Venus & Mars Naturals Haul

My package arrived yesterday, and I am so happy! I can't wait to use them! It's been a long time since I last bought from Venus & Mars Naturals; I love that they are natural and made from emu oil.  I just knew I got to try it myself because it drew me in when I saw an interview about it years ago.

These are my top favorites, but surely do hope I'd get to try their other products because I have read a lot of good reviews. These are a little expensive; I'd cut the soaps in pieces to save money and try to make them last! It is worth the wait since my last order from them.

This is just going to be haul. I bought five soaps: CPC+G Soap, Jagermeister Pore Suit, Lulur, Royal Pearl, and the Rewinding Stems. I also bought two (favorite) variants of their Spa Milk Salt: Coffee Mocha and Yummy Vanilla. Last, but not least, I also bought their Bare It All Emu Body Cream in minty variant. I wrote a review years ago about these products in my other deleted blog. But fear not! I am going to make a 'fresh' review on each product and tell you what I think. Let us see if my opinions had changed over the years!

My Venus & Mars Naturals Haul

Rewinding Stems is especially formulated to counteract aging and increase the skin cells’ natural collagen production. The powerful blend of the superb ingredients found in this bar creates the ability to dramatically decrease fine lines and wrinkles. It is also made to stimulate and renew the skin from deep within [Php255.00]

It dramatically cleanses, minimizes and clears pores from deep within. Black and white heads become less visible and lighter with each use. It also 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. Pimple flare-ups are relieved while pimple marks are refined as the bar’s extracts continue to slough off dead skin cells that remain stuck to the surface of the skin.  It also naturally evens out the skin without the use of harsh whiteners. [Php255.00]

Traditionally recognized benefits of using pearl powder products include: Healing, skin brightening, anti-wrinkle, and sun protection. Other anti-aging benefits: Helps to promote cell renewal, enhance elasticity and improve circulation, calming and detoxification, protects from environmental radicals, regulates skin discoloration, and smoothes skin texture. Achieve all this with Royal Pearl and instantly brighten your skin with each and every use! [Php225.00]

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. V&M Naturals Lulur is concocted to leave the skin clear from impurities by means of its turmeric content mixed with emu oil and tea tree as it whitens the appearance of the skin through its powerful combination of arbutin, calamansi and papain. Moisturize and pamper the skin with the rest of the ingredients and find a noticeable and renewed skin after each use [Php225.00]

Clair Blanche – Papain – Calamansi plus Glutathione! This mixture does not only effectively whiten the skin, it also makes skin healthier because of its Vitamin A, C, E, pottasium and other more essential minerals content! This is a micropeeling bar that gets rid of dark epidermal skin, making it easier for the whitening extracts to seep better unto the deeper layers of the skin. [Php165.00]

Spa Milk Salt is an excellent skin whitening and firming product. It is formulated with milk and natural spa salts that provide nourishment to the skin. It mildly 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. Comes in Coffee Mocha, Mango Mandarin, and Yummy Vanilla scents. [Php145.00/100g] [Php235.00/200g] 

Bare It All Emu Body Cream is especially formulated to smoothen and whiten the roughest and darkest skin areas. Shea butter, jojoba oil and mango butter are known to be the best moisturizing elements from nature. Just imagine how good these can be when mixed with EMU OIL, the ONLY natural oil that is closest to the human oil components. It also penetrates 5x faster than any other natural oil. This could be the holy grail of body creams! It is known to moisturize and whiten even the most stubborn type of chicken skin. Comes in Plain and Minty variant. [Php285.00/100g] [Php695.00/300g]

A lot of reviews coming up months from now that is for sure!

If you want to know more about Venus & Mars Naturals' products, check their Facebook here and here. And if you want to browse their products and purchase, visit here. You need to make an account to keep things in record; view your recent and previous purchases from them.

Rice Water for Beautiful Skin and Hair

The rice starch-soak has been an ancient beauty secret by Asian women. Rice contains 'pitera' and many other vitamins and minerals that help make skin and hair healthy. Rice water gives that brighter complexion and calm down inflammation in our skin. It is also used as a main ingredient in skin care products to achieve that clear skin.

Fill a bowl with a cup of organic rice, and pour water an inch above the rice height. Swill it for few seconds until it gets cloudy. Throw away the first wash because this wash was used to clean the rice. Pour water again and swill the rice around for few minutes, and with this second wash, pour it in a container to use it as your toner. Store it in the fridge for 2-3 days.

As for hair, pour the rice water after shampooing for a minute to make hair soft and shiny. Wash it off with water.

Botany Works: Grapeseed Oil and Sunflower Oil

I am going to combine these two products in this blog post: Grapeseed Oil and Sunflower Oil from Botany Works, both in a 100ml, are two of my favorite products from them. If I remember correctly, I think I bought them at Alabang Town Center months ago. I knew about these products way back but never had the chance to try them because I had no idea what to do with it -- I was entirely clueless so to say. But I soon did my research and found the benefits of these oils, and from there, I reintroduced myself to these products and bought them as soon as I spotted them right in those shelves. 

The packaging (from the images) are already faded, and can be quite difficult reading what it says on the label.

The Grapeseed Oil from their website:

GRAPESEED OIL, Expeller-Pressed, Food Grade 

100mL - Php130
250mL - Php250
500mL - Php450 

For oily and combination skin. Great for toning and tightening skin, acne treatment, balancing oily skin, signs of skin aging, skin lightening, dark under eye circles, sun protection, varicose veins, stretch marks, skin cleansing, massage. 

What is the meaning of "expeller-pressed?"
It means the oil is extracted from nuts or seeds solely through mechanical means (by crushing). They do not undergo a chemical process to yield more oil. Thus, they retain most of the natural nutrients from the source without the chemicals. 

Properties of Grapeseed Oil: 

Skin-nourishing
Has skin-regenerative and restructuring properties
Astringent; Good for acne and oily skin
Excellent for massage due to its lightweight and penetrating properties 

Botanical Name: Vitus vinifera
Viscosity: Thin.
Absorption/Feel: Leaves a Glossy Film on the Skin.
Shelf Life: 6-12 Months. 

Grapeseed Oil is commonly used in aromatherapy as it is a fairly all-purpose oil and can be used in a wide array of applications ranging from massage to skin care. From a nutrititive standpoint, the most noteworthy aspect of Grapeseed Oil is its content of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid.  

Grapeseed Oil, however, has a relatively short shelf life. Easily absorbed, mildly astringent, tightens and tones the skin, which makes it useful for acne.  

Apply on affected areas
Keep in a cool dark place or refrigerate
Best consumed within 1 year from purchase date 

Sourced from Italy

And as for their Sunflower Oil from their website:

SUNFLOWER OIL, Certified Organic, Cosmetic Grade

50mL - Php90
100mL - Php140
250mL - Php270
500mL - Php500 

Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Viscosity: Thin.
Absorption/Feel: Penetrates Well and Does not Lave an Oily Residue.
Shelf Life: 12 Months. 

For all skin types. Great for head to toe moisturizing, inflamed itchy skin conditions, signs of skin aging, skin lightening, dark under eye circles, skin cleansing, stretch marks, hair and scalp conditioning, acne treatment, massage 

Sunflower oil, exctracted from sunflower seeds, is very nourishing and is also a wonderful moisturizer. Sunflower oil contains natually occuring Vitamin A and E. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, provides many health benefits, as does vitamin E. Both vitamins neutralize free radicals. Sunflower oil is recommended for most skin types, from normal to oily. A non-greasy, protective layer is formed on the skin when Sunflower oil is used, providing a smooth and luxurious texture every time. 

Apply on affected areas
Keep in a cool dark place
Best consumed within 1 year from purchase date 

Made in USA

I love these oils especially for massages. I applied it once on my face and it didn't caused me breakouts or redness. I also apply this after my bath, then top it off with my favorite lotion which adds that e-x-t-r-a moisture. I love the benefits it does! Will definitely repurchase!

A MUST-HAVE!

Human Heart Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil

I am no stranger to this product because I have tried this couple of years ago (and now I am finally going to make a review). This Sunflower Beauty Oil is one of their 'Best Sellers', and unsurprisingly, I am one of those people who loved it because of the miracles it does on one's skin and hair making it a versatile product. Seriously, it still bugs me WHY I stopped purchasing this product after purchasing a bottle or two. Anyhow, I am happy that I bought a 50ml bottle when I visited one Human Heart Nature branch -- 2-3 hours away from our place! Long story.

 

According to their website:

Our premium and best-selling Sunflower Beauty Oil is 100% Natural and packed with vitamins A, D & E that help moisturize and nourish your skin to give it that healthy glow -- without any harmful chemicals. It’s so effective and so versatile, the uses are endless! What kind of miracles, you ask? Well for starters it…

1. Helps soften and lighten underarms  

2. Helps lighten dark spots & pimple marks 

3. Under eye moisturizer 

4. Helps prevent & diminish the appearance of stretch marks 

5. Helps lighten dark under eye circles 

6. Softens feet soles, knees & elbows 

7. Removes stubborn makeup 

8. Overall body moisturizer 

9. Helps diminish fine lines around the eyes 

10. Helps soften cuticles and dry skin 

11. Makes skin glow and helps keep it youthful 

12. Helps relax tired, puffy eyes 

13. Helps relieve itch & redness caused by insect bites 

14. Nourishes & conditions eyelashes 

15. Helps lighten dark lips 

16. Adds shine to dull hair  

17. Helps ease dry & itchy scalp 

18. Helps improve skin condition after sunburn 

19. Smoothens dry, rough skin from shaving 

20. Helps calm skin & ease rashes 

21. Helps relieve symptoms of skin infections 

22. Helps hydrate dry patches on face 

23. Helps lighten lesions and scars

Ingredients: premium cosmetic grade Helianthus annuus (sunflower) oil 

I've been using this for almost two months now, and I am definitely loving it! I sometimes use this as my moisturizer before I go to sleep and wake up with that healthy glow. It amazes me that it doesn't clog my pores despite my oily skin. A little bit of this product goes a long way! I love applying it on my cuticles at night to keep them looking good. And oh, not to mention, now that I ran out of ROC Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment months ago, I now use this as my under eye moisturizer. I also tried applying it on the ends on my hair, but it only made it looking greasy that I had to stop.

I'm astounded by the benefits of this sunflower oil. It really is true to its claims! I really need to buy a back-up before I ran out of this! Organic. Philippine-made. Affordable. Makes skin soft and healthy. Versatile. Carry it anywhere in your travel. This is a must product to have.

Remember to store it in a room below 35 degree Celsius, and away from direct sunlight.

Price:
50ml - Php149.75
100ml - Php274.75

Maintaining a Healthy Skin

I love taking care of myself. I'm not your make-up kind of girl. I do browse videos of some of my favorite beauty gurus on Youtube on how to do make-up, but translating it to me is the tough part. Anyways, my boyfriend is blown away by the time I invest in my skin, and these are what I do everyday besides using the skin care products featured in this blog. It took me years to look for products that is suitable for my skin. I also try to eat as healthy as I could because I do believe with the saying: we are what we eat.

* I am no nutritionist or a dermatologist. I am just your average girl who is conscious of what I eat and loves to try different skin care products. Certain products that may work for me may not necessarily mean may work for you. *

1. Drink water. Aim for 2 liters of water everyday, but not necessarily mean drown ourselves with water. Just enough to keep oneself hydrated. I sometimes forget drinking enough water, but I try to remind myself that I need to drink water. I love adding lemons in my water too just to spice things up. Aids to remove toxins in our body.
2. Stop drinking soda. When I was in high school, I was a chubby girl. One of the big steps I did was to cut back soda in my life. It was really hard but I knew I had to. I was just drinking the unnecessary calories all my life. Around 4th year high school (Tenth grade), it did helped me dropped the weight off (together with the right diet and exercise). I no longer crave soda even when I am in a restaurant. I am happy I did this for myself. Now, I have also influenced my family in doing the same thing.
3. Eat fruits in the morning. It is a must for me to have fresh fruits in the morning. I've read an article that it is better to eat fruits on an empty stomach because the vitamins and minerals are easily absorbed in our body. This is my usual breakfast here at home. I tend to wait around 30 minutes to an hour for it to digest before I can eat my main meal. I also love to make myself a smoothie and add spinach and lettuce.
4. Wash hands before cleansing your face. Who knows what germs are lurking in one's hands, so don't forget to wash your hands.
5. Moisturize. Very important to keep skin looking smooth, healthy and hydrated. There are a lot of brands of body lotions to facial moisturizers in the market that you will find and love! After taking a shower, pat dry and immediately apply your body lotion. It creates a seal in our skin that locks moisture for that healthy and soft skin. For the (night) skin regimen: After cleansing the face, use a facial scrub (2x a week) to remove dead skin, then pat dry using a clean paper towel. Next, after applying toner, apply an eye cream, then serum, and wait for few minutes to sink in. Last but not least, apply a moisturizer. Ladies, never ever forget to moisturize the neck, your décolletage and the back of the hands because despite the thorough care of the face, these delicate areas are also the first signs of aging. Apply a facial mask once in a while to refresh and renew skin.
6. Give 6-8 weeks for your new skin care regimen to work. It takes time for our skin to absorb and do its own thing before we can see the results. Don't give up using your current skin care products. But if it causes you unusual redness or bumps, stop applying but don't throw it away. Bring it to your dermatologist to further help you with your problem and find out what products suits your skin most. I love to read reviews online before I purchase products because I want to know what other people think about it, and from there I weigh my options.
7. 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Less sleep also means eyebags which also means our body is more stressed without the required amount of rest we need. I remember the days when I slept really late, and had this annoying headache when I wake up. I feel and look tired whenever I see myself in the mirror. Today, I always make sure I'm in bed around 10:00-10:30 p.m. at the most. With enough sleep, it also helps to absorb our skin care products better at night while it repairs itself. No matter how many or expensive products we slather in our skin, it won't do much of a help if we skip our sleep. Use a clean pillowcase to avoid transmitting of germs while sleeping. And also, don't forget to sleep on your back. This is one of the hardest things for me because my body loves to sleep in a fetal position -- which causes sleep wrinkles in the long run.
8. No to alcohol and smoking. This is self-explanatory; it causes a lot of damage to our health. It dehydrates our skin, which leads to premature aging. I rarely drink, but if I do drink, I drink a glass of water to re-hydrate myself. Moderation is still key here. As for smoking, I never smoked in my all years -- not even a puff.
9. Sunscreen. Whether I am indoors or outdoors -- sunny, rainy, windy, or cloudy -- I always have my sunscreen on. Some people don't understand why I apply sunscreen even when I am at home, and it gets to be a debate. I don't need to explain myself, and I just do what I do. The light reflects and refracts from shiny materials, thus it bounces even while inside the house which still leads our skin exposed to UVA and UVB rays. And what more, besides sunscreen, I can't leave the house without an umbrella and sunglasses to protect myself from the sun. An SPF 30 is good to prevent dark spots, dull complexion and premature aging. Always wait at least 30 minutes to help the sunscreen set in before leaving the house. Don't forget to reapply after 2hours.
10. Vitamin D. A dose of Vitamin D every morning between 7am-9am is a good thing for the body! Enjoy the sunshine!
11. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. I love to eat my veggies and fruits everyday. Whatever we eat, it absorbs and shows in our skin. I love olive oil, berries, malunggay (moringa), tomatoes, fish, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, green tea, dark chocolate, kiwi, barley, acai,.. etc.. etc... etc! They are all good for everyone, very nutritious and all the antioxidants our body needs! Pack your fridge with fresh produce, and you are on your way to great health! Cut back processed food as much as possible.
12. Cut down sugar. I have a sweet tooth, but whenever I think about my skin, I tend to think thrice before eating that piece of candy or any packaged drink that mostly contain sugar. Sugar breaks down and enters in our bloodstream, thus the collagen in our skin which makes our skin youthful, leads to sagging and wrinkles. 
13. Don't touch your face with your dirty hands. I know it gets tempting when you see a zit on your face, but better to leave it alone and use a cream to fight that acne. Our hands can transfer dirt to our face, and if you pick your acne now and then, it can lead to scarring. Hands off your face.
14. Use a pore strip. Once a week, unclog your pores using a pore strip. Not only it helps to get the gunk out, but also helps to shrink the size of our pores. It feels good to see those whiteheads and blackheads out in your face.
15. Avoid sipping through a straw. Repeated puckering contributes to lines around the mouth over time.
16. Don't stress about it. Smell the roses. Walk everyday. Read. Watch a movie. Get a massage. Call a friend. Travel. Dance. Write. Draw. Sing out loud. Laugh. Play with your dog. Hug someone. Indulge that delicious cake. Volunteer. Do something that you love. Take up a hobby. Help around the house. Forgive. Eat. Reflect. Respect others. Exercise. Have fun! Don't stress too much because less stress equals to less wrinkles.

Don't neglect our skin. It's what we got, and it shows how we take good care of ourselves. You'll thank yourself 10years from now. Above all, this is what I have learned: Nothing can beat a SMILE on our face.

Human Heart Nature Hydrating Creamy Wash

I've tried their original formulation of their cleanser years back, only thing is, I didn't liked it because it was a little runny. I stopped using it after I purchased a bottle and moved on.

Few months ago, I saw their new packaging on their products; I spotted this cleanser on the shelves and found the word 'creamy' which makes it their new formula on the product. Since I am into this organic skin care regimen, I decided to give this product a shot. I switched my cleanser to their Human Heart Nature Hydrating Creamy Wash since I've been using their Human Heart Nature Hydrating Toner for months now.

From their website:

99.85% Natural | For DRY or MATURE skin 

Has your skin been looking a little dry and lackluster lately? We have the perfect antidote for that! Give it a nutrient power boost from one of nature’s best beauty secrets, moringa (commonly known as malunggay), a powerful ingredient that has 7x more Vitamin C than oranges, 4x more calcium than milk and 4x more Vitamin A than carrots! Our Hydrating Creamy Wash will remove dirt, makeup, and impurities without stripping your face of its natural oils. Now you can step out into the limelight revealing fresh, younger-looking skin, without the drying effects of chemical washes!

A month and a half later, I am loving this product! Organic and affordable find! Despite it is formulated for DRY or MATURE skin, I bought it anyhow because I love that it has malunggay (moringa) extract in it. I love eating malunggay too so it is a good thing. I just ran out yesterday and hopefully I'd get another bottle as soon as possible.... or else! I love that it is a bit thicker (hence the word 'creamy') and it is very gentle on the face. It didn't caused me breakouts or redness. The scent also has that herbal thing to it. However, this isn't a foaming cleanser that lathers on your face nor "strong" enough to wash away make-up.

Keep in mind for its expiry date before purchasing. Store it below 35 degrees and away from direct sunlight.

A 50ml costs Php79.75, while a 200ml costs Php199.75.

I love this cleanser! I love this creamy consistency while keeping your skin hydrated, and at the same time enjoying its chock of vitamins which helps delaying the aging process.Worth every penny for that soft and hydrated skin.

If only I can keep a box of these at home. :)

UPDATE: March 17, 2014

The milky texture of this cleanser is not suitable for oily skin types like me.

It doesn't feel like it washes away the extra oil on the skin, thus it is suited

for people who have DRY SKIN. I am not banning myself from this product.

But because this cleanser is so mild, I could add this as part of my double cleansing(?),

or anytime I feel like my skin needs a boost of moringa while washing my face.

Human Heart Nature Nourishing Face Toner

Months ago, I ran out of my favorite toner, the Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Toner. I've been trying to contact our local dealers in my area, but they were hard to reach. I was thinking of buying any toner available, but I am just that afraid.

One day, my boyfriend helped me and asked someone who held a recent sale some time ago to contact this distributor of Human Heart Nature. (I am so happy for his efforts!) Unfortunately, the toner I was looking for wasn't available. But instead, they have the 200ml Human Heart Nature Nourishing Face Toner. I soon agreed rather than have nothing in my hands. Besides, this could be a new experience for me to try their other toners.

Let me remind you though that I have an oily skin. Even though it says on the product that it is suitable for normal or sensitive skin, I didn't mind it at all. I even love tomatoes! So learning that tomatoes are the main ingredient, I just simply had to try it and see if the product works for me.

According to the website:

100% Natural | For NORMAL or SENSITIVE SKIN

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! 

You have NORMAL or SENSITIVE skin if when you experience at least three (3) of the signs below:

- You wake up and your skin is the same as the night before 

- Your pores look small or invisible 

- After washing, your skin looks red and sting 

- Your face usually feels pretty comfortable and soft 

- Your skin reacts adversely to certain products, especially those with alcohol, synthetics, fragrances, etc.

If you experience the above, you need to nourish your skin to keep it clean and healthy!

I've been using this toner for 2 months before going to bed. It helped me maintain that glow and healthy skin. I love that it is organic and affordable. I love that it has tomato extract in it. I do also LOVE that bubblegum scent it has! It smells so nostalgic because it reminds me of a Bazooka Bubblegum! Whenever I apply this on my face (neck and décolletage), it brings me back those memories! I consider it as my treat every night before going to bed. I LOVE that sweet bubblegum scent! I never expected such scent in this bottle.

HOWEVER.... the downside of the product was the stinging sensation. The first time I used this I was alarmed by that burning feel on my face. It wasn't THAT painful, but the stinging was there! I started to worry and checked if my skin had burns. I was sure I was looking at a Human Nature Nature product, so I knew I shouldn't worry too much, but still I need to look for answers online. Perhaps I was allergic to its ingredients? Whatever it was I immediately logged online for beauty reviews and checked their website.

From their website it says that it is completely NORMAL. They said:

What you've encountered is completely normal. It could be the cooling sensation due to the menthol that we added on the formula. Menthyl Lactate gives a cooling effect on the skin which helps close your pores even without the use of alcohol.

I find it hard to believe it was the menthol that started it all. Then again, that menthol added in their Human Heart Nature Nourishing Face Toner felt different from the toners I've ever tried! It was definitely scary that I thought it left burnt marks on my face after using it. But after 2 months, I have to say none of that happened and I'm thankful for that.

I really started to like this product. I could alternate this to my Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Toner from time to time because I really loved them. But the stinging sensation from this toner left me hesitant if I should purchase it in the future.

UPDATE! October 11, 2013

There were two kinds of toner available a month ago: the Balancing toner and their Nourishing toner. I was running low on my favorite Hydrating toner, and I needed a back-up only to find they were out of stock. I grabbed this toner instead and hoped for the best! But surprisingly, after a week or two, I didn't felt any stinging on my face. Human Heart Nature must have changed the formula, or something. There's no irritation or rashes on my skin after use which is a huge plus! The bubblegum scent is still there which I really L-O-V-E. I now have two toners to choose from whenever I ran out of toner. I am happy whatever they did to this because it finally has loved my skin! I. LOVE. THIS. TONER. ^_^ If you are a little skeptical to use this toner, do a patch test first before applying this on to your face.

Price:

Php99.75 for the 100ml bottle

Php199 for the 200ml bottle

Do not forget to check for its expiry date; store the product below in a 35°; and, keep in mind not to let the product be exposed in direct sunlight.