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 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

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.

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. 🙂

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 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.

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.😊

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? 😊

Massive Empties for 2015 + Announcement

I dont know why I still keep the packagings and boxes even if I used them up already. Is it just me?

Some empties are not included in the photo but I’ve finished them this year. As usual, they are categorized. This is also a recap of my previous reviews. I will link all my reviews so you can check them out.

Makeup remover:

• BIFESTA Moist Cleansing Lotion – review here
• ETUDE HOUSE Every Month Cleansing Tissues – review here
• SKINLITE Makeup Cleansing Tissues- review here

Cleanser:

• LUSH Fresh Farmacy – review here
• SAFEGUARD Dermasense – review here
• THE BODY SHOP Tea Tree Clearing Face Wash – review here

Toner:

• CELETEQUE Alcohol-Free Toner – review here
• ETUDE HOUSE Wonder Pore Freshner – review here

Mask:

• LUSH Mask of Magnaminty Self-Preserving – review here

Moisturizer:

• C20 C 21.5 Advanced Vitamin C Serum – review here

Spot Treatment:

• COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch – review here
• MISSHA Speedy Solution Anti Trouble Patch – review here
• SKINMISO Spot Repairing Serum – review here
• SNOE Shoozit Buff the Magic Tonic – review here

Acne scar/pit Treatment (for newly formed scars):

• HIRUSCAR – review here

Soap:

• BATH ORIGINS Oatmeal & Honey Soap – review here
• NATURE ESSENTIALS Nature Dream Soap – review here

Makeup:

• MAYBELLINE Clear Smooth Shine Free Do-It-All Foundation – review here
• MAYBELLINE Clear Smooth All In One Shine-Free Foundation – review here
• TONY MOLY Face Mix Cover Pot Concealer – review here

This is my last post for 2015. I hope you’re enjoying the rest of the holiday season! Happy new year in advanced. See you in 2016! 🙂

Btw, I’m going to have local giveaways next year. Philippine residents can join for now. Just to celebrate and say thank you to all my blog’s readers. One or two of my top commenters (which are PH residents) will automatically receive goodies aside from the giveaway winners. Thank you for the support guys! I truly appreciate it. I might even have international giveaways. Who knows? 🙂