body Spritz Cotton Candy, and Scrumptious Body Spritz Vanilla Bean & Butterscotch. Quite a mouthful, huh? These fragrances have the sweetest and delicious names into it that I believe no girl can walk away from these treats -- until I came along.

By the time I already picked several items, I was down to get one of Snoe Beauty's fragrances. I took a whiff to a lot scents that was available including the Scrumptious Body Spritz French Macaroons, Scrumptious Body Spritz Cotton Candy, and Scrumptious Body Spritz Vanilla Bean & Butterscotch. Unfortunately, I didn't like any of them because they all smell too sweet for me and I can't stand it! I tried other scents perhaps to my liking, but nothing stood out. I was about to give up when I saw this fragrance called SCRUMPTIOUS BODY SPRITZ BLACK PEPPER. I might as well smell every scent available there is before leaving the place... and to everyone's surprise -- and me, I. really. like. it. Somehow this fragrance right here stood out above the rest which was very unexpected!

Scrumptious Body Spritz Black Pepper 120ml [Php299]

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 ListDenatured 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 scent is definitely unique perfect for men & women -- and it's even green! I like that! I would never have thought of spraying myself with the fragrance of black pepper; the scent gives that masculine, fresh, and spicy vibe to it. It is interesting to find fine grind black pepper at the bottom of the bottle which you have to give it a quick shake before use. As you spray it to your skin, you will feel a gradual heat; it doesn't give off like something of a 'cool' feel like I thought it would. It alarmed me at first but I guess that's what black pepper supposed to be like. (a.k.a we add it to our food for flavor and kick!)

The packaging is cute and fun. but I don't think it is sturdy enough. It is a perfect size I can take anywhere with me.

Snoe Beauty has a selection of wonderful scents to make you feel clean and fresh throughout the day! You can use it alone or layer it with other Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Fragrances with their Sweet Hair & Body Glaze (scented oil for your hair and body); Whipped Body Frosting (scented hydrating lotion with SPF15); Body Ritual Recipes Fresh Custard Powder (scented setting powder after shower); and, Scrumptious Body Spritz (fragrance).

Do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.


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Olay Natural White Bar with Papaya Extract

Most Asians will do anything to achieve a lighter skin tone. You will find a lot of whitening products everywhere from soaps, creams to powders containing ingredients that will help even your skin tone.

I am NOT that exactly "white", in case some of you may think. I do not have perfect skin, but it improved over these years. I am one of those people who use an umbrella, sunglasses, use a hefty amount of sunblock whether it is sunny, rainy or cloudy, and still try to stay away from the sun especially between 10am-3pm because UV rays can make your skin dull in the long run if you don't act now! I don't go to tanning salon either... because I don't think there are any here in my country. lol! Some people do not understand what I do, and that is okay.

Olay is one of the products I use when I was conscious about my skin back in high school. I've seen wonderful results for my skin.

The soap I am about to review is not new in the market. I've been seeing this Olay Natural White Bar with Papaya Extract for few years now and I'm seeing this everywhere! Combined it with Olay which is known to be very moisturizing products, you get the best of both worlds.

As a heads-up, papaya extract (and/or Kojic soap*) has always been the top ingredient in soaps here in the Philippines if you want to get a lighter skin tone and can be a little drying as well. Use it gradually because you may find that it stings your skin which they say will help shred the old skin and bring out the new. If you feel a slight stinging, and you still want to go for it, let your skin adjust and work your way up. However, if it feels any way uncomfortable, stop using the soap.

*I used Kojic soap back when I was in high school, and surprisingly, I didn't felt any stinging or burn on my skin. It really does varies to one's skin type.

Olay Natural White Bar with Papaya Extract 120g [Php60 more or less]

*I forgot the price of this soap!*

Natural White contains natural fairness ingredients to lighten your skin tone. Its multi-vitamin whitening ingredients, along with natural mulberry leaf extract, give you smoother and fairer skin, without you resorting to harsh treatments or invasive procedures. 

With Olay Natural White Papaya, achieve skin that is fit for a leading-leady! Not like other whitening soaps, more than papaya extracts, it has ingredients from the Natural White face cream! Get fair, smooth and even skin tone with Olay Natural White Papaya Bar. 

Olay Natural White Body Cleansers contain certain ingredients from Olay Natural White Facial Cream, so you can reveal natural fairness not just for the face, but also for the body.

Product InformationGet all-in-one fairness - smooth, even-toned, and naturally fair skin - with the NEW Olay Papaya Bar! It contains ingredients from the Natural White Cream and Papaya Extracts.

Application InstructionsRub soap on wet hands to lather, and rinse thoroughly.

One of my pet peeves are people who focus too much on whitening their face and they forget to give their body extra care to even out their skin tone. I really don't know what their thinking. I don't think they realize people can easily spot others who try too hard to be white and just neglect everything else. Today, I am glad most people are conscious enough to do something to even out everything from head to toe.

Again, I used this soap once out of curiosity.

I prefer to use this soap specifically for my body; I use a different cleanser whenever I wash my face. I lather the soap and I wait for at least 2-3 minutes before I rinse. I think it slightly dried my skin, but it wasn't that bad. I always use a body lotion to seal moisture. I just don't understand why some girls skip applying lotion just because the soap they used made their skin 'soft and smooth'. Shouldn't they protect their skin still to keep the softness of their skin last longer???

I wouldn't suggest you use this soap if you have sensitive skin or skin problems such as wounds, burns, redness, allergy or rash because you will experience some stinging due to its papaya extract. It happened to me once, and, boy, did I made a wrong move! I was screaming on the inside how painful and itchy it was. I had to stop using it for few days to give my skin a break.

If you are wondering if it made my skin a shade lighter, I can't tell the difference because I've only used it for a month. If you want a fairer skin, you need to use the soap regularly to see results, protect yourself from the sun, and tons of patience.

At the end of the day, you know your skin better. All of us have different skin types. Do what feels best for you and your skin. What may work for others, may not necessarily mean work for you.

Best Time to Eat Fresh Fruits

I love fresh fruits! And when I say fresh, it's not the kind found in cans. But the freshest and seasonal fruits available in the market. I obviously can't live a day without taking a bite on fruits.

Growing up it has become a habit to eat a fruit after a meal as it is already considered as a 'dessert'. But I read somewhere years ago that it is best to eat fresh fruits in the morning on an empty stomach. Yes, you've read that right. The vitamins and minerals are easily digested and absorbed straight into the bloodstream as it maximizes the benefit of the fruits. Fruits should be best eaten on its own, and wait for 30 minutes at least to digest before eating any food. But I prefer to wait for an hour before I eat my meal to ensure everything is digested. If you had eaten your proper meal, wait for at least three hours before you can eat fruit.

That is ME in the reflection. Hi!

I also juice a variety of green vegetables and fruits, and drink a glass of it with the help of a juicer in the morning as soon as I wake up. That way you know you already had your dose of antioxidants and nutrients before conquering your day. It is very rejuvenating to the mind and body. And the best part is, there isn't any particular recipe that everyone should follow. It really is all up to your tastebuds. But for starters, you might want to look for recipe online then work your way up.

It's been 6-7 years already and I feel great. My morning is not complete without fresh fruits, and my skin looks good as it was before with just a small change in my diet. (Of course that also includes no sodas, no alcohol, no smoking, applying sunblock everyday, 7-8 hours of sleep, moisturize, etc.)

I still eat a proper meal during the day because I know I can't rely on fruits alone. MODERATION is still a must.

Grab a bowl of fresh fruits today.

Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Healthy Lotion: Powder Love

Human Heart Nature came up with another scent of their all-natural lotion that is surely moisturizing and healthy for your skin without the harsh chemicals -- Powder Love. 

Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Healthy Lotion: Powder Love 200ml [Php199.75]

"This light, fast-absorbing, genuinely natural lotion gives all-day nourishing goodness without the greasy feeling. It’s infused with all-natural moisture boosters and a remarkable blend of coconut, aloe vera leaf juice, sunflower and avocado oils for soft, smooth, and beautifully healthy, happy skin."

Many chemical moisturizers contain feel modifiers like silicone and dimethicone to make the skin’s surface feel soft and silky. These ingredients sit in a layer on top of your skin like plastic wrap, clogging your pores. Plus, many lotions use parabens as preservatives which studies have linked to health problems.

Celebrate truly healthy skin with the truly healthy lotion! No silicones, dimethicones or parabens – just daily skin nutrition with 12 powerful nutrients and antioxidants:

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

Ingredients:water (aqua), caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut-derived), glyceryl stearate (vegetable-derived), glycerin, stearyl alcohol (vegetable-derived), sodium lactate (sugarcane-derived), sodium gluconate (sugarcane-derived), dicaprylyl ether (vegetable-derived), Glycine soja (soybean) oil, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, olus (vegetable) oil, tapioca starch, xanthan gum, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice,  fragrance (all-natural), glyceryl caprylate (coconut, palm and glycerin-derived), anisic acid (anise seed-derived) 

Also available in Powder Love, Blossom Beauty and Berry Bliss scents

I always apply lotion after I take my shower to lock-in moisture. (It's been a routine I do since I was a kid.) This lightweight lotion has a thin consistency leaving the skin not too greasy but silky smooth. Now that it's summer, this lotion amazingly sinks right into my skin making it nourished and healthy at the same time; it spreads easily and a little goes a long way. The antioxidants in this lotion makes me feel luxurious every time I slather this in my body because I knew I am giving my skin what it needs to keep it happy. I especially pick this lotion after I take a shower at night to give my skin an extra boost while I sleep. The scent reminds me of baby powder... and I didn't much liked it at all; I guess it's okay. Only thing is this lotion has no SPF in it; I had to apply a layer of sunblock to protect myself from the harmful UV rays.

This isn't a whitening lotion.

Great product! Philippine-made. 100% without harmful chemicals. No parabens. No mineral oil. No synthetic fragrances.

I must have placed this somewhere making the ink nearly worn off

It says it expires on March 2015

I do hope they'd upgrade the size of their lotion, namely: BLOSSOM BEAUTY and BERRY BLISS. (Hint: favorite scents)

It comes in two sizes:

50ml -- Php64.75

200ml -- Php199.75

Do not forget to check the expiration date; keep it away from direct sunlight; and, store below 36 degrees Celsius.

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Snoe Beauty Emu.cleanse Creamy Beauty Bar

Did I mention that I had this allergy from one product I used just a couple of months ago? It was awful! I was scratching my neck, arms and hands like crazy. Since we needed to travel to San Pedro, Laguna one sunny day, I suggested we visit Shopwise (Along Pacita Road) to get my hands on Snoe Beauty. My boyfriend didn't understand at first, but I soon convinced him why I NEED IT, or else, my skin could get a lot worse.

Truth be told, this is my first time I will be trying Snoe Beauty's products. I've heard about it from one girl on Youtube and from other beauty bloggers who rave about their products. The packaging is super cute and fun, I wouldn't have known they're made right here in the Philippines; the tiny flag printed is an extra bonus for me. Look for the expiration date printed in the packaging to be sure you are getting the freshest batch on hand.

Emu.cleanse Creamy Beauty Bar [Php299.00]

SIZE 5.2 Oz / 150g

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

Directions: Every morning and at night, massage Emu.Cleanse Creamy Beauty Bar on wet skin for 30-60 seconds. Rinse well and follow with Emu.thology,Emu.Tox or Emu.Lite for best results.

Warning:

Avoid contact with eyes. Should contact occur, flush thoroughly with water. Discontinue use if signs of irritation occur. Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature.

The night we arrived home, I immediately used this soap to wash my face before I went to bed. The yellow cleansing bar, with orange and green pieces of goodies, has a sweet and delicious cantaloupe scent into it. It smells so good and it relaxes me whenever I wash my face. I cut the soap in pieces to make it last as long as I can. It lathers really well and very creamy while I let it sit on my skin for a minute or two especially on areas such as my neck, arms and hands where it needed the most. And speaking of which, this soap didn't caused me any sort of redness, dryness or breakouts! Within 2-3 weeks, my skin healed from that nasty allergies I had, and besides that, my skin feels and looks healthy and dewy; I also ate healthy for a faster recovery. I hardly noticed any difference if it made my skin lighter; I am thankful if it did. My boyfriend and the rest of my family noticed how my skin looks and I am pleased with the results. Currently, I still have a last piece left... and it breaks me saying it. I love this soap so much.

I would definitely get this soap again because of the wonderful benefits it gave my skin. Highly recommended!


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