Bare Naturals No Break Out to Make Up soap is an emu oil based soap. I have positive experience with emu oil based soaps in the past so this made me buy this soap without hesitations. I bought the soap from Bare Naturals for Php 159 for 135 grams.

Bare Naturals No Break out to Make Up

NO BREAK-OUT to MAKEUP
Anti-pimple, Acne mark remover, Emu Oil Skin Perfecting Soap, recommended for Oily Skin

An anti- skin break-out soap, it has tea tree oil and real tea tree leaves with anti-bacterial action; best for pimples and other skin diseases.
Fortified with the finest grade of emu oil to nourish and make the skin glow with health! With omega 3, 6, 8 and anti-bacteria properties.

Mildly infused with calamansi and papain for gentle skin lightening.
With sweet envigorating scent of pink grapefruit

I have oily skin so this is perfect for me. What made its mark is the addicting scent of grapefruit, it’s refreshing. I have no break outs while using this soap. This also gives a very good lather and I find the nodes a fun addition in using this soap. It doesn’t sting on my skin and does not make my skin dry. When it comes to lightening or whitening effect on my skin, I didn’t experience any whitening results when using this soap alone.

Related posts:

1. Venus and Mars Lulur Soap – a review
2. Cyleina Organic Soaps – a review
3. New Cyleina Organics Soaps I’m using

I first encountered a Lulur-based product from Venus & Mars with their Lulur soap. Lulur is an ancient beauty secret originated from Central Java that’s said to effectively whiten skin and leaving it soft and smooth. Luckily, Lauren hosted a giveaway last year and I won this along with the Celeteque Facial Wash.

I wasn’t able to use it right away because I just gave birth and still nursing but now, I’m ready to pile on skin care once again.

On my first use, I followed the instruction to apply the scrub on dry skin. I used to apply body scrubs on wet skin so that was the first time I applied scrub on dry skin. Upon application, the creamy consistency of the scrub made it easy to apply. Using my hand, I scooped out a dollop of body scrub to apply on my body. After application, the scrub already dried up on parts that I first applied it. Washing it off took longer, maybe because of its moisturizing properties that reminds me of rinsing Dove soap on my body.

Asian Secrets

On my succeeding uses, I applied it after I washed with soap and water (not comfortable applying the scrub on dry skin). I can still feel the exfoliating properties of the bead scrubs and the cream just glides smoothly on my skin. I don’t think there’s any difference between wet and dry application so just follow what you’re accustomed to.

Some notes:

• I just want the beads to be larger, like the beads on St. Ives scrubs, the size of the beads on this product is mild enough that you can even use it on your face.
• I can instantly feel my skin’s smoothness after use. No need to apply lotion.
• I don’t like the scent though, I prefer fruity, sweet scents. This one has floral scent.
• I checked the price at Watsons and it’s a steal at Php 80 a tub.
• With its whitening properties, I have yet to see the results but I make sure to pile more product on my problem areas like elbows, knees, armpits and groin area. When it comes with whitening, patience is a virtue.

Related posts:

1. Venus and Mars Lulur Soap – a review

I can’t get enough of lip balms, this time is a review for Burt’s Bees lip balms. I’ve been using Burt’s Bees lip balms for years now, this is the only product I keep coming back to take care of my lips because it works for me.

Burt's Bees Lip Balms

The old looking one is the Burt’s Bees Replenishin Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil. It has a reddish tint but it does not appear when applied. I apply this whenever I feel that my lips are dry, even with constant application, I don’t have that waxy feeling other lip products give. It’s light on the lips.

I’m currently using classic Beeswax Lip Balm. It’s colorless and it has an added peppermint oil giving it a minty feel. However, I think the peppermint oil makes it a little drying, this is what I observe on most mint lip balms I’ve tried.

I love Burt’s Bees lip balms because they are all-natural. But on my next purchase, I’ll buy the one with pomegranate oil and try their tinted lip balms too.

Related posts:

1. Pureglow Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints – a review
2. Nanay Earth The Flowers and The Bees Premium Lotion – a review
3. Mentholatum Lip Ice Sheer Color – a review

Last month, I was invited for a product launch of Novuhair. Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion by Nutramedica is a breakthrough product to prevent hair fall and hair loss. This is really interesting and I get to bring home a bottle of Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion to try.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion contains a combination of natural herbs, essential oils and co-factor nutrients which are proven effective and used for centuries to cure hair problems. Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion penetrates deep to rejuvenate, nourish and maintain moisture in the scalp and hair. By improving blood circulation in the scalp, Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion stimulates hair growth and prevents further hair fall. Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion also improves the overall appearance of hair.

I just realized that hair fall and hair loss is one problem that everyone experience but hesitant to admit, hence, leaving our crowning glory just as it is without finding solutions. This is because in our household, upon introducing them to Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion and that it’s for me to road test, they all got excited and told their hair dilemmas. My father and mother have thinning and graying hair, my long-haired husband has excessive hair fall problem while I’m suffering from post-partum hair loss.

Unfortunately, I have to pass on testing this product because from their FAQ sheet, it is not advised for breastfeeding and pregnant women.

Prior to using the Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, we made our room devoid of fallen hair. My husband sprayed Novuhair at night and massaged it into his scalp for a few minutes. There’s no sticky or oily feeling upon application, just the lingering scent of lemongrass. This ritual lasted for 7 days and true enough, his hair fall problem was minimized. Just a few strands of hair left on the sheets and on the floor unlike before. It is normal to shed 50 to 150 strands each day and any number beyond that is abnormal.

During the event, a lot of Q&As occurred regarding the product and also other hair problems. Ms. Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO of Nutramedica, and Dr. Rica Mallari, dermatologist, is very confident about this product because clinical studies showed 100% success rate among users.

Ms. Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO of Nutramedica

And one testimonial came from another doctor, Dr. Peter Mallari. He experienced receding hair line at an early age because it runs in his family. He replaced his oral medication for his hair problem with Novuhair and he’s happy with the switch. He proudly showed his PRC ID as the “before photo”…

As a consumer, he told us that one bottle of Novuhair can last up to 3 months, so it’s pretty affordable in the long run.

To complement and maximize the benefits, it is now sold as a set, Novuhair Topical Hair Lotion and Herbal Shampoo for Php 3,500.

Novuhair is available in all Mercury Drug outlets nationwide, NCC Mall in Palawan and Davao City and Cory Quirino World of Wellness with branches at Scout Delgado, Quezon City, SM Fairview, SM North Edsa, Virra Mall Greenhills, Puregold Libertad and Regalo Service.com for online orders.

Website: http://www.novuhair.com

Related posts:

1. Nanay Earth The Flowers and The Bees Premium Lotion – a review
2. Ilog Maria products: Honey Propolis Shampoo and Royal Jelly Hair Oil

I’m not crazy about lipsticks and I can live with just one lipstick for a year, heck, I often find out that lipsticks in my kikay kit are expired already. But because of my dry lips, lip balms and lip tints are my bestfriends. Now for my latest discovery, Mentholatum Lip Ice Sheer Color Fragrance-Free that I got in Sasa Hong Kong, but they’re also available in Watsons for Php 145.

Mentholatum Lip Ice Sheer Color, Php 145

From the packaging:

- Changes color to a natural sheer pink according to individual lips.
- A gentle Beeswax formulation suitable even for very sensitive skin.
- Contains natural ingredients of Shea Butter Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Nut Oil, Jojoba Oil and Aloe Extract to keep lips moisturized, smooth, and healthy.
- Contains effective anti-oxidants of Vitamin E to soften and protect lips against the harmful environment.

Mentholatum Lip Ice Sheer Color

It was love at first swipe! It gave an adorable sheer pink color to my lips, God knows how long I searched for that perfect pink color for my dark lips. It glides on lips effortlessly, and the slim tube is very handy. After a few hours and few applications, it doesn’t leave a waxy feeling on the lips and no whitish substance on the inner part of the lips. For the moisturizing factor, it does its job well in keeping chapped lips at bay. Staying power is limited though, but you can reapply plenty of times, reapplication also increases the lip color.

without Lip Ice

with Lip Ice

Notice the healthy shine on my lips? I’m sure this Mentholatum Lip Ice Sheer Color will even look great for fair-skinned ladies. This product beats Smashbox O-Gloss anytime with its very affordable price. I’m looking forward in trying other Lip Ice variants available, what do you recommend ladies?

Related posts:

1. Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm – a review
2. Pureglow Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints – a review
3. Etude House Lippies review

Nanay Earth is an online Multiply shop that also sells natural products for the skin. They have facial masks, creams, lotions and soaps, most of the products contain emu oil. Having a good experience with emu oil-based products, I decided to try The Flowers & The Bees Premium Lotion after emptying a tub of Vanilla & Co. Whipped Buttercream.

Nanay Earth The Flowers & The Bees Premium Lotion

You’ll fall in love with it the moment you dig your hands in it – a new addition to your skincare collection and daily routine. With its premium formula containing almost everything you wished for such as virgin coconut oil, cocoa butter, emu oil, rosehip seed and grape seed extracts, jojoba oil, and other skin-nourishing ingredients, it truly rejuvenates your skin overtime. The funny thing about this is that people around you will first notice positive changes, and not you.

Its sweet fine scent drives men crazy as they will never get enough of you, ever! If you like noses, this one is for you! This gives you only good compliments and nothing else. And as they say, this is SEX IN A BOTTLE!

The lotion comes in a 250 ml. pump bottle for Php 250. Not bad for something that uses natural ingredients. It has a watery consistency but my skin easily absorbs the lotion. The lotion’s color is somewhat chocolate-y which complements it’s sweet chocolate-y scent too. From the ingredients listed above, it indeed moisturizes my skin well and left me smellin’ good too. And yes, it’s safe for pregnant women.

Where to buy: http://nanayearthco.multiply.com/

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1. Venus and Mars Lulur Soap – a review
2. Vanilla & Co. Organic Cocoa Whipped Butter and Whipped Buttercream – a review

Since my pregnancy, I’ve dreaded the day I’ll see stretchmarks in my tummy. So I searched for recommended products online and health and beauty stores until I zeroed in on Vanilla & Co.’s Organic Cocoa Whipped Butter. I chose cocoa butter because it’s a natural antioxidant that clears and smoothes the skin and is frequently used for treating dry skin and stretch marks. It has vitamin E that will be beneficial for my pregnant skin. I also considered trying out Shea Butter from another online seller but it’s too expensive, so I first tried the most affordable one.

Vanilla & Co. Cocoa Butter and Whipped Buttercream

Organic Cocoa Whipped Butter:

Our truly raw and organic Cocoa Butter (theobroma cacao) contains generous amounts of antioxidants and has a naturally long storage life. Boasting a high level of tocopherols (Vitamin E) and moisturizers, it is highly recommended for the prevention and lightening of stretch marks. Due to its healing properties, our organic Cocoa Butter is also a great treatment for chapped, dry and itchy skin. Every jar of Vanilla & Co. Organic Cocoa Whipped Butter contains a whopping amount of 50% organic Cocoa Butter.

Whipped Buttercream:

Our Organic African Shea Butter came form the hardwork of devoted African women co-op groups under Fair Trade and organic certification standard. It is still made in the traditional way without the use of chemicals. Shea Butter is effective in its soothing, restorative and regenerative properties. Its even highly recommended for skin ailments such as relief for blemishes, sunburns and eczema.

Our truly raw and organic Cocoa Butter (theobroma cacao) contains generous amounts of antioxidants and has a naturally long storage life. Boasting a high level of tocopherols (Vitamin E), effective moisturizers and healing properties, our organic Cocoa Butter is also a great treatment for chapped, dry and itchy skin.

I used the Cocoa Butter on my tummy twice a day after every bath, in the morning and in the evening. At first, I didn’t like it’s nutty heavy scent but it’s grown on me after everyday use. It’s non-sticky and the cocoa butter melts on my tummy in an instant. And the verdict, 34 weeks and no stretchies! My OB mentioned it too that I still have no stretchmarks.

I also got the Whipped Buttercream for me to try as my body lotion, got the Sweet Pea Vanilla scent. I had a hard time choosing from the buffet of scents available but since I love vanilla and Bath and Body Works’ Sweet Pea, I chose this scent. The lotion is somewhat creamy and thick but is absorbed by the skin quickly. The scent lasts long especially if you layer it with BBW Sweet Pea too. As for its moisturizing properties, I’d say it’s on average because I still get dry skin here and there.

I love that the two Vanilla & Co. products come in a tub so I can scoop it out till the last drop.

Organic Cocoa Whipped Butter 180 grams – Php 249

Whipped Buttercream 180 grams – Php 199

Website: http://vanillacompany.multiply.com/

Related posts:

1. Cyleina Organic Soaps – a review
2. Butter up at Beauty and Butter
3. Venus and Mars Lulur Soap – a review

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm ads and flyers caught my attention because I’m a sucker for natural looking lips or my-lips-but-better-shades. And the idea of long-wearing lip color is too hard to resist!

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm in Frenzy

-Kiss-proof color with soft shine
-Nourishing balm for supreme comfort
-Lipstain and balm in one convenient, dual-ended package
-Lipstain marker provides precise application
-Color does not smudge or streak
-Contains vitamin C for for anti-oxidant protection
-Creamy, lightweight balm perfectly melts on lips for smooth, glide-on application
-Translucent balm provides instant moisture and soft shine
-Available in 10 lightweight shades

To use: Apply marker directly to clean, dry lips. Build color and coverage as desired. After 30 seconds add extra shine and moisture by applying the balm.

I love the handy packaging because it’s dual-ended with lip stain and lip balm at both ends saving space in my kikay kit. It’s actually my first time to use a marker tip, most lip stains have a sponge applicator.

marker tip end

lip balm end

From the choices at Watsons, most of the shades are loud and dark hues of red. I only saw 2 shades of Pink, I asked the sales assistant what’s the most natural looking lip color and she suggested “Frenzy”, so I bought Frenzy for Php 595.

Unfortunately, I find Frenzy too red and unnatural for me. When lip balm is applied, it even emphasized the burst of red color.

before applying Revlon lip stain

I have dry lips and my upper lip is darker.

Frenzy on me

It looks unnatural when lip balm is applied but I seriously need it because the lip stain alone dries up my lips. Although the lip stain/lip color stays for longer time even after drinking or eating, the lip balm needs constant re-application to prevent dry lips.

The marker tip is perfect for outlining but they should also vary the tip from narrow to wide so that I can fill the rest of my lips quickly.

To sum it up:

Likes:

• slim and handy packaging
• marker tip applicator which is convenient in outlining the lips
• long lasting lip stain

Dislikes:

• lip balm is easy to break if you’re not careful
• lip stain dries up my lips
• narrow marker tip so it takes longer to apply color
• limited shades available
• lip color may be blotchy if application is uneven

Will repurchase?

No

I’m still more interested with the Loreal Infallible Lip Duo Compact than this one.

Related posts:

1. Etude House Lippies review
2. Pureglow Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints – a review
3. Loreal Infallible Lip Duo Compact: testing

Any Filipino teenager has been familiar and used any Ponds product at some point in their lives. It became a household name for beauty products, it’s a drugstore brand, it’s cheap and it delivers. But as years go by, we found and used other products, some are even expensive than Ponds. In the recent years, Ponds has evolved and from one variant, it released new range of products that cater to everyone’s special needs.

A recent TV commercial from Ponds shows the Ponds Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam with Activated Carbon. Activated carbon promises to remove deep-seated dirt and detoxify the skin from impurities. I wasn’t sold at the TV commercial but when I saw this product in the grocery with its sleek black packaging, I snagged a tube, yeah packaging counts!

Ponds Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam

I’m not surprised to the idea of carbon or charcoal used in beauty products since Korean beauty products use this ingredient too, I find it effective just like my Beauty Credit charcoal nose patch which effectively pulls away whiteheads and blackheads.

Now, for the Ponds Facial Foam, the cream is silver in color I only need a pea-sized amount to make a lather on my face. I don’t really like the scent though, it’s more masculine to me compared to the Ponds White Beauty product I used prior to the black one. After rinsing, it really left my face squeaky clean but without feeling tight. No breakouts after weeks of using this product every night.

However, I noticed that my skin became dry and lacked that glow and moisturized effect. Maybe because of oil control properties of this product.

If you want to try Ponds with Activated Carbon, you can buy the Php 5 5-gram sachet. My 50-gram tube costs approximately Php 80.

Related posts:

1. The Pond’s Big Beauty Sale

As an expecting mom, I’m wary of not only what I eat but also on what I put on my skin. There are a lot of discussions on beauty products safe for pregnant women, some products to avoid are those containing salicylic acid, retinoids, atni-aging products, hair depilatories and hair dyes. Good thing products I’m using are mostly organic and natural, and now, I’m trying out other variants of Cyleina Organic Soaps that have more moisturizing properties to keep stretchmarks at bay.

Shea Butter

Cyleina Shea Butter

Shea butter heals blemishes and keeps wrinkles at bay and is also an excellent skin moisturizer.

When I got worried about having stretchmarks, this is the soap variant that first came to mind when I ordered a new batch of Cyleina. It did moisturize and surprisingly, no bacne/breakouts too. The scent is mild enough, more on the milky scent, perfect for pregnant women who became sensitive to some smells.

Strawberry

Cyleina Strawberry

A mild whitening soap with blended strawberry fruit to counteract sunburned and heavily blemished skin. Poppy seeds serve as a scrub, which exfoliate dry and patched skin. Continuous usage will make skin soft and smooth.

I used this not for its whitening properties but for its exfoliating properties. It doesn’t make my skin dry and the poppy seeds are not that harsh on skin. I prefer it to have more poppy seeds though, for better exfoliation. Strawberry scent is not prominent too, just a mild candy scent.

Green Tea

Cyleina Green Tea

Green Tea is known for its anti-oxidant properties, the poppy seeds also provides mild exfoliation. The herb-y/earth-y scent of this soap took some time before I got used to it, the scent grew on me everytime I used it. No breakouts too.

These three soaps are what’s in my soap dish right now, plus I love the green and red color combination, it’s getting a lot like Christmas.

Related posts:

1. Cyleina Organic Soaps – a review
2. Venus and Mars Lulur Soap – a review