Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Hey guys!

My sister sent me these awesome exfoliating treatment that I can try from Kate Somerville. I've been seeing so many adds about this brand on Facebook and I haven't had the chance to try any products from them before my sister sent me this.


These are sample sachets and she recommends that I try them out. She really liked them and she thinks that I might like them too. 

I trust my sister when it comes to skincare recommendations. We have almost the same skin type—oily and acne-prone. She likes to try out products and recommends the good ones. I can't try them all though because most of her current purchases are $$$$$ pricey! Haha! :P

Anyway, I'll share with you my thoughts on this product. But first, check out what this product is all about from the labels:

And here's the info from the website:

Exfoliate and polish skin with ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment to reveal a glowing, fresh-from-the-Clinic complexion. Scrubbing Exfoliants are designed to deep clean pores while Fruit Enzymes help to clarify and renew skin, balancing hydration, without over-drying. See dramatically smoother, brighter, healthier-looking skin after just 1 use.
  • Papaya, Pineapple, and Pumpkin Enzymes are formulated to naturally exfoliate dead skin cells, without over-drying
  • Lactic Acid acts as a natural AHA skin exfoliator
  • Rosewood and Cinnamon Extracts stimulate micro-circulation
  • Honey and Vitamin E smooth and soften skin
  • Aloe Vera helps soothe skin
  • Vitamin A and C provide Antioxidant benefits
  • Soy-Lipid replenishes skin’s natural barrier function
  • Clinical Results

    In a Clinical Study after just 1 use:
    • Subjects showed a dramatic improvement in skin texture
    • Subjects showed up to 75% reduction in skin roughness
    • Subjects showed up to a 75% brighter complexion
    Results based on a visual evaluation of 20 subjects by an expert grader
    In a Consumer Use Study after just 1 use:
    • 88% of women reported smooth skin and improved texture
    • 84% of women reported softer skin
    • 72% of women reported a reduction in skin roughness and improved complexion
    Results based on an independent Clinical Study
    Clinical results1 include:
    • 75% reduction in skin roughness
    • 75% decrease in skin dullness
    • 88% of users said they had smoother skin and improved texture
    Results based on a visual evaluation of 20 subjects by an expert grader.

    Ingredients

    Water/Aqua/Eau, Lactic Acid, Polyethylene, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pectin, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit, Lactobacillus Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dehydroxanthan Gum, PEG-100 Stearate, Salicylic Acid, SD Alcohol 40-B, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Sorbic Acid, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil, Honey (Mel), Acetic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Bromelain, Papain, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Linalool, Limonene, Cinnamal, Beta-Carotene (CI 75130), Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex (CI 75810)
  • How To Use

    AM or PM. Use once or twice a week. Apply a thin, even layer to a clean, wet face, massaging in a circular motion for 30 seconds. Leave on for up to 2 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry.
    PRECAUTIONS: This product increases circulation, which may cause the skin to flush slightly for a short time. For sensitive skin, leave on for less than one minute, or use ExfoliKate® Gentle instead.

    Kate's Tips

    When you use ExfoliKate® in the shower, the steam will help to activate the enzymes, making it even more effective.



So I use this as instructed. I can't use the whole sample in one usage, maybe the 2ml sachet can last for 2-3 usages.


It smells ummm... herby? But the scent doesn't bother me. It looks like this slimy green thing but it has these super fine scrubs. When you massage it on the skin, the scrub is not too harsh but you can feel the gritty beads that help exfoliate the surface and dry areas of the face. 

This is really effective in brightening and exfoliating my face! I can immediately feel my skin getting smoother after rinsing it off. I was amazed the first time I used it. There's a precaution that it can cause a flush on skin but I didn't get any of that, just soft and smooth skin. No irritations whatsoever!

I'm so happy my sister got me some samples. I really love the result that this product gave to my skin. My problem now is how the heck can I get my hands on a full-size product? It's just too expensive for my budget... but I guess a good skincare product is worth investing.

What do you think? Would you splurge for a good great exfoliator/mask?


Cheers,
DAWN

Sunday, April 26, 2015

NOTD: Starry Blue Sky

Hey everyone!

I only have two weeks left for this semester in Grad School hence the less frequent blog posts. Last week was exhausting but my sparkly nails helped in making me feel better (yes, pretty things makes me happy).


So I've been sporting these nails for a week now and they haven't chipped, well... except for the nail on the thumb... there's a small one but you don't really notice it quickly.


Anyway, I used the polishes above. The Code polishes were bought from Jeju, South Korea. It was an unfamiliar brand and each polish is around $3.00 only so I bought some so I can try them out.


For the base, I chose the Code Professional Nail Polish in V503.

 I love this lavender color. It compliments my warm skin tone very well. :D
I can wear it alone but you know me, I get bored easily with plain nail color so I added glitters!

 I topped it off with Code Professional Nail Polish in G603.

 I added more at the tips so it looks darker with more glitters.


I just love this NOTD. It looks so magical. What do you think?


Cheers,
DAWN

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Heroine Make Mineral BB Loose Powder

Hey loves!

It was around last year that I became a fan of mineral makeup. I used to avoid them because the ones that I have used before were not able to conceal my skin problems such as pimples and acne scars. Plus, I think that they make my skin oilier than usual.

Anyway, since a brand made me change all those negative thoughts regarding mineral makeup, I became open to try out other mineral products from other brands. And that is why I bought this particular one...

Heroine Make Mineral BB Loose Powder

Bought this for Php 695.00.


I bought the shade 02 Natural. It is also available in 01 Light.


I bought this because I use loose powder on top of my foundation or BB Cream to prolong my makeup as well as for oil control. While I was browsing at Heroine Make's counter during their launch last year, I saw this product and tried the tester. The powder was silky soft and I love that it has a warm tone. I got excited and I was sure that I will buy myself one when I need a new loose powder.


And after some months, I finally bought one! Yay!


If you see the labels at the back of the packaging which I posted above, you'll see that it promises to do the things I want my loose powder to do which is to prolong my makeup and control shine. But this powder adds more good stuff because it has SPF25 and has coverage! Yay!


It's housed in this cute, pink jar and includes a soft puff applicator.



I don't use the puff much because I prefer using my powder brushes for application. It's still very soft though and I still keep it as a stopper or to block the holes so that the jar won't get messy when I don't use it.


I've mentioned how soft and silky smooth this powder is when I first swatched it last year... and it still is! Check out the swatch below:


Love the color and the coverage. It's pretty close to my face's skin color.


And when blended, you can see that it does have coverage and yet it feels very light! I like that it doesn't sink in the lines of my skin and it doesn't appear cakey. And I like that it makes my skin matte but not flat... it still has a very light dewy/glowing finish.


Here's a pic of me with BB Cream and this Mineral BB Loose Powder on top. My BB cream was slightly lighter than my skin but this powder evened it out to match my skin tone. I love that it looks natural and fresh and somehow concealed some of my enlarged pores. My makeup can last the whole day and the oil control this gives is pretty decent, I just blot after 4-5 hours. It's really a good finishing powder!

Overall, this is a good product! I find the price pretty reasonable since it works nicely. I never encountered any breakouts nor irritations when I use this so I guess I have no bad experience with this one. I recommend you try it out!

What are your thoughts about the Heroine Make Mineral BB Loose Powder yet? What about their other products?


Cheers!
DAWN

Monday, April 20, 2015

Vitress Special Edition Solenn Hair Cuticle Coat

Hey guys!

So I've been sporting my ombre, curly hair for a year now and I've been thinking of getting a new hair style. But whenever I go out, I get some compliments that my hair looks really nice and that is why I keep postponing my plans to change my locks. I also think that my hair still looks fine so why change right? Anyway, I'll decide on changing my crowning glory in some other time. For now, I'll just share the current product I use to make my hair shiny and looking healthy this summer.

Vitress Special Edition Solenn Hair Cuticle Coat

I actually use the cream type hair polish ones from Vitress because I thought that they would be lighter and won't bring my hair down. But you know what, the hair cuticle coats works just as well!


This product promises to give the hair instant shine, softness, smoothness, and protection. It's affordable (It's only Php 80.00) as well!


This special edition product's formula and bottle was co-designed by Solenn herself!

I apply this after I towel dry my hair. I can't comb my hair after my bath because my permed curls would go straight so I just detangle using my fingers while my hair is wet. This product helps with detangling. I add more at the ends when my hair dries for a shinier finish.


Check out my hair. On the left is without the cuticle coat and on the right is with the product.

My hair looks shinier and they look more tamed and together. The curls are more noticeable as well.



I love that this inexpensive product can make my hair look so good with just a few amount applied. I just make sure that I apply just 2-3 pumps or else my hair will look very oily (I have naturally oily scalp to begin with). It might weigh down the hair and lessen the curls so just apply a small amount! :)

And that's all for my post about the Vitress Special Edition Solenn Hair Cuticle Coat. Any thoughts?


Cheers,
DAWN


Saturday, April 18, 2015

Cool Summer Days are Now in The Philippines with Bioré

Hey guys!

Summer this year is very hot, don't you agree? It's the best time to go out and enjoy the sun like go for a swim at a resort or the beach, or do some sporty activities... I heard mountain climbing is becoming popular nowadays too (don't expect me to do this though lol). But of course, since the sun is more intense right now, it can be more harmful to the skin. It's important to always wear sunscreen, especially when you're doing outdoor activities. So, with these in mind, I'm very excited to tell you guys that the number one sunscreen brand in Japan is now here in the Philippines!


I have already tried Bioré two years ago when a dear friend of mine gave me one as a gift. I became an instant fan when I first used it. I remembered how I loved how light it felt on skin and how easy it was to spread on the face. I also love that it doesn't make your face all white! It's just awesome!

So imagine how happy I was when I saw this package in the mail a few days ago...


I think my heart skipped a beat when I saw the Bioré logo. Haha! And check out how beautifully wrapped the package was! 

So what's inside? Two products for me to try! Yayyy!


You'll get to see my reviews on these babies soon...

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

 Bioré UV Perfect Face Milk

Wanna know more about Bioré? Read their press release below for more information about the Japanese skincare brand:


Cool Summer Days with Biore UV
Brace yourself, girls –  Summer is here! Are your bikinis, beach bag, and summer dresses ready? 

However and wherever you choose to spend the summer, you cannot enjoy it if you are worrying about the harmful UV rays and its harsh effects: sun burn, skin darkening, and premature aging. Well, worry no more! Biore UV, the no. 1 sunscreen brand from Japan*, is now in the Philippines!

Unlike other sun protection products that are icky-sticky, greasy-uneasy, Biore UV feels light, comfortable, and smooth.    There is absolutely no waiting time because it is easily absorbed by your skin after application.  With SPF50+ and PA++++, Biorè UV instantly provides you maximum protection from UVA and UVB rays which cause skin darkening and skin aging.  And to top it all off, Biorè UV is sweat-proof and works as a make-up base as well!

Biore UV has 2 series to choose from, the Aqua Rich Series and the Perfect Series.

Biorè Aqua Rich series products are water-based and feels cool and fresh upon application.   With the powerful combination of Hyaluronic acid plus orange, lemon, and grapefruit extracts, Biorè Aqua Rich series products give you maximum UV protection plus hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and moist after use.

Biorè Aqua Rich series has three variants :

1)Aqua Rich Watery Essence – Amazingly light even with SPF50+ and PA++++! Biorè UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence contains unique aqua micro capsules that release moisture upon application. It feels cool on skin and is instantly absorbed with a weightless and transparent finish! For use on face and body!

2)Aqua Rich Watery BB 3D Effect – Get high SPF protection with 3D brightening effect. Biorè UV Aqua Rich Watery BB cover pores, lines, and helps enhance facial contours. It provides good oil control and hydrates your skin at the same time!

3)Aqua Rich Whitening Essence – Moisturizing, Whitening, and with High SPF all in one! Biorè UV Aqua Rich Whitening Essence contains skin caring whitening ingredients to promote fairer, more translucent skin on your face!

Biorè UV Perfect series products are ultra-light and non-sticky with a matte or powder finish.  Skin feels comfortable and smooth while enjoying maximum UV protection. They are all sweat and water proof and works as perfect make-up base .

Biorè UV Perfect series also has three products to choose from:

1)Perfect Bright Face Milk – Make your face look brighter and smoother instantly! The Perfect Bright Face Milk contains fine, light correction powder to help cover pores and correct skin dullness.

2)Perfect Face Milk – Control oil and shine on your face for long hours! Perfect Face Milk contains sebum-absorbing powder that controls oil and shine.

3)Perfect Milk – Get maximum protection without getting the heavy, sticky feeling! Perfect Milk provides strong resistance against sweat, water, and sebum! UV block last very long. Perfect for exploring the great outdoors! For use on face and body.

So go ahead choose what Biore UV fits you then go out and have fun!  Don’t forget to put Biore UV every day!

_______________________________________________

Ooooh! I can't wait to test these out myself! I hope you can stay tune for my reviews soon. I'm very excited with the Perfect Face Milk since it is oil control and it works as a makeup base as well! Nice, right? :D

 Anyway, if you're interested to know more info and get updates from Bioré, check out their...



Biorè UV is available in these stores initially! 

Watsons:
Mall of Asia Mall 2, Mall of Asia 3, Watsons SM Aura Premier Mall, Watsons SM North Edsa Main, Watsons SM Tarlac, Watsons SM Sta. Mesa, Watsons SM Southmall, Watsons SM Manila DS, Watsons SM San Lazaro, Watsons SM Cebu 1, Watsons Ayala Center Cebu

Unimart: Greenhills

Rustans Supermarket:
Shangrila, Rockwell, Makati, Ayala Center Cebu, Centrio Cagayan De Oro

Robinsons Supermarket:
Galleria, Magnolia

PCX Personal Collection:
Rockwell, Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center, Ermita

Makati Supermarket:

Landmark:
Landmark Supermarket – Makati, Landmark DS Makati, Landmark Supermarket – Trinoma, Landmark DS Trinoma


Cheers,
DAWN