Effective Pampaputi (A Bonne & Cathy Doll)

First of all, my skin is already fair to begin with.

But then again, I found some effective skin whitening products that has worked well for me. I've been using these for months already. This post is not for everyone. If you're not interested with skin whitening, feel free to skip this post. If you're interested, I'll share with you some of my favorite pampaputi products for the body. The three products featured are made in Thailand.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. 😉

I bought a pack of A Bonne Spa Milk Salt from Watsons when I ran out of body scrub. I observed a lady looking at the body scrub shelf and picking this one up. Gumaya naman ako. I remember reading about this product in beauty forums ages ago, and people were raving about how effective it was.

I gave it a try when I went home that day and... I didn't like it! It was messy in a way because it's just mostly salt and whey particles and it didn't have a gel/cream base so it didn't go on smoothly even on my wet skin. And then I had a brilliant idea!

I used Cathy Doll Ready 2 White One Day Whitener as the gel base and added Spa Milk Salt to form a gritty paste. One beautiful attribute of the Spa Milk Salt is that it intensifies the scent of ANY shower gel/body wash I use with it. When used with Cathy Doll's Ready 2 White One Day Whitener, it intensifies the floral fragrance of my shower gel plus its own hint of creaminess (due to its milk content). My entire bathroom smells amazing every time I do this body scrub ritual. This effect is also evident on other mildly scented body wash, the Spa Milk Salt always intensifies the scent in a good way.

I remember reviewing this shower gel in 2016, and until one it's still one of my favorite shower gels as it is truly effective.

The last step to this body whitening ritual is using Cathy Doll Ready 2 White Whitener Body Lotion. The packaging is simple but it looks pretty. It has a strong, pleasant floral scent. As a whitening lotion, it works INSTANTLY. The texture is very light and is easy to rub on your skin, is easily absorbed, and does not leave white streaks. However, my body has always been dry as a desert, so it's not that moisturizing for me. I prefer this lotion for daytime use, while a richer body butter at night.

Before & After using A Bonne Spa Milk Salt + Cathy Doll Ready 2 White One Day Whitener + Cathy Doll Ready 2 White Whitener Body Lotion

Take note that I do not scrub my skin everyday. I do this 3-step ritual once a week. The body wash and lotion are safe to use everyday. 👍

Price:

A Bonne Spa Milk Salt (PHP 85)

Cathy Doll Ready 2 White One Day Whitener 450ml (PHP 349)

Cathy Doll Ready 2 White Whitener Body Lotion 50ml (PHP 199)/150ml (PHP 549)

Love,

Helen

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iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizer Glow Review

I found a HG moisturizer in a sachet! A 6ml sachet of iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizer Glow for Concentrated Brightening costs only PHP 25. I used 3 sachets in a row for weeks to see how it would work for my skin.

iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizer Glow is a water-based moisturizer with niacinamide and berry complex. Take note that this product brightens and not whitens. It helps prevent dark spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone.

It has a water drop texture that feels refreshing on the skin. The texture is gel-cream when dispensed, but rub it in your skin and you will see water droplets form before it gets absorbed. It's very easily absorbed, and it leaves my skin soft, supple, and GLOWING with health. I cannot believe that a product this affordable has such a great effect! It makes my oily/combination skin so balanced, and makeup goes on smoothly. As for the scent, it smells like delicious berry yogurt. Go buy this ASAP!!! You will not regret. 😍

Price: 

PHP 25 for a 6ml sachet

PHP 205 for a 50ml tube

Love,

Helen

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Human Nature Haul from Lazada

I decided to do a #nobuy2020 for cosmetics when I did an inventory of my beauty stash. But last month, I attended Lazada's Beauty by Lazmall event and won their flatlay contest so I had shopping money to share with my sister. Initially, I was staring at MAC lipsticks (again), but quickly realized that I didn't need another lipstick. I had a hard time filling my shopping cart until I found a store that sold Human Nature stuff - authentic and below SRP! And so I added to cart all the Human Nature stuff I wanted (but not necessarily needed). My actual needs from this haul were just the shampoo and feminine wash. LOL! I'm so happy!

• Human Nature Kids 100% Natural Bath Soap in Chocolate Adventure 120g (PHP 79) - I didn't know that Human Nature had chocolate soap! Of course, I bought another one for M. 🍫
• Human Nature Cooling Body Cleanser 200ml (PHP 159) - Want not need. Saving this for summer!
• Human Nature Natural Lavender Oil 10ml (PHP 199) - for good sleep.
• Human Nature Natural Shampoo Bar 70g (PHP 179) - My first shampoo bar! I hope it doesn't dry out my hair.
• Human Nature Strengthening +PLUS Shampoo 180ml (PHP 139) - My sister, brother-in-law, and niece use this shampoo. They say it's effective!
• Human Nature Natural Hair Revival Coco Mask 150g (PHP 329) - Recommended by my fellow curly girls as a weekly treatment.
• Human Nature Sunflower Eye Cream 15ml (PHP 249) - Something new from Human Nature. Their sunflower oil can also be used on the eye area, but I'm more comfortable using eye cream.
• Human Nature Peppermint Oil 30ml (PHP 341) - Because I had to include the ants in our home in my very practical haul. This one's an ant warder, but it's an eye and skin irritant so be careful when using it. It smells so good!
• Human Nature Natural Feminine Wash 165ml (PHP 119) - Need!
• Human Nature Natural Toothpaste 120g (PHP 141) - I'm used to using Colgate, but this one from Human Nature is nice to have. Will try using both toothpaste and mouthwash together to see if they can prevent morning breath.
• Human Nature Natural Mouthwash 170ml (PHP 149) - I've been curious about this since it was launched, but was putting off purchasing since it's just a want.

I bought these from Elegante Beaute in Lazada. The prices I listed are as of this week, and are subject to change depending on their store promotion. Their prices are below SRP. The seller is nice and accommodating with my questions regarding expiry dates. To my surprise, my order was shipped in a tiny cardboard box. I was expecting a big parcel. Apparently, the seller as artfully packed my items in a box without needing bubble wrap. No spills, but some of the boxes were dented. The dented product boxes are fine because these are for personal use, but could be an issue when you're planning to give these items as gifts. Shipping was fast. I ordered Monday night, and the products arrived on Wednesday. 👍

What is your favorite Human Nature product?

Love,

Helen

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Revlon Kiss Plumping Lip Creme in Rich Bordeaux

I'm don't use lip gloss a lot as I'm more into matte lipstick, but last December, Revlon went on crazy sale and I was able to buy a lot of Revlon Kiss Plumping Lip Creme to give as gifts. I saved one in the deepest, darkest shade Rich Bordeaux for myself.

Lips look fuller and smoother in one step with our gloriously creamy and glossy lip plumper.

• Delivers creamy, shiny color in one fabulously plush formula
• Our lip plumper is formulated with Volulip™ technology to help your lips look fuller, instantly
• The formula feels refreshingly cool as you swipe it on!
• Available in 10 glossy shades

Revlon Kiss Plumping Lip Creme in Rich Bordeaux is surprisingly sheer when worn. It's also patchy but workable. The swatch above is just the gloss worn alone. It's pretty, right? The texture is creamy and lightweight, and I love the mild tingling sensation upon application. I'm not sure if the minty feel makes my lips plumper, but wearing it all day makes my lips soft. The only thing I don't like is that it transfers to my front teeth, which usually happens to me with glossy lip products.

Price: PHP 375

Love,
Helen

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Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don’t Lie Lip Crayon in Sorry Not Sorry

I have reviewed Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don’t Lie Lip Crayon in the shade Ready in Five before, and now I'm sharing with you swatches of another beautiful shade from the same line.

Sorry Not Sorry (a peachy cinnamon shade)

Sorry Not Sorry when worn

Sorry Not Sorry lip swatch

This lip crayon has a matte finish alright, but it applies smoothly with zero tugging, due to its Shea Butter and Vitamin E content. I also like that it's unscented. The peachy cinnamon shade of Sorry Not Sorry is giving me 90s brown lipstick makeup vibe - only fresher and definitely flattering. I love it, so this earns a spot in my makeup kit! 💋

Price: PHP 399

Available at Pink Sugar counters and online

Love,

Helen

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Rohto Vita Vitamin 40a Eye Drops Review

Prior to purchasing my JINS SCREEN glasses, my eyes would get red and tear up almost everyday due to the dry air in our office plus heavy PC use. I found ROHTO Vita Vitamin 40a Eye Drops in Shopee and bought one to try.

I chose the orange variant (Vita 40) with 3/5 cooling sensation because it's milder. The blue one has a 5/5 cooling feel.

One box contains a bottle of eye drops sealed in plastic, and a leaflet in pure Nihongo.

The back part of the box has no English translation as well. I found some translated product information here. This product comes in a clear, colorless liquid.

It contains four nutrients to combat tired eyes:

• Natural vitamin E - stimulates the blood circulation, and relieve the tiredness of the eyes
• Vitamin B5 - improves eye fatigue, stimulates the metabolism of the cells of the eye
• Sodium chondroitin sulfate - works on the corneal surface of the eye to protect and prevent eye disease
• L-aspartic acid potassium - brings oxygen to the eyes and is good for eye fatigue

Composition:

• Acetic acid d-α-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) 0.05%
• Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) 0.1%
• Chondroitin sulfate sodium 0.1%
• L-aspartic acid potassium 1%
• Methyl sulfate neostigmine 0.005%
• Chlorpheniramine maleate 0.03%

Additive:

Boric acid, borax, and l-menthol, d-Borneol eucalyptus oil, sodium Edetate, Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil

When my eyes got tired and red again, I put Rohto Vita 40 to the test. Upon application, it gave my eyes a mild stinging sensation, and was immediately replaced by a soothing, cooling feel. In a matter of minutes, redness was gone and my eyes looked and felt fresher. I cannot imagine the Rohto blue variant with maximum cooling feel, as some describe it to have a burning sensation replaced by a super cooling feel. I think I'm good with my Rohto Vita 40.

I just use this one as needed, when I get tired eyes after a long day at work or when dust/dirt gets into my eyes.

Price: PHP 156

Available in Lazada

Love,

Helen

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JINS SCREEN 20% vs 40% (a detailed review)

This blog post may save you from a costly mistake. Read on to find out what it is!

The first time I ever bought a pair of prescription glasses was way back in 2013. However, I hardly wore it because the frame hurt the sides of my head. The frame was too narrow and yet my glasses kept sliding down my nose. It was a regretful purchase.

Last year, our team at work transferred to a new building (where the air conditioning units were new and always on full blast). My skin and eyes dried up like crazy. At work, my eyes would have a 6PM habit of getting red and dry and I always needed eye drops. I tried wearing my old glasses, but they didn't do much help.

Last February 2020, my "I love myself" gift was a new pair of glasses from JINS SM North EDSA. Why JINS?

1. Because my best friend told me about how she had her ZEISS DuraVision BlueProtect lenses tested at JINS, and the blue light just passed through her expensive glasses (that costs twice as much as JINS).
2. They had 20% off on selected frames (during The Great Northern Sale)
3. Their sales associates were so proactive in recommending frames that would suit me, and I found a favorite just a few minutes upon entering their store.

Backstory: After that, I actually walked to Owndays too, just to check out the black frame I originally wanted. It wasn't in stock, and their sales associate kept following me around without assisting me or recommending anything. I hated that, so I took my money elsewhere. My friend had the 100% same experience so he purchased from JINS, too.

 

JINS SM North EDSA

At JINS, you can get your glasses in just 30 minutes. The JINS core lenses all include the following features with no additional charge:

• High-Index Lenses - 1.56 / 1.60 / 1.67 / 1.74
• Aspheric lenses - less distortion
• UV Cut Lenses - 99%↑
• Anti-glare coating - less reflection

The price on the frame is all-inclusive, but JINS also offers a wide range of lens options with additional cost: JINS SCREEN, prescription sunglasses, progressive, transition, and polarized lenses. Special orders may take up to one week since the lenses ship from Japan.

The frame that suited me best was the first pair on the second level, which they chose for me. The particular frame design came in black, gray, tortoise shell, and red (see first pair of glasses on each level). Black looked too harsh on me, while gray had a softer look.

And now the eye exam. My previous glasses had a prescription of -0.50 for both eyes. My current eyeglasses prescription is -0.75 for both eyes plus astigmatism.

Excited for my new glasses!

About JINS SCREEN:

JINS has this blue light testing machine. I had my previous multi-coated glasses tested, and the blue light just passed through. Yikes! See the JINS SCREEN 40% being tested in the photo - not only was the blue light blocked, glare was minimized as well.

JINS SCREEN 25% and 40% in store lightning

JINS SCREEN blocks 25%/40% of blue light from entering the eyes, therefore reducing eye strain, preventing eye damage, and regulating a normal body clock. JINS SCREEN glasses without prescription are available for PHP 3,000.

• JINS SCREEN 25% CUT* - Clear lens with a natural appearance. With a clear, natural-looking lens that is perfect for everyday use, it can be used easily from office to home.
• *With prescription, this becomes JINS SCREEN 20% CUT
• JINS SCREEN 40% CUT - For long working hours. Equipped with a lens with high blue light cut rate. For those who use a PC or smartphone for a long time.  

Based on their bright store lighting and my PC usage (due to work), I went for JINS SCREEN 40%. It was the most sensible choice, right?

 

JINS SCREEN 40% in various lighting

WRONG. JINS SCREEN 40% was indeed functional, but not aesthetically pleasing. When I picked up my glasses after one week, I already didn't like how it looked like the moment I stepped out of their brightly lit store. It had a strong tint, and it made me look as if I were perpetually wearing shades indoors and outdoors. It also had an aging/haggard effect. After one day, I couldn't take it anymore, so I went back to JINS to have the lenses replaced. It took around 30 minutes. And yes, I paid again for lens replacement.

JINS SCREEN 20% prescription glasses + beautiful red case + cleaning cloth

 

They offer lifetime free service (includes nose pad replacement, adjustment, and cleaning).

 

JINS SCREEN 40% vs JINS SCREEN 20%

Choosing JINS SCREEN 40% was my own mistake, but their super bright store lighting didn't help as it made JINS SCREEN 40% look fine/normal in store. I'm very happy with my JINS SCREEN 20% prescription glasses. Had I chosen this one from the start, I would have taken my glasses home within 30 minutes (and not after one week), and my experience would have been 5/5 stars. They got my prescription right, I never got dizzy from my new glasses, my world is not blurry anymore, and I no longer get red eyes from using the PC. I highly recommend JINS SCREEN 20%. And yes, I would still purchase from JINS in the future.

Price:

Frame: PHP 7,000 less 20% discount -> PHP 5,600

JINS SCREEN 40%: PHP 3,000

JINS SCREEN 20% lens replacement: PHP 3,000 less 10% discount because I surrendered my JINS SCREEN 40% lenses -> P2,700

Total cost: PHP 11,300

You may purchase non-prescription JINS glasses from Lazada as well.

Love,

Helen

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