Unboxing: LUSH Ray of Sunshine Gift

Happy holidays everyone! We’ll open one of LUSH’s Christmas gifts. This was a gift for me. Apparently people remember me when they think of Lush. Am I that obsessed? I dont think so! 😅

My sister got this because she thinks I’ll use all of them. We dont have a bath tub like most Filipino homes. So there’s no use for bath bombs in our home.😅 She made the right choice. Their other gift boxes have a mix of bath bombs, shower gels, soaps, scrub and massage bars.

There’s a tag where you can see the product list in each set. Once opened, you’ll know which team have packed your gift. The product labels have expiration dates, ingredients list and names of those who made them. That’s great because some companies dont include those information in their holiday/sale sets.

Ray of Sunshine gift has four products: 100g shower gel, 50g sugar scrub, 120g soap and 30g massage bar. Olive Branch Shower Gel is a bestseller which has a sweet relaxing scent. The description says you can use it for hair and body. I’ll let you know in a separate review if this works both ways. I’m excited to use it as shampoo.

Sugar Scrub is made of sugar, baking soda, various oils, ginger and perfume from natural oils. The scent reminds me of Perla, a local coconut-based soap. You’ll know immediately what Sandstone is for. It’s a soap and scrub in one. It smells fresh and clean. I cant describe the exact scent. Sand is second in the ingredients list. Yes, actual sand! I dont know about you but that excites me.

Last but not least is Each Peach. It’s a 30g massage bar used in shower. It’s full of butters such as cocoa, shea, avocado and mango kernel. Hmmmm sounds like a solid lotion. It has mild citrus-y scent because of orange and mandarin oils.

I know Lush can be expensive. So here’s tip: always look out for their boxing day sale. Their Christmas gift sets are 50% off in January here in the Philippines. I dont know the exact date. Just ask the nearest store about it. You’ll try many products for a cheaper price if you buy a set. Great for those who want to explore this brand.☺

My 300 Peso ($6) Haul From BeautyMNL

Hello readers! I’ve been MIA these past few weeks but now I’m back with a haul. I’m a reviewer on BeautyMNL and earned some credits. I bought 5 products using the reward. I think I managed to get the most out of it. The technique here is to watch out for announcements about free shipping so you’ll be able to add more items on your cart.

Here are the five products that I got:

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ZENUTRIENTS Balancing Tea Tree Soap

Description: Cleanses, purifies, and balances skin with acne-busting tea tree oil; leaves skin feeling refreshed and invigorated; made with the best blend of natural ingredients with no artificial additives

I’m about to run out of my current cleanser. I need new ones to try. Zenutrients has been in the market for quite some time now and is well-known local brand. I read all reviews about their tea tree soap. I know what to expect. As a realist, I have to look at the good and bad sides. I’ll find out if it’ll work for me after a month. It’s 100 grams for 88 pesos

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LUX White Impress Body Wash

Description: Exquisitely created by Master Perfumer Nicole Mancini; features the sheer, sparkly notes of peach, apple, and bergamot; features a unique triple-action system containing natural mulberry extract and honey; enriched with minerals and antioxidants; leaves skin soft, smooth and more radiant

I’m going to give this to my sister. She’s into body wash. It’s a part of her de-stressing routine. I prefer the bestseller variant but it was sold out. White Impress is next to it based on the 4-star rating on the site. It’s 220ml for 120 pesos.

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JERGENS Mild Soap

Description: Softly cleanses with a rich lather that won’t strip away essential moisture; all-natural formula is safe for sensitive pelts; refreshes and rejuvenates with a light fragrance for a silky, supple feel

My current cleanser for contact dermatitis was prescribed by my dermatologist. I read its ingredients list and honestly I dont think it has enough cleansing properties. But it doesn’t break me out which is surprising. It’s quite pricey though and I needed an alternative. Jergens Mild Soap has similar ingredients. It’s 135 grams for 36 pesos only. The price can’t be beaten.

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CARONIA Green Tea Hand Sanitizer

Description: Purifies skin by killing 99.9% of germs; nourishes and moisturizes the hands; leaves behind a hydrated feeling.

I wash my hands like crazy! Minimum of 10 times daily. Yes, I know I’m “OC”. It’s uncomfortable for me if I can’t wash my hands when I’m out of the house. I want a little sanitizer or alcohol that I can carry in my bag. I got Caronia’s 50ml hand sanitizer for 35 pesos only. I chose Green Tea because well… I like green tea. There are other variants like Lavender, Eucalyptus and Watermelon.

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SWAN Royalex Round Latex Sponge in Pink

Description: Flat shape and rounded edge allows for seamless makeup application even in hard-to-reach spots; travel-friendly size.

I had 23 pesos left in my credits. Sinagad ko na. I found this 20-peso sponge. I’ve always had white ones. Actually I bought it because of the colors. It’s available in purple, green, orange, blue, pink, light pink and Red. I chose pink because it’s the cutest in my opinion. I think you can use it for liquid, baking and powder foundation.

Review: Ever Bilena Naturals Soap, Hand & Body Lotions

Hello readers! This week’s reviews are for local/Philippine brands. Let’s start with Ever Bilena, one of the leading cosmetic brands. They emailed me a few weeks ago to try their skin care products. EB Naturals range has kojic soap with papaya/collagen, face & body sunscreen with moisturizing/whitening and body lotions with argan oil, milk, cucumber, papaya, collagen, citronella.

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Papaya Soap

Description: infused with Papaya extract that helps whiten skin and reduce appearance of uneven skin tone.

It smells like candy at first. It reminded me of Fruitos candy. But when you smell it again, you’ll notice the papaya scent. It has papaya extract which is a trusted whitening ingredient here in our country. This soap also has Salicylic Acid, an anti-acne and antibacterial. It’s good for cleansing the skin. It doesnt melt easily, 90 grams will go a long way. It lathers quickly. I felt squeaky clean and I like that for the body area. My skin was not too dry after rinsing. If you’re not into that, lotion is your next step. I’ll continue using this and see if it will minimize bacne and lighten spots.

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White Hand & Body Lotion – Papaya

Description: Made with Papaya extract, to help make your skin fairer and more radiantly beautiful. With UV protection to keep you safe against harmful rays of the sun.

Its consistency is like your usual lotion. But I was surprised that my skin absorbed it quickly. Out of all the lotions I’ve tried, this is the most fast-absorbing one. It gives enough moisture and hydration. It has a lightweight feel and no stickiness. My skin feels like skin after application. I sweat a lot so I prefer non-sticky products. I also use public transportation. You know all the heat and pollution we experience daily. I must say this lotion is commuter-friendly.

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Daily Sunscreen Whitening Lotion

Description: It has Vitamin E and Shea butter to keep skin moisturized. It also has Licorice extract to lighten skin. It has UVA/UVB protection to shield the skin against harmful rays of the sun.

Its texture is thick and mousse-like but feels light on the skin. It doesnt come off easily even if I’m sweaty. If you’re going for a swim, always reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. That’s a general rule even if a product is long lasting. No need to worry about sticky film. It claims to be non-greasy and I approve of that. I also consider this commuter-friendly. Aside from sunscreen ingredients, it has Allantoin (moisturizing & healing), Shea Butter (moisturizing), Licorice for whitening and Vitamin E.

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You can use the lotions for 2 years after opening. I’ll probably finish these bottles in less than a year. Out of all the products in this range, my favorite is Papaya Hand & Body Lotion. I love the scent and my hands look younger when I use it. I’m using these for almost 2 weeks on my sensitive skin. They did not trigger dermatitis/eczema. Since I have pale white skin, it’s quite difficult to see whitening results from products. What I did notice is they brightened my skin and made it look glowing.

Sunscreen protects us from the sun’s harmful rays and avoiding skin cancer.  Everyone should have sunblock for face and body. The heat is increasing and it’s more harmful for our skin. I’m guilty of not using one when I was younger. Last month, I was thinking of including it in my routine. Ever Bilena came just in time.

Visit everbilena.com.ph to check out/shop for the rest of their skin care line and makeup.

August 2016 Favorites

August is over and you know what that means…. our monthly favorites!😅 There’s not much skin care and cosmetics in this post. I’m saving them for full reviews for the coming weeks. Lately I’m more obsessed with Youtube and music.

Skin and Body Care

iWhite Korea Facial Wash
Been using this for the whole month of August. I’m taking a break from my favorite cleanser again. I was wandering at the personal care section in a supermarket. This is decent in my opinion compared to other brands there. I’m going to have a full review on this next week.

Dove Lemon Body Wash
A body wash with lemon-y scent. Perfect in the morning to wake me up and boost my mood. It’s non drying. It doesnt leave film unlike the Dove bar soap. I recommend using citrus scented bath products in the morning.

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Makeup

Menow Kiss Proof
This lipstick has been my favorite for many months. I forgot which shade I got but it’s the perfect brown nude for me. It’s matte finish so you better moisturize before applying it. It lasts all day even when I eat and drink. It’s so affordable too. My sister got it for less than 150 pesos ($3). The only downside is it needs to be sharpened.

Catrice Eyebrow Stylist in 030

An impulse buy because I always feel pressured when a sales associate is near my personal space. Somehow I’m glad that I got one. I go ham on my brows especially if a pencil is waxy like the jumbo eyebrow pencil from E.L.F. This Catrice pencil is made of wax too but the application is light and natural. I’ll post a full review on this soon!

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Fragrance

Bench Bambino It’s Safe For Me Cologne

It will always be my favorite. I’m using it since 2010 in high school. It has powdery / baby scent. It’s a fresh scent for me like a baby just had bath. I dont know how to describe it exactly so I got the description on their website.  A mixture of powder-floral fragrance with hints of fruits and sweet musky drydown. It lasts all day and it’s only below 200 pesos ($3). My classmates asked me what my perfume was. A friend actually bought one too.

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Food

Reese’s Peanutbutter Cups
I eat a cup after dinner in moderation like once a week. It’s little treat. It’s like the Filipino chocnut but in bigger size.☺

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Youtubers

Shane Dawson
I’m really into his conspiracy theories and trying out food menu. His conspiracy theories made me curious and sometimes they scare me. I like the 9/11 and Scary Plane Crashes. I like his food videos too because they’re always funny. One thing that really had me cracking up was the French Fry Challenge: link here

SariReanna
I’m still on a hunt for full coverage foundation. Sari Reanna has a lot of first impression videos on them. I like to watch youtubers with acne prone skin like me when it comes to foundation and concealer… because they have honest and accurate opinion. You can see if it has full coverage or not. Unlike those that dont even have a blemish claiming something’s full coverage. Like really?

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Music

Green Day

Yup, their songs are still stuck in my head. Especially this month because they released a new single, Bang Bang. It’s on their Facebook page and Spotify. The rhythm reminds me of American Idiot and their older albums. That’s what I like!!! They have a new album and you can preorder it now. New album. I guess that means they’ll have a world tour…… hopefully Manila will be included. Pleaseeeee.

A1
We saw Backstreet Boys and Westlife. Our list is not yet complete but finally ticketnet announced A1 is coming back to Manila. I was waiting for them. I’m a fan since the late 90s. I was in kinder or grade school back then. We already bought tickets. We’re so excited to see them and hear their hits live!☺

The Chainsmokers
We saw them last August 19 and it’s one of the best out of all the EDM events we went to. What I like about their songs is you can dance and sing along to them. If you’re following me on Instagram, I’m sorry if I fangirled too much and for filling your newsfeed with photos and videos from that night.👍

That is it you guys. Do we have any similar favorite this month?

💫 Dont forget to join my international BB cream giveaway. It will end tonight at 10pm Philippine time.☺ click here to join💫

April 2016 Birthday Haul

My birth month is done already? That was fast. I dont celebrate my birthdays and never had parties. I just like to get stuff off my wishlist so I did a small haul again. Most items here are gifts from my sister and collaboration with Wishtrend. Let’s start

SKIN CARE

BELO Tranexamic Kojic Acid Soap
I bought this to lighten my dark spots. I find that it’s too harsh because it has 4 types of acids. I only use it on breakouts. It dries acne fast.

ETUDE HOUSE AC Clinic Spot Patch
An impulse buy and my sister got it for me.

ETUDE HOUSE Wonder Pore Freshner
Another gift from my sis. I’m not yet sure if I will declare it as one of my holy grails.

KLAIRS Midnight Blue Calming Cream
Wishtrend sent this to me. It has lavender which is one of my favorite ingredients. It has ceramide too that’s needed for my dry flakey flare ups. I’ll post my full review next week!

LUSH Mask of Magnaminty
I was praying and asking signs if this mask is available then I should get another tub. If not, it’s time to try a new one from another brand. To my surprise it’s available when I visited their store.

LUSH Fresh Farmacy
My all time favorite cleanser. I took a break from using this for almost a month now. I want to have it on hand just in case I like to go back to it.

SKIN & LAB Dr. Color Effect Red Serum
This is a sample size in my recent Wishtrend package. It’s a raved product in 2014 or last year. Maybe I’ll do a first impression post soon.

SKQIN Dual Sissi Mask Moisturizing & Brightening
These masks were added to Wishtrend’s package as a bonus. I’m so glad they gave us 4 masks. I’m excited to try them out. It’ll be my first time to try a mask that also gives love for our chin area.

MAKE UP

MAYBELLINE Clear Smooth All in One Powder Foundation
I set my concealer with this foundation. It’s so matte and adds coverage to my  makeup. It’s really affordable, 169 pesos (approx. $4)

BODY CARE

GOODAL Cherry Blossom Hand Cream & THE FACE SHOP Kakao Friends Hand Cream Apeach Cherry Blossom
Gifts from my sister again. I’m spoiled. Haha. It’s spring time in Korea and now brands are releasing cherry blossom lotions.

ACCESSORIES

ETUDE HOUSE Lash Curler for Monolid
Another gift from my sister. I actually prefer the silver curler because it’s more affordable. But my sister said this rose gold one looks even better.

There’s not so much in my hauls, right? I’m trying to reduce hoarding or making impulse buys. I’m having a hard time storing them. Haha. Aaaaah, sometimes the beauty world is tiring for me with all the consumerism and hyped up products.

Review: LUSH Charity Pot Hand & Body Lotion

You thought I was taking a break from being a lushie, huh? Naah. I’m back with another Lush review.

They donated for different causes worldwide with the help of Charity Pot Hand & Body Lotion. Everything they earn from it will be donated to the chosen charity. Lush will only get VAT/tax which is a government regulation.

I planned to get a tub of this but I want to know where will the proceeds go. It was for CARA Welfare Philippines. It’s a local animal shelter and clinic. You know how much I love dogs.

Description:
Now in a self-preserving formula, this is a gorgeous body lotion that does a lot of good – and not just for your skin! With a new, delicately floral perfume of ylang ylang and rosewood oils in a hydrating cocoa butter base, moisturizing with Charity Pot will leave your skin subtly perfumed and touchably soft. This rich and generous cream now contains seven ingredients sourced from our sustainable SLush Fund projects around the world. With every purchase of Charity Pot, we donate 100% of the price (minus the taxes) to small, grassroots organizations working in the areas of environmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights. You end up with velvety, beautifully-scented skin AND you’re doing a world of good with every pot purchased—nicely done

Ingredients:
Water, Fair Trade Olive Oil, Glycerine , Organic Jojoba Oil, Moringa Oil, Fair Trade Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Fresh Aloe Gel , Fair Trade Shea Butter, Triethanolamine, Geranium Oil, Rosewood Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, Fair Trade Vanilla Absolute, Cetearyl Alcohol, *Citronellol, *Coumarin, Geraniol, *Linalool, *Limonene, Fragrance.

Pros:
-Reasonably priced, Php 495 for 95 grams…
-because it’s packed with natural ingredients like butters and oils
-Powdery and vanilla scent
-Paraben-free
-Best lotion so far. It’s high quality and cannot be compared to drugstore brands
-For a good cause

Cons:
-Can leave sticky film if applied too much

It’s rich and thick lotion so it’s quite sticky, not for a hot and humid weather. It immediately gives moisture. Little goes a long way because this is full of butters and oils. Great for dry skin and for my wrinkly hands. I’m pretty impressed with its ingredients. It’s reasonably priced because of those plus you’re helping an organization.

I highly suggest this in winter season. For us in the PH and other tropical countries, this is great as a night treatment.

Review: LUSH Santa’s Belly Shower Jelly

Hi everyone! It feels like I’m slacking on skin care reviews lately. I havent changed anything in my routine. For now, I’m finishing up all the products in my past hauls. And this product is in my haul last month. It was on my Lush wish list. It was actually my goal to try one.😊

Description:
This deep red jelly is full of Christmas magic. Star anise infusion, and fresh apple and grape juices are blended into the soft seaweed base to brighten and cleanse skin, and for their sweet, fruity scents. Biodegradable golden stars are sprinkled throughout for a dash of happiness. Keep the whole jar in the freezer, then bring it into a hot shower for a stimulating and refreshing apple-scented lather!

How to use:
Crush it into a shower pouf to create a rich lather or rub directly on your body. Try freezing (or chilling) first for an especially cool, refreshing shower or bath experience. Shower jellies also make great shampoos and add lots of softness and shine to hair.

Oooh, look at those pretty stars!😍❤️⭐️✨💫

Ingredients:
Star Anise Infusion, Sodium Laureth Sulfate,  Propylene Glycol, Fresh Apple Juice, Red Grape Juice, Carrageenan Extract, Fragrance, Bergamot Oil, Rose Absolute, Organic Neroli Oil, Orange Flower Absolute, Golden Stars, Propylene Glycol, Mica, Iron Oxide) , *Limonene , *Linalool , Lilial , Red 4 , Red 33 , Methylparaben , Propylparaben

Pros:
-Affordable, Php 245 (approx. $5)
-Cruelty-free
-Little goes a long way
-Gives enough lather
-Fun to use
-Smells like apple
-No sticky residue/film
-Skin feels soft and smooth

Cons:
-Very limited stocks when it comes out during the holidays here in Manila
-Drying if overused
-Has parabens
-Has sodium laureth sulfate

when it lathers~

Overall, I’m liking it so far. I feel like a kid again whenever I’m using this & the Fun bar. It smells like apple, one of my favorite scents! You can also freeze it for a cooling effect. This is a Christmas item and too bad the stocks here in Manila were very limited. I bought the Santa’s Belly gift set just to get this one.

I recommend this to everyone especially to kids. Just take not that it’s not for eating!😊

Review: LUSH Red Fun + Samples

Hi everyone! February is the month of all things sweet. It doesnt have to be all about romantic relationship.

I’ll be reviewing a sweet scented product from LUSH, the Red Fun! I got this in Santa’s Belly gift set last month. It’ll be expired this April so I have to use it all up. It’s a part of Christmas gift set but its scent is so sweet that I think it’s a Valentines item.

Description:
When those pesky grey clouds begin to roll in, seek refuge with this sunny sudser. Our bright and cheery Red FUN brings sunshine to your tub. We add a perky dose of orange and mandarin oils to each batch. Just one whiff and you’ll be traveling through a sunny mandarin grove! For best results we suggest lathering a piece up in your loofah for a quick pick me up in the shower, or crumble into bath water for an extended orangey soak. Whether you use this at sunrise or sunset your mood will surely be brighter.

Ingredients:
Talc, Cornflour (Zea mays), Glycerine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Orange Oil, Mandarin Oil (Citrus nobilis), *Limonene, Fragrance

Pros:
-Affordable, Php 245 ($3)
-fruity scent
-Lathers quickly
-Little goes a long way
-Multifunctional; modeling clay, body soap, shampoo and bubble bar
-Doesnt leave a stain on the body
-Great for kids and kids at heart
-I enjoyed molding it into shapes, like I was in elementary again, seriously

Cons:
-Can be drying
-Has Sodium Laureth Sulfate

The bubbles! Sorry if you have fear of holes. I forgot what it’s called. I had to post it too so others have an idea.

Here are some samples of my Fun artwork. Please dont judge me. Hahaha. The first pic was supposed to be a pink snowman…. But it came out looking more like a penguin. I didnt create stick arms.😅❄️

It says in the description that it can also be used on clothes. I wouldnt recommend that especially for anything white. Just to avoid stains.😋

I used it as my body soap. I lather it on my hands first. I like it’s smell in the morning. It wakes me up and boosts my mood. This one’s really nice for kids. Kids can mold it while in the bath. It’s really called Fun for a reason. You can use it for bubble baths as well. 245 pesos for this weird soap in a clay form? I think it’s a good deal.