Where to get Pure Argan Oil in PH

Hello readers! It’s 2017 and I didn’t want to skip the first day of the year without posting anything. I’m so into argan oil lately and it was included in my Best Products of 2016. It is used for moisturizing the skin, hair, body and nails. It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is also used for sensitive skin issues like eczema, dermatitis and acne. I’m using one for almost a month and I love it so much. I thought all pure argan oils were expensive. Surprisingly, there are many local brands that offer this amazing oil for less than 1,000 pesos.

Let’s discuss first what are the things you should consider when buying pure argan oil.

1. 100% Pure Argan Oil should be indicated in the ingredients list. No other ingredients/fragrance/perfume should be written on the label.
2. Its packaging should be in a dark glass/plastic bottle. In this way, you’re sure that you’ll get all the benefits from it
3. It has a nutty scent in my opinion
4. It should be absorbed within 4 minutes and wont leave very oily residue

Here are the available brands in the Philippines. You can get them in-stores or online.

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ORGANIC ALLEY
Price: Php 499 – 30ml
Php 750 – 50ml
Available at Sesou branches & on their official website

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OIL OF ARGAN 
Price: Php 600 – 30ml
Also available at Sesou branches & on their official website

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BEAUTY BAKERY
Price: Php 850 (original price)
Available on BeautyMNL.com

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LUMIERE ORGANICEUTICALS
Price: Php 880 (original price)
Available on BeautyMNL.com

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V&M NATURALS
Price: Php 925 (original price)
Available at their branches & on BeautyMNL.com

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SNOE BEAUTY
Price: Php 799
Available at their branches, official website and Zalora

I hope you’ll find this helpful. This is my future reference too. There are only two oils that do not break me out, Maracuja and Argan. I’ll be reviewing the Organic Alley this month. If you know other affordable brands aside from these, please let us know so I can edit this post. 🙂

Dupes for Mario Badescu’s Best Sellers

A lot of my blog’s readers are mostly students and those who are on a budget like me. This is a bonus post since it’s my birthday today. I want to share some products which I’m targeting to get. Those shouldnt be kept as secret. Haha.

Mario Badescu is known for their anti-acne treatments. The brand is quite expensive for me. I thought I should share dupes of their best-selling Drying Lotion and Buffering Lotion. These are spot treatments and priced at 1,095 pesos ($23) each based on Rustan’s Website. If you want to save a few bucks, keep on reading. 🙂

Let’s see their descriptions first

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: The Drying Lotion is a fast acting, effective acne spot treatment. Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and other quick-drying ingredients, this product will shrink ugly whiteheads virtually overnight while you sleep. While other acne spot treatments can irritate and dry delicate or sensitive skin, this product is safe and effective for all skin types.

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion: Specially formulated for oily, troubled skin, our effective overnight Buffering Lotion helps clear painful, under-the-skin blemishes while preventing further breakouts. Contains gentle ingredients to normalize skin and help reduce the size of blemishes.

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? 🙂

Wish List: Products for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

Hi readers! I’m feeling festive since September! I’ve listed products that I’m very interested to try out. I’ll probably get them real soon. I’m in a “haul ban” because I bought a lot of stuff these past few months. I’m most interested in these products. I still have a long list. I just dont want to have a long post.

Most products mentioned below are specifically for oily and acne prone skin. I categorized them according to their use; cleanser, moisturizer, mask, spot treatment and sunscreen. The prices are included too in case you’re interested. 🙂

CLEANSERS

THE BODY SHOP Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash – P395
I saw this in their store last Christmas season when I got the tea tree facial wash and toner. I searched for reviews on it. Bloggers say that it really does not dry out their skin / no tight feeling.

SNOE Shoo-zit! Wash Away Those Zits Deep Cleansing Acne Wash – P349
I want to try this for SO long. It has few ingredients but some of them are antibacterial for acne like honey, salicylic acid, mulberry and Purefix. There are other cleansers that have few ingredients too but are useless and do not even clean the skin.

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 MOISTURIZERS

LUSH Enzymion – approx. P1,200
I watched Lush hauls and their SAs recommended Enzymion for Youtubers who have oily skin. From the reviews, this cream mattifies the skin. It has cocoa butter, avocado oil and evening primrose oil. Hmmmm, I’m not sure about that. We’ll see if ever a generous SA will give me a sample.

LUSH Full of Grace serum bar – £8.25 (approx. P586.46)
A serum in a solid form? This is such an innovative idea in my opinion. It has 2 butters which aren’t really for oily skin but I still want to try it. Why? because it has calamine powder. Calamine powder is the main ingredient in my holy grail cleanser. Maybe I should get this when I’m older.. older meaning less oily skin. 😉 This is not available in the Philippines. I’ll order from the U.K. website if ever since they have cheaper price compared to our neighbor countries.

LUSH Vanishing Cream – approx. P1,500
They claim that this is their lightest moisturizer. Most youtubers who have oily skin love it. They said it sinks in quickly. It has witch hazel and rose water to calm the skin. But it has butter and oils just like Enzymion, Full of Grace and other Lush moisturizers. I hope I’ll get a sample one day before I can finally decide to get a full size pot.

BURT’S BEES Acne Solutions Daily Moisturizing Lotion – P1,450
I was randomly browsing an online shop and saw this. It has salicylic acid, willow bark extract and witch hazel. Those 3 ingredients are tempting me. There are also other ingredients that I’m not familiar with so I’m still skeptical to get a full size bottle. Why are the stores in the Philippines rarely give out samples? 😦

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MASK

MARIO BADESCU Drying Mask – P1,145
I was looking for other face masks with calamine since I can’t get my hands on Lush’s Catastrophe Cosmetic fresh face mask. This one has few ingredients and it has what I’m looking for! It’s only 50g though.

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SPOT TREATMENT

SNOE Shoo-zit! Dip & Dry Acne Drying Lotion – P449
This is like your Etude House and Mario Badescu spot treatment. The only difference is its affordability. You’ll get the same 20ml. Dip a cotton bud and gently apply it on the spots.

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SUNSCREEN

VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover 30 – P815
My skin is so thin especially on the face. I get dark spots easily even if I dont touch blemishes. I have never used a sunscreen in my life aside from makeup’s spf. I know it’s bad. I’m skeptical to use one. My skin is not used to creams and  it can only handle up to spf 30. Based on the reviews, this VMV product doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.

Review: SNOE Shoozit Buff The Magic Tonic Cystic Buffering Solution

Happy Saturday! Today’s review is about a product made by a Filipino brand. Snoe Beauty is known for their high quality products and quirky packagings. They are following skincare and makeup trends. That makes them one of the most advanced local brands.

I was looking for a spot treatment that will last long. I visited Snoe’s website for options. I found out they have a pink powder spot thingy which is more affordable compared to foreign brands. But I got this one instead since it targets cystic acne. 😊 Its name reminds me of Puff The Magic Dragon. Kyuhyun sang that during SS2/SS3. 😅😂

What is it?
Raging hormones create more bumps ahead. Get some back up with BUFF the Magic Tonic to smoothen challenging cystic acne attacks. SHOO-ZIT Buff the Magic Tonic is specifically designed to treat large deep cystic acne. This buffering lotion covers large erupted areas for overall treatment. Formulated with nourishing B vitamins and amino acids for healthy skin as well as Purefix-DC to promote healing. Reduce cystic acne fast with this deep penetrating fast absorbing formula.

My Top 5 Spot Treatment Products For Acne

Hello readers! This is my first time to do a Top 5 post. I’ve tried a lot of spot treatments for acne. I guess I can now sort them out and list the products that works best on my skin. These products can eliminate acne within a week based on my experience. Well of course the cystic ones would take longer since they are under the skin. I’ve included the prices so you can select which one fits your budget.

June 2015 Mini Haul

Im trying my best not to hoard or buy anything that I dont really need. So please excuse my little haul. Hahaha. I needed to replenish my stash. I ran out of foundation. I had breakouts and needed something that can help minimize them. I also ran out of cottons for cleansing & toner. Oh I did not include the cottons in the photo because they are too big but I’ll include their names below. 🙂 ❤️

1. Bifesta Moisture Cleansing Lotion – click here for full review
I think this is the most affordable cleansing water in the market. It only costs Php 419 for 300 ml. I bought this because I dont want to use cleansing tissues anymore. I’ve read on a wordpress blog (I forgot the name) that cleansing tissues can damage the skin. This can get pricey because of its consistency. I dont mind since I prefer water type cleanser than oil. Of course, we cant compare them to cleansing oils. You just need a small amount on that.

2. Snoe Buff The Magic Tonic Cystic Buffering Solution
I had a breakout this month. Im still on vacation and no need for injections this time. I dont want them to stay long. I searched for a product that can minimize them especially the cystic ones. This came to my mind because it’s specifically made for cystic acne and it’s Php 499 for 20 ml.

3. Maybelline Clear Smooth Do It All Powder – Refill
I was looking for the 99 pesos all in one powder but it’s not available anymore. I got this for Php 169. Good thing Maybelline’s packaging for all in one/do it all refill has always been great. Im not a fan of buying foundations in their original packaging. It’s like Im just buying the packaging, not the foundation.

4. Tony Moly Easy Touch Auto Lip Liner
This is on my wish list. I’ve never tried to use a lip liner before. Its price is Php 179.

5. Cleene Cotton Balls (150 pieces)
I bought this for my toner. It’s 46 pesos.

Review: Snoe It’s Oat-K! It’s Alright Foaming Cleansing Oil

Hello! Im about to share to you my current facial wash. My cleansing tissue doesnt completely remove makeup and my previous cleanser cannot remove residue. Although I use toner, it feels like I still need to use a facial wash that can remove makeup to help minimize pimples.

I was curious about this product from Snoe because of its cute name. I’ve also read a lot of positive reviews about this. I know there are cleansing oils, but not foaming one. Im hesitant to try cleansing oil because of my oily skin. I thought this might work because of it’s foam texture. 🙂

Here’s the packaging

Description from their website:
For Sensitive Skin
3-in-1
Make up Remover. Facial Crème Wash. Face Conditioner

Goat’s Milk. Oat Extract. Pili nut oil. Acerola Cherry

It’s Oat-K! It’s Alright! Foaming Cleansing oil thoroughly removes dirt, excess oil, color cosmetics — even waterproof mascara — while helping calm and soothe skin. This non-irritating cleanser conditions to help reduce the appearance of redness and relieves tightness. It provides maximum soothing protection and moisture to soften rough, dry skin. This skincare essential is safe to use around the eyes and suits all skin types.

Directions:
Apply a small amount to moist skin. In a circular motion, gently cleanse skin for 30 seconds. Rinse with water. Use twice daily, day and night. Follow with your favorite Snoe Sun Protection or moisturizer.