Health and Beauty Geek

Battle of organic insect repellents

hbgeek — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:17:39 +0000

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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Detox foot pads from Saizen

hbgeek — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:02:57 +0000

Saizen has recently opened a new branch in Trinoma inside True Value. I got excited for everything Japanese so I immediately went inside and browsed through their products. One thing that caught my attention in the Health and Beauty section is the variety of detox foot pads available for only Php 85 each. I’m familiar with these detox foot pads because my mother used a similar product before called Kinotakara pads, also from Japan, and believes on the efficacy of the product.

Detox foot pads or foot patches are used to cleanse the body from toxins and wastes through the principle of reflexology. Our feet has the most nerve endings and reflex points and is therefore the best part to use the sap sheets. Overnight, the foot pads will purify the body. It relieves fatigue, joint pains, migraines, headaches, promotes better sleep and relieves the body of heavy metals. My mother used these foot pads before to get rid of her arthritis and it worked.

I bought 2 samples of the detox pads or sap sheets and use this on my husband Jeff aka my guinea pig.

Detox foot pads/sap sheets

Following the instruction, I placed the foot pads on Jeff’s sole with the use of the bandage that comes with it. You’re supposed to leave the foot pads overnight and expect the detox to happen.

detox foot patch

In the morning, remove the foot patch, you’ll see a brownish/grayish color on the patch that’s said to be toxins drawn out from your body. The darker the color, the more toxins you have and with continued use, the color will be lighter.

before and after use of detox foot pads

When I removed Jeff’s sap sheets the following morning, the color is lighter. Maybe because there’s not much toxins inside his body but he noticed that his muscle pain on his hamstring disappeared. He ran a couple of kilometers in UP oval before that. I’ll try to use this on Nanay and see the results.

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Dulcofiber with Smart Fiber launch at the Glass Garden

hbgeek — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:10:47 +0000

Last Friday I was invited to a fiber product launch at the Glass Garden in Pasig City courtesy of Nuffnang. The event piqued my interest after receiving a potted plant as an invitation and an indication that it’s going to be a health-related event.

Angel Jacob hosted the Dulcofiber launch

Boehringer-Ingelheim, one of the leading and trusted pharmaceutical companies in the country, organized the event for the launch of their newest product. You may not be familiar with Boehringer-Ingelheim but I’m sure we all know Dulcolax, right? Well, they are the ones responsible for providing relief for those who suffer constipation for years now, the brand Dulcolax has been a trusted laxative brand for over 50 years. And from the same makers of Dulcolax, comes another revolutionary product to promote digestive health, Dulcofiber with Smart Fiber.

Dulcofiber with Smartfiber

Dulcofiber

Dulcofiber is the only natural soluble fiber supplement currently in the market that contains Glucomannan, a “smart fiber” that helps keep regularity while leaving behind the essential nutrients and minerals that the body needs to absorb. Other laxatives can affect on how the digestive system absorbs minerals and nutrients, along with eliminating toxins, it also strips away essential minerals and nutrients from our body. With Dulcofiber, it only eliminates the toxins and retains the minerals and nutrients that body needs, that’s why it’s SMART. It also promotes good bacteria that promotes good digestion to prevent constipation. A round of shots of Dulcofiber were distributed to the guests to try, favorable reactions were made as the drink has a hint of mandarin orange flavour which makes it easier to drink. I have yet to try the Dulcofiber because I’m 9 weeks along the way, I have to consult my doctor first. But if Dulcofiber is safe for pregnant women, I’m sure a lot will benefit from this as constipation is one problem during pregnancy.

Smart eating with Chef Rob Pengson

Along with promoting smart choices and healthy lifestyle, the event also invited Chef Rob Pengson to whip up some healthy and delicious meals, nutritionist to guide guests on the right diet and spa therapists to give tips on relieving stress and relaxing the body. I enjoyed the Smart Eating segment because Chef Rob Pengson showed that healthy meals don’t necessarily mean bland tasting foods. And that eating healthy doesn’t mean depriving yourselves of delicious foods that you normally enjoy. Portion control, adding healthier alternative ingredients and taking away a little bit of sinful ones can make eating healthy, smart and enjoyable.

In everything that we do, we always need to keep a BALANCE, balance on what we eat and balance on work and play. Just like what Dulcofiber with Smart Fiber, keeping a balance inside our digestive system for a healthier well-being.

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How to get rid of back acne or bacne

hbgeek — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:19:41 +0000

I’m blessed with clear skin even on my puberty days, on my face that is. But as the cliche goes, nobody’s perfect and so is my skin. I had back acne or bacne since high school days. Hence, wearing backless gowns during prom nights is a no-no for me because I’m too conscious with the pimple marks at my back. Years passed and I just carried on with wearing clothes hiding my back, even my swimsuits must be closed at the back part.

how to treat back acne/bacne

Few years ago, I tried several options on how to treat back acne or bacne. I read that scrubbing and exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and oil build-up at the back. Well, I always use a sponge lily or a loofah when I take a bath so exfoliating is really part of my regimen. I listed other things on how I tackled my bacne problem.

How to treat back acne/bacne:

Try having a back facial at a facial salon or spa. Years ago, I tried this service at Forever Flawless and it involves pricking. It hurts but back cleaning helped in drying up the pimples on my back.
Back peeling will remove the skin’s outer layer and diminish pimple marks. I also had this service at Forever Flawless, the burning sensation of back peeling made me uncomfortable but the new skin is really a fresh start in maintaining a pimple-free back. The downside of this process is the maintenance phase, you have to repeat the process monthly or whenever necessary.
Dry your hair thoroughly after shower and don’t let the excess water drip at your back. This can clog your pores and may result to pimples.
Switch to organic shampoo and conditioner. Or you might want to try other brands and hair products. You might be allergic to certain ingredients on your hair products that cause back acne.

I tried all these four ways on treating my bacne but the most successful tip so far is changing my commercial shampoo to organic one, I use Human Heart Nature shampoo and conditioner and zits on my back disappeared. I used Pantene before by the way. So before undergoing expensive treatments for your back acne, try the most simple and inexpensive step first.

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Contest: Lauren’s Giveaway worth nearly £100

hbgeek — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 04:09:46 +0000

Woot! Another giveaway, and this one’s big! As Lauren of Lauren’s Dressing Room would quote it, it’s a GIGANTIC giveaway. A way of saying thank you to all the followers of her blog. Take a look at the things to be won:

Lauren's Gigantic giveaway prizes

Here’s a list of prizes at stake:

1) DKNY messenger bag (gorgeous arm candy)
2) Topshop black bow necklace
3) Just Desserts body custard Strawberry Cheesecake
4) Just Desserts body custard Chocolate Souffle
5) LUSH The comforter bubble bar
6) Two red hair bows
7) Eyelure volume plus False Eyelashes
8.) New Look black and old vintage style earrings
9) ELF Total face brush
10) ELF eyeshadow brush
11) ELF minty lipgloss – Los Angeles
12) Barry M Dazzledust – Red
13) Barry M Dazzledust – Neon Green
14) Barry M Nail Paint Holographic
15) LUSH Yummy Yummy Yummy shower cream
16) Body Shop vanilla and nutmeg shimmer lotion tester
17) Sanctuary body scrub
18) Sanctuary cleansing facial wash
19) Sanctuary 24 hour moisture
20) St Moriz tanning mist
21) Sanctuary footcare
22) Batiste dry shampoo –Tropical
23) Sanctuary shower puff
24) A personalized Cupcake card for yours truly

Oooh-lala! You too can join, head on over to Lauren’s Dressing Room for details.

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Contest: Korean Beauty Products Giveaway from Lizz

hbgeek — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:17:12 +0000

Korean beauty products surely gained a cult following here in the Philippines, starting from their BB creams, there’s a lot more Korean beauty products to try. I surely went gaga over Etude House products and now, I’m experimenting with other Korean brands too. Perfect timing because Lizz is having her April giveaway contest, a generous lot of Korean beauty products:

Korean beauty products giveaway

Etude House nail polish in my favourite pink shade; Etude House Total Age Repair Toner, Emulsion and Essence (travel sized); Innis Free Green Tea Pure Essence and Serum (2 vials each), Innis Free Green Tea Cream and Cleansing Foam (1 trial pack each), SkinFood Wipes, a gorgeous Nature Republic 2010 calendar (it’s got Rain on every page!), an Etude House fan, Tony Moly BB Cream (2 packs), Missha BB Cream remover (2 packs), and some lovely Sooyohan face cream (3 packs).

more giveaways

The winner will also receive 4 travel-sized bottles of Johnson & Johnson lotion, a full-sized bar of Glutamax soap, and Emotibles earphone charms!

I’m sure you’re all lusting for these prizes, so check out Lizz Buenaventura’s blog for details. And to answer her question on what skin care product I can’t live without, I’d say a toner to deeply clean my face and to keep me pimple-free.

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Venus and Mars Lulur Soap – a review

hbgeek — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:58:44 +0000

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. =)

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Ilog Maria products: Honey Propolis Shampoo and Royal Jelly Hair Oil

hbgeek — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:39:59 +0000

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/

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Pureglow Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints – a review

hbgeek — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:44:56 +0000

Venus and Mars has come a long way from just selling emu oil-based soaps, they now have emu-oil based cosmetics and a mineral make-up line called Pureglow. I’m a fan of their Emu Lip Detox, a lip balm that does not contain petroleum jelly, but still keeps my dry lips moisturized throughout the day. Venus and Mars’s sister site, Pureglow, made the Lip Detox even better with Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints.

Pureglow Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints

Break free from chemicals! Give your lips the authentic, lavish pampering it has always wanted. Made out of the finest essential oils, lips will surely be younger-looking in no time. There’s nothing more it could ever ask. Not at all heavy on the lips!

Ingredients: EMU Oil, Castor Bean Oil, Almond Oil, Carnauba Wax, Mica, Peppermint, Beeswax, Vitamin E Oil

Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints are available in 4 shades; Pink Posies, Wine Pearl, Blossoming Hush and Orgasmic Rush. I ordered Pink Posies, Wine Pearl and Orgasmic Rush. Each tint is sold at Php 150.

pink posies, orgasmic rush, wine pearl

Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints swatches:

on white background

without flash

with flash

The most suitable colors for my morena skin is Orgasmic Rush and Wine Pearl. Pink Posies is way too artificial for my skin color, it’s perfect for fair-skinned girls.

Emu Mineral Lip Butter Tints on my lips:

Pink Posies on me

I’d love to have pink lips but Pink Posies is not for me, =(

Wine Pearl on me

Wine Pearl is on the reddish pink shade. Pureglow described it as a lips-but-better shade but not for me. I still find it a little reddish.

Orgasmic Rush on me

Now, Orgasmic Rush is my lips-but-better-shade! Jamie described it as reminiscent of Nars Orgasm Blush. She’s right on describing it as a peachy-pink shade. Peach shades suits me best and this also applies with my blushes I think.

The Lip Butter Tints come in a twist-up tubes just like the lip balms. I love that it still carries the minty formulation, the reason why I tried the lip tints. These are highly pigmented but it still needs second or third layer of application on the lips.

The lip tints are not creamy hence I need to swipe it over again. After a few hours, I noticed that my lips easily gets dry and the color will be visible at the lines of my lips. I have to check from time to time to reapply.

Venus and Mars/Pureglow may have the perfect lip balm, the Emu Lip Detox, but with the added ingredients to make it into a lip tint may have diminished its moisturizing properties on the lips. I still use the Orgasmic Rush but I top it off with my Burt’s Bees lip balm.

Pureglow website: http://pureglow.multiply.com/

Venus and Mars website: http://venusandmars08.multiply.com/

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Watsons haul

hbgeek — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:43:33 +0000

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

Purederm Collagen Masks

2. Vitalizing Green Tea Pack – Php 29.75

Purederm Vitalizing Green Tea Pack

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

Purederm Essence Mask for Men

* 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!

Purederm Hydro Soothing Cucumber Pads

* 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.

Garnier Self-Heating Mask

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!

Truessence Foot Blush

Check out regularly for reviews of masks…

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