A Month with The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skincare Range

Hey lovelies!

It's skincare talk again. I have mentioned before my fixation on taking care of my skin better. I began focusing on skincare last year because I have been dealing with my troubled skin for more than a decade now and I just want to clear my skin as much as I can (afford) because I am very tired of using concealer and hiding my skin. I have experimented with different brands and products and I have shared the good ones and some bad ones. Even though I have tried good ones, I'm still looking for those that suit my skin better. I am still willing to try products that look promising.

I was approached by someone from The Body Shop and asked me if I was willing to try and review their Tea Tree range. This line is catered for those with blemished skin like me so I immediately agreed to do it. I have tried almost all of the products from the line but not at the same time. I have mostly good reviews on them so what more if I use them altogether right?

So for the past month, I have been using these products from The Body Shop...

What you can expect from these six products are the cooling sensation that feels so refreshing on skin. The tea tree scent also gives you that very clean feeling (I dunno if you like the tea tree scent but I'm just a fan of it). Anyway, I will show you later what my bare face looked like every week, but before that, here are the products and my quick thoughts about them:

 Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Scrub (review here)

Tea Tree Cool and Creamy Wash (review here)

These are the products I use to cleanse my face. I use the scrub twice-thrice a week every morning while for other days, I use the cool and creamy wash.

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner

I use this twice a day, every morning and evening. I love this toner because it feels so refreshing! Whenever I use this, I feel like my skin is super clean. After cleansing and then applying this, when I look at my cotton pad, it shows how well the products clean your face after a long day of wearing makeup. 

For those pesky zits, I use the Tea Tree Oil to help tame the inflammation and quickly get rid of the pimples. Even though it's categorized as oil, it doesn't feel oily. It has a very thin consistency, it gets absorbed by skin fast, and it has a cooling sensation! I use this every night.

Of course we can't forget about moisturization. Even if I have oily skin, it's important to hydrate the skin, especially at night. This Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion feels so light on skin and it feels so cool! I use this twice a day, morning and night.

 For my makeup, my base is the Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream (review here) then I just add some concealer and powder on top (I prefer a mineral powder for extra coverage).

And now, for the best part of the post, the pictures of my face after every week of using the products. Here you'll see how effective the products are on my skin...

Excuse my horrible makeup-less makeup. I am doing this for the honest-to-goodness review (you better appreciate this because it took all my courage to post these). Haha!

WEEK 1:

Dark spots are very visible and you can also see new pimples and their redness. :P

 WEEK 2:

 Barely any difference but less redness on the pimples.

WEEK 3:

Barely any redness and dark spots are starting to clear. I still get some small zits here and there though.

WEEK 4:

Dark spots are significantly lighter! Yay!

For the whole month I used these, my skin felt very hydrated even if I was focusing on getting rid of my blemishes. From the pictures, you can see how my skin got better. It didn't improve in an instant. It took time to see the difference but I am happy that it looks better now, especially since I have been stressed lately and lack sleep. I actually feel better when it's skincare time because after a long day, I can refresh my face with the products... I really love the cooling factor!!

And that is my report regarding the one month progress of my skin using The Body Shop Tea Tree Range.

What are your thoughts about the products?

Cheers,

DAWN

New : Asian Secrets Lulur Facial Scrub (Press Release and Initial Review)

Hey loves!

One of my favorite body scrub brands now has a facial scrub! Asian Secrets introduces their Lulur Indonesian Whitening Facial Scrub!

I was so excited when I learned about this when I received this box last Friday...

It contained two tubes of this new product—a 50g and a 100g.

So let's check out what this new product is all about from their press release:

Introducing: Asian Secrets Lulur Facial Scrub

Following the success of Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub is Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub, another breakthrough moisturizing and whitening scrub by Asian Secrets, now specially formulated for the face.

Asian Secrets Lulur scrubs are inspired by a most luxurious ritual used by Indonesian royalty called Lulur, originally intended for the bride-to-be to beautify, smoothen, and whiten her skin before her wedding day. Lulur originated from the royal palaces of Java, Indonesia and products inspired by this traditional treatment are still used by Indonesian women, and in specialty spas today. 

A tried and tested beauty secret, many users of Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub have been clamoring for something that will give them the same effect on their face. Because the skin on the face is more sensitive, and requires special attention, Asian Secrets has come up with a formulation that is more delicate and yet equally effective in whitening and moisturizing facial skin.

Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub contains Bengkoang (Yam Bean in English or Singkamas in Filipino) a traditional Indonesian whitening ingredient. Bengkoang extract has natural whitening properties and can make skin look brighter and more radiant, contains vitamins C & E which are known as antioxidants that can fight harmful pollution from the environment to keep skin healthy.

Similar to the body scrub, it contains Lulur beads that gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells to smoothen and give skin a radiant glow. It moisturizes and leaves skin with a light fragrant scent.

Why use Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub

Using Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub just 2-3x a week lightens the skin, making it fairer and whiter.  Women of all ages, especially busy women who are juggling family and household  responsibilities have little time to go to the spa for pampering and beauty indulgences.  Asian Secrets makes it easy and affordable to get that pampered glow right at home with Asian Secrets Lulur Facial Scrub.

Benefits of using the scrub

·       Lulur beads gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells to smoothen and give it a radiant glow.

·       It also moisturizes and leaves skin with a light fragrant scent.

·       Frequent usage lightens the skin, making it fairer and whiter.

How to use

Treat yourself to an indulgent Lulur facial right in your own home with Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub.

·        Put a small amount on your finger tips

·        Apply on dry face and massage in a gentle circular motion avoiding the eye area

·        Rinse with water

·        Use every other day for maximum results

I am glad that Asian Secrets released this kind of product. I am a fan of their Body Scrubs because they exfoliate my skin without drying... it actually leaves my skin soft! I just love them! 

What I like about this facial scrub is that it gives the same effect—helps exfoliate the skin and keeps it soft and moisturized. Plus, it feels gentle on the skin when used!

You only need a little to use all over the place and you can use it 2-3x a week so a 50g tube can last you a while, what more with a 100g tube!

The best thing about this is that the beads of this scrub is so small and fine that you won't feel that very harsh, rough feeling when you use it. But you still feel those tiny granules working their way to remove dirt and help exfoliate those dead skin.

I've only used this twice and loving it so far. I think I would still use a microdermabration scrub which I use once a week or every 9 days, and I'll pair it up with this new facial scrub which I will use twice a week. I'll see if this routine will work out well on my face. :)

Price & Points of Purchase

Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub is affordably priced at Php70 for a 50g tube while a 100g tube retails for Php120.

Available at leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Have you tried this product yet? Do you love Asian Secrets scrubs too? Which variant is your fave? :)

Cheers,

DAWN

MY CURRENT FACIAL SKINCARE PART 2 : KIEHL'S

Hello loves!

Here's part two of my facial skincare post (Click here for Part I). This post contains my Kiehl's products that deals mainly with my acne problems including the dark spots I get from acne scars.

All products I use are labeled Dermatologists Solutions. I'm not too sure if it's a product line of the brand but these are all placed next to each other in one shelf if you check their stores. The branch I usually go to is their Shangri La Plaza branch and Ann, the SA I usually talk to, advised me on how these products should be used to get the best result.

I would have bought more products but Kiehl's is very pricey for me so I could only afford this much. Good thing their products come in big bottles and tubes so it would take months before I finish one. :P

Anyway, I have 5 products right now...

Just like the previous post, I'll just share some short thoughts on each products. I use them simultaneously so I can't give a thorough review.

The first product I used from the brand is the 

Clearly Corrective™ Skin Brightening Exfoliator

Php 1,250.00

Click the name or HERE for my review on this.

This is one of the best scrubs I've used. The beads are very small and it foams up very well. My face feels so clean and soft after I use this.

Kiehl's Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment

Can't remember how much this is exactly but I think this is around P1.2k-1.6k?? 

I use this on my problem areas such as the jaw area, nose, and my cheeks. I use this to prevent pimples, black heads and white heads from showing. When I have bigger zits, I use a different product, the Snoe Shoo Zit Spray Me From Behind, to deal with it because it's more effective. But this one can also flatten it with bigger amounts applied.

Here are more info from the website:

A daily skin treatment that treats acne blemishes

• Formulated with a powerful blend of blemish-fighting Dioic, Salicylic and Lipo Hydroxy Acids, known to minimize the appearance of acne and blemishes
• How to Apply:
  -Cleanse the skin thoroughly before applying acne treatment
  -Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times daily
  -Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor
  -If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day
  
  
  WARNINGS: For external use only. When using this product using other topical acne drugs at the same time or right after use of this product may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one drug should be used unless directed by physician. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Kiehl's Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion

Php 2,750.00

I use this once a week since I already use the brightening exfoliator. This removes the dead skin cells effectively without over drying my face. Super smooth face after every use!

Here are the labels on the box:

Some info from the website:

A highly efficacious exfoliating formula

• Affords an immediate skin-smoothing effect and with regular, tri-weekly use, helps to visibly minimize discolorations and small marks on face, hands, and décolleté
• Over time, the look of facial lines is reduced and skin texture is significantly smoother and clearer, while the appearance of pore size is diminished
• Helps to facilitate the absorption of topical skin treatments to maximize their efficacy

How to Apply:

-Dispense a nickel-sized amount of the exfoliating cream into the palm of the hand

-Utilizing fingertips, gently apply to clean, damp skin in an upward and outward circular motion, avoiding the eye area

-Continue treatment for approximately 30 seconds, but no more than two minutes, to achieve desired effect

-Monitoring skin sensitivity closely, you may increase pressure slightly to enhance treatment results

-With eyes closed, rinse with cool water and gently pat dry 

-To help soothe skin after treatment, we recommend using this formula in conjunction with Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions' Centella Recovery Skin-Salve

WARNINGS:For external use only. Do not use on irritated or damaged skin. Avoid getting the micro-dermabrasion exfoliator in the eyes, lips and nostrils. If eye contact occurs, flush thoroughly and gently. If irritation or rash appears, discontinue use and consult a physician. For adult use only. Keep out of reach of children. Consult your physician before using if you are on any type of skin medication or if you have a pre-existing skin condition such as seborrheic dermatitis, chronic eczema, psoriasis, severe acne, skin cancer, a facial tattoo or sunburned skin. Do not use within 24 hours of use of other exfoliation products; for example, but not limited to: glycolic acid, chemical peels, acne medication or Retin-A. If you experience any undue sensitivity, discontinue use, allowing skin to rest for several days. Because this product may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, always protect your skin following a micro-dermabrasion treatment with a UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater. Excessive sun exposure after micro-dermabrasion should be avoided. If intense sun exposure is unavoidable, apply sunscreen liberally and frequently. Do not use more frequently than three times per week.

Kiehl’s Insider Tip: 

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions are powerful, yet safe treatments that address skin conditions such as premature aging, irritation and sensitivity. Use 2-3 times a week for remarkably smooth skin.

The beads are very fine as you can see on the pictures. But it doesn't foam up as much as the Brightening Exfoliator. :)

The next one is a gift from Helen. I was using another toner from Kiehl's, the oil free one, which is very effective too. But I paused from using it since this one is from the same line as the other treatments I'm using. :)

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Clarity-Activating Toner

I use this 2-3x a day. I like that its fragrance-free. :)

Labels on the bottle:

Info from the website:

Advanced skin retexturizing toner

• High-performance clear toner gently re-texturizes skin
• Infuses skin with hydrating actives for noticeably cleaner and softer skin
• Activated C helps visibly diminish dark spots  and skin discoloration
• Use daily-morning and night after cleansing
• Paraben-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free,  dermatologist-tested

How to Apply:

-After cleansing, moisten a cotton pad with the toner and apply to face, avoiding the immediate eye area

Kiehl’s Insider Tip: 

For optimal results, use with the other formulas in the Clearly Corrective collection. 

 Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Php 2,995.00

This is the most expensive among the bunch. I do believe that this is effective but not too much as to even out the scars.

Labels on the bottle:

Info from the website:

A fast-acting serum that diminishes dark spots and visibly evens skin tone

• Helps to prevent the formation of future dark spots and other skin discolorations with continued daily usage
• Silicone-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free
• No colorants and no optical diffusers
• How to Apply:
  -Cleanse skin thoroughly prior to application
  -Apply dark spot serum over entire face both day and night under your ideal moisturizer
  -During the day, protect skin by layering with Super Fluid UV Defense
  -Before bedtime, replenish skin by layering on Midnight Recovery Concentrate

 I was advised to use only 3 drops and I apply it all over my face but sometimes I put extra on the areas with really dark scars.

So that's all of the products!

Now, how do I use them?
Please check the Part 1 post as reference for the products not mentioned in this one.

I still follow the rule: Cleanse, tone, and moisturize.
I usually do this routine every morning and before going to bed at night.

I wash my face first using The Body Shop's Cool and Creamy Wash (but starting this December, I also use the Tony Moly Natural Bubble Swallow's Nest Foam Cleanser). 

For scrubs, I used Kiehl's Brightening exfoliator (the deluxe sample) until I completely finished it. I then used The Body Shop's Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Scrub for a couple of months and then went and buy a regular size Brightening Exfoliator again. I use these scrubs once or twice a week since I also use the Kiehl's Micro-Dermabrasion.

After cleansing, I apply the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Clarity-Activating Toner. I then apply Ciracle's Vitamin C Serum (I got a tip that we should use serums first before cream products and also apply Vitamin C based products because it makes the products applied after more potent). I then put the Ciracle Pore Minimizing Serum and the Kiehl's Corrective Dark Spot Solution. I usually wait til each serum dries/get absorbed by the skin before applying another. I then apply the Kiehl's Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment and once it dries, I finally apply the Ciracle Vitamin E Cream.

And if you suffer from bacne like me, I recommend using Mir and Ryvi Tomato Soap and Snoe Shoo Zit Spray Me From Behind. :)

Well, that's all I guess.  These products really helped a lot with my skin (check the first part of this post so you can see the way my skin has improved). Hope that this routine can be of some help to those with the same skin type as I do! :D


Cheers,
DAWN

The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Scrub

Hello dearies!

Last July, I shared a review on The Body Shop's Tea Tree Cool and Creamy Wash and I really liked the product because it suits my oily, blemished skin and the cool sensation it gives is just awesome!

Last September, The Body Shop, Philippines sent a new product from their Tea Tree line that got me really excited.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Scrub 

Product size is 3.3 fl oz.

 Below are product info from the press release:

And more info from the website:

This skin-clearing facial scrub combines micro-fine exfoliants with bursting beads to help unclog pores without over-drying. Use a few times a week for skin that feels super clean and instantly smooth.

• Suitable for blemished skin
• Skin instantly feels soft, smooth and super clean
• Pores look visibly clearer and face feels purified

Since I have oily acne-prone skin, TBS' Tea Tree line suits me the most. I've used quite a number of products from the line and I believe that it goes well with my skin.

 The product has tiny beads for exfoliation. I prefer the beads to be smaller but it performs good as it is so it doesn't matter much. I use this twice a week. It's not good to use a scrub daily so I recommend you don't go beyond twice a week. :)

The scrub smells good. If you're aware of how the tea tree line smells like, that's the scent this product has. The cool feeling plus the scent makes me feel relaxed whenever I use this.

After I use it, my skin feels softer and smoother! I really love it! :D

Besides the awesome performance from this facial scrub, there's another good quality about this product just like most of The Body Shop's stuff...

Tea Tree

Our Community Fair Trade organic tea tree oil comes from the foothills of Mount Kenya. Tea tree leaves are picked by hand and steam-distilled to release the oil. Our trade with the Kenya Organic Oil Farmers Association encourages sustainable and organic farming methods which help to preserve the area’s natural biodiversity. For more information, visit our Community Fair Trade section.

 Do you like cooling scrubs? Have you tried The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Scrub yet? How about the other products from their Tea Tree range?

Cheers,

DAWN

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Skin Brightening Exfoliator

Hello loves!

I've recently been obsessing with skincare. 

Since I'm almost in my mid 20's (turning 24 this month!), I HAVE to take skincare seriously. 

I actually hated my skin. It's very oily and acne-prone. I'm always conscious of how I look when I go out without makeup because of all the blemishes I have. The acne doesn't stop on the face, I have some on my chest and at the back. Though they are not as worse as when I was in my teens, I still do not think that I can sport clothes that exposes my back area.

I've experimented with loads of skincare products. I've tried some that didn't help at all and I've discovered ones that are effective and has remained in my skincare routine ever since.

One of the skincare products that I've tried and loved is...

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Skin Brightening Exfoliator

I got this 25ml deluxe sample some months ago when we visited their Shangri La Plaza branch. I got this because I was one of the first visitors of the then newly opened branch.

This, on its regular size (125ml), is around Php 1,750.00 if I remember correctly.

Info from the website:

High-performance exfoliating cleanser

• Effectively cleans and exfoliates pores to minimize skin irregularities & dullness for a noticeably brighter complexion
• Helps boost skin's moisture level and maintain moisture balance
• Leaves the skin refreshed, soft, smooth and clean
• Use daily at night, after Clearly Corrective™ Purifying Foaming Cleanser and before toning
• Paraben-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free, dermatologist-tested

The sample and the regular-sized one is in tube form. The consistency is quite thick. It's clear and has these tiny, fine beads.

It smells nice and clean too but its mild and is barely noticeable once you rinse. Not sure how I can describe it. It's not fruity but not floral... probably somewhere in between if there is such. :P

It foams up when you massage it. It feels so soft and silky but you can also feel the very fine beads. After I use the product, my face feels softer and smoother. My face also brightened! It's absolutely amazing! I fell in-love on my first try! Even my sister who visited from Australia last July loved this that she bought one when she got back to AU.

Anne, the SA who assisted us back then, said that this is safe to use daily. Since I have oily skin, I did use it daily. Though right now I lessened it down to at least 4x a week. I know Kiehl's products can be quite pricey but a little goes a long way for this particular one. You only need super little—smaller than a pea size! I still have a small amount left from this 25ml sample. I've been using this since June!

I soooooo LOVE this product. I will surely buy a new one—probably this month since I now have a Kiehl's membership card. I'll get double points when I purchase items within my birth month!

I recommend this to EVERYONE! Haha! But yeah, I think this is safe to almost every skin type but I guess the amount of times you use this varies depending to your type. :P But oh, if you have super sensitive skin or have some kind of skin condition, please do ask your dermatologist first.

Have you tried Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Skin Brightening Exfoliator?

How about the other products from the product line?

Cheers,

DAWN