Asian Secrets sent their products for the geek to review. I was stoked because I’m crazy with their Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub which I’ve been using for months since I’ve tried it. It’s one of the staples in our bathroom and is included in my weekly shower regimen. I’m excited to try the other two variants of the body scrubs.

From L-R: with Licorice and Mulberry Leaf Extract; with Green Tea and Vitamin E; with Seaweed Extract and Vitamin E

To complement the body scrubs, Asian Secrets also has two variants of Bengkoang soaps. What makes this soap unique is that unlike popular whitening soaps here in the Philippines which uses the usual whitening ingredients like papaya, calamansi or glutathione, Asian Secrets uses a popular whitening ingredient in Indonesia, Bengkoang or Yam Bean or Singkamas. I didn’t know that singkamas has whitening properties too…

Bengkoang (Yam Bean or Singkamas) has vitamin C, flavonoids, and saponins which is a natural sunscreen to prevent skin damage by free radicals. Also, the phenolic substances of yam bean is effective in inhibiting the formation of melanin, so the pigmentation due to hormones, sun, and acne scars can be prevented and reduced.

So if you haven’t achieved the whitening effect that you want, try using one of these Bengkoang soaps, available in Moisturizing Olive Oil and and Natural Antiseptic Betel Extract.

available in Moisturizing Olive Oil and Natural Antiseptic Betel Extract

I love the shape of their soap, easy to grasp…

Asian Secrets Bengkoang Soap

Giveaway Alert!!!

Asian Secrets is giving away an Asian Secrets Beauty Pack to 5 lucky winners weekly! That’s 20 winners for 4 weeks. The beauty pack includes 2 Lulur Green Tea, 2 Lulur Seaweed; 2 Lulur Mulberry; 2 Bengkoang Olive and 2 Bengkoang Betel.

Please take note of the weekly timetable:

Week 1: January 30, 2012 to February 5, 2012; Winner will be drawn on February 6, 2012

Week 2: February 6, 2012 to February 12, 2012; Winner will be drawn on February 13, 2012

Week 3: February 13, 2012 to February 19, 2012; Winner will be drawn on February 20, 2012

Week 4: February 20, 2012 to February 26, 2012; Winner will be drawn on February 27, 2012

Valentine Draw!!!

There will also be a special draw on Valentines Day, February 14, 2012. 14 winners will be drawn to win a special Asian Secrets Beauty Pack containing 14 Asian Secrets items: 2 Lulur Green Tea, 2 Lulur Seaweed; 2 Lulur Mulberry; 4 Bengkoang Olive and 4 Bengkoang Betel.

Note: Only winners who register on Valentines day may qualify to win the Valentine draw. 

Mechanics:

1. Like Health and Beauty Geek on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthandbeautygeek

2. Like Asian Secrets on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asiansecrets.ph

3. Post this on your status and make sure to tag @HealthandBeautyGeek and @Asian Secrets and your post PUBLIC:

@HealthandBeautyGeek is giving away @Asian Secrets Beauty Pack weekly. Join now!

4. Fill out the form to register: REGISTRATION LINK. You only need to register once.

5. Post a comment with your name and FB status link.

Goodluck!

Philippine residents or international readers with Philippine addresses may join this contest. Weekly winners may claim their prize from Ms. Sheryl Roan at Innovitelle, Inc., Unitel Laboratiories, Inc. (UNILAB), 2^ndFloor Bonaventure Plaza, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan City, Metro Manila. Winners must present a valid ID when claiming their prize. Provincial winners will be sent their prize via courier service. 

Related posts:

1. Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub – a review

Let’s face it, with the number of cosmetics out in the market today how can you be sure that you are about to make the right choice? Some people commit the mistake of joining the fad, rushing to join the bandwagon and buying the latest craze in cosmetics only to find out that it is not good for their skin. Yes, a lot of people are guilty of that. Before you start buying everything on the skin counter aisle, it is better to determine first the type of your skin and what it really needs.

Keep in mind that a product that works well for your friend may not work for you. If you are suffering from acne or has very sensitive skin, consider switching to all-natural beauty products that are made only with organic ingredients that are mild and does not contain any harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin.

Known for its gentle and healing properties, natural skin care products works well on various skin types but is ideally perfect for those that are sensitive. People don’t realize that irritation is often caused by the skin’s reaction to a strong content such as chemical and this can be prevented through the use of products that contain ingredients from Mother Nature.

If you are unsure about this, consult with your dermatologist and discuss about the possible products that will work for your skin. The key here is to identify the ones that are good and bad for you. Remember to not overspend on products especially if you are not sure about its content.

With a background in the field of Banking and Finance, Isabel recently discovered her passion for writing and became a freelance writer since then. Currently working for revisor priser, she believes that these articles are the best way to share information about accountant prices.

Related posts:

1. 23 Whitening Beauty Products containing mercury banned by FDA
2. Chinese beauty products banned for containing mercury; Zhen de Shou also banned

23 more whitening beauty products containing mercury were banned by Food and Drug Administration. As you can recall, some Chinese beauty products were already banned last year due to the same reason, they all contain mercury in excess of the legal limit.

Miss Beauty Magic Cream

At present, the 23 banned whitening products are manufactured from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong. FDA warned the public that excessive amount of mercury is harmful to the nervous system and kidneys. The number 1 whitening product with the highest level of mercury is Miss Beauty Magic Cream which has 28,600 ppm.

Below is the complete list of skin whitening creams banned by the FDA:

1. Miss Beauty Magic Cream
2. Miss Beauty Excellent Therapy Whitening Cream
3. Dagette and Ramsdell Underarm Lightening Cream
4. Lanmeirou 12 Days Whiten and Speckle Removing Suit
5. Berglotus Spot Removing Series
6. Yoko Gentlemen Cream for Men
7. Jonathan Clearing Facial Spots 12 Day Cream
8. The Flower Woman 7-day Whitening and Spot and Night Set Cream
9. Sara Glutathione Sheep Placenta Whitening and Anti-Spot Cream
10. Aichun Beauty Green Tea Whitening Speckle Removing Series Cream
11. Aichun Beauty Whitening Freckle Day and Night Cream
12. BIB Night Cream Whitening Cream
13. Pretty Model Whitening and Freckle Removing (Day Cream and Night Cream-Set)
14. Pretty Girl 10 Day Special Cream
15. Pretty Girl Green Cucumber and Ginseng Cream
16. Liliki Whitening Day Cream
17. Liliki Whitening Night Cream
18. New Miss Beauty Magic Cream
19. Jiaoli Rejuvenation Essence 10 Days Speckle Removing
20. Jaio Liang 7 Days Eliminating Freckle AB Set
21. Jiao Liang 10 Days Eliminating Freckle AB Set
22. Beauty Girl 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Cream Egg White and Tomato 3in1
23. Beautiful Dream Whitening Anti-Speckle and Anti-Acne Kit

Related posts:

1. Chinese beauty products banned for containing mercury; Zhen de Shou also banned
2. Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub – a review
3. Contest: Korean Beauty Products Giveaway from Lizz

At some point in our lives, we have experienced having acne, and it’s the worst! Getting rid of acne is another story because there’s a lot of trial and error with acne treatments that work for our skin. My acne horror story was when I got an allergy from a facial I availed in one of the facial centers in the mall. It’s really horrifying for me because I had clear skin since adolescent years and suddenly had acne at my early 20s. I tried various over-the-counter products and my last resort was to consult another dermatologist at an expensive clinic. She gave me a beauty kit along with regular facials and voila, clear skin again. But I have to shell out a significant amount of money before achieving results. Later on, I found out from an officemate who’s also having break outs that she’s using Proactiv to solve her skin problem. She’s very proud to say that Proactiv is very popular among Hollywood celebrities like Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson, Avril Lavigne, etc…

New Proactiv

I took note of Proactiv and has been under my radar just in case I experience breakouts again. While browsing through Watsons, I just noticed that there’s a New Proactiv available at Watsons. The New Proactiv now contains advanced microcrystal benzoyl peroxide, which is designed to work faster and gentler.

New Proactiv with micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide

As a word of advice, invest on Proactiv for your skin problems because after all, it’s the No. 1 Anti-Acne system in America and now in the Philippines. Here’s one satisfied user of Proactiv:

The 30-day kit 3-step system is Php 2,495 which consists of 60 ml. Renewing Cleanser, 60 ml. Revitalizing Toner and 30 ml. Repairing Lotion with free 1 Refining Mask and Face the Fact booklet.

New Proactiv 30-day kit 3 step system

The 30-day kit 3-step system is Php 3,995 which consists of 120 ml. Renewing Cleanser, 120 ml. Revitalizing Toner and 60 ml. Repairing Lotion with free 1 Refining Mask and Face the Fact booklet.

New Proactiv 60-day kit 3 step system

New Proactiv is exclusively available at all Watsons stores and SM Department Stores nationwide. 30-day and 60-day kits come with a Money Back Guarantee. Please note that this refund is facilitated by the Customer Service hotline (02) 729-2222 (and not thru Watsons or SM branches).

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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

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

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

I’m on an anything-beauty-related-buying-mode lately, blame it to Etude House hehe. I don’t hoard make-ups though, more on skin care like facial masks, organic soaps, BB creams, hair products and also perfumes and fragrances. A recent visit to Watsons at Mall of Asia made me discover that there are already a lot of facial masks available, mostly made from Korea, this is facial lovin’.

The most talked about brand in Femalenetwork.com is Purederm so I looked for the Strawberry Yogurt Pack, unfortunately they don’t have stocks. I decided to sample other sheet masks and wash-off masks also from Purederm.

1. Lavender Collagen Mask, Olive Collagen Mask, Green Tea Collagen Mask – Php 49.75

2. Vitalizing Green Tea Pack – Php 29.75

A wash-off type massage mask which contains Green Tea Extract, Olive Oil, Collagen and Vitamin E.

* Green Tea Extract : Vitalizing & increasing skin elasticity.

* Olive Oil : skin brightening and softening.

3. Essence Mask for Men – Php 49.75

* Relaxing, de-stressing and moisturizing facial mask for men’s face which works best in revitalizing

the fatigued and inelastic skin by providing natural ingredients.

* Complexion appears fresher, cleaner and more youthful.

* Contains Green Tea Extract , Vitamin E and Botanical Extracts.

4. Hydro Soothing Cucumber Pads – Php 89.75/10 sheets - I like how they mimic real cucumber slices, kawaii!

* Soft pads pre-moistened with real cucumber and other soothing ingredients. Specially designed rest on top of

eyes and as lie back and relax.

* Soothe tired eyes and help reduce eye puffiness.

* A handy mini purse-sized zipper bag package, so convenient to handle and use during trip.

5. Garnier Self-Heating Sauna Mask – Php 49.00 – Jeff and I tried this and it’s really a sauna-in-a-pack for the face, the cream warms up after a few seconds on your face.

6. Truessence Foot Blush – Php 149.75 – The only product different from the bunch, I was intrigued with the term “foot blush”. Just a reddish liquid that you’ll spray on your sole to have that pinkish effect. Smells nice too!

Check out regularly for reviews of masks…

Related posts:

1. Etude House haul
2. Butter up at Beauty and Butter

I discovered Loreal Infallible Lip Duo Compact accidentally at Watsons, I was actually looking for Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick because that’s the one I saw from magazine ads.

Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

Since there’s no SA at Revlon, I wasn’t able to inquire about their testers, the SA from Loreal suddenly offered their own version, Loreal Infallible Lip Duo Compact. If Revlon lasts for 12 hours, the Infallible Lipstick lasts for 16 hours, beat that!

Loreal Infallible Lip Duo Compact

Discover our 1st longwear lip duo compact!

In just two clicks Infallible colour and comfort lasts up to 16 hours.

You’re 2 clicks away from the new shape of lip colour.

Our 1st longwear lip duo compact; seals in colour for up to 16 hours and locks in moisture.

Infallible Lip Duo Compact is around Php 900. The SA offered to swatch their 2 bestselling shades and taught me how the lipstick works. The lip duo consists of a lip color and a conditioning balm. The lip color is applied first to clean dry lips and allow to set for 1 minute. Then apply the conditioning balm to keep lips moisturized and this can be reapplied whenever necessary. I tried 102 Blush Obsession and 201 Stay Ultraviolet…

Blush Obsession (top) and Stay Ultraviolet

Blush Obsession (top) and Stay Ultraviolet, with flash

I like the Stay Ultraviolet more but the Blush Obsession looks great on fair-skinned ladies.

So does the lipstick lived up to its name, YES! I tested the lipstick earlier around 7 pm, its already 2 am as I write this and I’ve washed my hands 3 or 4 times already. I also rubbed it a few times but still the colors won’t budge. I wonder how it’ll work on the lips, though. But one thing’s for sure, Loreal Infallible Lip Duo Compact will be included in my “lemming-for” list.

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9 Chinese beauty products are found to be laced with mercury that’s why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the Chinese-made products. FDA said that thse products contain the heavy metal mercury beyond the allowable limit of one part per million.

Below is the list of whitening creams/face creams included in the ban:

Jiao Li creams

* Jiaoli Huichusu Whitening Speckles Removal Cream
* Xin Jiao Li 7-Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Cream
* Jiao Li 10-Days Eliminating Freckle Day & Night Set
* Jiao Li 7-Days Eliminating Freckle AB Set
* Jiao Liang Miraculous Cream
* Xin Jiao Liang 7-Days Miracle Package for Spots Refining
* Jiao Mei Miraculous Cream
* Jiao Yan Specific Miraculous Cream
* Jiao Li Extra Pearl Facial Cream

Zhen de Shou slimming capsules

Meanwhile, a popular slimming tablets/capsules also from China is included in the ban because it contains steroids. These are: Zhen de Shou Fat Loss Capsule and Zhen de Shou Fat Loss Tea. (I read the news over and over again to double check if Leisure 18 Slimming Coffee is included, but it’s not…)

Geez, China manufacturers should check with the safety standards first, they are one of the biggest exporters of all sorts of products and yet their products can’t meet the standards.

Related posts:

1. Leisure 18 Slimming Coffee – a review