Review: Magwai Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+

Hi loves!

As a woman living in the Philippines, I'm very proud of how beautiful our islands and the surrounding waters are. It is undeniable that we have one of the most beautiful and richest marine biodiversity in the world. Sadly, much degradation has happened in our seas and oceans from various causes, and some scientific studies mentioned that there are skincare ingredients toxic to our marine life. 

As a makeup and skincare enthusiast, it is very alarming to know that what we put on our bodies is damaging our beautiful corals, resulting in the loss of food and habitat for many other sea creatures. So I'm currently trying to be more careful with what products I use, researching about products from reputable sources, and I also try to recycle the containers that can be recycled.

One evening, I received an email from the brand MAGWAI offering to let me try and review their new Sheer Mineral Sunscreen. If you're not familiar with MAGWAI, it is a Filipino brand whose mission is to create products "with the intention of helping protect the ocean by offering sustainable and accessible solutions." Sounds good right? What got me so excited is that I don't think I have tried a mineral sunscreen that is described as "sheer." To be honest, I never liked using mineral sunscreens because of the white or greyish residue it leaves behind when you apply it. So a sheer one is just so interesting!

MAGWAI Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+

Review: Ever Organics Tomato Collection

Hey loves!

If you're a fan of KBeauty, you probably like having the "glass skin" look. If this look is new to you, it's pretty much having a clear, smooth, bright, and dewy skin. A huge part of achieving this look is having well-moisturized skin. Kbeauty skincare is known for having so many steps and products that many of us here may feel overwhelmed with all the products and the cost of them.

Well, a local brand, Ever Organics, just released a collection that focuses on giving us the "Glass Skin" we've been craving for and in such affordable prices! And oh, did I mention that their products are made in Korea? Yep, the land of Kbeauty and the where the glass skin got famous first.

Ever Organics Tomato Collection

Review: Hello Glow Triple Vitamin AHA Lotion and Vitamin C Serum Soothing Gel

Hello loves!

Quite recently I discovered the local skincare brand, Hello Glow. I'm happy to know that more and more local brands are popping up even during the pandemic and that they are launching more products (which are made in South Korea, btw) to help our skin look good and healthy.

A couple of weeks ago, I received two of their products—the Hello Glow Triple Vitamin AHA Lotion and Vitamin C Serum Soothing Gel. I've been using them for a while and here's my review of them.

First, the Hello Glow Triple Vitamin AHA Lotion (Php 150.00).

When I received this item, I was so excited about it as it has some of my favorite skincare ingredients, niacinamide and lactic acid! Niacinamide helps your skin stay firm and retain moisture while lactic acid is anti-aging and lightens dark spots. Other key ingredients are Vitamin A, which helps in skin healing and keeping it healthy, and Vitamin E which helps soothe skin and help keep it hydrated too.

Review : Milk Peel Cream Mask

Hello dearies!

It's the last day of 2018 and since I didn't plan anything for today, I want to keep my last few hours of the year as productive as possible and I figured, why not write a review? 

This one is actually overdue, but to be fair, I usually take a longer time to write skincare reviews since it takes a while to see any difference on the skin compared to just wearing makeup.

This product that I'll be share with you is one of Althea's exclusive products. I have reviewed some of their releases and I've been enjoying every product so far, specially the Petal Velvet Sunaway. This newer item is another skincare product that would works well with my oily skin type...

Milk Peel Cream Mask

Review : One Earth Organics Illumina Exfoliant Whitening Body Scrub

Hey loves!

Just a few weeks ago, I posted an introduction about One Earth Organics. Since then, I've been using the products that were sent to me and today, I'll share with you my review on one of them...

One Earth Organics Illumina Exfoliant Whitening Body Scrub

Introducing: The Petal Velvet Sunaway + Review

Hello loves!

I'm just so excited to share this product with you guys. 

Just a few weeks ago, I received an email from Althea that they are introducing an item to their Petal Velvet series. If you're not familiar with the line yet, the Petal Velvet started with smooth and silky loose powders. They currently have 3 variants—Translucent, Warm Beige, and Pink Lavender (a limited edition to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the product). I'll post my review of them soon.

What's distinct in their Petal Velvet powders is the part that they are as soft and smooth as flower petals and introducing a new product in this line made me expect that it can give the same effect as well. With that in mind, I was surprised that the product is a sunscreen! 

Introducing the...

Petal Velvet Sunaway

Biore UV Aqua Rich Gel Lotion

Hello dearies!

I just finished this sunscreen bottle that I will be talking about in today's post. While looking for further information about this, I was surprised that it has already been discontinued because I happen to like it. It's the...

Biore UV Aqua Rich Gel Lotion

I Defeated Cracked Heels with Footlogix!

Hey dears!

I'm a pretty heavy gal with small feet... well, I'm a size 6.5-7 (US shoe size), which is average, but if you compare it to my plus-size self, they look small. So just imagine my two small feet carrying such a heavy weight all day! 

I surely demand so much from my feet and they tire easily and they do get damaged, especially when I walk a lot like whenever I travel. Aside from sore muscles, I get calluses and cracked heels! My feet really deserves the right treatment and pampering.

Just a year ago I finally gave the proper attention that my feet deserves. I made sure that I get products that will help my feet look and feel better because they really looked bad. So I started applying foot lotions and treat my feet with a foot spa at home every few weeks. Fortunately, my feet looked better than it was and I was content.

But just a few weeks ago, I received a message that Footlogix Philippines was willing to send me three of their products to try. I gotta be honest, I wasn't aware of the brand, but seeing as it's a brand that specializes on foot care, I was all in! I definitely want to try some products that will further help improve the condition of my feet. 

Review : Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluide MAX SPF 50+

Hey loves!

Summer is here and it's freakin' hot! Literally!

And because of the heat, we can't avoid getting sweaty and there will also be less rain (no clouds = direct sunlight Yikes!) for the next couple of months so finding the right skincare for our climate would be a great help. I think I found just the one...

 Bioderma Photoderm Aquafluide MAX SPF 50+ 

Review : Infracyte Cyto Clean

Hey dears!

Having acne-prone skin led me to use medications to clear up my skin. Currently I am using acids and so far it works well with my skin. My brother, on the other hand, has a worse condition when it comes to acne so his products are stronger and sometimes he even does oral medication to address his skincare problem. With all the products we use, whether it is topical or oral, it would be great if we have a cleanser with us that is mild and at the same time effective in cleaning our faces.

So I was happy when I saw an invitation email to try out this product...

Infracyte Cyto Clean

January (2018) Haul

Hey loves!

Sooo... I was honestly trying to save money for travels that I have lined up for 2018. Unfortunately, I miserably failed this first month of the year because I splurged on new things. Splurged. Haha! I blame the new year sales and the clearance/end of season sales that I bought more things than I initially planned. Ugh. BUT I do love everything I bought... it's just that I bought too much of the same thing/s. In short, most are excess. lol

Anyway, here are the items I bought:

Review : UNIK Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum

Hello loves!

Just a few days ago, I made a review about a product from UNIK, particularly their Lime Moisture Mild Peeling Gel. I mentioned in that post that there's another product from UNIK that I will be reviewing as well and that is the...

UNIK Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum
You can buy this at unique4u.net for only $14.99.

If you're not familiar with this brand, I posted on my previous review that it is:

"It's a fairly new Korean cosmetic skincare brand that uses natural ingredients to improve the skin's condition. They have different variants that addresses different issues and skin types."

Review : iUNIK Lime Moisture Mild Peeling Gel

Hello loves!

Last month I received a package from a brand that's very new to me, iUnik. Living in the Philippines, I'm more familiar with Korean beauty brands that already have physical stores in our local malls. Since iUnik caters more to online shoppers, I didn't have the opportunity to discover it for myself until I got an email from their representative. 

So what is iUnik? It's a fairly new Korean cosmetic skincare brand that uses natural ingredients to improve the skin's condition. They have different variants that addresses different issues and skin types. 

I received two products from iUnik—a peeling gel and a serum. I've been using them for a month now. I believe I had to use them for a while to see some results for a more accurate review. :)

Today, I'll share my review of the...

 iUNIK Lime Moisture Mild Peeling Gel

You can buy this at unique4u.net for only $10.99.

This isn't the first time I've used a peeling gel. If you're not familiar with this product, Popsugar describes it as "are exfoliants. But [...] they are not physical exfoliators. Instead, they utilize fruit enzymes, like pineapple and pomegranate, to dissolve dead skin cells, sloughing them right off. "

For further information, see below the product description from their website:

There's also a product description labeled on the tube (and the bottom part is in English!! I appreciate this because I rarely see Korean brands that have English translations).

The product is housed in a tube that holds 120g of the gel. The tube is made of plastic and easy to squeeze out the product. I like the simplicity of the design—it looks clean and very professional. The pop of lime green color adds a refreshing look to the overall appearance.

So the product claims to help exfoliate skin to remove the dead skin in a non-abrasive manner. It's mild that the product is also recommended for sensitive skin (for all skin types actually). As it exfoliates, it promises to keep the skin moisturized because of the AHA Fruit Complex leaving your skin smooth and soft.

The product looks/is a clear gel that is mildly lime-scented.

When massaged on skin, it becomes a bit watery and then you'll feel like there are clumps forming while you massage the product on skin. See the photo below.

See those whitish clumps on my skin? That's the result after I massaged the peeling gel. The clumps, I believe, is a mixture of the product and the dead skin it removed from my skin. I use it on dry skin (make sure to cleanse first then dry face) and massage it, then rinse it off. 

Afterwards, my skin does feel smoother. And even though it got rid of some of the outermost area of my skin and excess sebum, my skin doesn't feel dry. After this, I continue with my usual skin routine (serums, moisturizers, etc.).

I use it at least twice a week. I like that it exfoliates my face in a way that the areas that are flaky (from using acids to dry active acne) are gone. However, I still do use some face scrubs every now and then if I need extra exfoliating especially on the areas that I usually put my acne medication.

Like I've mentioned earlier, I've been using this for more than a month and I'm completely satisfied with its performance. I didn't feel dryness or any irritation and it does its job very well. I would recommend the product for you to try, and it doesn't hurt that it's quite affordable.

And that's my review of iUNIK Lime Moisture Mild Peeling Gel. Let me know what you think about this peeling gel and stay tuned for my next iUnik product review—their Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum!

Cheers,

DAWN

Bath&BodyWorks: Aromatherapy - Sleep Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

Hello ladies!

 

I've recently moved to San Francisco for my two year masters and have had quite a skin predicament. My skin just immediately dried up and had rough patches especially around the lower back and thigh area. I did up my "daily" (cause I was lazy) dose of lotion from once a day to twice a day with accompanying oil and Nivea In-Shower lotion but alas, rough edges remains.

 

Since a loofa is discouraged by my derma - I get red dots which look like hemorrhages on my skin after loofa - I went looking for a salt scrub or something similar for my exfoliation needs.

 

I went with Bath&BodyWorks simply because it's the nearest one to where I am currently residing.

 

 

The aromatherapy sugar scrub line has 4 aromas: eucalyptus spearmint (stress relief), lavender vanilla (sleep), orange ginger (energy), and eucalyptus tea (stress relief). When I went shopping they only had the lavender vanilla and eucalyptus tea in the store. I honestly just grabbed lavender vanilla because of the big word: SLEEP, and I do not regret choosing it.

 

So the product really does smell very relaxing and sleep inducing. The instruction actually says to breathe in deep while you are doing your scrub.

 

 

You do have to be very careful when opening it as it's very fluid on top, which I think is all the essential oils, and then settled at the bottom is the sugar.

 

 

To be hygienic, I have designated a plastic spoon to be my scooper. One tablespoon is about the best amount for me to use during exfoliation. I do this once or twice a week.

 

 

The exfoliation is quite gentle and the texture is a little rougher than a salt scrub. It feels like it melts away after sometime while you're scrubbing and it leaves a smooth film over your skin. It has slowly but surely improved the texture of my skin. After just two scrubs the rough patches are gone and only visual traces of them remains.

 

However, it doesn't really help me sleep faster, but it does uplift my spirits and calm me down after a hectic day.

 

This product is not animal tested and since it's sugar, it will not deposit any small material that are harmful to fish.

 

One tub costs $16.00 and I think is just about right since it can last you a long time. Just be sure to use a spoon so you can measure your use well.

 

Anyway, that's it for this short review of this product. I'll post more in the coming days about my current skin care routine and the current condition of my skin. And I promise the products I will review will be available in the Philippines as well. :)

 

Cheers,

LIZ

Onsaemeein Yogurt Peeling

Hello loves!

Do you use peeling gels? I've only tried a few (and also did a couple of reviews) and generally, I like the effects of these products on me. Basically, these peeling gels help in instantly removing the outermost thin layer of your skin... you know, such as the flaky parts. It's pretty much like a face scrub without the "scrubbing" or the beads.

I'm currently using the

Onsaemeein Yogurt Peeling

that I bought from AltheaPH for PhP 300.00 only.

For details of the product, you can check it out on Althea's Website or you can check out the labels on the tub if you can read Hangul.

The packaging is simple and cute. It's a plastic tube with cute peach prints. I like the font choices and that they limit the design to two colors (three if you add the black font labels at the back). The shape is not the usual tub because the cap is a bit chunky that makes it easy to spot among my skincare products.

It's equipped with a spatula too. It's super cute and I love the shape and the spoon-like part at the tip. It makes using the product more hygienic! 

The product smells a bit sweet with a hint of yoghurt. It's very mild—unnoticeable when applied. Its look remind me of paste but it's not sticky at all. It's really like gel.

Here's how I use it...

Using the spatula, I get a little bit bigger than a pea-size amount since I have a big face.

I massage it with my fingers for a minute or two.

And then these bits of what I would call a mix of skin (mostly), sebum, and dirt would appear. It's exfoliation without irritating the skin with scrubs!

This product takes care of my weekly exfoliation. Sometimes I use it twice a week but most of the time I limit it to one and then use a scrub after 3 days (what can I say, I like a good scrubbin'!). 

This product will show the brighter skin underneath. It helps smoothen my face too. And when your face is smooth, your makeup also looks better. I've been using it for months now and I haven't encountered irritations with this product.

Overall, I like this product. i like how it performs on my skin and I also like how easy it is to use. The design is good and I like how affordable it is. I would recommend you check this thing out. ;)

Cheers,
DAWN

Celeteque DermoScience Hydration Hydrolyzed Moisturizing Mist

Hey guys!

The heat is getting intense! 

One thing that makes me feel better in an instant refreshing spray from my face mist after walking outside under the sun. But, that's just one of the perks of having a facial mist in my bag, facial mists provide hydration and also helps in setting makeup!

My current facial mist is...

 Celeteque DermoScience Moisturizing Mist
Php 349.00

Here are the product details from the back of the bottle:

And more details from the website:

It is directed to be used like a moisturizer under sunscreen and makeup. But for me, I use a different moisturizer, which is also from the same brand. I use this moisturizing mist on top of makeup to add moisture if needed. It also helps in setting it. ;)

I love that the bottle is easy to carry because it's light and smaller than the usual spritz that I've used. I also like how it sprays the product. It's even and it's really like mist. None of those large droplets that I hate. :P

When I spray this, I try to avoid the T-zone because of my oily skin. But when my officemates (who have dry skin) use this, they like it because it really made their skin feel hydrated and less tight. When they use their powder mineral makeup, the powder sets quickly and makes their foundation look like their second skin faster than usual after they spray this. My friend also appreciates that it's mildly0scented!

One thing I like to do is to keep it in the fridge so that when you use it, the mist is extra cool for added comfort. :)

It's a pretty good face mist. It hydrates, sets makeup, and cools you down after a hot walk under the summer heat. The packaging is good, it's dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and the price is also pretty okay. What's not to like?

What are your thoughts on the Celeteque DermoScience Hydration Hydrolyzed Moisturizing Mist?


Cheers,
DAWN

Hey dolls!

I love using facial mists because it refreshes my face after a long day. It also gives a moisture boosts when needed, especially when my makeup cakes (I just spray some and then re-spread my foundation evenly). I use my face mists a lot and I finish a bottle very quickly. Some of the face mists are quite expensive and I use up a whole bottle after 2 to 3 months, so that means I need to buy one again. So finding an affordable one is always awesome!

While looking at some products at BeautyMNL, I stumbled across this product:

The Beauty Bakery Clarifying Witch Hazel Facial Mist

The 150ml bottle costs PhP 265.00.

I bought it because of the affordable price and the good reviews it's been receiving from the website. I might as well try it out!

Info from BeautyMNL:

All the good stuff in a sweet-smelling bottle that refreshes and clarifies, Beauty Bakery’s Clarifying Witch Hazel Facial Mist is specially made to keep you feeling crisp and clean all day. Each delicious bottle contains an unbeatable blend of Witch Hazel Water and Tea Tree Extract to fight off inflammation and bad bacteria, and is infused with a bright, clean citrus scent to keep you smelling fresh no matter the occasion.

INGREDIENTS: Water, Witch Hazel extract, Tea Tree extract, Lemon extract.

How to Use

Mist onto face within an arm’s length to freshen up your skin. Product can be refrigerated to heighten cooling sensation.

About the brand:

The awesome team behind Beauty Bakery believe that it’s time to celebrate the women of today. Ladies, whether you’re aged 1-100, pregnant or soon-to-be, a bride, grandmother, tween or teen, we owe it to ourselves to be good to our skin. Pamper yourself with a delectable line of all-natural, paraben and preservative-free products that are made fresh just for you. Luscious body butters, deliciously sweet sprays, and yummy whipped lotions are what await when you try any of their products, designed to satisfy any skin craving!

I've been using the mist and I got it down to half of the bottle. So here's what I think of it:

The packaging

I like that you can see how much product is left. I like the simplicity of the label's design. However, I find the labels' colors too light and small that makes it difficult to read. The glass bottle is also pretty heavy that I do not like carrying it in my bag. I do like how it sprays because it does feel like a mist.

I usually use this after I apply my makeup (to set it), but you can also use this as toner. I believe it's pretty safe to use on skin to make sure it's clean as it is made up of organic ingredients. So it's a mist and a toner in one—multipurpose products are always awesome!

The scent is citrusy. I'm actually not a fan of fruity fragrances but the scent of this one is pretty mild that I do not mind smelling it. When I apply it, it doesn't feel as refreshing as other mists that I've tried, but it's still refreshing nonetheless. I don't know why... I do feel the water mist, but there's this familiar sensation, pretty close to when I eat oranges and there's like a fruity acid there on my hands... maybe in this case, from the lemon extract... It makes me feel like my skin is thirsty even though my face is already wet from the mist. I can't really describe it, but it's a different feeling as to when I use other mists with aloe or rose water. It doesn't annoy me or anything. I just want to share it in case others experience the same thing.

It still get's the job done. I have acne-prone and oily skin and it does help clean my face thoroughly as a toner and it does help set my makeup—it's not a makeup fixer (which prolongs makeup), it just sets the makeup faster. It works and I love that you get two products in one and on an affordable price! I don't think that I'll be purchasing again as I bought quite a lot of face mists when I went to Tokyo. It's still a product that I would say is something good to try.

Have you tried the The Beauty Bakery Clarifying Witch Hazel Facial Mist yet?


Cheers,
DAWN