Thursday, August 28, 2014

Review: A Bonne Spa Yogurt Salt

The product I am reviewing today is by far one of the best body scrubs I’ve ever used and I couldn't have been more excited to share it with you guys.

I found this marvel purely by chance when I was in Watsons. I was in line to pay for my KATE eyeliner (check that review herewhen I noticed the lady in front of me carrying the A Bonne Spa Yogurt Salt. I didn’t have time to get one that day but when I went back, I saw it again and just had to have it. 


Here are some of the general claims of the product:
  • Extra whitening (particularly targeting underarms, bikini line, and scars)
  • Makes the skin feel smoother
  • Makes the skin more radiant
  • Is refreshing and relaxing to use 
  • Is extra moisturising 
  • Deeply cleanses and conditions the skin 
Active Ingredients include:
  • Sodium Chloride (salt)
  • Bentonite
  • Kaolin
  • Dermawhite
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Allantoin
  • Milk Protein
  • Yogurt Protein
  • Aroma Mint 
Other info:
  • Non-irritating
  • Dermatologist tested 
  • Comes in 350g 
  • Product of Thailand <3 

REVIEW

It may not look like much but the A Bonne Spa Yogurt Salt works like a miracle on the skin. After just one use, my skin felt ridiculously baby smooth. So smooth in fact that I kept gliding my hand over my skin again and again, drunk on the effect. 

Another thing I love about this product is the scent. It smells of fruity yogurt and is not at all overbearing. 

It's also surprisingly affordable and with the expensive spa-like result it gives, I'm definitely keeping it around for the long haul. 

I did not, however, use this product enough to observe any significant changes with regards to skin whitening. I may have to update you guys in a few weeks. 

How to use:
Pour the salt onto your hand and gently rub in a circular motion all over your body (must be done on wet skin). Leave it on for 3 minutes then rinse off with water. 

Note: I recommend using this once a week. 

Packaging
The product comes in a plastic pack with a nozzle for easy access. Considering that this is for bathing purposes, it's actually packaged conveniently. The product pours out neatly from the nozzle to your hand and the waterproof pack allows you to place it in the shower without fear of soaking the product. 


Pros
  • Effectively exfoliates
  • Smoothens skin to silky perfection 
  • Conveniently packaged
  • Basically gives spa-like results for a ridiculously affordable price
Cons
  • Not made for people with severely sensitive skin

Price: P75.00

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Review: Kate Spider Line .03mm Eyeliner

Japanese brand, Kanebo KATE has created one of the finest eyeliner tips with their Spider Line series. This one boasts an incredibly thin .03mm lining tip, apt for precision application.  


What’s not to love? The Spider Line is part of a collection of pen-type liquid liners that KATE carries. Personally, I find that this type of eyeliner is a more forgiving version of liquid liner. 


The firm tip allows for easier control when outlining your eyes while the precise brush of the Spider Line helps you create abstract looks with ease. 


It can also create the thinnest line to achieve a very natural look. It stays on the whole day without smudging or losing colour intensity. 

The colour I got is BK-1 which is basically their black liner. But, for those who are expecting full-on intense black, this product may fall short. It’s not as dark as other black eyeliners are but again, this product isn’t focused on colour intensity but precision.



Another thing I noticed is that this liner tends to crease when layered on to a thicker line so you’ll need to top it off with eyeshadow to avoid creasing.

Packaging:


Beautiful and elegant spider web design on the pen makes it a joy to look at. It’s an easy-to-use eyeliner which you can bring anywhere. 

Pros
  • Incredibly fine tip 
  • Doesn’t smudge
  • Lasts all day
  • Acceptable black intensity
  • Travel-friendly
  • Good quality packaging
Cons
  • Tends to crease when doing thick lines 

Price: P600.00


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

6 Ways To Get Clear Skin In Time For Your Big Event

Are you trying to get skin ready for your prom, debut, or wedding? Or perhaps you just want clear skin? Well, look no further, try following these tried and tested tips that will not only help beautify your skin but improve your overall health. Good luck!

*Take note of #1 and #6! 

1. Drink water! 
  • I can’t even begin to stress how important this is and how it can change your life. A lot of people take water consumption for granted. Our body is made up of 75% water and it would be a great service to ourselves to keep it that way. Doing so will not only benefit your skin but your general health. 
  • Just to give you an idea, I used to have several physical problems (back pains, severe dysmenorrhea, etc.). I got checked-up and found out that my body was 6% hydrated…6% out of 75%. No wonder my body was giving up on me. I was advised to drink 15 glasses of mineral water every day. Now, I don’t have those pains anymore. 
  • Aside from my health improving, I also noticed how much better my skin looks. From having to always use lotion to keep my dry skin hydrated, I now seldom use body lotions and oils because my skin naturally feels more moisturised. 
  • With that said, I recommend you try and resist the urge of drinking soft drinks, juices (unless freshly squeezed), and other types of sugary drinks for the moment and drink water. Your body will thank you and your skin will be a glowing testament.  
  • Drink mineral water for best results. Most bottled waters actually don’t contain the minerals our body needs. Tap water would be the best option. For those who are iffy about tap water, you can use water filters such as Brita to ensure cleanliness. 
*Brita is available in hardware stores

2. Skip fried foods and other oily dishes
  • If you want your skin to look amazing, you have to cleanse internally. Keep away from junk food, fast food, and other oily meals that can cause your skin to break out. 
  • Instead, you can eat more fruits, veggies, and seafood. 
  • Note: Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive or unappetising. There are tons of delicious healthy recipes online (and on cooking apps) which you can follow to make sure that you like what you’re eating. 
3. Wash your face at least twice a day
  • Cleansing your face keeps the skin free from excessive oils and dirt that can clog your pores and turn into dreaded acne.
  • Wash your face at least twice a day to prevent accumulation of unwanted oils. Once in the morning, just after waking up, and once at night before getting to bed. 
  • Note: Over washing can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave it dry. Be careful not to over cleanse. 
  • Those with sensitive skin and other skin conditions are advised to consult with a dermatologist for a suitable facial cleanser. 
Favourite facial cleansers of the moment:

I. Too Cool For School’s Egg Mousse Pack
(click here to see my review on the product)

II. Kiss Skincare Mineral Aqua Mud Foam 

Quick Product Review: This product is similar to the Egg Mousse Pack except this one feels more moisturising. It's also very fun to use because of its bold colour. 

Product Description: 
Enriched with mud and minerals from the Dead Sea. This mineral aqua mud foam detoxifies and moisturises your skin at the same time. It washes away impurities and excess oils, to leave skin refreshed, nourished and moisturised” 

Recommended for all skin types 

Can be used on wet or dry skin

(you can order this at @snowprincess_mnl’s Instagram account)

4. Use skin care (in this order)

a) Toner - Toners mainly help restore the pH level of the skin. Its active ingredients target the pores' elasticity, making it less elastic to prevent any immediate drastic size changes.

Favourite toner of the moment

Yadah Pure Green Toner 

Quick Product Review: Out of all the toners I’ve used, I found this to be the most effective. It feels gentle on my skin and has made it very smooth to the touch. Even without placing moisturiser after, this product can stand on its own. Plus, it's affordable price (P525.00), high-quality packaging, and effective solution make it a must-try. 

Product Description:
Yadah Pure Green Toner is made of vegetal natural extracts. It relieves the skin from the stimulation, deeply rehydrates, gives a finer texture, and refines the pores

Yadah is a formulated cosmetic product designed especially for sensitive adolescent skin

This product is available at Beauty Bar.

b) Serum - Serums are my favourite type of skin care. It’s easily absorbed and it helps tackle several skin problems. Depending on what you get, serums can smoothen, brighten, eliminate acne, whiten, even skin tone, minimise pores, etc. 

Favourite serum of the moment

Too Cool For School’s McGirly Perfecter Rice Wine Secret 
(click here to see my review on the product) 

c) Eye Cream  - Eye creams are incredibly important skin care products in my opinion. It doesn't matter what age you are, you always need them. It keeps the delicate skin under your eyes hydrated, preventing premature wrinkles, eyebags, and dark circles. 

I know there are several eye creams out in the market but I suggest finding one that has a gel consistency (like the one on the photo below). Gels are more effectively absorbed by the skin because it contains water. Most creams are oil-based and oil doesn't permeate as well as gels. *Excluding Virgin Coconut Oil.

Favourite eye cream of the moment

Methode Swiss Beauty Care Tri-Cell Age Delay Eye Cream 

Quick Product Review: This product is a miracle in a bottle. It hydrates the skin wonderfully and consistently. Compared to other eye creams I've used in the past, this is the most effective. It doesn't thin out my skin like my former eye cream does, and, the gel formulation keeps the eye area refreshed and plump. 

Available at Sasa stores (Click here to buy)

d) Moisturiser - Moisturisers aim to keep the skin hydrated for a longer duration while targeting different skin problems such as dark spots, acne, etc. Depending on what you get, moisturisers have a wide range of capabilities. Simply research what particular moisturiser will suit best with your skins needs.

Favourite moisturiser of the moment:

Snail White 
(click here to see my review on the product) 

e) Sunscreen (for AM) - Sunscreen helps protect your skin by blocking the harsh UV rays of the sun. Over exposure to UV rays can damage the skin and cause premature skin ageing and dark spots. Using sunscreen everyday will protect your skin and keep it youthful and clear.

All-time favourite sunscreen

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Watery Base SPF 50 

Quick Product Review: I've been using this product for years and I never grow tired of it. The watery consistency of the Biore UV Aqua Rich is easily absorbed by the skin leaving it refreshed. This product doesn't leave an oily residue like other sunscreens and it feels incredibly lightweight.

Available in leading beauty stores in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan

5. Use body exfoliating scrub gloves when taking a shower
  • This will help get rid of dead skin cells and keep your skin smooth. 
  • Use this when cleansing your body with soap or shower gel. Simply rub the soap between the gloves until it is spread all throughout before scrubbing your body. 
  • Don’t forget to scrub your back to prevent back-ne.
  • Note: Don’t scrub too hard because it can damage your skin. Exfoliating scrub gloves are available in most department and beauty stores. 

6. Keep a clear mind and stress-free disposition
  • When you’re stressed, your body reacts to the change and it can affect the way your skin looks. Try and take some time off every day to do something you like, something that relaxes both your mind and body. It can be a hobby, going to the spa, or something as simple as meditation. An hour or so is enough to rejuvenate your state of being.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Review: Happy Skin Don't Get Mad Get Even Hydrating Liquid Foundation


With just a few months under their belt and a growing fan base, Happy Skin is making it’s way to the front line as one of the country’s leading local beauty brands. Spearheaded by beauty veterans Jacque Yuengtian-Gutierrez and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Happy Skin is made with the Filipina’s skin care needs in mind.

I couldn’t have been more excited to try their products out so I made it my top priority to get some over the holiday.   

Don’t Get Mad Get Even Foundation

There are three available shades for this particular foundation and I originally bought Natural Beige thinking that it was the closest to my skin colour. Unfortunately, trying it on the following morning made me realise what a big mistake that was. It was too orangey unlike when I tried it on in the store (which goes to show how significant lighting is when testing your shade) so, I went back and got Soft Beige instead. This time it was perfect. 

Soft Beige (Left), Natural Beige (Right)

There are a couple of things I’d like to point out about this product. First off, it covers redness beautifully. I tried Natural Beige on my sister and it instantly neutralised the redness of her cheeks while covering most blemishes. 

Secondly, this product has medium coverage and no matter how much you layer it on, it still feels incredibly lightweight. The foundation is also build-able, concealing skin discolourations well. 

Although, applying more layers makes this foundation look cake-y up-close. I suggest applying one layer if you'd prefer a natural look. 

Third, this product lasts for more than 8 hours without coming off so it's perfect for work, school, etc. 

I do, however, find the blend ability of this product to be average. It sets too quickly into the skin and the consistency isn't as creamy as other foundations are.

*This product would be perfect for events because it gives you long-lasting coverage and  it’s super lightweight.

Packaging:
What’s not to love? The witty name, the simple yet cute design, the high-quality material of the bottle; everything about it is just well thought out. 

The product comes in a 30ml squeeze-type bottle. Its small size and light weight make it easy for travelling. 

Pros
  • Good medium, build-able coverage (covers redness well)
  • Travel friendly 
  • Good packaging 
  • Lightweight despite the number of layers you place
  • Stays on for a good 8 hours and up 
Cons
  • Limited colour range  
  • Average blend ability 

Price: P999.00

*Available at Beauty Bar and Plains & Prints