Review: LUSH Herbalism Face & Body Cleanser

Review: LUSH Herbalism Face & Body Cleanser

I wanted to get my hands on this ever since I knew Lush. Their cleansing rolls are unique. They’re the first to make this kind of formula. Lushies on Youtube usually recommend Herbalism out of all their cleansing roll variants. I finally bought one to see if it’s worth it.

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Description:
Battling with oily, troubled skin? Cleanse with the power of herbs. Our gentle green giant has an exfoliating, deep-cleansing base of kaolin clay and rice bran to mop up excess oils, and a toning blend of rosemary, nettle and chamomile to leave skin feeling fresh, clean and calm. Herbalism gets its color from chlorophyllin, which is extracted from alfalfa plants: it’s rich in nourishing vitamins and minerals and helps to balance out your skin’s oil production. Say hello to clear, balanced skin!

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How to use:
Take a small amount in your hand, add a little water and mix into a paste. Massage into skin to gently cleanse, then rinse clean. Use all over your body for soft skin everywhere!

TIP:
Water activates clay. Before getting a chunk of this, make sure your hands are clean and dry. You dont want to get water in the tub because the rest will be ineffective already.

Ingredients:20170901_202552-1

Pros:
– Most of its ingredients are natural
– Free from artificial preservatives
– Smells good in my opinion
– Innovative product
– Little goes a long way
– Gentle exfoliant
– Non drying and adds moisture
– Skin feels soft and smooth
– Did not trigger my contact dermatitis
– Did not cause breakouts

Cons:
– Wont remove makeup if used alone
– Can be quite expensive if bought in Manila because it expires in a few weeks

It’s made from Kaolin clay, rice vinegar, rose and chamomile. These are known for their cleansing and soothing properties. It’s self-preserving, meaning the rice vinegar acts as natural presevative. Some people think it smells bad. To me, it smells good. It has a subtle vinegar-y and fresh scent. It’s like I’m one with nature. Haha!

The ground almonds are exfoliants. I thought it would be harsh but I was wrong! It’s gentle and did not irritate me. Note that you have to use gentle motions with any kind of scrubs. After rinsing, skin feels soft and smooth. I got dry and flaky patches from using an antibiotic cream for dermatitis. The main reason why I bought this is to help in moisturizing. It does the job without making my skin oilier. FYI, flare up was gone already when I used Herbalism.

I have two cons for this. It doesn’t remove makeup residue if used alone. Always use makeup remover before doing your routine. I use this for double cleansing when I had long day. I rinse my cleansing soap first then this. I use this alone when I’m just at home or did not wear makeup. Some reviewers complain about the green tinge after rinsing. I didn’t experience that when I saw the cotton ball after toning.

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Oh hey it’s you again Tetsu! Thanks for making this. Anyway, it’s quite expensive here in Manila. Why? Because we dont have our own Lush Kitchen (a.k.a factory). The stocks are imported from Japan. Cleanser rolls here can be used up to 6 weeks only before they expire. Little goes a long way so it’s quite difficult to use it all up. I bought one last August 15. It’s 545 pesos. The SA told me it was just delivered. Nag improve na yon. Dati kasi 3 to 4 weeks lang expired na. This is reasonably priced if bought in other countries with Kitchen. Fresh batches expire after 4 months. You’ll have enough time to finish a tub.

I use this at night only. Others prefer it twice daily. I just don’t want to over exfoliate. It’s clay based already so I skip my trusty aztec healing mask. Overall I really like Herbalism. This will be a staple for me if we have our own Lush Kitchen. I’d recommend it for all skin types that are not prone to breakouts.

April 2016 Birthday Haul

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

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

February-March 2016 Favorites

February-March 2016 Favorites

I’m posting this in advance because I wont be active by the end of this month. Favorites should be posted that time, right? But Holy Week is approaching. We need some time off the internet. This is a combination of my favorites last month and this month. 🙂

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ETUDE HOUSE Real Art Cleansing Oil Moisture
I emptied a sample size. I like that it quickly melts of my makeup. It emulsifies once you rinse it and there’s no oily and sticky feeling after.

NEUTROGENA Gentle Skin Cleanser
I’m staying with sister and I’m borrowing her cleanser. Hahaha. I’ve been using it for two weeks. I forgot to bring my Fresh Farmacy again. I didnt want to buy a new one because it’s expensive.

LUSH Santa’s Belly Shower Jelly
I really enjoy using this. I love the apple scent! It makes my skin so soft and smooth after rinsing it off. Little goes a long way too! 🙂

MOSSIMO California Hermosa Beach Body Spray
I use this whenever I want a floral scent. It was a gift from my grandma. She’s the sweetest.

VICTORIA’S SECRET Beauty Rush Juiced Berry
It smells like berry when you spritz it but it’ll smell like marshmallow once it’s on the skin. It reminds me of MAC & other lipsticks. It’s okay if you stay indoors but if you’re commuting and sweaty, you might want to think about using this.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Incanto Shine
I use this more than anything else because the scent is gender-neutral. It leans more to masculine scent… I mean it smells fresh like you just got off the shower. I love it!!!

YOUTUBER: Charles Gross
As you can see from my favorites, there are 3 fragrances. I’m starting small because I cannot afford high-end brands, for now. Charles Gross loves designer perfume and his collection is amazing. I got interested in it because he always talks about it especially Chanel No.5. He’s fine and very classy. He has new video everyday. Yes, he uploads everyday!

What are your favorites for this month? Share them below. 🙂

Review: LUSH Santa’s Belly Shower Jelly

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.😊

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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.

imageOooh, 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~image

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

Review: LUSH Red Fun + Samples

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

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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.image

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.😅❄️image.jpg

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.

January 2016 Favorites

January 2016 Favorites

I’ve never posted anything like this before. I’ll be doing this every month now. *what a great excuse to buy stuff* haha. I really think favorites make me want to buy more products but nope. I have self control.😊

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SKINCARE

ETUDE HOUSE Lip & Eye Makeup Remover
I’m practicing on winged liner. I’m still not good at it. This product removes eyeliner quickly without pulling the skin. I’m still young and avoiding wrinkles.

MAKEUP

E.L.F Eyebrow Lifter and Filler
I started to use this last month. It’s so easy to use. If you want instant defined brows, this is the product for you

PINK SUGAR Our Lil Secret Concealer
I ran out of my Tony Moly Face Mix Cover Pot Concealer. I started to use this and so far I’m liking it. Review coming soon!

BODY CARE

RUCY’S VANITY Whitening Body Lotion – Acacia
I take shower 2-3 times daily as for someone with O.C.D. My skin’s feeling dry and lotions help to bring back moisture. I realized I’m reaching more for this product since last month. I want to finish all the lotions I have. I like fruity scents lately and this one has that.

LUSH Red Fun
Soap in a clay form. It says on the label that it can be used as a soap, shampoo and you can even wash your clothes with it. Red Fun smells like cherry/strawberry bubblegum. It’s appealing to kids because it’s like a clay and you can mold it into shapes while taking a bath. I was curious about it. I finally got one in Santa’s Belly gift set.

YOUTUBERS

PatrickStarrr & MannyMUA
Is it weird to include a list of people & makeup artists in my favorites? Lately, I’m binge watching their videos. They’re best friends in real life. Their collabs are so funny and I enjoy watching them together. Yes, I watch all their videos from favorites, tutorials and vlogs. Their makeup skills are 100% on point!

Sorry if this post is delayed. We dont have internet/wifi for now. We’ll replace it. I’m just using my phone. If I get a wifi connection, I’ll be posting on weekdays instead of weekends. What was your favorite last month? 😊

Review: LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner

Review: LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner

First review for this year. It has to be skin care… Because I love skin care so much. I’ve been obsessed with my LUSH routine. I finished up my Wonder Pore and this product’s next in line. I’m using this toner for a month already.

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DESCRIPTION:
Oily, dull or tired skin brightens up with a routine spritz of Tea Tree Water. Cleansing tea tree, juniper berry and grapefruit waters keep skin looking fresh and balance skin tone. Light and refreshing Tea Tree Water reduces redness and clears excess oil without drying so you can put your best face forward.

INGREDIENTS:
Tea Tree Water (Melaleuca alternifolia), Grapefruit Water (Citrus Paradisi), Juniperberry Water (Juniperus communis), *Limonene, Fragrance, Methylparaben.

PROS:
-Cruelty-free
-Affordable; Php 325 for 100ml & Php 625 for 250ml
-Short list of ingredients
-Has tea tree, grapefruit and juniper berry water which are antiseptic
-Alcohol-free
-Multifunction; toner, mist and setting spray
-Mattifying
-Slightly helps to control my oiliness
-Did not cause breakouts

CONS:
-Has paraben & perfume
-Might not provide enough hydration

Other people use this as makeup setting spray. It’s because of the mattifying effect. I don’t do that because it’s still skin care. Skin care products are supposed to go inside the pores.

My cleanser is drying and this toner doesn’t provide enough hydration if I use it directly on a cotton ball alone. What I like to do is spritz it on my face and let it soak in for a while. After that, I spray some on cotton ball(s) and swipe it on my skin. This method gives me hydration while toning.

Overall, I like it because it freshens, hydrates and mattifies my skin. I found that my makeup holds on better and a lot longer when I started to use this toner. Little goes a long way so it’s reasonably priced and cruelty-free too! 😊