Review + Swatches: Detail Make Over BB Cream in Tan

I went to the beach last month. I got tan which means I have to adjust the shade of my makeup. My current foundation works for me and doesn’t irritate my skin. I don’t want to waste it. I decided to look for a dark shade to mix with it. I browsed BeautyMNL and looked for liquid makeup under 300 pesos. Yes, I’m a cheapskate when it comes to makeup. 😉 Detail Make Over was on sale there but I needed it on the same day. I went to a department store and luckily, their BB cream was discounted there too!

Description:
Provides light to medium coverage with a fresh finish; camouflages fine lines, pores, and blemishes; primes skin for flawless makeup application; helps create an even, silky veil over skin; moisturizes and brightens to enhance skin tone.

Ingredients:

Pros:
– Local brand
– Affordable, original price is 399 pesos
– Easily accessible in-stores and online
– Plastic tube packaging
– Subtle dewy effect
– Mixes well with my foundation

Cons:
– Has fragrance

Neutral:
– Has light coverage

This BB cream looks thick but will give light coverage once blended. I tried applying it with my fingers and with a brush. Both had the same result. Its light coverage will smoothen out your complexion. Just like a “second skin”. I can get the right shade when I add this in my makeup routine. It doesn’t interfere with my foundation’s coverage. This has subtle dewy finish alone which compliments my semi-matte foundation. I have combination skin right now and the flaking isn’t as visible when I started adding this.

It has a light powder scent. I always prefer fragrance-free but luckily this doesn’t irritate my skin. I’m neutral about the coverage, that’s not my main concern right now. I’m glad that I got it on sale for 199 pesos only. It’s 30ml so that’s going to last a long time.  It can be used for 24 months after opening

The rating for this on BeautyMNL is only 3 stars because it made the users’ skin look so oily. That being said, it’s definitely for dry skin and for cool weather/air-conditioned place. This is a basic product to improve skin’s appearance. This will do if you don’t have to cover blemishes. To lessen the oiliness, I suggest blotting it with tissue before setting with powder. Cream and liquid makeup are usually oil-based unless stated by the brand. Blotting will be needed throughout the day.

Review: Torriden Cellmazing Centellareal Soap

The challenge to find a cleanser is still not yet over for me. I’m taking a break from my holy grail tea tree cleanser. So I’ve been switching to different products until I find a good one. Let’s start this year with Torriden’s soap. This was in my past haul. I visited Althea’s website again and I couldn’t find its product page. I don’t know what happened. Now I dont have its description.😧

Anyway, here’s what it looks like

There’s a date stamped on the plastic. I’m hoping it’s the manufacturing date.

Pros:
– Affordable
– SLS/SLES-free
– Has a clean scent
– Doesn’t melt quickly
– Gives enough lather
– Doesn’t dry out skin
– Doesn’t leave film/sticky residue
– Skin feels clean

Cons:
– No ingredients list on the label

I got this on Althea’s website at 178 pesos (approx $3). It’s 100g and has a square cut unlike the usual soaps. I suggest cutting it in half if you have small hands like me. Keep the other half in a dry place. That also helps with the curing process. This soap has a clean scent which reminds me of medicine/hospital.😅 It doesnt melt easily but it gives enough lather. It doesn’t leave a film when rinsed. My skin doesn’t feel dehydrated and there’s no tightening.

There’s no ingredients list on the box. But you can see it in the description found on Torriden’s website. Centella asiatica or gotu kola is its main ingredient. It has anti-inflammatory properties. The brand claims that it’s SLS and SLES-free. Those are used to make lather but can cause irritations to some. It’s nice that they are not needed to make this soap.

I consider this a maintenance if moisture and hydration are your concerns. I didn’t see any improvements on existing acne. It doesnt heal them or cause breakouts. It’s a basic cleanser. Good choice if you’re just starting to get serious with your skin care routine. Or if you’re using drying medications or products.

Review: Onsaemeein Galactomyces

I was browsing Althea’s website and found serums that are less than 1000 pesos ($20). I’ve always wanted to try galactomyces ever since it became popular in k-beauty world. Now what is galactomyces? It’s an extract from a fungus used in making sake/japanese wine. The fermented extract is in skin care for anti aging, brightening and repairing.

This one from Onsaemeein is 100% pure. That’s what caught my attention. I was skeptical because I dont know if it give a positive or negative reaction. I said in my past haul that I’ll review this after a month. I’m using this for more than two weeks now. I’m ready to give my final thoughts.

Description:
A 100% Galactomyces fermented essence improves skin texture and wrinkles, brightens skin tone and maintain skin moisture oil balance. Use after cleansing and toner. Apply moderate amount and pat for absorption.

Pros:
– Very affordable, 420 pesos (approx $8)
– Frosted glass bottle
– With dropper
– Pure ingredient
– Feels like water
– Pore mininizing
– Mattifying
– Controls oil
– Skin tightening

Cons:
– Triggered my contact dermatitis

It’s runny like water. It’s absorbed in just a few seconds. It wouldn’t be a problem when you’re in a hurry. I was amazed during the first few days of using this. I immediately saw how great its oil control is. It’s mattifying which made my makeup last longer. It tightens the skin like I just had botox. My pores are also reduced when I’m using this.

This is such a great product. I just wish it didnt trigger the areas where I’m prone to contact dermatitis. I’m still using this on my nose, nasal folds, sides of mouth and porous areas. It’s ideal for those with oily skin who want anti-aging products. Start with a little amount then increase as your skin adjusts. Other skin types can use it too but add your moisturizer after.

Review: BENTON Snail Bee High Content Skin & Steam Cream

We’ll review two products today. These products were sent to me as a reward for being one of the best reviewers for Benton’s Sun Cream before. I wanted to try this line ever since they were released. I still had hesitations although they’re hyped. *sensitive skin problems*

 

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Snail Bee High Content Skin

DESCRIPTION:
SNAIL BEE HIGH CONTENT Skin is for all types of skin including sensitive and troubled skin. Snail Secretion Filtrate, Bee Venom, sh-Oligopeptide-1, and various botanical extracts are further added to improve rough and skin. Containing Niacinamide and Adenosine, this multifunctional skin toner helps achieve a bright and smooth complexion while moisturizing and soothing.

INGREDIENTS:
Aqua (Water), Snail Secretion Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, sh-Oligopeptide-1, Bee Venom, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Plantago Asiatica Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Ulmus Campestris (Elm) Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Betaine, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Allantoin, Adenosine, Polysorbate 20, Lecithin

PROS:
– Fairly priced, 900 pesos (around $18)
– Locally available on BeautyMNL
– Huge bottle, 150 ml
– Lightweight and watery
– Simple plastic packaging
– Fragrance-free
– Packed with natural ingredients
– Non sticky
– Can be used as a toner or light moisturizer

CONS:
– Triggered my dermatitis

It has a lot of great ingredients and fragrance-free. It feels lightweight just like water. To me, it felt a bit warm and sticky after application but doesnt last long. You will get your money’s worth if it wont cause any negative reaction. I was satisfied with the healing properties. It helps to heal existing acne slowly. Yes, slowly but it helps to reduce hyperpigmentation.

The shelf life is 6 months after opening. I think that’s enough time to use it all up. Unless you’re switching to different products. I really really want to finish the whole bottle but I can’t. It triggered my dermatitis resulting to rashes and acne. I’m planning to use it on the neck area so it wont go to waste.

 

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SNAIL BEE HIGH CONTENT STEAM CREAM

DESCRIPTION:
SNAIL BEE HIGH CONTENT STEAM CREAM is for all types of skin including sensitive and troubled skin. Snail Secretion Filtrate, Bee Venom, sh-Oligopeptide-1, Hyaluronic Acid and various botanical extracts are used to improve rough skin. The creamy formula, blended at high temperature using steam method, provides long-lasting moisture. Containing Niacinamide and Adenosine, this multifunctional cream helps achieve a bright and smooth complexion, while moisturizing and soothing

INGREDIENTS:
Snail Secretion Filtrate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Stearic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Phytosqualane, sh-Oligopeptide-1, Bee Venom, Arbutin, Adenosine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Arginine,Carbomer Urea, Tocopheryl Acetate, Plantago Asiatica Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract,Ulmus Campestris (Elm) Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract

PROS:
– Fairly priced at 900 pesos on BeautyMNL.com
– Simple plastic packaging
– Fragrance-free
– Doesn’t feel warm
– Doesn’t feel heavy
– Doesn’t make my skin oilier
– Moisturizes skin instantly
– Did not trigger my dermatitis

CONS:
– None

It’s fairly priced in my opinion considering the ingredients. This cream also has 6 months shelf life. It helps to heal existing acne. Faster than the Skin variant. I was more skeptical to try this compared to the product above. It’s because I stay away from using creams. I think they’re all heavy especially for my skin type. I prefer essence and serums. I have dry patches lately. This cream worked really well to moisturize those areas.

I tried a technique so I can use it for the whole face. After washing my face, I dont wipe the excess water. I proceed to the toning step. Skin is still wet after toning. That’s the time I apply this cream. It’s absorbed quicker and feels lighter. This is my current moisturizer. I use this during daytime when I don’t have heavy activities. I’m glad this didn’t trigger my dermatitis. I’m using this for a week straight already without needing my steroid cream. Yaaas!

I’m very pleased with Steam Cream. I really want the High Content Skin to work out too.  You can check out the rest of this line here. I’m thankful to Benton for letting me try their products. Their products have short shelf life compared to other brands. That’s when you know they’re using quality ingredients.☺

October Faves: ASMR, Makeup, Skin & Body Care

I’m back with my latest favorites!☺ It’s been weeks since I posted on this blog. I received messages on Facebook this month and that inspired me. Hello Maggie and Jacqueline!☺

ASMR

I listen to Autonomous sensory meridian response or ASMR before going to sleep. It gives me a tingling feeling mostly on the head/hair. At first, I thought it was weird but it really is effective. I just dont know how will I explain this to someone in real life. Haha! It relaxes my mind and body. My favorite artists are MassageASMR, ASMRsurge, ASMRsoundspace, Rapunzel, My favorite sounds are hair cut, slow tapping, lids, ear cleaning, metal dental picks and kinetic sand.

Makeup

Dermacol Make-up cover in 110
I ordered 2 testers of this raved foundation. I chose 110 because it leans to yellow undertone. It’s not full coverage in my opinion but I use less concealer over it. It’s creamy and easy to blend. I have combination skin now. It can accentuate dry areas. So be sure to moisturize especially for dry skin. It’s a stage makeup. I look “snatched” when I use it. Skin looks smooth and totally flat without blush and contour. The longevity is good too.

Skin Care

Purederm Q-10 Makeup Cleansing Tissues
My favorite makeup remover isnt available for a month now. I needed to find a replacement that’s less than 100 pesos. This variant is 89 pesos in Watsons/SM Department Store. The others like Collagen & Argan is at 108 pesos. I really cant tell the difference in the ingredients. I always go for the cheapest. 😛

Desert Essence Cleansing Bar Tea Tree Therapy
This is my face wash for almost 3 months now. This is one of the few cleansers that did not irritate me. No initial purging when I used it for the first time. It doesnt leave any residue/film. It heals my breakouts in as early as two days. You can get this at Healthy Options branches for 299 pesos.

Olivarrier Fluid Oil
This is a fast absorbing oil. It’s pure Squalane. I was worried because Squalane has a comedogenic level 1. It can block pores and cause breakouts for some. Luckily, I didnt get any negative reactions from it. I use this twice a day on wrinkle prone areas like undereye and sides of mouth. Argan oil is liquid gold because it gives noticeable glow. Squalane gives a subtle glow.

Body Care

Benton Shea Butter and Coconut Hand Cream
My hobby lately is washing clothes. I’m back to working out. I wash my clothes immediately to avoid germs and odor. This hand cream from Benton is my savior. It’s quite thick which instantly gives moisture. It makes my skin soft. I apply this every night as intense hand treatment. I just dont like the scent. I reminds me of butter. Like I’m marinating something. 😅

That’s it for my favorites. They’re only few, right? I guess I’m not a hoarder anymore.😛 My audience ranges from 12 to 23 years old. I’m trying to use products that are locally available. I know it can get expensive sometimes for young people. So comment below if you have any review request. I have local brands lined up.☺

 

Review: Benton Papaya-S Sun Cream SPF 50

I’m very careful to try sun blocks because  I’ve used some before that broke me out. I just had a chemical peel so I have no choice but to add sun protection. Benton released new products and that includes Papaya-S Sun Cream. I like that this brand doesnt include unnecessary ingredients. They gave me a review opportunity ttry their sun cream. Just what I needed.☺

Description:
Benton’s Papaya-S Sun Cream is a physical & chemical sunscreen designed for outdoor activities.

Ingredients:
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Water(43%),  Titanium Dioxide,  Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Octyldodecanol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone,  Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Aqua (Water), 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Magnesium Sulfate, Beeswax, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Carica Papaya Seed Oil(5000ppm), Glyceryl Caprylate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Panthenol, Butyrospermum  Parkii (Shea) Butter, Beta-Glucan, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract(750ppm),  Xanthan Gum, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Adenosine, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Bud Extract, Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate, Papain(100ppm), Algin, Glucose, Geranium Maculatum Oil

Pros:
– 50 grams of product
– Simple tube packaging
– SPF 50
– Doesnt have tons of alcohol
– Subtle powdery scent
– Light and milky texture
– Feels light on the skin
– Satin finish
– Minimal flashback/whitecast
– Did not trigger my contact dermatitis
– Did not cause breakouts

Cons:
– None

This variant is for outdoor activities. Perfect for me to test its performance. I sweat a lot and I commute daily. It has milky texture and quite liquid-y. It’s easily spread and sinks in faster than others. Skin has sheen/satin finish once absorbed. Surprisingly, it doesnt feel heavy and didnt make my skin oilier. I tried it under makeup and had no problems. It doesn’t wear off easily  and doesn’t interfere with other products.

Under very bright lighting, I saw minimal whitecast. But that can be fixed if you apply the right amount evenly. I tried to take photos with flash and here’s the result. It only gave minimal flashback. It’s not that noticeable if you ask me. If you’re going to an event, make sure your foundation and powder have no SPF because it can intensify flashbacks.

Best thing about this is it doesnt have tons of alcohol unlike others. We all know what alcohol can do to our skin in the long run. It has SPF 50. It’s already a high protection for me. I’m glad it didnt broke me out. Probably because of it’s light texture and added natural ingredients like papaya water, seed oil and fruit extract.  Would I recommend this? Yes! It has high SPF and lasts throughout a day of commuting. It didnt aggrevate my dermatitis so it’s safe for sensitive skin. I’ll always look up to this brand for making high quality products.

Review + Swatches: Tony Moly Delight Magic Lip Tint in 03

It’s been a while since I talked about Tony Moly. This was the second korean brand that I got hooked with. I’ve always wanted to try their lip tints. My sister gave me one in 03 Red Berry. Yes, again. She’s really not into these colors. Haha! Welp, more for me! This will be a quick review since there isn’t ,uch to talk about lip tints in general.😛

Description:
A clear gel-type tint moistures the lips with the ingredient extracted from the berries and turns your lip color into a gorgeous deep pink after putting on.

Pros:
– Cute packaging
– Smells like berry
– Affordable, 228 pesos
– Did not cause dryness
– Long lasting

Cons:
– Quite sticky

Swatch:

There are many reasons why it’s one of their bestsellers. It has a simple but cute packaging. We cant analyze the ingredients. I couldn’t find the ingredients list on their website. It smells good and I want to eat it. Haha! It’s affordable and long lasting. I swatched it on my arm and tried to remove it with running water. I had to rub it and use a cloth. It adds a little moisture so it did not cause chapped lips. The only con I have for this is it’s quite sticky. I think it helps with longevity. I recommend it for everyday use. This is for any occassion especially if you want a gift under 500 pesos.☺

Review: SKIN FOOD Yuja Water Whitening Ampoule in Serum

Yuja Water is one of Skin Food’s releases last year. I was looking for a serum that isn’t too strong and can freshen up my face. I have big hopes for this that it won’t trigger my contact dermatitis. I’m using this for two months now. It’s about time to review it.

Description:
Whitening synergy ampoule. Contains yuja extract and moisturizing yuja oil from uncontaminated Goheung city. Moisturizing whitening synergy ampoule effective for treating freckles. After toner application, massage 1 to 2 drops on the entire face by popping the capsules.

Ingredients from CosDNA:

Pros:
– Affordable, got it on sale for less than 1000 pesos from a korean-based store
– Available through online shops and at their local branches in PH
– A bottle contains 44ml of product
– Lemon scent
– Watery consistency
– Did not trigger my contact dermatitis
– Gives light hydration
– No stickiness
– Quickly absorbed
– Did not cause breakouts
– Brightening effect for glowing skin

Cons:
– Slow in whitening

There’s no ingredients list on the label. I just searched it on CosDNA and the photo above is the result. This is in my Best Products of 2016 for many reasons. First, I love serums with watery consistency. It gives my oily skin enough hydration. No sticky film so it’s easy for me to apply makeup after.

Second, it doesnt break me out. Only few moisturizers do not make my skin irritated. Third, it’s a brightening serum which helps me to get that glowing skin. Expect that it’s slower to lighten dark spots. That’s the only con if you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation. It’s confusing because there’s “whitening” in its name but description on their website says it’s for brightening.

I still think it’s one of the best moisturizers I’ve tried. I rarely finish creams and serums but I’m sure with this one. I’ll use it all up because it does not cause breakouts and gives enough hydration for me. I’d recommend it to normal to oily skin.