Sunday, September 21, 2014

Review: Nature Republic’s Snail Solution 80 Ampoule Special Set


A lot of the skin care products that I’ve grown to love over the recent years have mostly revolved around snails. The secretion from these wonderful molluscs has proven to be a very effective remedy for various skin problems. I’ve grown so fond of it that I find myself gravitating towards different snail products from different brands. 

It was, therefore, a no-brainer that when I went to Nature Republic, I glued myself to their snail skin care section, which is where I found the Snail Solution 80 Ampoule Special Set. 

The main product of the set is the Snail Ampoule which contains 80% snail secretion filtrate. Hence, the number 80 printed on the bottle. The other two items that are included are sample sizes of the Snail Solution 90 Skin Booster (90% snail secretion filtrate) and the Snail Solution 80 Emulsion. Both these samples are also available in regular sizes.

Each of the items in the set aims to brighten the skin and improve on wrinkles. I applied all three products, one after the other, after cleansing my face and using toner. I will, therefore, be reviewing them as a whole rather than individually. 

REVIEW 


A common characteristic of snail products is how instant its effects are. Upon first application with these goods, my skin immediately felt more refreshed and revived. The products promptly hydrated my skin, leaving it smooth and supple.

I then observed its effects the next morning before washing my face and was impressed to find how even my skin tone looked. There was less oil than usual and my pores were ridiculously tiny that I couldn’t even really see them up-close. I continued using this set for my day and night skin care regimen for a week now and I’m very happy with the improvements it has made. 

My skin feels a lot suppler, looks very clean, even, bright, and smooth. My pores are almost invisible up-close and overall it has effectively hydrated my skin.

I should also mention that these products have a very pleasing scent. Not too strong and quite calming. 

How to use
There are instructions at the back of the box that tell you how to use the product but I found it a little incoherent as to which needed to be used first. Based on what I've read, I simply came up with a sequence that I hope is the correct way. I use the Skin Booster - Emulsion - Ampoule in that order after washing and toning my face. I apply the products by patting it on until it's fully absorbed by my skin. 

Packaging



The set comes in an elegant earth-friendly box. 

Both the emulsion and skin booster comes in 30ml plastic containers which I honestly find difficult to use. It was quite challenging trying to get the product to come out without having to exert much effort. The best way was to shake the product to the lid part before opening it. 


The ampoule which also comes in a 30ml size, was simpler to use. The lid is basically a dropper which picks the thicker consistency of the ampoule with ease. 


Pros
  • Easily absorbed by the skin
  • Effectively moisturises and revitalises
  • Smoothens skin
  • Softens skin
  • Greatly decreases appearance of pores
  • Brightens skin
  • Smells great
Cons
  • A little pricier than I would have hoped for 
  • Impractical design of the Skin Booster and Emulsion

Price: P1,795.00


Sunday, September 14, 2014

Review: GLORIA GARCIA Moisturising Cream

The GLORIA GARCIA moisturising cream, just like the other GLORIA GARCIA products from my previous blog, is infused with the powerful and restorative effects of the olive fruit. The product contains a high amount of Vitamin E which makes it a great moisturising agent for the skin. It also contains Vitamin A which is a powerful antioxidant and known for its reparative properties. Suitable for all ages and skin-types. 

GLORIA GARCIA carries two moisturising creams in her Olive Oil line, a day moisturiser and a night moisturiser. This one in particular is for day use as it contains SPF 15 so you won't have to worry about applying sunblock after. 

It's like an all-in-one moisturiser for those who don’t have time to slather different products in the morning. Plus, it's all-natural and not tested on animals. 

REVIEW


I used this product for over a week now and one thing that I noticed about this moisturiser is how well it works with makeup. The consistency is rather rich and this helps it blend with foundation seamlessly. It’s like an added moisture boost for your makeup. Even with powder applied over it, my skin still looked very fresh, especially in photos.   

On its own, the product works just like any moisturiser would. It keeps the skin hydrated throughout the entire day without you having to reapply anything. 

It does, however, make my skin look shiny because of the oil content. To lessen the appearance of shine, I simply placed a thin layer of the product on. 

To help you better visualise the effects of this cream, I find it synonymous to Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream. They're both very rich and potent moisturisers that work in restoring the skin from inside out. GLORIA GARCIA's Moisturising Cream is a toned down version of the 8 Hour Cream but synonymous nonetheless and without the stickiness. 


Another thing that I noticed is that it also has a very lasting effect. At the end of the day, when I remove my makeup, my skin still feels soft and smooth. It looked great from start to finish. 

How to use
After washing and toning, apply this product by placing 5 dots on the key areas of the face (forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin). Massage until the product is spread throughout then pat onto skin until fully absorbed. 

*Be careful not to over apply especially in hot weather conditions. 

Packaging
The packaging is simple, elegant, and top quality. The product comes in a 50ml glass-type container with a twist-off lid. 


To observe proper hygiene when using this product, I suggest using a scooper to get the product from the bottle and closing the lid immediately after to avoid any contamination from the air.

Pros

  • Effectively moisturises (very potent)
  • Long lasting effects
  • Includes SPF 15
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Not tested on animals
  • Works great with makeup
Cons
  • Can make the skin look shiny unless placed thinly.

Price: P1,320.00 

(VIBER Bambi at 09177962239 to purchase)

Friday, September 5, 2014

Review: GLORIA GARCIA Body Milk and Massage Oil

I was first introduced to the brand several months ago by my Tita from Spain, who raved about the effectiveness of Gloria’s products. It was so effective that she had me try some that she had brought back to Manila. Specifically, the Body Milk and Massage Oil. 

Before I continue with my review, here’s a little introduction to what makes GLORIA GARCIA so special.

GLORIA GARCIA is a skin care brand that mainly uses olives, a naturally abundant fruit in Spain, in formulating their products. The brand utilises both the olive leaf and oil which have beneficial properties that are good for the skin. 

The extract of the olive leaf is one of the most active vegetal hypotensors and extra virgin olive oil is the richest oil in vitamins E, A, D, and K. It thus has antioxidants, hypotensive and vasodilatory properties. The use of the basic essences of the olive in the GLORIA GARCIA product line provides an exceptional capacity for moisturising and for protection from external environmental factors in every one of the products, thanks to its high content of antioxidants.

Aside from the fantastic restorative functions that her products have, they’re also hypoallergenic and have not been tested on animals which is a great deal for a pescatarian/vegetarian like myself. 

I tried both of the products my Tita brought over and used them after every bath. Applying the body milk first before massaging my skin with the oil. What I noticed after was that the products had lasting effects on my skin. It’s not like how other lotions and oils only work to temporarily moisturise. The GLORIA GARCIA products actually made my skin feel like it was “getting better” or restoring itself from the inside out. I say this because I had really dry skin before and no amount of lotion and oil made a lasting impression. 

PRODUCT REVIEW 

I. GLORIA GARCIA Body Milk (lotion)


This creme has a vasodilatory capacity. Activating the micro-circulation of the skin. This causes the immediate effect of better blood flow to the surface and increased skin metabolism, as well as a renovation and rejuvenation of the same. This body milk created with the extract of olive, helps to firm the tissues of the skin, as well as nourishing and toning it. Provides maximum firmness and elasticity to your skin, especially in those areas that are suffering from looseness.”

*Suitable for all skin types
*Not animal tested
*Contains perfume

This lotion has become one of my favourites because like I mentioned above, it works really well in restoring the skin from the inside out. It also has one of the best consistencies in lotion history. A lot of lotions out there feel very heavy and sticky because it contains more oil than water. This one seems to balance the best of both worlds. It isn’t too liquid and it isn’t too creamy either, and when applied, feels very soothing. The product is also immediately absorbed by the skin leaving a subtle healthy skin glow. 

How to use
Apply a sufficient amount on your palm and massage onto skin. Best used after a bath. 

Packaging
The GLORIA GARCIA Body Milk is packaged in a simple yet elegant 200ml plastic bottle. Very easy to use and practical for the shower area. 

Pros

  • Effectively moisturises 
  • Easily absorbed by the skin
  • Heals dryness from inside out
  • Long lasting effects
  • Leaves a subtle healthy glow
  • All-natural ingredients 
  • Not tested on animals
Cons 
  • Strong scent

II. GLORIA GARCIA Massage Oil 



This massage oil created with virgin olive oil is an exceptional aid for relaxing both muscles and nerves thanks to the vitamins in the oil itself. The ingredients in this massage oil have been developed so that the oil will have the consistency and provide the perfect degree of friction to last throughout the massage session.

*Suitable for all skin types
*Not animal tested
*Contains perfume

You can tell if oils are effectively absorbed by the skin if the layer you applied disappears after a few minutes. If the shiny oily layer still remains even after 5 minutes then it means that the molecules of the oil are too large to pass through the skin’s outer layer rendering it useless. That’s how I know that GLORIA GARCIA’s oils work. They are immediately absorbed by the skin leaving a smooth and subtle shine without the sticky residue. It’s also very lightweight and comfortable. 

How to use:
Apply a sufficient amount on your palm and massage onto skin until the oil is absorbed. I technically used this like a body oil because it’s what I had but it works the same. Massage it onto the skin after placing lotion for that super healthy skin look. 

Note: If you add too much you may need to wipe off the excess with a towel. Don’t worry, you’ll still have that healthy sheen after. 

Packaging:
The packaging for GLORIA GARCIA’s Massaging Oil is similar to that of the Body Milk. Elegant and simple. Though I have to point out that because this is oil we’re dealing with, the packaging can also get oily. Simply wash the container off with soap after using it if you want to keep it clean. 

Pros

  • Effectively moisturises
  • Easily absorbed by the skin
  • Leaves a healthy glow on the skin
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Not tested on animals 
Cons
  • Strong scent 

Where to get in the Philippines?
Unfortunately, this product isn’t available in the Philippines. I had to order it from Gloria Garcia herself in Spain. But, because I love you guys so much, I bought a few extras to sell. I also got some of her other well-loved products to test so watch out for those in my future reviews!

Prices:
Body Milk - P975.00
Massage Oil - P729.00

How to buy


Send me a message through Viber! 0917 796 2239 

If you want to know what other GLORIA GARCIA products I have on hand just let me know as well. 

Payment method: Bank Deposit

BESOS,

Bambi xx