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.