Cleanser vs. Exfoliant: Why more people are switching to Maxi-Peel ZERO

     The road to clearer skin is a confusing jumble of cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, and so many more overwhelming terms. Are you oily, dry, sensitive, or all three? Why are you breaking out? In a country where humidity and pollution are your ultimate acne inducers, when do you draw the line between “I need this” and “No, my skin might not be able to handle that”?

     The solution might be as simple as an innovative new frontrunner in the beauty and skincare industry—Maxi-Peel ZERO.

Cleanser vs. Exfoliant: Why more people are switching to Maxi-Peel ZERO

Product Review: Esfolio Super Rich Coconut Toner

     It's been months since Esfolio Philippines sent their Super Rich Coconut Line and finally, I'll be able to feature the entire set and share my thoughts on my ultimate fave from the set- Super Rich Coconut Toner. Take note that this is not your ordinary toner because of the thick texture but I can vouch for the instant moisturizing and hydrating effects that it can give after application. I've tried a lot of toners before and those that made into my 'to keep list' are alcohol-free, made of or has a natural ingredient/s on the list, and affordable.

     In the recent years, I noticed that K-beauty brands have been introducing facial toners in two consistencies: water-like or serum-like which has a thick texture that doubles the purpose for those who are minimizing their skin care regimen. Toners with a thick consistency not only cleanse and prep the skin for full absorption of moisturizers and serums but it can also minimize the pores, boost moisture and infuse anti-aging or whitening benefits in every application. So without further ado, here's my review of Esfolio Super Rich Coconut Toner.

Product Review: Esfolio Super Rich Coconut Toner

Feature: Goodal Green Tangerine Line

     Have you heard about the latest skincare craze in Korea? If you're a fan of K beauty, I presume that you know what I'm talking about- glass skin. Koreans are going cray cray to have a glass skin and in order to achieve that, investment in the right products is a must even if it's expensive plus the fact that they have a nice weather, right?

     I'm not against glass skin. Who doesn't want a youthful and glowing skin, so smooth and radiant like a glass? Of course, I want that but I'm having second thoughts if this is achievable by using their suggested products because one thing is for sure- it's not compatible with our hot and humid weather. But hey, ladies of the tropics are still lucky because there are skin care products that can make skin radiant and fresh. Enter Goodal Green Tangerine- a skin care line perfect for summer!

Feature: Goodal Green Tangerine Line

Product Review: Mamonde Rose Water Toner

     Hello dearies! I want to share with you my thoughts on my current fave toner- Mamonde Rose Toner that I bought last year from Althea Korea. At first I was hesitant to try the product because of the price and thinking that it will just go to waste if my skin will react negatively to it. On the other hand, there's a whispering voice telling me to try it because it's rose water- and skin care products with rose extracts are known to give a moisturizing and calming effect on the skin.

     I made a research online and it looks like that only a few made a review of this product. After finishing a bottle, I'm proud to say that I experienced little to no breakouts. This is also the mildest toner that I've tried to date. So without further ado, here's my thoughts on Mamonde Rose Toner.

Product Review: Mamonde Rose Water Toner

Product Review: Eskinol Spot-less White Facial Deep Cleanser With Pure Calamansi Extracts

     Hi, hi hi! I'm back with another review. I told you in my previous post that I wanted to share new products on my skin care regimen and makeup stash that I'm currently using. So let's start with this toner/cleanser. I'm sure you've seen this product a lot of times and I presume a member or two in the family have tried this. This product has been around if I'm not mistaken since my childhood days and I remember seeing my mother using this before and after washing her face. If you're thinking this toner is classic, yes it is. 

     Eskinol is classic and very effective that's why until now it's still here unlike other brands being discontinued in the market. When I saw that Janet of Journey on Beauty made a comprehensive review of all Eskinol variants, I'm convinced that the quality of this product has been tested through times and if this is re-formulated I'm sure that the new formulation is way better and improved with added features. I'm so happy that I've got a chance to try this toner because my skin loves it. Read more and see why I repurchased the bigger bottle of this product.

     Eskinol provides products which are specifically formulated for the Filipina skin. Its range of products is known to effectively solve oily skin problems and pimples!

     Eskinol Facial Deep Cleansers contain Micro-cleanse Anti-Bacterial Formula that removes pimple-causing dirt left from washing with soap. It also removes excess oil and make-up to make your skin truly clean. Use Eskinol Facial Deep Cleanser and avoid pimples and other skin problems from coming back. 

Eskinol Spot-less White Facial Deep Cleanser With Pure Calamansi Extracts
R- I emptied the small bottle in a month's time.
L- Currently using this 135ml bottle every other day.

~Removes deep-seated dirt, excess oil, and makeup with micro-cleanse anti-bacterial formula
~With pure Calamansi extracts known to whiten skin
~With vitamin C derivatives to help lighten dark spots in as early as 1 week for an even skin tone

size: 4.6 fl.oz. /135ml

price: 49.75 php(Around $1.20+)

place bought: Watsons Health and Beauty Store, Sm Fairview

instructions for use: Moisten a piece of cotton and apply on face and neck. Repeat until no trace of dirt is seen on the cotton. Use anytime and anywhere to get a truly clean skin.

ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat., Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Perfume, Citrus Microcarpa (Calamansi) Extract, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Menthol, CI 47005

What I like:

• The price- cheapest among the toners that I've tried.
• My skin feels squeaky clean after use.
• There is a cooling sensation and  just a little sting
• Able to cleanse deep-seated dirt and heavy makeup.
• Leaves skin matte and oil-free.
• Wide selection of toners for different skin needs.
• Lightened some dark spots after 2 weeks of every other day use.

What I don't like:

• Caused dryness on some parts of my skin.

Will I repurchase? Yes because truly soap is not enough to cleanse that deep-seated dirt. 

Recommendation:

     I give this a 4.75/5 rating. Other than the faint alcohol smell and the dryness, I really liked seeing my face squeaky clean after using this product. I noticed some of my pimple marks have lightened. I'm not saying that this product alone made those blemishes lighter, applying this every other day somehow helped those unsightly dark spots appear less visible. I'm also giddy to try other variants of Eskinol but methinks I need to use this continuously if I really want to see maximum results and if it will make pimple marks vanish after long-term use.

     Have you tried Eskinol? What's your favorite variant? Thanks for sharing! Happy weekend

Good Times!~

Haul + Thank you Mama for this bag

     Hello loves! Been very busy last week hence lack of post. Have you joined my three giveaways yet? If not, click here, here and here to join :D I still have another giveaway coming this October so keep on checking for updates. I have so many things to share with you like another batch of winnings, haul posts, product reviews and the Lolita Fragrance Launch that I attended last week. So for this post, I wanna share with you my recent haul mostly skin care products like soaps and toner. A printed canvass bag that was given to me by my mom when I visited them weeks ago.

     My original plan was to restock on All Organics Lemongrass toner when I claimed my Laniege Snow BB Cushion at Trinoma. But I can't resists the urge to buy a bar of my favorite Calamansi soap even though I still have one in my closet (yes, I keep them in my closet so that my clothes will smell citrusy :P) and a new one in my soap dish.

All Organics Lemongras Facial Toner
All Organics Calamansi Soap

Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion 4g Samples
Snoe white no. 10 Special Black Bleaching Bar

     I was in a hurry that day but when I passed by the Snoe counter, I decided to buy another bar of soap. The Special Black Bleaching bar was out of stock that day and the SA said that they already had a Snoe counter at Sm Fairview located inside Cinderella. Yehey!!! I can now buy my favorite soaps from Snoe anytime I want since SM Fairview is just 10 mins away from our house. 

Snoe white no.3 Special Kojic with Glutathione Beauty Bar

     Yay! Another soap from Snoe white, I heard Kojic and Glutathione combo is another way to effectively even out skin tone. Let's see if this will pass my standards when it comes to whitening department. I have high hopes with Snoe and I'm sure this will be another HG.

Genevieve Gozum Printed Canvass Bag

     My mon gave me this shoulder/body bag when I visited them weeks ago. I'm not sure if this can pass as aztec or tribal in terms of the print. I still don't know what kind of outfit will suit this bag. Any suggestions from you will be highly appreciated. Thanks a lot!!!

Good Times!~

    

Product Review: Dr. Skin+ Toner

     Hello dearies! How's your week going? My apologies for this uber later and delayed post. I'm still adjusting on my schedule for my father's dialysis and mommy duties. It's not that easy as I think it would be. There were times that I wanted to read blog posts and update this blog before going to bed but waking up the next day with my laptop on stand by mode. So I guess emotional and physical stress is taking its toll on me. I've been experiencing symptoms of flu lately and thank God that I'm still okay. 

     So on to my review, I'm happy with the result of new skin care products that I used on my face and another one on my body. It's been a month and a half since I started using this toner that I'm loving now! I consider this toner as semi-organic because two of the main ingredients were from natural plants like the Camellia Sinensis and Witch Hazel. When I first saw this on my loot bag after the Nicesnssa Online Store Launch I'm giddy to try it the next day after the event but I have doubts since my skin is very sensitive specially when trying new ones. Prolly you know that my favorite and most trusted toner and still using up to now is All Organics Lemongrass Toner. So when I tried Dr. Skin Toner, I can say that this can be a good dupe to my favorite toner or should I say an alternative one week before my monthly period where hormones starting to get wild. Hehehe! Cystic acne and oily skin are the signs that my monthly period will begin in a weeks time so to make an early prevention I decided to use this toner and see if there will be a slight difference. To my surprise there's a big difference! 

     Click read more and see if this toner will be a staple in my cabinet and if I'm going to order another bottle online :D

Dr. Skin Toner
Oil Control/ Anti-Acne
best for oily skin, reduces clogged pores, helps control bacteria and suppresses inflammation, controls active acne breakouts.

size: 100ml

price: free (130php Around $3.00)

place bought: free 

Nisce Skin 'n Face , Niscenssa Online Store

instructions for use: Apply all over face and neck w/ a cotton ball using upward and outward strokes.

ingredients: Aqua, Ethyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Triclosan, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hamameus Virginia (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Menthol

What I like:

• The price- very affordable.
•  I love the cool feeling it gives on my face, very relaxing!
• There's no weird or funky smell.
• The bottle dispenses right amount of product.
• There's a manufacturing and batch number stamped at the bottom of the bottle.
• No irritations or breakouts or whatsoever.
• It lessened my hormonal breakouts and keeps the oil at bay.
• Calms redness on my face.
• Can be purchased online.

What I don't like:

• Their branch at Sm Fairview has been pulled out so I have no choice but to visit Sm Megamall branch which is very far from our house. Sometimes online shopping can be very hassle to me :(

Will I repurchase? Yes! I'm planning to restock on this toner. 

Recommendation:

     I give this a 4.75/5 rating. Even though it's not organic, my skin didn't experience breakouts and irritation unlike other commercial toners that I've tried. I highly recommend this toner specially to those who wanted to keep their oilies at bay and lessen their cystic acne. A word of caution, use the product at your own risk. We have different skin types and needs so what worked for me may not work for you. 

     Do you use more than one toners? Thanks for sharing! Take care loves :D

Good Times!~

My Skin Care Regimen

     Hi loves! I'm worrying that another typhoon (Helen) will give sleepless nights and panic attacks to those living near rivers, creeks and low lands. After a day of sunshine here's another day of gloomy sky. If only we can talk to mother nature and ask her to give us normal amount of rainfall then we'll all be appease. Let's just pray that God will guide and give us strength and patience to endure all these natural disasters that we have to face.
     Today is errands day and we're off to Sm Fairview for some grocery and window shopping :D I'm also excited because the kiddo in me wants to play arcade games, weeee!~ So before going outside, I want to share my skin care regimen. Almost all of these skin care products became my HG (holy grail). Believe me when I say that I've tried and tested these soaps since 2009. Some brands specially with the soap only became my favorites this year. 

     My facial soaps- I use this soap once or twice a day. I also use a special soap e.g my skin is acting up or I want to lighten dried up zits.

ALL ORGANICS CALAMANSI

Step 1: I leave the soaps lather for 2 minutes then rinse.

SNOE WHITE VITAMIN C RICH CALAMANSI

SNOE WHITE SPECIAL BLACK BLEACHING SOAP

Step 2: After the Calamansi soap (ALL ORGANICS/SNOE WHITE) I leave the soaps lather on my
face for 2 minutes then rinse.

CYLEINA KOJIC ACID SOAP

FOR PIMPLE MARKS

ALL ORGANICS TOMATO LIME

FOR ACNE BREAK-OUTS

     I only use one toner before until I tried something that is almost close to organic because of its ingredients (will make a review soon)- All Organics Lemongrass Facial toner and Dr. Skin Oil Control Toner

ALL ORGANICS LEMONGRASS 

My new love! I included this on my skin care regimen because it helped me lessen my pimples during my monthly period.

     For my moisturizer- I only use GNC Vitamin C Moisturizer and Camaru Naturals Camellia Oil

DAY

NIGHT, I ALSO USE THIS AS MY UNDER EYE CREAM

     And for my face mask- I use Purederm's Dual Well-Being twice a week.

     Basically that's it! I will update this post later. I want to add something but I can't find the pictures of them. Hope you enjoyed reading this. Stay safe everyone!

Good Times!~

HG's Haulin'

     I've been very busy last two weeks because my father underwent cataract operation and I'm the one responsible getting his laboratory results and cardio-pulmonary clearance. I'm also sleep deprived so my skin is acting up lately and I ran out some of my skin and hair care essentials that's why I need to replenish my stocks. So here's what I got from recent trips to Trinoma where I usually take MRT and purchased my haul.

My 4th tub of Asian Secrets Lulur Body Scrub w/ Licorice and Mulberry Extract

My 4th bottle of All Organics Lemongrass Facial Toner

My 2nd bottle of Clairol Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Conditioner

     That's it for now, I'll post my review on Color Me Happy soon. Been thinking of coloring my hair again because the roots are starting to show now. I'm torn between Kao Prettia in Chiffon Beige or Kao Prettia Platinum Beige. I want my hair really light this time bordering from light brown to blonde. Any suggestions? Thanks for sharing!

Good Times!

  

Product Review: All Organics Lemongrass Facial Toner

     Before anything else, I would like to thank my hubby for encouraging me to blog about everything and anything that interests me. I'm so lucky to have a supportive husband who sometimes became my fashion and beauty guru although there were times he refuses to because he thinks it's a girl thing. Finally, I decided to do my first review on one of my skin care product that I've tried and tested. It's one of those skin care must haves- facial toner.

     I know that there are a lot of us who sometimes skip the basic skin care routine of cleanse, tone and moisturize because we are lazy after a long day of work or simply we feel really sleepy. I'm guilty of doing this back when I was in college so when I decided to take good care of my skin after suffering from adult acne I searched for different skin care products. I tried several brands like Pond's Toner in pink and blue, L'oreal White Perfect Active Whitening Toner, toners being sold by dermatologists and Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner in blue and yellow variant. I can say that some of this gave me cystic acne, some strips of the natural oil of my skin and does have that funky smell. 

     So a year ago, I decided to try organic stuffs and stumbled with All Organics Bath and Body Wellness Essentials. This brand sells different organic products from soaps, lotions, scrubs, mineral make-ups and baby stuffs. The product that I will be reviewing is from the Lemongrass Line.

Lemongrass Line

     The Lemongrass line was inspired by the hardworking farmers of Negros who toil the earth to support their families. We pledge to support these farmers by expanding the use of Lemongrass and give back portion of sales to their community. This line includes: Lemongrass pure essential oil, facial care- pimple and acne relief, daily needs- hand sanitizer, mouth wash, breath freshner, whitening deodorant, foot spray, hydramist, relaxation- massage oils, relaxing massage cream, mood spray, soaps- liquid coconut castille soap, clean rinse, throat spray and Itcho's oil.

*from MILEA Bath and Body Wellness Essentials brochure*

     The Lemongrass line is composed of different products that I think suits different kind of skin care needs. I think that purchasing one of the products from this line is worth it not just because it is affordable, we are also helping our fellow farmers in their livelihood. It's like using the product for a cause.

     So now I present to you their Lemongrass toner from the Lemongrass Line which I really love!

All Organics Lemongrass Facial Toner
*photo taken from allorganics.com.ph*

Lemongrass Facial Toner

Lemongrass is a known skin toner that helps keep pimple causing bacteria at  bay, improve appearance of pores and freshen skin.

size: 100ml

price: 155php ( Around $4.00 )

place bought: Sesou Nature Source, TriNoma Quezon City

Herbal Garden, Quezon City Circle 

(infront of Philippine Coconut Authority)

All Organics online

instruction for use: 

as toner:

spray on face and dab dry with fingers.

   as cleanser:

spray on cotton, wipe gently on face, repeat until face is clean.

                             ingredients: Lemongrass distillate, Tea Tree Extract, Witchazel Extract, Guava Extract and Pepermint Extract

What I like:

• Cool minty feel after use.
• Leaves my face fresh and keeps the oil at bay.
• Three sprays on my entire face is enough so the product lasts me for more than 4 months.
• I tried to use it as cleanser and it works well too.
• Inexpensive at 155 pesos for a 100ml toner that really works.
• After finishing one bottle, I can say that it keeps pimple causing bacteria because I rarely get pimples now.
• As for the smell, i find it tolerable because it fades easily after patting the toner on my face.
• Comes in a travel friendly spray bottle.
• Batch number and expiration date is printed on the bottle.

What I don't like:

• None!

Will I repurchase? YES

     I give this toner a 5/5 rating. I'm on my third bottle of this toner now. This is definitely one of my tried and tested skin care product. This product really works for me. I've been using this for a year now and because of it's cooling and soothing effect, I also use this as a spot treatment whenever a new reddish pimple comes out. I think I found my HG toner and will take me years before searching for a new one.

Recommendation:

     I highly recommend this product to those who have oily, acne-prone and combination skin. I'm sure everyone will enjoy spraying this on their face during summer or when the weather is hot because it really gives the cooling sensation on your face. As for the first time users with sensitive nose, the smell of this toner is a bit off. I think you will be used to it after 5 or more uses.

     Natural products can also cause irritation and allergies. We have different skin types and what works for me may not work for you. It is better to research on the ingredients first and see if your allergic to one of its components.

     Thank you for reading my post. Have you tried organic toners? If yes, can you share it to us? Have a great day everyone!

Good Times!~