Current Skincare Routine

Here's my updated skincare routine for 2016. I've actually been using these products everyday for the past few months. It's a mix of drugstore products, because you don't have burn your wallet just to have a good complexion. :D

For makeup remover: SAVE or SPLURGE
 

I have oily skin so I like to use something light and refreshing for my entire face, just like Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion. It's a 2-in-1 product - cleanser and toner, and it actually feels just like water! You can just apply this using a cotton pad to cut short your skincare routine for tired nights and/or for when you have something done on your face (AKA eyebrow threading or tattoo) and can't wet your face. Super handy! It's efficient, and I like it a lot since it removes my everyday light makeup quickly. (My everyday makeup is devoid of any eye makeup, so that's another story.)

For days when I wear heavy waterproof makeup and/or eye makeup (shimmer eyeshadow, liner, and mascara), Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion is not enough. To prevent tugging, I reach for my potent cleansing oil, Shu Uemura Whitefficient Skin Purifier, to remove my makeup with minimal effort. As in, it melts off my makeup in seconds. This is also a 2-step product: makeup remover and facial cleanser. You first apply it as oil all over your face (or on your eyes and lips, if you prefer), massage to loosen the makeup, emulsify it with water, and rinse off. A little goes a long way with this one, so a big bottle will last you months.

For makeup removers, you can SAVE because there are a lot of options that will get the job done, but SPEND if you want to save time and get it done with minimal effort. 
 

Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion (P419)
 

Shu Uemura Whitefficient Skin Purifier
 

For facial wash: SAVE

Belo Essentials AcnePro Pimple-Fighting Gel Face Wash (P99.75)
 

Don't fall for facial cleansers that promise you the world. At the end of the day, all they do is wash off dirt and oil from your face, while the fancy ingredients only sit for about a minute on your face. For my facial wash, I just use whatever is on the sink. This time, it's from Belo AcnePro. I like that it cleanses without drying out my skin, but I honestly prefer a less-scented foamier one. This gel fomula lathers up a bit, and it takes me more product than usual to get it to foam up and remove all the oil from my face. The good side is that this one's not drying at all considering it's an anti-acne product. It's also unique since its active ingredient is purified bee venom, a natural ingredient that fights pimples and reduces inflammation. 
  
For toner: SPEND
 

Tony Moly AC Control Whitening Toner (P898)
 

Toner restores the skin's PH balance after washing (usually with soap, which is alkaline). Our skin has a thin, protective layer on its surface, referred to as the acid mantle. Toner removes leftover dirt, oil, and makeup our cleanser might have skipped, thus minimizing breakouts. They also prime the skin for it to absorb moisturizer better. I like Tony Moly AC Control Whitening Toner since it makes my skin feel soft! I've used up this bottle to the last drop, and I loved how mild and gentle it is. Long term use also resulted to lighter post-acne marks. 

For eye cream: SPEND
 

Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel (P1,248)
 

Bioderma is a French drugstore skincare brand. Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel is for sensitive skin. It's hydrating and it has a light gel cream texture that feels refreshing on the eyes. It moisturizes my skin without feeling oily, so I can use this even during daytime under makeup. It is gentle as it didn't irritate my eye area - no itchiness, no milia. Puffy eyes aren't my biggest problem, so I can't tell if it really depuffs, but it doesn't lighten dark circles. Overall, this is a basic eye cream; it moisturizes gently and prevents wrinkles. 

For pimple/spot treatment: SAVE

Nature Republic Bee Venom Treatment Spot (P525)
 

I picked this product up on whim during Nature Republic's launch at Robinsons Place Manila. Little did I know that my sister and I will be using this almost everyday. Yes. We all love this!

For starters, this one is made of MD Water (Alps Matterhorn Glacier Water) and 77% Bee Venom Complex. The ingredients list is extremely long, but it's mostly filled with natural extracts from plants. This product is a spot treatment, and I use it for zits that have reared their ugly head, and those that have yet to come (when I feel a bump forming). It flattens pimples before they fully emerge. It works in drying out my pimples in 2-3 days. It has a gel cream texture that absorbs well. It doesn't dry the skin surrounding the zit, nor does it sting or leave a dark post-acne mark. The packaging comes in a hygienic squeeze tube with a slim nozzle to dispense the right amount of product. The best part is that it contains 30ml worth of product. This could last me over a year; but then again, my two sisters steal this from me every night. It's super effective and it has been keeping my skin clear for over 3 months. Now, I want the entire Nature Republic Bee Venom range!

For moisturizer: SAVE
 

Pond's Flawless White Dewy Rose Gel (P399)

I say SAVE because moisturizers don't go into deeper layers of the skin. (Serums do.) This one's my unexpected favorite light moisturizer. The only Pond's product I've ever used consistently was their cold cream and this! I was initially apprehensive of using this one at first since its rose smell was kind of strong for a face product, but I tried it anyway. I'm happy to say that I'm now halfway through with my third tub, and I'm planning to repurchase. They came out with a cream version of this with SPF (interesting), but I'd still go for the gel formula because of my oily skin. This moisturizer absorbs quickly, and the scent goes away in a minute. It keeps my skin hydrated but never shiny. The gel formula feels cooling, too!

I've also spotted a nice promo from Pond's at Landmark Trinoma. Get a free exclusive rose gold sling bag when you buy P500 worth of Pond's Flawless White products inclusive of 25g BB Cream. I've been lemming for the Ponds Flawless White BB Cream in Light since Julia reviewed it, so now's the perfect time to shop! :D 
 
Love,

Helen

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Beauty By Tellie Blog Sale (Baby) Haul ♥

My friend Tellie is currently having a Giant Blog Sale, and I believe her items are flying off the shelves quickly. I'm trying to save up this month, and I'm hosting my own sale, but her deals are just too hard to resist! :D

Yes, I was the one who called in dibs on the Shu Uemura Skin Radiance Set! Mwahaha >:) Good thing I saw her post early. The next day, she informed me that there were 7 other ladies vying for this set should I change my mind. :o I was choosing between this set and the Shu Uemura Perfect Poreless Set, but my curiosity for the cleansing oil won me over. Somehow, I do regret not getting both! Haha!

Shu Uemura Skin Radiance Set

Shu Uemura Whitefficient Clear Brightening Cleansing Oil 50ml

Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Youthful Radiance Generator 7ml

Shu Uemura UV UB Brightening Mousse SPF 30 PA+++ 30g

I still can't believe I got all these for P300. It's like the best P300 I've ever spent. *happy tears* :') I'll be testing these products one at a time, just to be sure that they don't break me out. The cleansing oil I'll keep for the meantime, since I'm only halfway through with my current makeup remover.

Just this week, I dropped by her place to get the items (since our houses were just about a 10 to 15-minute ride from each other. The long chika was fun! :D (Dawn, matutuloy na yung bonding natin sa wakas! Haha)

Tellie was also so generous! She let me raid her stash, and gave me these! :3 Pantene 3 Minute Miracle is an old favorite. The Bifesta Sebum wipes I shall reserve strictly for travel. I'm currently trying out the Avene Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream as my day moisturizer/sunblock. The ChapStick mixstix was too cute too pass up! Excited to try the Strawberry Banana Smoothie flavor.

Gaah. So many new products to try! It's been a while. Thanks for re-inspiring me to write kikay stuff, Tellie! See you soon! :D

Love,

Helen

Haul: BDJ Box Beauty Social Tres Chic Loot

I love BDJ. I carry with me my BDJ planner everyday and make it a point to attend their BDJ Rendezvous events whenever it fits my schedule. (Oh, there will be another one this April 12!) Though I haven't subscribed to any beauty box subscription (my friend Tellie would gasp at this statement, as she is the reigning Subscription Boxes Queen), I think the BDJ Box is one of the best beauty boxes to subscribe to, based on what I see online.

Last March 23, BDJ Box hosted another Beauty Social event which goes by the theme Tres Chic. The event was held at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura. If you knew me personally, you'd know that I avoid events at Taguig and all further South areas like plague just because I'm a lazy girl who lives in the North. But then, since its a BDJ Box Beauty Social, I just had to go. I went with my kikay colleagues and blogger friends to bond over girly stuff, which was so much fun! :D

Like all beauty fairs, there were booths featuring a wide variety of brands that will let you experience their products and services. Some gave away samples, while some even gave full-sized products! In events like these, you have to brave - be very brave as you visit every single booth. (Kidding, you just have to roam around the booths while there's an ongoing talk so there will be less people falling in line.)

Now, I shall present to you my haul from the day. I'm not used to doing unboxings, so this one will be an "unbagging" post! :p

Diamond Peel GC from AIP Clinic

Everyone who pre-registered for a talk gets a loot bag, and this GC was part of it.

Bifesta Cleansing Express Sebum Cleansing Lotion

I got this from the Bifesta booth. Makeup remover wipes are so handy for sleepovers!

Canmake Cheek & Cheek

At the Canmake booth, you can Like Canmake Philippines on Facebook and pick a prize. They gave away free makeovers and full-sized products, and I was so lucky to not pick the "thank you for liking Canmake on FB" paper. I got this super cute blush instead! ♥

Celeteque Samples

I LOVE these! I'm a huge fan of the Acne Solutions range, especially the Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel, so I was so happy to see these inside the loot bag. I've actually shared some of these to my friends, hoping it will work for them, too!

Cosmopolitan Philippines August 2013

I already have a copy of this at home, since I never skip the "beauty awards" issues. Women's Health naman next time! ;)

Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Water Resistant Mascara

The Covergirl booth had a mascara swap, wherein you'd have to share their promotional photo from their FB/IG, bring an old mascara, and get this full-sized product for FREE! ♥

Cure Natural Aqua Gel Samples

I got these samples at Cure's booth. This one's so gentle yet so effective when it comes to removing dead skin cells.

Ellana Minerals Samples

Ellana Minerals made me love mineral makeup and embrace loose powder! I'm excited to discover more of their products. My current faves are the Loose Mineral Powder Foundation in Chai Tea Latte and Pressed Mineral Blush Duo in Flirtation/Fetish.

Femalenetwork.com Feel-Good List Memo Pad

This one's also from the loot bag. I love making lists and it's pink! What's not to love?

Max Factor Whipped Creme Foundation Sample

The only talk I attended was from Max Factor, and they did it Oprah-style by giving everyone a sample of their latest product which will be launched just this month. Like Max Factor Philippines on FB, as they'll be giving away 50 of these babies soon!

My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo Sample

I got this for liking the FB page of My Amazing Blow Dry Secret. My sample lasted me several days, and this one really works even if I just air-dry my hair! The full-sized one is too pricey though. >.<

Ocean Potion Suncare Anti Skin Aging Quick Dry Sunscreen SPF 30

I've tried the SPF 50 variant of this one before and I loved it! I bet I'll like this one, too. This one's from the loot bag as well.

PAC Free Make Over GC

I got this as a consolation prize when I drew the line (literally, by using an eyeliner) at their booth.

Baked Bites Nutella Rocks

I got this yummy, not-too-sweet but very chocolatey cookie from visiting the booth of Kalm Cosmetics, which carries the famous Real Technique brushes.

Tomato Time & Swap Watches Discount Vouchers

Too Cool For School Samples

Too Cool For School's booth had a cute vending machine, wherein you can get 3 samples when you pay P3.00. Not bad, actually. I'm excited to try the Pumpkin Sleeping Pack. The voucher I got from the loot bag, wherein I can get a free Marshmallow Puff for when I make a P1,000.00 purchase in their stores.

Yves Rocher Samples

There was an activity from the Yves Rocher booth wherein you'd have to post a photo of yourself on FB or IG with the hashtag #YvesRocher, and then you get to pick a prize. (I don't think I'll ever get tired of pick-a-prize, since I consider myself lucky.) I got the deluxe sample size version of their intensive slimming cream, which I will use solely on my tummy. One sachet of the Naturelle EDT was from the booth, while the other one was from the loot bag. :D

Whew! That was a LOT! Thanks as usual, BDJ Box! Now, I have lots of new beauty finds to discover. :D

Were you able to go to the BDJ Box Beauty Social, too? Leave me your links so I can read about your experiences! ;)

Love,

Helen

Haul: BDJ Box Beauty Social Loot Bag

Last September 29, BDJ Box had their 2nd Beauty Social event at SM North EDSA Skydome. Since it happened on a Sunday, and Sunday was family day, I made my sister sign up and come with me during the event!

BDJ Box Beauty Social

We were supposed to attend the first 2 talks, but we had lunch with our Dad first at Cafe Breton in Trinoma. Good thing we made it just in time before the Shiseido Talk started! During the talk, we were introduced to the new Shiseido Ibuki skincare range which is all the rage right now amongst beauty bloggers.

BDJ Box Beauty Social Loot

Everyone who pre-registered via e-mail received a loot bag after attending a talk. This is my first time to attend a BDJ Box Beauty Social event, and my, they gave away so much stuff!

 

Back issues of Cosmpolitan and Women's Health

I don't have copies of these issues yet so yey! :D

Contractubex Sample from Women's Health

This one's included in the back issue of the magazine.

Bifesta Cleansing Express Cleansing Lotions 

in Sebum (for oily skin) and Moist (for dry skin)

I loved these makeup remover wipes. They're handy for sleepovers or travels!

Bifesta Hairband

I got this from participating in the Bifesta booth. Just sign up and pick a prize! My sister did the same and took home a green Cose pouch.

Celeteque Dermoscience Brightening Tri-benefit Power Cream

Celeteque Dermoscience Advanced Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Ultra-Hydrating Cleansing Oil

Celeteque Dermoscience Acne Soutions Acne Cleansing Gel

Celeteque Dermoscience Acne Solutions Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel

Why do they have to have such long names? :o Now I have too many Celeteque samples, and I love that they're not in sachets or near expiry. These ones are also so handy for travel! My favorites would have to be the cleansing oil and the moisturizer gel.

Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Energizing Facial Foam

I was so happy to see Garnier's newest product in FULL SIZE inside the loot bag! I have yet to try this, but it smells so fresh.

Goody Hair Tie

Weirdly enough, my sister was most excited for this Goody hair tie among all things inside my loot bag!

Revlon Nail Art Neon Nail Enamel in Ultra Violet

This one made me really happy! :D I would have preferred the green and white one (Hello, school spirit!) or one in red or pink, but I like this anyway. My sister got the yellow and white version of this.

Yves Rocher Naturelle Eau de Toilette Sample

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Women #1 Eau de Toilette Sample

I got this at the Ralph Lauren booth, where we did a fragrance consultation and tried out the scents 1, 2, 3, and 4. I like 1 best, it smells really fresh! :D

Too Cool For School Samples

My sister and I also dropped by Too Cool For School's booth, where we played Yutnori. It was easy since you just dropped 4 wooden sticks and got cute samples along the way!

Too Cool For School also had a nice photobooth, where we had this souvenir shot! :D

We didn't stay long, although I would have loved to, but we had fun at the 2nd BDJ Box Beauty Social! ♥

Subscribe to the BDJ Box here!

Love,

Helen