Review: St. Ives Apricot Fresh Skin Scrub Invigorating

This isn’t my first tube of St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I finished one large tube already but that was in the past. I forget about it, or should I say, I didn’t give it attention anymore since there are so many skin care products coming in the market. I also forgot how it affects my skin because that was so long time ago already.

Anyways, I got this by mistake. I was supposed to return this to the shelf because I found a trial pack of another facial scrub brand but I forgot to do so and only realize my mistake after it has been entered on my bill. It was already too late to return the item so I have no choice but to pay for it.

On to the review…

This facial scrub comes in a white tube with the image of apricot on the upper portion of the tube. The one I got is for fresh skin (invigorating) thus the green band just beneath the St. Ives text. It has a twist cap cover which can be a challenge to open at times with wet hands.

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub Invigorating is a light brown cream with thick consistency. It claims to “exfoliate to reveal smooth, radiant skin”. While it also claims to be 100% natural, the label states that it should be used three to four times a week only.

 

Product Description:
Exfoliates to reveal smooth, radiant skin.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
I like that it comes in small tube. Other variants of St. Ives scrubs are usually in bigger tubes or tub but this one has a small one which is ideal if you are just observing how the skin reacts to the product. I love the fruity scent of this facial scrub. Indeed, it is invigorating! The coarse granules or grains in the scrub which other users are complaining about are fine for me. You just have to be very careful and gentle when rubbing it to the face so as to avoid abrasions.

I love how this facial scrub makes my skin smooth especially right after washing. Seems like my skin is so clean and fresh. No tightness, no tingling sensation while washing.

What I do not like about this product:
The granules maybe coarse but the product cannot remove deep-seated black heads. That is the only thing I do not like about this product.

Will I repurchase?
Maybe. This facial scrub is fantastic during those days when you need or want to pamper your skin and lighten your mood.

Rating:

A Photo A Week: Summer Kite

Please excuse my bag in the picture. :D

Summer is the best time to fly colorful kites. We were thrilled when we saw this one at National Bookstore but unfortunately, I think the creator of this one isn't really aware about balance or something... or perhaps haven't flew a kite. The head is heavier than the tail thus this poor dragonfly cannot soar high. Good thing we bought another kite that is really created to fly.

Review: Etude House Black Head Remover Dual Sheet

If you have read some of my posts particularly about skin care, you probably know that my two major problems are oily skin and large pores with blackheads. I have tried a few products to get rid of such unsightly blackheads and at least lessen the size of my pores but nothing has worked so far or should I say, nothing worked in the way I wanted a product to work. I know, there is no permanent cure for large pores but I believe that effective products and good skin care routine can at least reduce the problem. That is why I am in constant search for the best products to eliminate blackheads and reduce the size of my pores – from facial wash, toner to nose patch.

I came across a blog post about Etude House’ nose patch (the one with pink packaging). Given that it’s from Etude House, I somehow had high hopes regarding this product. I went to Etude House to get this product but then, I can’t find that nose patch in pink packaging. I asked the sales girl and she gave me this Black Head Remover Dual Sheet.

Dual sheet because the package contains two sheets: the black heads remover sheet and tightening gel sheet. Seeing this, I sort of feel amazed for finally coming across a product that will not only clean my pores but will also help tighten them.

Etude House Black Head remover Dual Sheet comes in yellow packaging with partition in the center to separate the black head remover sheet from the tightening gel sheet. Since this is a Korean product, the instructions and labels are both in Korean and English.

I was expecting that the black head remover sheet would look like cloth strips similar to that of wax strips but it’s not. The sheet is a cottony cloth that is more likely to tear when pulled. And like wax strips and black head remover creams (iWhite), I expected this product to stick to the skin tightly. But then again, I was wrong! For me it feels more like a strip of wet tissue paper attached to my nose. The tightening gel sheet on the other hand is a thin gel-like material in which the shape is the same as the black head remover sheet. This isn’t as flimsy as the black head remover sheet though.

Product Description:
Two-stage black head removal and care system formulated with fruit and herbal extracts.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
It is never hard to find this product or any other Etude House products since there is already an Etude House outlet in one of the malls in our city. I also like the small pink paper which is used as shopping bag for the items bought.

What I do not like about this product:
Unfortunately, there are many things I do not like about this product. Etude House Dual Sheet Black Head Remover didn’t work for me! When I removed the black head remover sheet from my face after 15 minutes, I didn’t see anything on the sheet indicating that it has removed a single black head. And when I checked the mirror, surely there isn’t any improvement. My unsightly black heads are still there! I followed the instruction the best way I can and even followed the suggestion to steam the face before putting on the black head remover sheet.

I was disappointed but I still went on with the procedure and placed the tightening gel sheet on the same area to see how it works. A few seconds after the gel sheet touched my nose, I felt a tingling sensation but it vanished after a few more seconds. It has a minty scent in which I find soothing to the skin. I waited for another 15 minutes and when I removed the gel sheet and checked my face on the mirror; I cringed with what I saw. Not that it caused any redness or whatsoever but it caused nothing. The only evidence that a tightening gel sheet was placed on my nose is the tingling sensation and minty feeling on the skin. Black heads are still there and the pores are still as large as ever. This product made no difference!

I was so disappointed and I regret buying this.

Will I repurchase?
Absolutely no! This product is for single use only and it costs Php 79. There are many black head patch remover out there that are cheaper and probably more effective than this.

Rate:

Summer is definitely more fun with NIVEA SUN! My top summer wonder is Davao

It's scorching hot in the Philippines! Filipinos, again, endure the heat summer weather brings. But despite the heat that is more likely to burn our skin when exposed to sun directly, summer shouldn't prevent anyone from going out and have some fun. Summer is the best time for us to go out and explore the wonders our country has to offer - from Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao, we have a lot of options in our hands.

A lot of people are now flocking to Boracay not only to have sun-kissed skin but also to enjoy breath-taking sceneries and fun summer adventures. While I have nothing against Boracay, I don't really appreciate over-crowded places. I prefer peaceful yet fun place for my summer wonder and that is Davao City.

Me (left) and my friend before our zip line experience.

Everything that I am looking for in a summer destination can be found there. There is Eden Nature Park where nature meets adventure. In there you will experience true adrenaline rush and scream your heart out when you glide through the zip line from one part of the mountain to the other. You can also hike around this mountainous paradise, go fishing, ride horses or commune with nature. While approaching the area, you will be welcomed not just by cold winds but by the majestic Mt. Apo standing tall and proud. While it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Davao, you will never feel crowded because the place is too huge to accommodate all the guests with various interests.

If you long for the waves and the sea, then your best option is the Island Garden City of Samal. Aside from the white-sand beaches with tranquil blue water, the island has also numerous marine reefs to feast your eyes on. The island is also becoming popular when it comes to water sports adventure.

Even in the center of the city, you can always find a place to have some fun. I enjoyed watching Pangil (reportedly the country's second largest crocodile) and other younger crocodiles being fed with meat at Davao Crocodile Farm. There are also other animals such as ostrich, macaques, civet, leopard cat, deer, dragon sail fin and various types of birds and snakes. If you are an animal-loving traveler, you surely won't regret spending time in this animal kingdom.

In many parts of the city, there are some adventure parks for more exciting activities. You may want to visit Davao Zorb Park, Walk 'n Water Ball Park and Zip City among others.

While I'm in love with the place and dub it as my one-plane-ride away summer destination, the tourist spots are not the only thing I love about Davao. I love how I can roam around in the city, even at night, without having to worry about hold-uppers, snatchers and other people who chose to live life in the dark. The people there are well-disciplined, respectful, helpful and accommodating. When you ask for direction or suggestions regarding route and mode of transportation (which is a common thing for travelers to do), they would give you helpful information. They never trick you into paying more than you are supposed to nor give you false information. The local government is doing its best to maintain peace and order in this large and beautiful city.

If you have been to Davao, you will surely understand my love for this place. But if not, it's not yet late to explore this sanctuary. When you do, I think you would agree with me when I say that "this is definitely worthy of the top summer wonder title." Less road traffic, no worries, more fun!

“Join the on-going Nivea Philippines 7 Summer Wonders contest on FB and get a chance to win NIVEA Sun gift packs, Charina Sarte swimwear, SONY products or a trip for 2 to the Ultimate Summer Wonder! Just click http://www.facebook.com/NIVEAPhilippines/app_180716052039522 to join and vote now!”

Review: Celeteque Dermoscience Sun Care Facial Moisturizer

I have been seeing this product almost everywhere. I mean when you go to health and beauty section of malls, you will see this in the face care section, in sun care section, hot products section... almost everywhere. I have been considering buying this, so days before I use up my Myra Daily Sun Protect moisturizer, I bought this with high hopes.

Celeteque facial moisturizer comes in white tube with orange band accent and the text colors are either blue or white. Its white flip top cover makes this product easy to use.

This is a cream moisturizer with a very light scent although the product claims to be fragrance-free.

Product Description:
It combines optimum hydration and UVA/UVB protection to help prevent the skin from dryness and damage from daily sun exposure. Effective moisturizers help keep skin hydrated, smooth and supple.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
One thing that made me decide to buy this one is its ability to protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun. It has sun protection factor (SPF) 15 which I think is enough for me since I am only out in the under sun around a couple of hours every day. Additionally, it also claims to be non-comedogenic so less worry about blocking my pores thus increase my blackheads and aggravate my large pores issues.

This moisturizer dries quickly too.

What I do not like about this product:
While this product dries quickly you have to be very quick when applying in order to spread the cream evenly on the face. But that is not the only thing that turned me off this product. It made my oily skin very oily. I know that cream-based products are not really of big help when it comes to reducing oil on the face but I don’t have experience such as this with other cream-based products. A couple of hours after application, I notice my face starts to look oily, not dewy. An hour more and surely the oil my face produced can be used to fry an egg. With this moisturizer, I need to blot my face every hour or so to reduce oil. While it claims to make my skin hydrated, it over hydrated my skin instead.

Will I repurchase?
I wanted this product to work way better than Myra considering that it costs twice as much. But unfortunately for me, Celeteque Sun Care facial moisturizer is not worth the price. Perhaps if I have super dry skin, this might work.

Additional tips:
I learned that applying thinly (as in super thin) might lessen the oil.

Rate:

Review: L’oreal Turntable Eyes Quad Eyeshadow

I got this eyeshadow quad along with other items during my latest eBay haul here. What made me decide to choose this quad “in-the-mix” are the colors pink and purple which I do not have yet. My fondness for makeup has just returned after many years of sporting a colorless face thus explains why I do not have enviable makeup collection right now.

Anyways, back to the review, this quad has two pastel colors; pink and purple and two neutral colors brown and light taupe. The pan for neutral colors light taupe and brown are smaller than the pan for colors pink and purple. The four pans are encased in a transparent hard plastic packaging. The outer portion of the top cover bears the brand name "L'Oreal" in silver text with light gray music notes accent at the right side of the brand name. This quad comes with one one-sided sponge applicator with transparent handle.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
I like the pastel colors pink and purple... Well, they are the reasons why I got this product in the first place. The colors are sheer with a bit of shimmer and no matter how much you put on, it will never give you that solid or deep hue. As such, I only use them as base or highlighter along with a deeper shade if I want my eyes to pop. However on those days when I just wanted a hint of color, I settle for any of the two colors in this quad.

taupe - purple - brown - pink

taupe - purple - brown - pink

 
What I like most about this product is the formulation. It is not dirty or messy... I mean, not powdery. No matter how much you dab the sponge on the eyeshadows, you will never see powdery substance scattering around the pan. You will rarely, if never, see some powder falling off your lashes too. I think they are finely crafted to give that flawless finish.

With eyeshadow primer, the color could last for up to four hours. The eyeshadows don't have unpleasant smell too.

Not elegant or stylish looking but I actually like this quad's packaging. The transparent plastic packaging with gray and silver accent gives that clean appearance. You can grab the product from your stash without the need to open it or read labels to see the colors. Additionally, the light gray music notes printed on the outer portion of the top cover adds fun to this otherwise bare packaging.

What I do not like about this product:
Since the colors are too sheer, I find this hard to apply at times. It takes a lot of product in order to get the desired shade. When used on their own (without other pigmented eyeshadows), you can see that the color starts to fade when the end of the day is nearing. I wish that the staying power will last for more than five hours so that it won't be necessary to re-apply when I'm working or out all day.

Will I repurchase?
Probably no. There are many eye shadows to try out there.

Rate:

Other products from L'Oreal:





       

Joy-Joy's Talabahan

If you are from or have been to Iloilo, you probably have heard about Joy-Joy's Talabahan, a seafood restaurant along the coastal rode in Leganes. While it may not be as popular as Tatoy's or Breakthrough in Villa, Joy-Joy's Talabahan is famous on its own way.

The restaurant is mostly made of bamboo and is standing over a pond not so far away from the road. As such, people need to walk over a short bamboo bridge in order to get to the restaurant. The restaurant is covered with black screen/net up until the top of the wall. I think it is a wise idea not only to keep people and their belongings safe from falling off the pond but also to prevent them from throwing thrash and let it float in the water.

We got there just before lunch time hence we were able to choose our table. From then on, people started coming, some in pairs and others in group of three or four. There are also customers who came in big groups thus the need to occupy two or three tables.

We ordered one whole managat which is split into two; grilled and sinigang. We also had steamed shrimps and oyster.

Grilled Managat

Sinigang na Managat

Steamed Shrimp

With yummy dishes and abundant supply of fresh air, we went home with full tummy and that refreshed feeling - ready to face another week sitting in front of the computer.

How to get there:

From Jaro Plaza or Tagbak Terminal in Jaro, ride a Leganes PUJ to reach the town of Leganes. Fare is Php 12. Ask the driver to drop you off the terminal to Nabitasan. From the terminal, ride a tricycle and tell the driver that you are going to Joy-Joy's. Fare is Php 10 and the resto can be reached for around 15 minutes.

To go back to the city, ride a tricycle to town proper and then jeepney to the city. If you want to go straight to SM City, choose a PUJ bound for SM City/Doctor's Hospital. Leganes - La Paz will get you to La Paz.

Review: Dove Damage Therapy Intense Hair Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

If I am not mistaken, Dove shampoo has been on the market for as long as I can remember. Probably some people might have used it but I haven’t given it a try for some reasons. Recently, it was recreated to further improve customer satisfaction.

Currently the talk of the town, more and more women have nothing but good words for this product. In fact, I was motivated to try this product because of my two co-workers who have used this shampoo. I just find it funny why I haven’t even given this a look considering that I love using Dove beauty bar and Dove deodorant.

Dove Damage Therapy Intense Hair Repair Shampoo

Product Description:
Gently cleanses and strengthens for beautifully soft, smooth and shiny hair.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
I love how this product made my hair manageable, soft and shiny. Most shampoos cannot tame my frizzy and lifeless hair but after regular use of Dove Damage Therapy Intense Hair Repair shampoo, I notice improvement. It may not have turned my hair into super beautiful and commercial model look shine but the improvement is better than any other shampoo. It’s easier to comb, wet or dry and the tangle was lessened for up to 75%.

Though the smell isn’t too fruity, sweet or strong, I love smelling my hair every now and then for it makes me somehow happy. :D

I have been using this shampoo for around a month now and so far it hasn’t caused me itching and dandruff.

What I do not like about this product: None! (I think it’s the first time I answered “none” in this area.) :))


Dove Damage Therapy Intense Hair Conditioner

Product Description:
Nourishes and detangles for extra smooth and manageable hair.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
If using Dove Damage Therapy Intense Hair Repair shampoo alone improves the appearance of my hair, what more if I partner it with Dove Damage Therapy Intense Hair Repair conditioner? The combination of shampoo and conditioner is really a match made in heaven. I want to try other variants too.

What I do not like about this product:
None.

Will I repurchase?
Definitely! With the improvement of my hair this shampoo and conditioner combination caused in addition to its reasonable price, there is no reason not to buy these products again. I think I will be sticking to these products again until something better (if there is) comes along.

Additional notes:
The combination of Dove Damage Therapy Intense Hair Repair shampoo and Sunsilk Yogurt Keratin (pink) conditioner also works.


Rate:

Review: Cover Girl Outlast Pressed Powder

When my current pressed powder reached pan, I immediately started my quest for the next pressed powder to use. Being a frugal buyer, I keep on searching and searching for cheaper ones despite the availability of expensive brands/types near me. Along with other items from this haul, I got this Cover Girl Outlast pressed powder in translucent beige from this eBay seller for less.

Sorry for the poor image. Got problem with the camera.

The product comes in a gray compact wherein the cover is accentuated by blue curvy area and blue CG initials. Like most compacts, a mirror is attached in the inside of the cover. This pressed powder also comes with a thin sponge applicator in which the top portion has gray leatherette cover with the initial CG etched on it.

I have been using the product for almost a month now, the duration which I think is enough to observe the performance of any product.

Product Description:
Helps keep skin looking fresh and natural hour after hour.

What I like about this product:
I like how my face looks natural once the product settles on my skin. Although I have naturally oily skin, this pressed powder keeps my skin shine-free for up to two to three hours. The coverage is okay, same with the smell - typical scent of pressed powders. It hasn’t caused me acne too.

Others are criticizing the sponge applicator but I actually find it nice. Aside from being soft, I particularly like the gray leatherette cover on top. LOL! One more reason why I like this pressed powder is its price. This costs only Php 114, almost the same if not cheaper than the pressed powders from local brands.

Sorry for the poor image. Got problem with the camera.

What I do not like about this product:
I do not like how this product makes my skin a bit dark right after application. Probably the shade translucent beige is not appropriate for my skin tone. But as what I have said, it looks pretty good once it has settled on my face.

I noticed that small bumps started appearing after a few swipes on the product. I do not know the reason why but I cannot remember having these bumps on my previous pressed powders. I think the packaging was designed to look classy but unfortunately for me, it looks cheap than classy. But it is indeed cheap! After almost a month inside my bag, the packaging is already full of scratches and the color has started to fade.

Will I repurchase?
Unfortunately, no! Aside from the fact that Covergirl doesn’t have beauty counters in any malls in our area, there are many other pressed powders I want to try. Additionally, this product has been discontinued and based on Covergirl’s website, Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder, Oil Control stands as replacement.

Rate: