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/

Related posts:

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

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

Protect your child and yourselves from dengue-carrying mosquitoes and other insects by using these organic and natural insect repellents. Even adults can use these products because its safer and natural unlike those DEET-containing insect repellents. Studies have shown the harmful effects of DEET in our bodies, imagine applying DEET-containing products im our skin! Now, we can all put our worries aside because more and more manufacturers/entrepreneurs are leaning towards natural products.

The three organic/natural products I’ve tried and tested for myself are Indigo Baby’s Shoo Fly Don’t Bother Me, Giga Baby’s Lemon-scented Baby Insect Repellant Spray and Messy Bessy’s insect repellent.

Indigo Baby Shoo Fly Don’t Bother Me

Indigo Baby (http://indigomanila.multiply.com/)

For those of you tired of that strong citronella smell, this lavender, geranium, eucalyptus & citronella-based insect repellent is heaven in a bottle! Shoo Fly Don’€™t Bother Me will keep those pesky mosquitoes away from you and your loved ones.

This insect repellent frm Indigo Baby tops my list. I love the milky formulation and stays true to its claim that it’s non-sticky. It’s easily absorbed by the skin. More expensive than other brands, Php 180 for a 60 ml. spray bottle.

Giga Baby Insect Repellant Spray

GIGA Baby (http://giga.com.ph/)

A mild blend of essential oils in a fruit extract distillate base intended to drive away those pesky insects. Smells good too and is non staining on baby’s clothes and linen.

If it’s safe for babies, then it’s safe for adults too. This can be used for newborn babies too, but I suggest spraying them on babies clothes instead for safety purposes. I love the lemon scent of this spray, reminds me of Halls Honey Lemon candy. I’m sure kids won’t be bothered smelling like candy, instead of citronella scent. The spray is non-sticky too! More affordable than Indigo Baby’s, you can check out their stores in SM Malls.

Messy Bessy Insect Repellent Spray

Messy Bessy (http://www.messybessy.com/)

Our INSECT REPELLENT is a special lab-tested non-sticky, non-stinky formula. We used Andiroba or Carapa Tree Nut Oil from Brazil. This oil magically suppresses the appetite of the insects, and therefore they won’t feel like snacking on you!!!

You can spray this on your skin, clothes, furniture and around the home. Feel free to spray it on table tops too, to ward of flies.

The non-sticky claim is so not true, I find this sticky on my skin and the alcohol content and scent is overpowering. Messy Bessy is a cute name for a product but I won’t buy this again albeit it’s also affordable. I’d stick with Indigo Baby or Giga Baby insect repellent sprays.

How about you? What organic/natural insect repellents do you use? Share your feedbacks….

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I ordered Venus and Mars Lulur soap together with the Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints. I’ve been wanting to try this soap ever since it was first launched in VnM’s Multiply shop but I find it impractical to order only just one soap. Fortunately, I was able to try this soap last month.

Venus and Mars Lulur Soap

Ingredients: emu oil, tea tree essential oil, turmeric, tea tree leaves, shea butter, arbutin, calamansi, papain, olive oil and coconut oil, mango

What is so unique about VNM’s LULUR?

It is designed to leave the skin clear from impurities by means of its turmeric content mixed with emu oil and tea tree and whiten the appearance through its powerful combination of arbutin, calamansi and papain. Moisturize and pamper the skin with the rest of the ingredients and you’ll sure find a noticeable and renewed skin!

Like any other organic soaps, I first divided the Lulur soap into 4 pieces to prolong the use of the soap. I initially used this for my face because I still use Cyleina organic soaps for my body. The soap gave a good lather, I find the mango scent is quite strong though. I felt a stinging sensation on my face after leaving the soap for about 3 to 5 minutes while I scrub my body. After rinsing, I felt my face to be smooth and tight. On my succeeding uses for the Lulur soap, I immediately rinse my face after applying the soap and this prevented the stinging sensation to occur. After frequent uses, my face became fairer and brighter. Thanks to the whitening properties of arbutin, calamansi, papain and also turmeric which are all present in this soap.

With the favorable result on my face, I also used the soap for my body and noticed that I don’t have bacne (back acne) anymore.

Notes:

• For first time users of this soap especially those with sensitive skin, I suggest you use it with your body first to see if you have adverse reactions to this soap.
• The soap is more expensive compared to other organic soap. Php 100 per 60 g bar, Php 195 per 120 g bar.
• I’ll repurchase if I have extra money and other orders from VnM, to save on shipping fee. =)

Related posts:

1. Cyleina Organic Soaps – a review

In my quest of organic shampoo, I tried using Honey Propolis shampoo from Ilog Maria. I’m also searching for a cure to my greying damaged hair due to consecutive years of hair rebonding. I wanted my hair to be free of chemicals by cutting it short and then use organic and natural hair products. After using Human Heart Nature shampoo and conditioner, I explored other options and found that Ilog Maria can now be ordered online.

Honey Propolis Shampoo, 275 grams, Php 154.00

Ilog Maria Honey Propolis Shampoo

Handmade in our Beefarm from natural ingredients: Honey for conditioning &hair growth. Propolis for scalp infections, dandruff, falling & greying hair. Natural oils like palm kernel oil, castor oil and coconut oil for gentle cleansing. Aromatherapy grade essential oils from herbs and fruits nourish and heal your scalp, while fighting skin ailments.

The amber-colored liquid and the plain looking bottle may seem unappealing but this shampoo is worth a try. First whiff of it proves that it’s different from other commercial hair products. It does not mask itself with pleasant fragrances like fruity or floral scent. In my own description, it has an earthy, herbal scent that grows on me in continued use. It also has this lingering minty feel that makes me feel refreshed and cool after each bath. The liquid is a little runny but produces a good lather. After rinsing, I felt my hair is squeaky clean, unfortunately Ilog Maria has no conditioner to go with the Honey Propolis Shampoo.

Royal Jelly Hair Oil, 60 grams, Php 121.00

Ilog Maria Royal Jelly Hair Oil

Handmade in our beefarm using rejuvenating royal jelly and a melange of tropical flower, fruit, nut & seed oils.

Rub a few drops on scalp immediately after a shower.

Rejuvenates hair follicles; nourishes scalp.

In the absence of a conditioner, and knowing that my hair will terribly go unruly without it, I apply Royal Jelly Hair Oil on my damp hair. I used this in lieu of hair shine. Just like the Honey Propolis Shampoo, it has an herby scent but I got used to it after consective uses. I may have applied too much since it always left my hair too greasy.

I like that the shampoo and hair oil are organic and natural, yet very affordable. But I wanted a shampoo and conditioner combo so I’m gonna stick with Human Heart Nature Shampoo and Conditioner.

Ilog Maria *photos used are property of Ilog Maria

http://ilogmaria.com/

Related posts:

1. Human Heart Nature Shampoo and Conditioner – a review

Human Heart Nature is a local company that sells organic, 100% Philippine ingredients and 100% chemical-free personal care products. Human Heart Nature products are one of my first few buys that are organic so I ordered trial sizes first especially their shampoo and conditioner. Trial sizes are 50 ml. and only priced at Php 29.75, (less than a dollar). After finishing up the trial sizes, I ordered full sizes, 200 ml., of Aloe Vera Nourishing Shampoo and Mango Butter Nourishing Conditioner both in Mandarin scent.

Aloe Vera Nourishing Shampoo, Mandarin scent, Php 94.75/200 ml

Aloe Vera Nourishing Shampoo in Mandarin:

Until now, only the most privileged people have been able to afford the goodness of organic shampoos. But today, for the first time, organic shampoos are now available at a price that’s affordable for almost everyone! Your hair is easily damaged by harsh chemicals in many shampoos leading to hair loss and premature hair aging. Try our 100% organic Aloe Vera Nourishing shampoo with nature’s best ingredients for soft, healthy locks and be amazed at how you can regain the shine and softness of healthy hair… and indulge in refreshingly yummy scents to reinvigorate your senses too! Choose refreshing PEPPERMINT or zesty LEMONGRASS extracts for normal finish or citrus MANDARIN extract with EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL for silky smooth hair.

The shampoo has a thick consistency with a tinge of yellow. I love the mandarin scent on my hair, it gives you a fresh clean feeling afterwards. I thought that since the shampoo is of organic kind, I don’t expect it to give a sudsy lather, but I was surprised that it lathers more than commercial shampoos I used. A pea-sized amount goes a long way. After rinsing, you’ll feel your hair to be squeaky clean and yet rough. My husband Jeff got used to it though since men generally have short hair and they don’t have to worry about conditioning their hair. But for me, I follow it up with their conditioner.

Mango Butter Nourishing Conditioner, Php 89.75/200 ml

Mango Butter Nourishing Conditioner in Mandarin:

Want soft, strong hair like Rapunzel? Mango butter heals and regenerates hair cuticles for soft, touchable hair that won’t break easily. Handy when you’ve got a handsome prince hanging on to your hair! Choose PEPPERMINT or LEMONGRASS for normal finish or MANDARIN or UNSCENTED for silky smooth hair.

Unlike the shampoo which has a thick consistency, the conditioner is a little runny with watery consistency. It still has the mandarin scent that I love. Despite its consistency, it works well and made my hair smooth and soft. The only downside is that the scent does not last long throughout the day.

Even my mother is raving about the shampoo and conditioner, at first, she was reluctant to try these. But after a few uses, she even pointed out that with continued use, her hair feels softer and became less dull and dry. One proof that patience is a virtue. At first, you won’t notice any effect on your hair but who knows, it’s working to get rid of hair’s impurities first due to use of commercial chemical-laden shampoo and conditioner.

Our whole family switched to organic hair care and is using HHN hair care line. If you want to try HHN products, you can order the trial sizes first to see what’s best for your hair type. HHN accepts credit card payments on their site.

Human Heart Nature website: http://www.humanheartnature.com/

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Cyleina Organic Soaps has been popular in many online forums like Girltalk and Teentalk for almost 2 years now. The soaps are lovingly handmade and uses organic ingredients and pure essential oils to make the skin soft and moisturized. Perhaps, the reasons why Cyleina Organic Soaps are popular is because it’s affordable and effective. I tried other organic soap brands that are priced at Php 100 or more, but after a few uses, I can’t finish the whole bar because it already melted on my soapdish. With Cyleina, I can still use the soap and gives enough lather even until it’s just the size of a pea. There are so many varieties to choose from so it’s unlikely for you not to find one that suits your skin best. For only Php 60 per bar, you can try them all until you find the best soaps for you.

Let me share my fave variants of Cyleina Organic Soaps:

Cyleina Black Pearl soap

Cyleina Black Pearl

Cyleina Organic Black pearl inspired soap made from the finest high grade quality of arbutin, collagen oil, licorice and Vitamins C & E. Only the best ingredients that mother nature can give are used in this exquisite creation.

This is the top seller among Cyleina soaps. I first used this for my face but eventually use this as my body soap as well. I’m crazy about the scent, it’s long lasting and the minty scent makes you feel refreshed every time. This may leave your skin a little bit dry since it’s more of a whitening soap than moisturizing. I also hope that they manufacture bigger sizes for this soap for the body since the 45-gram size is only intended for the face.

Cyleina Papaya Goat's Milk soap

Papaya Goat’s Milk

Capture the superb benefits of papaya and goat’s milk with CYLEINA ORGANIC PAPAYA GOAT’S MILK SOAP! This is higly recommended for individuals who want to lighten their skin color without drying and irritating their sensitive skin.

Most whitening soaps are a bit drying, but Cyleina combined two ingredients to work both ways, whitening the skin and at the same time, moisturizing the skin. I never experienced any itchiness with this soap unlike other Papaya-based soaps I used.

Cyleina Tomato soap

Tomato

CYLEINA ORGANIC TOMATO SOAP counters oily skin by absorbing surplus oil. The tonic benefits of tomato deeply cleanses and tightens the pores. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids found in tomato helps get rid of pimples and acne through its gentle exfoliating action and this also results to getting your cheeks a rosy hue and your body a fair glow!

I use this soap because it helps control my backne. I can feel a tightening effect after each use.

Cyleina Rice Bran soap

Rice Bran

A source of vitamin E complex, antioxidants and other micronutrients to help fight free radicals and combat the effects of aging. Rice bran’s natural enzyme will helps to dissolve dead skin & blemishes, while retaining moisture.

I got curious when I heard about the Rice Bran soap, I only encountered this variant from Cyleina. And it’s been one of my staple order because I like the mild sweet smell of this soap. It has mild exfoliators but won’t leave your skin dry. It’s best for sensitive skin too.

Ready to try? Look for official Cyleina resellers in your area, the soaps are also available at selected Hortaleza branches. But for your convenience, you can also order online from my trusted online seller at Multiply, she’s my friend/officemate. She can do meet-ups around Tayuman and Quezon Ave area.

Visit her site at http://veruca.multiply.com/, Hazel Melo.

Cyleina official website: http://www.cyleina.com/

Related posts:

1. Switch to organic!

As many people are becoming health-conscious nowadays, the trend for organic products are increasing. Organic foods are believed to have higher nutritional value and safe than commercially available non-organic products. Organic foods are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides used to grow the crops, these chemicals can be the cause of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. Non-organic dairy products such as milk contains growth hormones and antibiotics that can pose serious health problems when these chemicals accumulate in our body over time.

USDA defined organic foods as:

Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation.

Think of it this way, organic crops may be the reason why our grandparents live longer, they eat healthier foods in the past. These days, with so much junk in the grocery aisle, we get sidetracked with unhealthy choices that’s why we should always keep in mind that organic is healthier! Aside from organic foods, organic and natural beauty products are also a growing trend. Thankfully, these products can be tried by everyone since it’s budget-friendly and locally available just like the organic shampoo in my stash that’s below Php 100. I’m using local organic brands for my body care and I’m loving the results!

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