Instant Glow Argan Soap for Face and Neck: The Golden Bar?

With my wonderful experience using Instant Argan Oil, I wanted to see if I could get even more out of the line. The next time I had a free day, I rushed on over to Watson's and got me a bar of Instant Glow Morocco Argan Oil Argan Soap for Face and Neck (PHP 249). I parted with my hard earned PHP 200 +  with the highest expectations from this miracle oil-based cleanser. Now before I get into the actual review, here's what the product looks like:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] A sealed box[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Quite a big bar of soap, as you can see when put beside my 100mL bottle of argan oil[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Ingredients[/caption]

The packaging is simple but hygienic, with emphasis placed on protecting the bar of soap inside. A sealed plastic wrap on the box gives it a bonus of 100+ points because at least I know that what I've purchased hasn't been pawed by whoever stopped to check the display. Then there's the bubble wrap inside that cushions the soap from getting banged up. Once that's been discarded, there is a final layer of saran wrap separating the precious soap from the elements.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Bubble wrap![/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Another layer: massive bar wrapped in saran[/caption]

Now for the actual usage of the soap... The gigantic size of this argan soap bar kind of justifies the price, and so does the list of ingredients that include witch hazel and shea butter. Upon first whiff, I got the overwhelming buttery smell of hopia mongo—not a bad thing as I don't mind the scent of Filipino-Chinese pastries at all. A decent lather is created when rubbed with water, though not enough that it feels like germicidal soap.

I was instructed by the sales attendant to massage the lather onto my face and leave it for about 5 minutes, which was impossible for me because I always ended up getting stingy suds in my eyes. After washing my face, I could feel a tightness in the skin. My combination-normal skin might not be 100% compatible with this formula that I find too strong for me. This argan soap also didn't seem to help clear my minor breakouts. However, I've seen the other reviews and my guess is that this soap is better-suited to oilier skin types to really get in there and strip away the sebum.

Because I don't agree with the formula, I've been using this as a body soap instead. I  wouldn't say that it has helped lighten my skin, but it does last a loooooong time before the bar dissolves into nothingness. When the sales girl told me it was matipid (thrifty), she meant it. My recommendation? Find a friend and split a bar, so that you're not left with too much if this isn't a good match for you. The sales attendant herself told me that she slices the soap bar in half with a knife, thereby preserving the other half and prolonging her usage. Hmm... good money-saving tip there.

My Rating: 3.5/5 Bar soaps tend to be harsh, even when they're intended for the face. They'll never really get a high rating from me from the get go, unless I use one that practically defies gravity. Good soap, but a little drying when used on the face. I'd stick to the argan oil instead.

Faking Apple

As a present for myself--for the next two years, because this is way over the budget--I got an iPod Nano from Power Mac Center. At the till, I asked the lady if a generic wall socket adapter/plug would do for charging and, of course, she said no. That's how I ended up buying an original Apple wall socket (PHP 1,090, according to the Apple online store).

Before I get to the main point, a little background story:

My generic adapter came with an MP3 player/speaker cube I got for Christmas last year. By the way, the speaker cube is the best. Before I got the iPod, I used it as an MP3 player by inserting a micro-SD card loaded with music into its built-in slot. It functioned the same way as an iPod Shuffle (well, but without the shuffle). No screen. The sound blasted loud and clear, while the battery power was very good.

When I got my Nano, I decided to use the wire that came with the speaker cube to connect it with my iPod. Though the resulting sound wasn't as loud as if I had directly inserted an SD card into the device (if the speaker was on full-blast), it could be adjusted by having the speaker on full blast while setting the iPod volume to 3/4s of the way full.

In summary, get the MP3 cube if you want a value-for-money speaker/audio player  that does the job good.

Okay, back to the plugs. I now have 2 plugs that I have to distinguish every time I want to charge, since they have similarities. It's not so hard to tell the difference when you look closer though. Here's a side-by-side comparison:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] (Left) Apple original plug and (Right) generic/fake plug[/caption]

Exhibit A: Front View

The very first way to distinguish the real one from the fake one has got to be text printed on the surface of the plug. Apple's has a more natural look to it, whereas the generic one has a "stamped-on" appearance to it. Second, the actual text differs. Apple's says "Designed by Apple in California," while generic's says "Designed HT WHP in California." Third, the shade of gray and texture on each plug's face is different. Apple's is a lighter color with a smooth, frosted/matte texture, while the generic one is darker with a patterned/rough surface.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] (Left) Apple original plug and (Right) generic plug[/caption]

Exhibit B: Back View

The most glaringly obvious differences can be found in the backs of the plugs. Apple's USB slot is found at the top, while the generic one's slot is found near the bottom. Upon further inspection, I noticed how the USB slot in the generic one is looking a bit crooked. Also, the colors of the faces are different again, with the generic one having a yellowish tinge to it.

The Verdict:

Well, it's not so confusing when you put the two side-by-side. Will I still use the generic plug? Not if I can help it. When it comes to electronics, I try not to risk it. I've had an awful experience with second-rate goods before, so I don't like to take my chances.

BEAutiful Soul: The Almost Acca Kappa

It all started with an argument... I was going out on an errand and was completing my so-called OOTD with a spritz (or four!) of cologne, which just so happened to be my mom's Acca Kappa Muschio Bianco that day. (I've been known to sneak a few spritzes of the clean-smelling scent when the mood strikes.) Mom was there and got a little upset that I was using her special occasion scent for errands.

Mom: Don't use that. I hardly use it myself, only saving it for when there are big events.

Me: You hoard perfumes, and you totally shouldn't. They either dry up or start to stink.

Okay, I feel a little bad for using her favorite scent for a mall run, so I opted to shop for my own bottle of an alternative instead. That's right, Acca Kappa has an alternative that's very affordable at PHP 348. May I present Kashieca BEAutiful Soul:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Isn't the bottle reminiscent of Givenchy's Dahlia Noir?[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="354"] Dahlia Noir[/caption]

It's been around since 2010, but I've only just discovered it this year because I can be very out-of-the-loop sometimes. I was window shopping some months ago with my mom, and she was so amazed that it smelled exactly like Muschio Bianco. At the time, we didn't bother getting it because she still had a mostly full bottle of Acca Kappa on her dresser. It stuck with me though.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Musky[/caption]

What's nice:

• The packaging is pretty with regard to box and bottle. Like I said, the bottle shape and lid brought to mind a stripped-down Dahlia Noir, while the box is a little quirky but cute. Seeing that it's a celebrity scent for Bea Alonzo, the box design is probably a nod to her.


• Under the lid is a black spritzer which I thought added a touch of class.

What's fneh:

• The bottle size is bulky for small purses, but PHP 348 for 65 mL is a good deal. Okay, no complaints! Thank goodness I'm used to lugging around a sack of a bag.


• On me, it doesn't have much of a staying power. To be fair, my skin makes fragrances with high alcohol content vanish in a jiffy. Even the actual Acca Kappa cologne doesn't last that long. Re-sprays are inevitable.


• Of course, this scent is not a 100% replica of Acca Kappa. You get the clean muschio bianco scent at the beginning that eventually has a dry down of fruity-meets-spicy pink peppercorn.

What's not nice:

• A sticker label on the bottle comes off as a little tacky if you're conscious about displaying it on a show dresser.

Rating: 4.5/5. Nice enough for daily use. I'd personally wear this at home or outside when I don't want a scent that leaves too much of an impression. In short, it's good for a mellow day.

Avon Anew 360 White Intensive Serum

(Note: It's been around a while, but I'd like to review this since I've only just started using it and I can't seem to find other reviews on the net.)

Truth be told, I have a smattering of light-colored freckles on me. It's a natural process, so I've taken to ignoring it. This year, I seem to have developed one or two deeply colored dark spots that I absolutely detest, so I'm willing to finally try a whitening product. When I read the ingredients for Anew 360 White Intensive Serum, I was pleasantly surprised to find Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate listed somewhere in there. Because that matches my Tony Moly Intensive Care Galactomyces First Essence (not to mention yeast ferment is the key ingredient of luxury products like SK-II), I decided to pair the two together and see if my little lightening experiment is going to work.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] New and improved ingredients list[/caption]

It's worth mentioning, that 360 White Intensive Serum has undergone a makeover, packaging- and ingredients-wise. How do I know? Mom has been using this even before I became interested with this line. The old bottle was also very modern-looking, suitable to the year 2000's design of sleek, smooth, silvery, and robot-like. The serum dispenses through a dropper that I thought impractical when I tested Mom's bottle, since it was only able to hold a small amount of liquid at a time and was kind of messy to dispense because of the consistency of the product. On the other hand, the new bottle is coated in a shimmery white color that fades with a gradient effect towards the bottom, revealing the actual color of the serum. The new packaging also has more lines and edges. It's literally more edgy. For the ingredients, I did a side-by-side comparison of the old packaging and the new one. There were slight differences with the type/s of ferment filtrate, but I just shrugged it off.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="461"] (Left) The year 2000's 360 White Serum; (Right) Current Packaging of the serum[/caption]

After applying my essence and waiting a few minutes for it to completely dry, I put 2-3 pumps of the serum all over my face and neck twice a day.

This is actually my first ever bottle of serum. I've always just stuck to creams and gels in the past. Let me tell you, I love the texture of serum! Creams tend to look shiny and feel too thick, but you have to endure it because of the need for moisture. This is wonderfully smooth, but I still occasionally top it off with some moisturizer when my skin is feeling a little parched.

Verdict:

When I saw this in the brochure, I was impressed by its claim of PSP technology, something about how the formula emulates the way the skin on the palms don't develop any dark spots. This product is supposed to block melanin formation, so goodbye dark spots.

Pros:

• I like serums now, thanks to this! I've always just used moisturizers and am, therefore, immune to the thick texture of creams. Serums are ideal for when you want non-stick skin. If I'm staying at home and out of the sun, I think I could get away with just serum.


• In my opinion, it seems to have had some effect. Don't know if my eyes deceive me, but it seems like the edges on my ridiculously darkly-colored dark spot has lightened a bit.

Cons:

• Especially around the nose area, I sometimes get a small stinging sensation. (Or maybe it's just that I have a very sensitive nose area. It tends to react that way with a lot of other products.)

Will I repurchase? Not just yet. It's an okay product, but not something I have rave reviews for. I recommend using this for maintenance of already-fair skin. Also, I have another Avon Anew product slated for review after this, so I'll wait and see how that one fares.

Overall, I'd give it a 3.5/5 rating. Slightly above average for working to a certain extent. Nothing amazing though. For the sale price I bought it at PHP 699, I would say that it offers so-so value for money. (Whitening products in the Philippines are often sold at a premium price.) A month later, this went on sale again for PHP 699, but with a free small jar of Anew 360 White day or night cream. Try to wait it out for a nicer offer to get more bang for your buck.

The Vitamin Fix

When we hit the road, we hit the road hard. When I say "we", I mean just about anyone who I work or hang out with. It's usually very intense when I've got work to do, so the sleep-deprived nights are part of the deal. Eventually, the immune system conks out from the fatigue and I start coming down with a cold, a cough, or a fever. Yes, I'm well-aware that my habits aren't precisely to-die-for.

After all is said and done, there is no substitute for the genuine article: R&R (rest and relaxation). BUT if you find that you have to keep yourself going in spite of your exhaustion (be it from travel-related fatigue or work weariness), sometimes the best solution is to add some effervescence to the mix.

I am obsessed with effervescent vitamin tablets. It seems to me that they're the fastest way to get a much-needed energy kick. Mind you, this is no Sting, Red Bull, or Cobra. The nice flavor and fizzed-up water provides a pick-me-up when you need something in a flash. Plus, if you don't want to get out of control with the instant juice mixes, this is a pretty clever alternative.

As you can see from the photo, I've stocked up the best I can. Redoxon (leftmost and rightmost on the photo) seems to be readily available most anywhere except the Philippines. It's sold in Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, etc. For the life of me, I haven't found it in Manila. Optisana (second to the left) can be found in... Santi's Delicatessen for PHP 96. Cheaper than Berocca, but I haven't had the chance to compare vitamin content. Finally, Dr. Elizabeth's (second to the right) was on sale, but I don't remember the price.

The con? Make no mistake, these are all sugar-free but contain aspartame. That's why I still take the regular old pill-form vitamins. I just like to have one of these canisters in my purse for when I'm feeling like something nasty is about to come on. A little vitamin boost may just be what the doctor ordered...

Eco Friendly Baggie

In supporting the eco-friendly Philippines movement, I've indulged in countless eco bags to haul my purchases in—not that I have that many purchases to speak of. Most times, I use the generic, cheapo bags that all the big groceries offer. It's inexpensive and can haul some heavy loads so long as the bottom is supported while carrying.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="324"] Typical, but it works[/caption]

Last Saturday, I met with some old friends to celebrate our group Christmas party. Eva of UVLA Store gave all the gals goodies from her collection.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] (Left) Pouch and (Right) Bag[/caption]

Aren't these just the cutest eco bags??? They're very Bohemian, well-suited to the quirky, vintage-loving, Cubao  X crowd. I've been telling Eva that she reminds me of Jessica Day, Zooey Deschanel's hipster-chic character from New Girl.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Who's that girl? It's Jess Eva![/caption]

If you're in the Cubao area, do stop by UVLA Store at Cubao X. I guarantee that each visit will be interesting, since they've always got some freshly acquired toy or trinket to gawk at.

Beauty for a Cause

Impulse buying this holiday season has mostly gotten me into trouble! Nothing terrible, mind you, but just a tad bit excessive than the budget I usually stick to. Of course, that can be expected of the holidays. Cosmetic companies are forever coming up with gift/value packs, palettes, and other special edition items, making it the ideal time to hoard beauty loot for the year ahead. One of my explorations have brought me to the web-based doorstep of Bon Marche, an online beauty store that deals US brands for competitive prices.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Budget-friendly US drugstore brands and more[/caption]

Yes, I know it sounds like an endorsement, but I'm not affiliated with Bon Marche. I just really like their offerings. For example, I saw a special offer by the shop to help out the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Selected items from Maybelline, Revlon, and Burt's Bees were offered at PHP 180 each, with all proceeds going to charity. Perhaps this was one time when my impulse buying could actually do some good. Here's what I ended up getting:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Revlon Diamond Lust Eyeshadow in Plum Galaxy and Colorburst Lip Butter in Sugar Frosting[/caption]

For the record, I was very pleased with Bon Marche's service. The transaction was quick and painless, while the delivery was prompt. I paid PHP 180 each for the eyeshadow and lipstick, plus the PHP 60 shipping fee. My (sealed!) Revlon goodies came packed properly, and the eyeshadow was bubble wrapped for safety. I was positively giddy when the package arrived and, yes, I do plan on purchasing more stuff from Bon Marche in future. :)

The Mask

When I have the time, I like to do these once-a-week "Spa" Days at home where I'll do some hair and face treatments from the comfort of my own bathroom. Out come the scrubs, deep conditioners, and pore cleansing strips. To add some flavor to the routine, I became  interested in trying out a  face mask from The Face Shop to see if they actually make a difference. This is the result:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="384"] Either I look like a luchador or a wannabe Bloody Face from American Horror Story[/caption]

Apart from looking stupid for the duration of the treatment, did I notice any beautifying effects?... Um, yes and no. Yes in that there is moisture—too much moisture—literally dripping from the mask. Since the blogs I read beforehand didn't go into detail on the 'how-to's of using these types of face masks, I was a little clueless coming in. The mask sheet was practically submerged in liquid from the packaging. I had to keep it on my face for a good 15 minutes. As much as possible, I didn't try to wring out the liquid to get a soak. However, that caused the formula to drip down my neck or onto my scalp. Suffice it to say, it was a weird sensation.

No, because it feels all too temporary. Why should I bother with a soaked mask sheet that comes off in a little bit when I could just spring for a cream-type sleeping mask that comes on like any old moisturizer? No mess and no need to time.

All in all, I think it is but a novelty. If you receive it for free with your PHP 500 and above purchase from a Korean makeup brand, then that's well and good. As for going out and buying it on purpose (even though it costs as little as PHP 50), I'd think twice.

A Magical Christmas

Perhaps magic is in the air this "fall". 

A Hairy Mess Part 2

Apart from a good ol' rinse-off hair treatment, crazy frizzy locks like mine require other products to weigh it down. I've tried leave-on conditioners before (Sunsilk's Smooth and Manageable and Pantene), but now I want to spring for some hair oil because it's the new "it" product for hair. Dove Hair Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Serum, to be precise. (Fun Fact: In the US, Dove haircare's endorser is Parks and Recreation's Rashida Jones.)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Dove Nourishing Oil Care Nutri-Oil Serum[/caption]

It seemed like a bad idea at first, because hair oil on a person who doesn't want greasy strands sounds so counterproductive. But as long as the product stays away from the roots, then all should be well. The intended use of a hair oil is mostly to add a bit of shine to otherwise dull hair, in addition to moisturizing and smoothing the strands. IMHO Perhaps the appeal of the oil over leave-on conditioners is that the formula is often lighter or weightless. If you have thick hair and you don't want the added volume, maybe a thinner liquid like this is ideal.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Product info[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Ingredients[/caption]

You get 40ml of oil in a plastic bottle with pump dispenser for PHP 239. Compared to a leave-on, that's expensive, but I personally only use 2-3 pumps at a time and only when I remember to put it on. It'll last me a good couple of months. The small size makes it a staple in my bag as it's so easy to tote around when a quick hair fix is needed.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] 2-3 pumps on the palm[/caption]

When you think of serum, what comes to mind is a consistency that's thicker than oil or water but thinner than cream. This particular hair serum has the exact consistency of oil, so don't be surprised that it's runny. Like I said, I employ 2-3 pumps of product for my chest-length hair. I like to warm the oil in my palms by thoroughly rubbing both hands together and then applying to the hair from the nape of the neck down. Then I comb to spread it out evenly. Sometimes I use it while my hair is still damp, but mostly I like to apply when my hair is already dry. I try to be very careful with the amount I pump out. Too much of any oil becomes greasy.

The make or break factor of this oil serum has got to be the scent. It has this strong, slightly smoky smell that reminds me of a gentleman's pomade of olden times. If you don't want a product that messes with your shampoo and/or conditioner's scent, this is so not for you. If you're okay with that type of scent, then this is a handy product to have in your purse. Something I'd give a 4.5/5 to because of the sometimes-distracting scent.

Simply Pretty Glitter and Shine Collection Mini Eyeliner

When sleep is but an illusion, brightly colored eyeliner can put a look together in a flash—not to mention brighten the eye area a great deal. If you're trying not to look tired, I recommend bright eyeliner to distract from the bags and dark circles. Personally, I've not had so much courage to use it before now, since I believed I would look too silly. (Can you say 'rave-ready' or 'teeny-bopper'?) Thank goodness I was a little more open-minded this month!

Weapon of choice is Avon's Simply Pretty Glitter and Shine Collection Mini Eyeliner in Emerald. I was instantly attracted to this because of the oh-so-tiny size. Anything that'll lessen the weight of my hefty bags are a welcome addition to my kikay kit. At the PHP 79 sale price (regular price is PHP 99), it was hard to refuse!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] A mini that packs a punch[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Ingredients[/caption]

Given that 0.2g of product sounds like next-to-nothing,  I didn't have any high expectations for the amount inside the little tube. When I opened it up and twisted to full-capacity, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the amount of eyeliner was quite long that it was more than half of the tube's body. In short, they didn't skimp just because the packaging was small. Good value-for-money.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Next to a tube of Clinique Longlast Glosswear[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] A fair amount of product inside[/caption]

In an attempt to create an everyday, budget-friendly FOTD, I paired this with basic green eye shadow from Careline. The lipgloss for this look was Clinique's Longlast Glosswear in Tenderheart.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Green eye, neutral lip[/caption]

Time to get down to business: First thing you absolutely must know about this eyeliner is that it contains glitter. Not shimmer, but tiny pieces of GLITTER. (This has already been indicated in the name of the product, so take this literally.) If you hate glitter, this is just a big "NO" on so many levels because it has a lot of said glitter to the point that application means repeatedly going back and forth to achieve a noticeable effect. In my case, I used it on the upper and lower lashlines.

The longevity is good. I was out of the house from morning to night and the eyeliner was able to stay put the entire time. A word to the wise: avoid the waterline and the area near the tear ducts. I had no problems the first time I used this, but got some on the tear duct area the second time, so my eyes started to itch like crazy. That's to be expected of glitter.

Out of sheer enthusiasm, I also decided to get the other two colors available which are Amethyst (a shimmery blue-violet, reminiscent of blueberry cheesecake topping) and Amber (a subtle, shimmery gold for a more neutral look).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="574"] Amber (L), Amethyst (R)[/caption]

I'd give these (all colors of this eyeliner range) a 5/5 rating for having good value-for-money, long wear-time, and consistent quality with what the brochure describes. As for irritation from the glitter, it's use-at-your-own-risk because it's a glitter eyeliner, after all.

November 2013 Favorites

Is it getting chillier at all? I hardly even feel it! Either way, I get extremely enthusiastic about moisturizing this time of year. Here are my favorites this month:

1. Belo Essentials Skin Hydrating Whitening Facial Wash - Mild, pleasantly-scented, hypoallergenic, and non-drying. Gentle enough to use thrice-a-day if you like a midday refresh session. It's good to have in your stash. (Read my full review here.)

2. Gluta-C Intense Whitening Alcohol-Free Whitening Toner - Despite the fact that the word "whitening" is used in every other phrase on the packaging, it removes leftover makeup gunk without causing the dreaded redness to my skin. It's dermatologist tested and fairly inexpensive. A good deal. (Full review here. )

3. Nivea Baby Smoothy Cream - Another hypoallergenic product that makes my skin happy. I'm addicted to the newly-bathed baby scent! The texture is so mild and silky that I feel pampered every time I use this. (Click here for the full review.)

The common thread to these face products are the milder ingredients. I've been pushing for starting  the use of anti-aging formulas at a young age, but I realized that this is the time when youthful skin is still working to my favor, so I decided to pass on the clinical-strength ingredients this time. As for the rest of the collection:

4. Garnier Light Eye Roll-On - It's for the lazy ones, so I love it!  The roll on applicator is such a cinch to use, while the formula feels cool on the little metal ball and dries non-sticky. Best for using under makeup and fits easily in any purse. This was made for the travel kit.

5. Avon Skin So Soft Silky Moisture Ultra Moisturizing Body Lotion + Argan - Thick and rich but non-greasy, this lotion is ideal for chillier weather in a humid country, plus it's soothing to put on. Not a big fan of the scent though. It smells like a revamped version of those old-fashioned lotions and creams  mom had.

6. Urban Rituelle Cotton Candy Lip Balm - It takes me forever  to finish a tin of lip balm. This contains a bunch of natural oils and some sunscreen, making it handy to have around any time of the year.

 

Sharing what I learned this month, please remember to go easy on your skin! It does get overwhelmed from the rainbow of beauty goods out there. Everyone should have a set of back-to-the-basics items in their loot for when it's time to take a breather.

Belo Essentials Skin Hydrating Whitening Facial Wash

I've never been tempted to become "Belo-fied" before in my life, but my skin had been going through a crisis recently. Fine breakouts were showing up to the sides of my nose and there was also a noticeable redness. It got to the point that I was Googling what could have caused the irritation. Finally, I was feeling open-minded enough to try Dr. Vicky Belo's for-mass-consumption range of beauty products.

To those who are unfamiliar with Vicky Belo's work, you could say she is the Philippine equivalent of LA's Dr. Lancer, dermatologist to the stars. That also means that her services come with a very hefty price tag, so I wasn't much of a fan. On a girl's day out, Eva (of Uvla Store fame) told me she used Belo Essentials Skin Hydrating Whitening Face Wash because she considered it similar in quality and effect to Neutrogena's classic amber-colored cleanser. According to her, anything other than a clear gel type of cleanser made her prone to skin irritation.  The recommendation stuck with me until a week later, when I finally gave in and picked a tube up from a nearby Mercury Drug.

By Philippine market standards, this 100mL tube of PHP 120+ face wash is considered affordable. It's a soap-free gel formula with a blue-green tint that's also hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested (by Belo, duh!). There's a mild scent that I consider clean and relaxing, if slightly feminine. It also promises to whiten in just 7 days because that's a national obsession here.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="432"] The ingredients are so hard to read[/caption]

Generally, when it comes to cleansing, people tend to believe that the more a face wash becomes sudsy, the more effective it is at stripping away impurities. Admittedly, even I feel the same way. Such is not the case with Belo. The gel has to be rubbed between wet hands thoroughly in order to produce only a slight lather. That's why I tend to squeeze out two pea-sized drops versus the one pea-sized drop that usually does the trick with other brands of face wash that I've used.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="378"] Clear gel goo that looks blue-green inside the tube[/caption]

My face feels clean and oil-free post-rinse. There's a pleasant minty sensation equivalent to what PH Care Cool Wind does for the lady bits. (Hehe.) It's non-drying because my face doesn't feel tight afterwards and doesn't re-grease any faster than usual. In short, it's a good product worthy of the hype. Here I was thinking that making a mass-consumption line on Belo's part was merely a ploy to sell generic, so-so products for slightly elevated prices because of her bold "Belo-fied" campaign. Well, I'm glad to have been proven wrong.

I'd give it a 5/5 rating for being affordable and oh-so-gentle on my abused skin. Don't mind the just-okay packaging.

Avon Only Imagine... Eau de Parfum

I finally cracked and got myself an Avon perfume. The brand is very proud in claiming to be the number 1 scent retailer in the country. That's enough to pique my interest. Right around the time they launched this new scent with Angel Locsin appearing as the face of Only Imagine..., I was sniffing around the rub-and-sniff page of the brochure and thought it smelled nice, very different from their usual scents (ehem, Sweet Honesty, ehem). That's how I came to purchase a bottle. I was also gifted with a free tote bag, by the way. Purple, floral, nothing special.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Box and bottle[/caption]

As you can see, there's a frilly abomination that "adorns" the one-size 50mL bottle. I read from the US Avon reviews that some girls chose to take it out for  practicality's sake. I decided to do the same. After all, it's trickier to hold on to a bottle with a big, frilly thing at the neck.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] After I took out the decor, it looked classier.[/caption]

The wide, curvy bottle shape and the gradient color design made me think of Estee Lauder's Beyond Paradise in a far-off, this-must-smell-like-a-bouquet sense:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="341"] Colorful[/caption]

Scent-wise, it's the love child of Estee Lauder's Pleasures (Only Imagine and Pleasures both evoke in me an image of a field of crisp flowers) and DKNY's Be Delicious (apple). Floral, fruity, refreshing. The top note is an immediate burst of crisp apple that bends into a sweet-ish floral (violets, as the Avon brochures indicate), ending into a slightly powdery drydown. On a general note: It seems to me that most, if not all, Avon scents have a powdery scent base. It appears to be their signature.

I've been using this for over 3 weeks now and my biggest comment simply has to be about the lack of longevity on my skin. Frankly, I don't blame Avon. I know that each person has a different body chemistry with a scent, so it's hard to definitively say that it doesn't last in general. On my clothes, it does. On me, nope, it's gone within the hour. I have to tote the bottle around to re-spritz as needed.

Needless to say, I doubt I'll be replenishing my supply once this runs out. I've come across scents out there that are cheaper and last longer. I'd give this a 4.5/5 because the scent is refined and may last longer on someone else. Just not on me.

A Hairy Mess Part 1

Of all the parts of me I make sure to moisturize/hydrate, the most neglected one has got to be my hair. Ask my friends and they'll tell you that I've always had the crazy hair. So much so that I simply gave up on it and stuck to a perpetual ponytail for the last few years. This year, I decided to give it  another shot. Maybe there exists an enchanted formula that can tame the beast that is my mane. Besides, I was in the mood for hoarding beauty prods anyway, so why leave the hair hanging?


On impulse, I went to the grocery store and browsed through the selection of hair treatments. I chanced upon Cream Silk Anti Hairfall Perfection Intensive Treatment Mask (from what I remember, about PHP 220+) and opened the jar out of  curiosity. At first, the scent was overwhelming, a floral perfume that was too strong to ignore. I left but came back a few minutes later to give it another chance. Meh, okay, why not? At least it didn't smell like chemical or medicine.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Cream Silk Anti-hairfall Perfection Intensive Treatment Mask[/caption]

You get 160mL of product in each tub. Well, that'll last me for a good, long time. I usually use these things only when I remember to. When I'm not too lazy, I'll do the treatment once a week. The instructions indicate to leave on the product for just 5 minutes, but I choose to go the extra mile and encase my hair in a shower cap while taking my sweet time at 10 minutes to give it a "hot oil" treatment.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Instructions[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Ingredients[/caption]

The texture of the product is pleasant. It may look waxy when you first open the tub, but it's more like immensely thick or rich conditioner. I apply it to the bottom half of my hair because I don't appreciate an oily Professor Snape look.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Forgive the state it's in. I've been clawing at it once-a-week for an entire month now[/caption]

While I won't bother with a Before/After photo for this entry, I will say that the treatment makes good on at least 1 count. Hair feels softer immediately after. The scent also fades to nothingness after I rinse out the treatment thoroughly. As I write this, I am periodically sniffing my hair and I'm getting next to nothing. (If you don't like all your hair product scents mixing into a big mumbo-jumbe, then this one's for you.) I'm not qualified to talk about anti-hairfall because I'm guessing that this claim is only valid if you use the entire Cream Silk Anti-hairfall range.

In general, most rinse-off hair treatments are the same in nature. They all promise to strengten/repair/soften hair, so the practical consumer will likely consider price and scent as more of a telling indication. This brand does the job properly, doesn't leave a cloying scent, and rinses out well. I'd award it a 4/5 rating. You feel the immediate effects, and it's a good at-home haircare maintenance program. While it's not the cheapest, it is also not the most expensive.

 

"A Hairy Mess" Series To Be Continued....

 

 

Tony Moly Intense Care Galactomyces First Essence 94.5%

What's all the rage in Korea? SK-II copycats, that's what! It used to be that when you thought of yeast cells, what came to mind instantly was wine, bread, vinegar... or infection. These days, beauty products are manufactured to contain concentrated amounts of miracle ingredients found in the most unexpected of places. Since I can't afford the legendary SK-II, I'm perfectly happy with scouting for a dupe to take its place. Behold, Tony Moly Intense Care Galactomyces First Essence 94.5%.

I'm not much of a loyalista when it comes to Korean beauty products, so I still get confused with their elaborate product lines. There are essences, lotions, serums, and emulsions, and it's so hard to keep track of what to use first. I usually end up not bothering to purchase the whole line, instead choosing what to get according to what I need. From my understanding, First Essence = Toner, so that's what I sprung for.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Ingredients[/caption]

It's not the usual alcohol-based toner, so it's preferably poured (a couple of drops) onto the palm or fingers and lightly massaged onto the face. At least, that's how the Tony Moly sales staff instructed me. That way, you keep wastage to a minimum. On the other hand, if you prefer a cotton pad/ball, then that's fine, too.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] I put it in one of my dropper vials, so that I don't have to fiddle with the big bottle. I only just use a few drops at a time.[/caption]

It looks like water, pours like water, but has a slight stickiness once it dries up. Methinks it's the Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, the main ingredient to this essence. Another notable sensation is a slight warm, tingling feeling on the skin. It's only temporary though. I've been using this for a month now and it looks like the supply is going to last me at least 3 months.

On the effects department, I wouldn't say that this made my skin glow, unlike with the phenomenal reviews for SK-II. For me, it was mostly an added bit of moisturization. No dry patches for me, but also because I've paired this with a serum and a finishing moisturizer. (More on that later.) This is ideal for those who'd like to start using toner, but don't want something too strong like an astringent. If you don't mind the sticky feeling, then go for it.

Will I be stocking up on this? I don't think so. In this humid country, the last thing I want to feel is even more sticky. When you buy toner, you generally expect a refreshing feeling. This is not that. I've had the opportunity of trying SK-II (the real deal) on the back of my hand (in two or three different occasions) from department store counters. It doesn't feel sticky.

Rating: 3.5/5

Pore Cloggage

I've been trying out a slew of new products this week, as well as alternating old products so they get equal mileage. Well, I guess it was inevitable that I experienced a breakout. Perhaps that also had to do with the late nights, but I digress. The culprits are:

• A) This freshly purchased bottle of serum I've started using


• B) A 'natural source' toner I've started using regularly (whereas I'd only dab it on occasionally before)


• C) My old 'new' foundation powder that's only been used a handful of times

I decided to stop using the 3 altogether and went back to my surefire clear skin toner, my overnight miracle that's cheaper and much more effective than Mario Badescu drying lotion (pffft). Like I said, it worked like a charm and the breakout subsided by 40% overnight, then my skin gradually healed itself the rest of the way. Meanwhile, I started reintroducing the products again to my regimen, albeit one at a time, to see which one caused the breakout.

Was it the serum? No, I don't think so. I'm aware that serums are more concentrated, so their 'stripping' properties may be more potent and thus possibly causing irritation. I was even warned by the sales woman that breakouts the first week of usage are commonplace, since the skin needs to get used to the new treatment. However, resuming its use didn't cause any problems. Ditto on the toner. Aaah, so it was the powder foundation all along. J'accuse:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Eeeek! Sephora Compact Foundation is bad for me[/caption]

How ghastly! It was clogging my pores all along. To think this cost me an arm and a leg back when I only had my allowance to spend. It only goes to show that a ridiculous price tag is not always synonymous to quality. Same goes for imported products: Just because it was manufactured in some far-off location—in this case, Italy—doesn't mean it won't give you a mother of a breakout.

I am now searching for a decent powder compact.

The Perils of Blogging

I've probably been in a funk lately. After reading a post written by a friend about her musings on the meaning of life, I took a little step back. I've been blogging since high school, when it wasn't as much of a mainstream thing. I was blogging before all the food and beauty bloggers did nothing but review products and places and re-post press releases. In short, I was blogging before it became the next big business decision to professionally blog.

It only took me a few minutes to think back to how I started. My first home on the internet was in Blogspot.com. It was during this time that I got interested in writing. I eventually moved to Livejournal where it was a bit more social with other LJ users, hence a lot more fun. At this point, I did a couple of reviews but mostly stuck to writing about the goings-on in my life. When the ownership changed (and so did the system), that's when I got into Multiply. For a while, Multiply was great because all my friends had their own pages. I was able to do a bit more reviewing, but there were also the photo albums to fill. Then it was purchased by another company and the site became jeje. *shudder* I stopped blogging for a while after that, but eventually found Wordpress. Here I am.

The lesson? When the website starts to go south, it's time to migrate. Aside from that, I was able to realize how my blog has matured over the years. Right now, I'm not particularly happy that I've mostly limited my writing to reviews. Whatever happened to just sharing my thoughts without them needing to go behind a product? No wonder I've been experiencing the burnout. Thoughts don't always have to be categorized into grading systems. I was just caught up in the excitement of it all, seeing some bloggers prosper and turn their writing into a business opportunity.

Honestly speaking, I don't think I can compete with that. I'd rather do this for the enjoyment and as a way to channel my stress and frustrations into a positive effort than to be obligated to mete out a satisfying review. Reviews are fun—as are increasing followers—but having my sanity intact is definitely more useful to me. I'm glad to have written this entry and to share my thoughts in earnest this time.

Crazy, Nutty Beauty Secrets

Sometimes, when we say 'Beauty Craze', we actually mean it. I read this article on the unconventional beauty practices some famous actresses do to maintain their good looks. Some are a little on the hippie side, while others sound downright absurd. While I personally wouldn't try most of the stuff these famous ladies have, I do respect their efforts in the name of vanity. I mean, girls the world over have probably—at one point or another—tried a walk on the wild side, beauty-wise. If I had to lay my cards out on the table, I'll admit that I've tried the following:

• Oatmeal Mask

It involved quick-cooking oats and some fresh milk. I was a high school freshman then, so cut me some slack. The milk was warmed, the oats were thrown in, I waited until the soft mixture cooled down a bit, then I did the deed.

Result: It dried up and hardened on my face. A damp face towel does the trick to remove it, but what a mess I made when the oat bits clogged the drain. Mom also got a bit upset at the waste of food. My face felt a bit firm afterwards, but that's probably just from the dried oats.

• DIY Foot Blush

This is something anyone can try at home, so I seriously wonder why people still buy foot blush from the stores. Get an empty spray bottle, fill it with mineral water, add a few drops of red food coloring, add a scent if you'd like, then shake well to mix. Test it out to see if you've put enough red food coloring in that it gives the desired rosiness to the soles of your feet.

Result: Honestly, I have no patience for this sort of thing. After two days, I basically stopped caring what the soles of my feet looked like. As long as my feet and toenails are free of dirt, then I'm a-okay.  The spray has been left unused for several years and I've had to dump it in the end.

• Sugar Scrub

It started with the Christmas bazaars. Back in 2007, our family regularly went to the countless Christmas bazaars that took place annually around the metro. Beauty product vendors were always a staple and they had a host of homemade-looking goods. Why spend so much on a sugar scrub that looked like it was easily cooked up in someone else's kitchen? I took matters into my own hands and raided the pantry. While I don't remember oh-so-clearly what went into that mix, I do recall that toasted coconut oil (a present from an aunt who came from the province) was the main ingredient.

Result: Oh yes, what a sweet and sticky mess this turned out to be. It smelled alright, but I stopped using after I found ants feasting on the residue that got left behind in the shower. Duh, it was the sugar.

• Chocolate Lip Balm

Again, another bazaar find. I loved the scented and flavored lip balms out in the market, so I crafted my own out of fabulously scented Ricoa chocolate syrup, a few drops of olive oil, and Vaseline.

Result: Delicious lip balm if used sparingly. The problem? Maybe too delicious. A friend heard of my experiment, asked me to make her a jar, and she ended up eating it. True story. I retired soon after that.

~~~

Whew! It seems I did a lot of crazy beauty stuff in my time. Wonder what everyone else has done in the weird vanity experiment department...

Going The Way of Kohl

With the sheer number of makeup brands housed in our leading department stores, we don't really need to go so far and wide to find the product/s we need. Admittedly, it takes a bit of the fun out of hunting for the next must-have item, but the convenience is unbeatable. Personally, I don't mind shopping around until I find the brand or product that will truly capture my attention. (Hey, it's part of the process.) My latest re-discovery of a non-department store brand just so happens to be Avon.

You may be thinking, "What the...?! Who still uses Avon?" As it turns out, I do. Don't knock it 'till you've tried it. The way I see it, all the brands in the world (high-end, low-end, or mid-range) and all their existing product lines are easily broken down to ingredients and their benefits. If it's a dupe for a premium product that also happens to be affordable, then I am all for it!

Today, I'm going to do a review on Avon Kohl Liner in Brown as part of my Avon review series.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Ingredients[/caption]

This eyeliner is new on the Avon brochures, what with it being at an intro price of PHP129 and all. Regular price is PHP199, by the way. It's packaging is in the old crayon-style of kohl liners, meaning the amount you see is also the amount you get without needing to sharpen or twist the tube. That's 1g of product for you, a reasonable amount for the price.

For those new to kohl, all you have to do is apply it like you would your regular liner. This type of liner is slightly creamier than the average pencil-type, so that smudging for softer definition is a possibility.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Pre-Smudge[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Post-Smudge[/caption]

I love no-sharpen eyeliners because I hate the little shavings that are inevitably produced by pencil-types. My biggest complaint about this is that you have to take extra care in removing the clear plastic lid from the pencil lest you accidentally break or deform the soft content. Applying it is fairly easy as it glides on smoothly. You just have to keep it slanted at an angle, so as to maintain the pointed shape of the kohl. Then you can smudge away.

The color is a rich, dark bronze. It may look shimmery on the packaging and in the brochure, but that doesn't really make it onto the lashline. The staying power was pretty good when I wore it the whole day, with gradual—yet minimal—fading that partly depends on how neatly you smudge it.

Needless to say, a steady hand is a requirement for some precision smudging. If you are like me, pasmado (having shaky hands), then a smudger, soft brush, or Q-tip is most definitely recommended.

I'd give it:

4.5/5 - Good value for money at PHP129, but deduction for the inconvenience of needing to very carefully remove the cap each time the kohl is used.