My Top 5 Toners for Oily Skin

Continuing our series with oily skin toners. The products in this list are mostly drugstore prices. You can find something that will fit your budget for sure. Range is from 85 pesos to 895 pesos. Skin care doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to find the perfect match for your skin.

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T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel

I havent posted a full review on this yet. But I like it so much that it became the top 1. It’s pure witch hazel, no other additional ingredients. According to webMD: “Witch hazel leaf extract, bark extract, and witch hazel water are used as astringents to tighten the skin. They are also included in some medications to give those products the ability to slow down or stop bleeding. Those medications are used for treating insect bites, stings, teething, hemorrhoids, itching, irritations, and minor pain.” It helps to control my breakouts. No sting, non drying and no sticky film. I recommend it for all skin types. 59ml bottle is priced at 85 pesos. There’s a huge bottle but I forgot to check the price. Both sizes are vailable at Healthy Options branches.

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Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner

I have bought this twice. It claims to maintain skin’s PH balance. I observed that it’s not drying although it has alcohol. It won’t leave film. It didnt control breakouts but I like how my skin feels so clean after this step. Others are using this as facial mist. Just put some in a spray bottle. Its pore minimizing only lasts for a few minutes up to an hour for me. I usually get the 250ml and it lasts for 4 to 5 months. You can get this at Etude House branches. 250ml for 548 pesos while 500ml is at 898 pesos.

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Celeteque Hydration Alcohol Free Toner

I forgot how many times I’ve finished up a bottle of this. This was my go-to toner when I still had moderate breakouts. I also buy this when I’m on a tight budget. Haha! It also has witch hazel. It feels like it gives off a film. Don’t worry it will only last for a few seconds. It feels like I dont have to apply moisturizer anymore after this. But I still do anyway just to be sure. You can get it at supermarkets, drugstores and department stores. 65 ml for 80 pesos and 120 ml is at 129 pesos

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Lush Tea Tree Water Toner

You guys know I’m a lushie. This toner is made of Tea Tree Water, Grapefruit Water, Juniperberry Water. It’s alcohol free as well. It wont provide hydration alone and no film. So I like to spray it on my face first and then spray again on a cotton ball. It is really mattifying. It controls oil and my makeup holds longer when I use this toner. Others are using it as a setting spray. You can get this at Lush stores in Metro Manila. Php 325 for 100ml & Php 625 for 250ml.

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The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner

I got a bottle when it was on sale. It has tea tree scent which I love. I find it relaxing. It also controlled my breakouts. You have to shake it first because there’s powder at the bottom. That powder helps in mattifying skin. I recommend trying their tea tree line when they’re on BOGO (Buy One Get One) sale. It usually happens in Christmas season. You can get this at The Body Shop branches & kiosks. 250ml for 650 pesos

My Top 5 Makeup Removers

I’ve been doing reviews since this year has started. Honestly, I’m already getting tired of it. So we’ll do the Top 5 series this week. I’ve tried a lot of makeup removers since I got into skin care. I have extremely oily and sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts. I’m skeptical to use new products. Most of them are okay and some became my favorite. For the past six years, here are the products I’d gladly repurchase.

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Skinlite Make-up Cleansing Tissues

I’m using this for 2 years now since I couldn’t find Purederm’s Acne Cleansing Wipes. It has green tea, chamomile, sage,  lavender, rosemary, aloe, ginseng and allantoin for cleansing. Its size, texture and performance are the same with Purederm’s. No breakouts too. I usually get mine in the beauty section of Landmark Makati. 30 sheets for Php 89

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Etude House Every Month Cleansing Tissues

This has many cleansing ingredients too. It’s packed with broccoli, tea tree, garlic, camellia leaf, apple, rice bran, aloe, avocado, blueberry, oatmeal, spinach, cucumber, walnut & wine extracts. What I like most about it is its size. It’s bigger compared to other makeup wipes. One sheet is actually big for my full face makeup. I could get the most out of it and remove everything. Available at your local Etude House branches and kiosks. 15 sheets for Php 128 / 50 sheets for Php 248

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Purederm Acne-Cleansing Wipes

I think this is phased out already but this was my first ever favorite. The cloths are moist enough to remove my full face makeup. It had no specific scent in my opinion. I was using this when I had many breakouts. It did not aggravate my acne. I remember this was under 100 pesos too.

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Loreal Refreshing Micellar Water

My first micellar water. It has minimal ingredients. It really feels refreshing while you’re wiping off makeup. It feels like I’ve already washed my face. No sticky feeling. It says no need to rinse but I still proceed to my face wash and other steps because we can’t skip those. I didn’t break out while using this. This is good for 6 months use after opening. 250ml for Php 225

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Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil – Moisture

Cleansing oils are for heavy duty makeup. I’ve only used one and it’s from Etude House. I followed the instructions after I posted my full review on this. The results were better. My makeup melted away plus it foams up when rinsed with water. It added moisture to my skin. A great prep step especially if you’re using a drying face wash. Little goes a long way. It has a light lemon scent. It did not cause breakouts. 185ml for Php 848

Updated Skin Care Routine – August 2016

It’s been 3 months since I shared my updated routine. I needed to change it up a bit because my skin got used to some products. Now, how do I introduce a new product in my routine? I give it 1 to 2 weeks. For example, cleanser. I try it out for 1 week. If it’s okay then I’ll add the new toner and so one. That way it’s easy for me to determine the culprit in case I have irritation or breakout. It’ll be difficult if you use all new ones at the same time. Just like in makeup.

Makeup remover

Skinlite Cleansing Tissue

Yup, I still prefer tissues over other makeup removers because I’m lazy. I also find that they remove makeup better. It feels refreshing while removing all makeup. I’m a full coverage freak. I use liquid foundation, concealer and powder foundation and it works fine. I still buy the same brand. It’s only 89 pesos (approx $2). It’s difficult to switch when I already found something cheap that works.

Cleanser

iWhite Whitening Vita Facial Wash

I needed to take a break from my favorite cleanser so my skin wont get used to it. That being said it will still be effective when I return to it and as usual I need to find a substitute for a couple of weeks or months. This is my first time to try iWhite Korea. So far it’s okay. Full review next week!!!

Mask

sheet masks

Lush PH imports their products from Japan. A staff said Mask of Mag is usually available once a month or once every two months. I got tired of waiting for it to be back in stock. Sheet mask is always to the rescue when we need to pamper ourselves. We got these from Etude House. Not really a fan of sheet masks but these will do for now.

Toner

Klairs Supple Preparation Toner & Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner

I’m using two toners. Klairs when I want extra hydration or in the morning. Supple Preparation Toner minimizes the appearance of wrinkles on my forehead. I reach for Wonder Pore if I had a long sweaty day of commuting, exercising, on a hot weather or whenever I want extra cleansing.

Moisturizers

Foodaholic Snail Soothing Gel
Feeling the magic of slime again. Snail slime is good for brightening, anti ageing and calming. Gel type moisturizer is light and nice for oily skin. I’m staying away from anti acne moisturizers because they make my pores look bigger.

Aquaphor and Hydrocortisone
I still use these whenever my dermatitis flares up. Aquaphor is my savior for reducing itch and redness. It also prevents flaking and wounds. Followed by Hydrocortisone after the skin has calmed down. There’s no cure for this. It’s sad that we have to deal with this forever. Oo, may forever pala! 😧

Spot Treatment

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

Its purpose is spot treatment only. I like to apply it on spots that were left from acne. You know those red spots and sometimes they’re flakey. This is also good for moisturizing those. It smells great and feels relaxing. Click here for full review

“I thought you have acne prone skin? I didnt see a zit zapper in this post.” I have hormonal acne but the main cause of my breakouts is stress. Stress = hormonal imbalance. I minimize that issue with relaxing/de-stressing at the end of the day. Everyday.

Have you added something new in your routine? Let us know what’s your favorite skin care last month.💜

Makeup Empties + Review Recap

I’m cleaning my makeup bag and I’m going to throw all used up and expired products. I dont know why I love to keep empty packagings. It’s like I’m attached to them. Is that weird? Haha. I decided to have a review recap just to see if my opinions change over time or I’d consider to repurchase them again.

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Essence Superfine Eyeliner Pen
I remember using this once or twice only because it’s dry. Yes, it was already dry from my first swatch. It was difficult for me to create sharp wings. I expect drugstore items to work just as good as other brands. I wont repurchase this although it’s affordable. Old review here

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Etude House Oh M Eye Line

My first ever liquid liner. I reviewed this last year. Good if you’re just practicing with ulzzang makeup. It crumbles and you wont have panda eyes if you made a mistake. I dont like the applicator. It’s like a thin sponge. Not a brush that’s why it’s also difficult to create sharp wings. I guess this is more for ulzzang liner. You know the one that isnt as sharp and doesn’t need much precise application. I wont repurchase this again simply because of its sponge applicator. Old review here

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Pink Sugar Our Lil Secret Concealer
Local beauty bloggers were raving about this last year. I tried this and I expected so much from this. It does give light to buildable medium coverage. I wont repurchase this. It breaks my heart but unfortunately there’s no shade for me. I’m in between the 01 and 02. I was planning to mix the two but I think it’s impossible since it’s water based and sets quickly. It oxidizes on me turning to orange. It’s so easy for me to find a good shade from korean brands. I guess I have to stick with them for face products. Old review here

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The Face Shop Lovely Me:Ex Design My Eyebrow

Bought this twice. This is definitely one of the best brow pencils in my opinion. It has triangular shape to help you draw and fill in sparse areas. It did not make my brows look drawn. It’s natural looking perfect for everyday use. The Face Shop has monthly promos. There are times that this item is on buy 1 take 1 promo. I will repurchase this once I’m done with my two pencils from other brands. Old review here

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The Face Shop Lovely Me:Ex Stick ConcealerI love using it on my undereye as it instantly brightens the area. It can be cakey though but it wont be a problem if you’ll use the right amount. It’s not oily and long lasting. I noticed its fragrance. It’s like lemon fresh scent. I’m exploring other brands so I wont repurchase this. Old review here

Finally, my bag has space again….. space for what? Maybe for new products. Excuses excuses. I’ll definitely visit a department store soon. I hope my wallet will allow me to have a little haul.😅

What’s the one makeup you would keep on repurchasing and one that you regret? Share your experience in the comments below.😊

July 2016 Haul

I’m back with a small haul. It’s not as “bongga” compared to my other hauls. I changed my shopping behavior and it’s effective. I only buy things that I need. I replenish products when they’re about to run out. I guess my makeup collection wont grow and I’m fine with that.😅

Skin Care

Skinlite Makeup Cleansing Tissues
I bought boxes of this. It’s only 89 pesos for 30 sheets. I prefer this now because EH Every Month Cleansing Tissues are always unavailable in-stores near at our place.

Etude House face masks
These were gifts from my sister. Again, I’m spoiled. Haha. Pearl, Royal Jelly and Tea Tree cost 58 pesos each while Snail is at 78 pesos. We’ll use them once a week.

Klairs Supple Preparation Toner
Wishtrend emailed me again last month for a review opportunity. They want me to start off with their best seller, Klairs toner. I’m using it now for almost a week. So far so good. I’m still observing if there will be any harsh reactions. I’ll do a full review after 2 weeks.

Dr. Color Effect Red Serum
All my Wishtrend packages include a sample of Red Serum, one of their best sellers too. I’m planning to have a first impression post on this. I think the samples I got will be good for 3 weeks.

Makeup

Essence 16h Long Lasting Makeup
I was interested to get this because members of a makeup group on Facebook love this. You should try this if you’re looking for oil-free and cruelty brand. I got it for 378 pesos in SM Department Store. I posted my full review already. Check it out.

Maybelline Clear Smooth All in One Powder Foundation
I’ve been using this for 5 years now. I’m a full coverage and matte freak. This powder sets my makeup and gives additional coverage. It has color that helps to lighten a dark foundation on me. If a face makeup is a little darker on you, use a light powder to adjust everything.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
I wanted to try this since last year. I’ve watched many tutorials on Youtube using this as concealer and highlighter. Do you know how hard it is that a raved product isnt available in your country and it’s used by your favorite gurus? I’m still in search for #20 though. Please inform me if you know a branch with that shade. I need to test it for dark spots.

How did you reward yourself this month? Are you one of those who went crazy on the lipstick sale today? Share them below. 🙂

Beach Essentials – Boracay 2016

This is a late post for Philippines but summer just started in other countries. I have not posted any beach essential in 6 years of blogging. I’d like to thank my swimwear loving friend, Jessica for suggesting this. Yaaay!☺💖

Luckily, we’re in Boracay for the weekend. It’s my first time here and my first plane ride. Finally, I went out to see the sun. Hahaha. It was my sister’s treat for the family.

Many things to experience; Beach, sunset, food, music and outdoor activities. But we prepared the things we needed before that. We all want smooth and stress free vacation, right?

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Swimsuit, tops and board shorts

I’m not comfortable to wear swimsuits but this time I brought one for swimming… It’s a safe thing to wear to avoid problems with hotel and beach rules. I wear tops and board shorts if we’re just on the shore or going to the mall and restaurants at night. Here are some of the clothes I brought:

Sunglasses & Cap

I cant live without sunglasses! My eyes are sensitive to light. I always bring one wherever I go. This time we brought four.😅 They avoid early signs of wrinkles too!

I always wear a cap whenever I’m on out of town. My forehead is dark compared to the rest of my face. It’s so weird. I don’t want it to become darker

Waterproof Dry Bag

Beach bags are usually made of cloth. They all look cute but we dont want our things to get wet. We dont need aesthetics. Haha! We bought a dry bag instead. Roll the end 3 times then lock it. Your things are safe and dry even if you go in the water.

Anklet

Anklets make a difference by adding style. It can also be a bracelet too. We found the old lady who’s a supplier of stores. We saved like 40 to 50 pesos. Thanks to her. Sorry for my hairy and sand-y legs. Haha!

Sunblock and Skin Care

Fair skin gets burned easily. Dermplus Spf 80 Sunblock for Kids is the cheapest thing we could find in the department store (50ml for P169). The description says it’s for face and body. Please remember, don’t stay too long under the sun even if you’re wearing skin protecting products.

Last but not least, skin care. We need to clean and rehydrate the skin too after a hot day. I followed the rules so I repackaged Wonder Pore (review here) and AC Clinic Gel (review here). I cut a chunk of Fresh Farmacy (review here).

If I’m asked to recommend something in this post, I’d totally say Dermplus Sunblock and the Dry Bag.💗

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By the way, I also included some photos for you to see. The beach at 1pm, me flaunting the dry bag and the sunset. The guides said it’s packed in the afternoon. They were right.😅 Luckily we’re morning persons/people and we already enjoyed the water.

What’s In My Makeup Bag?

Today’s topic was requested by Pizzalush. You can check her Instagram here. Thanks for suggesting this!☺❤

What’s in my makeup bag? Hmm. I’ve never posted one before because there’s not much to see. These are basically the only makeup I own. I switch them depending on my mood for my daily routine. I also gave short reviews below. Let’s start~

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FACE

Pink Sugar Our Lil Secret Concealer in 01
I tried the 02 shade. It matched my skin but it turned dark after a few hours. I switched to the lightest shade. It has medium coverage. It’s matte and long-lasting on my oily skin. It’s 13 ml for 299 pesos. Such a steal. The downside is it can accentuate pores. That’s the problem with water-based foundations and concealers. Full review here

The Face Shop Lovely Me:Ex Concealer Stick
I like to use this on my undereye area. It instantly brightens up the skin without the flashbacks. I’m going to try their best selling Dual Veil Concealer once I used this all up. Full review here

Maybelline Clear Smooth All in One Foundation
I’m using this for almost 4 years now. I use this to set my makeup. It’s super matte and gives additional coverage. It’s so affordable. There’s P99, P169 and P240+. Full review here. Full review here

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EYES & BROWS

Etude House Monolid Eyelash Curler
It’s a gift from my sister. She chose this rose gold/copper-y color which we all know is the trademark colors of beauty v/bloggers😂. She said it’s way cuter than the silver one. I agree with her. It does the job for curling all lashes. Yaaay no more struggles for monolid peeps like me!!!😅

The Face Shop Freshian Big Mascara
Another gift from my sis. I’m spoiled. Hahaha. It lasts all day without giving me the panda look. Of course, it’ll smudge if you rub your lids. The brush separates the lashes really well. No clumps, just natural finish

E.L.F. Professional Eyebrow Pencil
This is a double-ended pencil. Little goes a long way since it’s wax. There’s also a concealer/highlighter to clean up any mess. Its cap has sharpener. I dont do it everyday. I look like Mona Lisa. Haha. I’m trying to grow and shape them in arch. I learned that straight brows are not for me. It makes my forehead larger. I have diamond-shaped face and big forehead. Arched brows will balance that area. Full review here

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LIPS

The Face Shop Black Label Lipstick in 11
My favorite lipstick shade for events, work and job interviews. It has satin finish. I like that it’s moisturizing. I can feel that it hydrates, no chapped lips! Full review here

Tony Moly Easy Touch Auto Lip Liner in 02
It doesnt feel sticky. It’s lightweight. The finish is matte but it has some glitters. It feels like I didnt put anything unlike the heavy feeling while using lipstick. This is not the most affordable lip liner out there. But the brush tip makes it easier for the product to even it out and control the color intensity. Full review here

Wet N Wild Megalast Lipstick
This is a peachy shade. I like it because it brightens up and changes the look for everyday makeup. It’s also perfect for summer. It’s matte and lasts long. It’s affordable and best of all, cruelty free! Wet n Wild has wide range of colors.

Me Now Kissproof Lipstick
It’s so matte and lasts all day for me. No sticky feeling. The only downside is it needs to be sharpened. Ugggh that’s too much work for me. Haha. I think this collection has 17 shades. That’s a lot! All colors are trendy. You can choose from nudes and reds.

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I’m planning to collect lipsticks but I’ll definitely get drugstore brands only. The challenge is, I want them all to be cruelty-free. Probably my collection will have Wet N Wild, L.A. Girl, Milani, Nyx, ELF, Human Nature and Pink Sugar.

Slowly making progress until I change all the products in my routines to cruelty-free. Minimize animal testing starting from making small changes.

I have self control now. I’ll only buy a product if the one I’m using is about to run out. Except for skin care. That’s a different thing of course. I’m obsessed with that. Haha!

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.