Hit Pan: June to August 2013

Here's another roundup on the stuff that I've emptied for the past 3 months! I actually missed doing posts like this, but it's just now that I finally had the time to sort out the stuff that was lying in my drawer.

June to August 2013 Empties

I could only wish to empty more of my makeup, but all you'll see for now are hair care, skincare, and body care products, and then some little extras. Here goes!

Hair Care from The Body Shop and Snoe

1. The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Conditioner

• Repurchase? No, it's not moisturizing enough.

2. Snoe Hair Heroes Super Fresh Texturizing Beach Waves

• Repurchase? Yes, I'm now at my second bottle!

Skincare from Etude House, Snoe, and Belo

3. Etude House Happy Teatime Lemon Tea Cleansing Cream

• 5th tub emptied
• Repurchase? Yes, it's cheap but it works perfectly.

4. Etude House Happy Teatime Green Tea Cleansing Foam

• 3rd tube emptied
• Repurchase? Yes, this one keeps my skin clear. I get pimples/whiteheads/rashes from experimenting with other facial washes, so I always go back to this one.

5. Snoe Star Night Star Bright Night Perfecting Toner (Old Formula)

• Discontinued
• 6th bottle emptied
• Repurchase? Yes, for the new formula!

6. Belo Essentials SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 PA+++

• 2nd tube emptied
• Repurchase? Yes. My face still gets shiny by midday when I use this, but since it doesn't cause me any breakouts, I'm fine with it!

These 4 items are my skincare essentials, which I've been using for the past months/years.

Body Care from The Body Shop and Nivea

7. The Body Shop Apple Blossom Shower Gel

• Repurchase? Yes, if it's on sale.

8. Nivea Body UV Whitening Serum SPF 25 PA++

• Repurchase? Yes, it's lightweight and I love the floral scent.

Little Extras from Bobbie, L'Oreal, and Etude House

9. Bobbie Nail Polish Remover

• Repurchase? No, I don't like the scent of this.

10. L'Oreal Paris Lash Serum

• Repurchase? No, it doesn't work.
• This one is not empty, but it's expired hence I had to toss it out.

11. Etude House Sweet Recipe Candy Stick in #3 Sweet & Sour Lemon Candy

• Repurchase? Yes, but I think it's limited edition.

I'd love to know, what are your recent hit pans? :)

Love,
Helen

Hit Pan: April to May 2013

Here are my empties for the past 2 months. Most of them are products from my favorite beauty brands! Just click on the links for individual review on the products listed below.

April to May 2013 Empties

Skincare from Etude House and Celeteque

1. Etude House Happy Teatime Lemon Tea Cleansing Cream

4th tub emptied! ♥

2. Celeteque DermoScience Restorative Ultra-Lifting Concentrated Serum

This one I didn't really use up. It expired before I even reached halfway.

Samples from Kiehl's

3. Kiehl's Aromatic Blends Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit Aromatic Mist

Spraying this fresh scent is a treat on hot days!

4. Kiehl's Amino Acid Conditioner

Works wonders in keeping hair fall at bay.

Hair Care from Snoe

5. Snoe Hair Heroes Honey Olive Clementine Damage Recovery Cream Shampoo

6. Snoe Hair Heroes Honey Olive Clementine Damage Recovery Cream Conditioner

Snoe's Honey Olive Clementine range is now discontinued.You might notice its cap-less state on this photo, that's because I reused the pump dispenser on another shampoo and conditioner bottle.

7. Snoe Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder Cleansing Oil Shampoo

A cleansing oil shampoo that removes the excess oil on your scalp using nourishing oils from Macadamia Nut and Avocado.

Basics from The Body Shop

8. The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Plum Lip Balm

If you like the classic Born Lippy pots, you'd love this more hygienic but equally yummy version.

9. The Body Shop Olive Dry Oil Mist

Lightly veils the skin with moisture, sheen, and a wonderful green fragrance from The Body Shop's well-loved olive range.

What are your recent hit pans? :)

Love,

Helen

Hit Pan: March 2013

These were the products I've used up last month:

March 2013 Empties

1. Snoe Star Night Star Bright Night Perfecting Toner

- 5th bottle I've used up. It's been almost a year since I've first discovered this product, and I'm so happy I did.

2. The Body Shop Vanilla Bliss Body Polish

-This one's supposed to be a body scrub, but in a lighter form, hence it's called a body polish. Even if they say that you must not exfoliate too much, I am guilty of using this everyday. The scrubs are barely noticeable once you use this with a bath lily, and it foams up rather nicely. My sisters and I can't get enough of its delicious foodie scent. I use this as an exfoliating shower gel.

3. Maybelline Magnum Super Film Mascara

- 2nd tube I've used up. I had to throw this in the bin since it's past its 6-month lifespan (upon opening). I've moved on to another brand of non-waterproof mascara now.

What products have you emptied recently?

Love,  

Helen

Hit Pan: February 2013

These were the products I used up last month:

February 2013 Empties

1. Etude House Happy Teatime Lemon Tea Cleansing Cream

I don't think I'll ever get tired of using this. This one's my third emptied tub - and to think I hadn't even written a real review for this variant. (I just did a quick feature here, but I have a review for the Aloe Tea here.)

2. Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 PA+++

I've been using this single product as my everyday (AM) face moisturizer/sunscreen since May 2012, and this tube lasted me about 9 months! I used to be so lazy with applying sunscreen on my face, but this one really changed my perspective. It's not heavy, sticky, or oily at all. My oily skin never got breakouts from this. I brought a new tube of this same sunscreen to Boracay last month to share with my friends, since I didn't want them to use the same sunscreen they used on their body for their face. Arte, I know! :D The tube came back from the beach almost half-empty, so I have to get another one in a few months time.

3. The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Body Lotion

This one feels like a tall glass of cold peach juice on a hot summer day (for my skin). Even with it's light consistency, it manages to keep my dry, flaky legs in a soft and shiny state. I love that it's easily absorbed, and the smell is a peach-lover's dream come true. It smells like real fruit!

 

4. Human Nature Natural Feminine Wash in Chamomile Cool

This one is the freshest a natural feminine wash could get. This big bottle lasted me about 7 months. I've used 3 big bottles of the Chamomile Fresh variant before, but I like this one better because of its cooling sensation. (Notice the mismatched color of the cap and the body? The cap was originally blue, but someone at home dropped the bottle which cracked the cap, so I had to replace it with the cap from the empty bottle at home.)

Do share with me your recent "hit pans"! :)

Love,

Helen

Hit Pan: January 2013

The first month of 2013 is long gone, and so are these products of mine! Last month, the products I used up were mostly skincare and body care items. Just click on the links if you wish to read full review of each product below.

January 2013 Empties

Skincare - All from Snoe!

1. Snoe Star Night Star Bright Night Perfecting Toner

This is the 4th bottle I've used up, and I'm currently at my 5th. This one is sadly discontinued, but it will soon be replaced by an improved version. I can't wait!

2. Snoe Beso Balm

This is by far the mintiest, most tingly lip balm I have ever used! I love that it goes on smoothly on my lips, and it seems easily absorbed.

3. Snoe Past Present & The Future Bio Marine + Vegetable Eye Wrinkle Serum

This is my 2nd and last sample vial, and I love this products to bits. I will buy this after I use up my Celeteque DermoScience Brightening Eye Tuck plus Dark Circles Lightener.

Body Care - All Korean!

4. The Face Shop European Flower Body Cleanser

I use this as a body wash/hand wash/makeup brush cleaner. It smells of light, refreshing florals. I also love that it comes in a pump bottle - very handy during bath time!

5. Etude House Petit Bijou Soft Body Wash

I'm not sure if the Petit Bijou range is already discontinued in our local Etude House stores, but I am liking this powdery scent for a body wash! The texture is light and it doesn't leave my skin dry which is a big plus.

6. Etude House Petit Bijou Cotton Snow Moisture Body Lotion

I am not so fond of this one because it smells a bit too strong for my taste. The Soft Body Wash from the same line I love because it leaves a very light powder scent on me after bathing.

What products have you used up? Feel free to share with me your "hit pans"! :)

 

Love,

Helen   

Hit Pan: December 2012

To complete my series of Hit Pan posts, here's the last installment of my product empties for 2012. This would also be my last post for the year.

December Empties

Hair Care

1. Human Nature Natural Moisturizing Shampoo in Lush Vanilla

I'm glad that there are lots of sulfate-free hair care products that keep popping up on store shelves lately. I've still got 3 bottles of different brands to try here at my stash, and it might take me some time before I get to repurchase this one. I love vanilla, but this vanilla smells more floral to me. Hence, I might get the Mandarin Fresh variant instead for Human Nature's hair care line. Mandarin Fresh smells like freshly squeezed oranges - which is my kind of fresh scent.

2. The Body Shop Banana Conditioner

This is one of my favorite conditioners. Every time I use it, I feel like I am pouring banana shake to my hair. Haha! It leaves my hair smelling good and feeling soft. It's kinda pricey though, so I'll just repurchase this when it goes on sale.

Skin Care

3. Happy Teatime Green Tea Cleansing Foam

I'm now on my third tube of this same facial wash, and I swear this one cleared up my skin. I get to try different facial washes for review, but I always go back to this one. I'm surprised that something so cheap could be this good. I know this one's getting discontinued soon, and Etude House are just clearing up their inventory of the Happy Teatime range, so I am worried that I might not find a good replacement for it that my skin would also love.

4. Snoe Past Present & The Future Eye Serum

A P1,400.00 eye serum that is comparable to a $715.00 facial care product. Will post a review soon!

Body Care

5. The Face Shop Oriental Flower Body Cleanser

I love shower gels more than bar soaps. I'll post a review on this soon, too.

6. The Body Shop Chocomania Beautifying Oil

This is a multipurpose dry oil that can be used for the hair, face, and body. I absolutely adore the warm, chocolatey scent, and I think it's perfect for cold months.

7. Snoe Magic Apple Whitening S-rub

This one didn't make it to the group shot above, but I finished it up just in the nick of time. This one is the second tub I have emptied. I use this as a regular body scrub, and I rinse it off even if Snoe says that there is no need to rinse this product off. It is effective for me, as it brightens up my skin. I particularly love using this to exfoliate my underarms.

8. Zen Zest Cocktail Collection Bellini Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer

If you're fond of those hand sanitizers that can be hanged onto bags, then you'll love what Zen Zest has in store for you. A cute bottle of this hand sanitizer plus strap costs just P50.00! I love how this makes my hands all clean and smelling fresh in an instant.

Makeup

9. Lipice Fruity Lip Balm in Strawberry

This one has a super minty feel plus SPF 15. Now the only thing it lacks is color, otherwise it would be super perfect for me.

10. Maybelline Angelfit Perfect Concealer in Light Beige

Finally, it took me almost 2 years to finish this tube of concealer!

This is supposed to be a year-ender post, but I am never good with dramatic stuff. All I know is that blogging has been such a blessing for me. I never knew that writing and sharing my thoughts online would lead me to get to know great people like you - my blogger friends and lovely readers. Blogging has also opened up a lot of opportunities for me, so I am thanking the brands that put their trust to Lucky Citrine. If 2012 was good, I bet 2013 would be even more awesome! :)

Love,

Helen

Hit Pan: August to November 2012

I haven't updated my Hit Pan list for months! Here's a collective hit pan list of the products I have used up over the past 4 months. Do we use the same ones? :)

August-October Empties

1. Lorys Hair Cream in Fruit Cocktail

This one smelled sooo good! I love that it conditions my hair well without weighing it down. If you're looking for an affordable hair care product that works, try this one.

 

2. Yes To Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter in Berry

I call this "night cream for my lips"! It kept my lips soft and smooth, which is why I loved it so much. Even if I prefer tinted lip balms during daytime (for that light wash of color), I loved this one to bits that I also use it during the day in lieu of my lipstick. It's also made from natural and organic ingredients, so it's a winner. It's the first makeup/lip care product I've emptied this year.

3. LipIce Sheer Color in Strawberry

I used this up in just a month! This one looks colorless inside the tube, but when you swipe it on, it magically turns to pink! It smells like strawberry candy too.

4. OraCare Arctic Mouthrinse

This one is the most gentle mouthwash I have tried! This one feels just like water with a slight minty feel, but I like how it kept my breath fresher for a longer period of time.

 

5. Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream in Lemon Tea

This is my favorite makeup remover! This tub was the second one I've empted, and I'm currently on my third one. It's getting discontinued soon, so I'll either hoard or look for a replacement.

6. Snoe Star Night Star Bright Night Perfecting Toner

This is my ultimate favorite product from Snoe. I use this every single night! This is the second bottle I've emptied, and you'll see the third one below. I'm currently on my fourth one, and I've bought a fifth one as backup! I'm crazy in love with this product. I sometimes get compliments for my clear(er) skin now, and this one is my not-so-secret secret. 

Just a little disclaimer though: What worked very well for me might not work well for you, though, since we don't have exactly the same skin.

November Empties

7. Human Nature Moisturizing Conditioner in Lush Vanilla

Because I abuse my hair with frequent hair coloring sessions, I love it back by using natural hair care products. I'm a fan of Human Nature's hair care products, and this one is no exception. This kept my hair fall to a minimum, though sometimes it would make my hair feel tad heavier after weeks of continuous use. I expected and preferred the scent to be foodie or yummier, but it smelled more like a floral-vanilla.

8. The Body Shop Body Butter in Shea

This is my favorite variant of body butter from The Body Shop. It's thick and creamy, but it never feels sticky! I use this all over my body, but I concentrate the product more on my heels, legs, and elbows. I love the scent too - nutty and comforting! If other lotions or body moisturizers boats themselves "with shea butter" as an ingredient, why not go straight to a product that has shea butter as a major ingredient - like this one!

9. Snoe Star Night Star Bright Night Perfecting Toner

What are your current hit pans? Care to share? :)

Love,

Helen 

Hit Pan: July 2012

It's a skincare party here at my Hit Pan list for July.

July Empties

1. Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream in Lemon Tea

This one's my favorite makeup remover. It's less oily and more affordable than Pond's Cold Cream. I'm now on my second tub, but I've got a feeling that this will be discontinued soon, because Etude House has discontinued the Happy Teatime Cleansing Foams.

2. Snoe Star Night Star Bright Night Perfecting Toner

This is my secret to clear complexion. It literally kills soon-to-be pimples and shrinks the ones that have already appeared. Whenever I feel a painful bump forming under my facial skin, I leave a cotton ball soaked in this toner on the affected area for a minute or two, and the pimple never shows up! I also use this all over my face (only at night) to prevent future breakouts. Salicylic acid is my skin's savior.

3. The Body Shop Elderflower Unperfumed Eye Gel

I didn't use this everyday (because of laziness) so it lasted about 10 months on me. (The shelf life, according to the packaging, is just 6 months upon opening.) This eye gel feels very soothing and it refreshes my eye area, but it does not improve the appearance of dark circles. But then, if you're after a product that would relax tired eyes, you'd like this because it feels so good when applied.

4. Snoe Magic Apple Whitening S-rub

This scrub from Snoe works wonders in making my skin brighter! I also love that it's affordable and locally made. I'd consider repurchasing this.

Care to share your current empties?

Love,

Helen

Hit Pan: May & June 2012

Here's another round of my month-end Hit Pan posts. These are the products I used up for the last two months.

May Empties

1. Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Foam in Green Tea

This one's my current go-to facial wash, and I'm now on my second tube of the same variant. It works so well for my oily skin.

2. Human Nature Baby Wash

I got this a few months ago because this was the only body wash that Human Nature sold (aside from their 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash). It's made for babies, so it's super mild and gentle on the skin. It's not very bubbly so I have to pour a generous amount of this on my bath lily so it would foam up. It has a subtle calming scent because of the lavender, rosemary, and chamomile ingredients, but I like my body wash fragrant with a lingering scent. This would work great for those with sensitive skin though.

June Empties

3. Belo Essentials SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40

I finished up this sample and immediately bought the full-sized bottle! It's even better than other more expensive sunblocks I have tried. While other sunblocks make my oily skin oilier and sticky with an uncomfortable and heavy feel, this one is lightweight and non-greasy. I use this everyday!

4. Maybelline Magnum Super Film Mascara

This one has reached its 6th month mark so I chucked it out of my kit. It's still workable, but sometimes I have a hard time applying it because it clumps. I repurchased the same variant and it's now sitting in my kit begging to be used. (Hello, new mascara!)

6. The Body Shop Chocomania Body Butter

Chocoholics like me would love the scent of this body butter. I find this variant stickier than the core body butter range, but maybe that's because of the 48-hour moisturizing claim of this one compared to the regular body butters with 24-hour moisturizing power. I love the scent of the Chocomania range - it's warm and comforting, perfect for the (sometimes) cold and rainy weather we have.

7. Human Nature Natural Feminine Wash

This one's the best feminine wash I've tried. No dryness and itchiness, just plain natural freshness. This one is the last bottle we have at home though! I haven't gotten around repurchasing because I lost my dealer discount. (Harhar!)

What are your current empties? :)

Love,

Helen

Hit Pan: April 2012

I noticed that my April empties consists of fruits (like avocado and berries) and green tea themed products. Here are the products I've used up this month. (So many bottles to up for recycling!)

1. Human Nature Natural Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner

2. Skin Cravings Scrub Me Pretty Body Scrub in Strawberry Yoghurt

I actually use this as an exfoliating body wash. The scrubs are very gentle that you could use this everyday. But I think that the scrubs are too gentle and not potent enough. The mild, sweet, and yummy scent makes up for the lack of exfoliating power.

3. Listerine Natural Green Tea Antiseptic Mouthwash

This mid-sized bottle barely lasted a month in our house! My family and I love this mouthwash. It does not sting, unlike conventional mouthwashes, because this one has no alcohol content. You can distinctly taste the green tea in it, which is very refreshing.

4. Human Nature Hydrating Lotion in Sweet Indulgence

This one smells like bubble gum, but is quite lacking in moisturizing properties. If you're planning to buy lotion from Human Nature, try the Healthy Lotion in Berry Bliss instead of this one.

5. Human Nature Healthy Lotion in Berry Bliss

One of the best body lotions I've tried. It has a very light (almost watery) texture and is instantly absorbed, so there's no room for stickiness. It leaves your skin velvety smooth and soft in an instant. It has no harmful chemicals - only the good.

6. The Body Shop Body Butter in Cranberry Joy

This one holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the last Christmas season, but now it's gone. It doesn't help that it's limited edition and that it comes back only during the holidays.

Care to share your recent "hit pans"?

Love,

Helen

Hit Pan: March 2012

I began doing these "Hit Pan" posts starting this January, and this is my third one. It has become a month-end ritual for me. I use lots of beauty products, and I feel like it's an accomplishment sticking to one and finishing it. I have yet to finish a makeup product; all of these are personal care items. Because of beauty blogging, I get to try many products, and if a product does not work out for me, I try to find others who might find a better use for it so it won't be a waste (which therefore never gets hit panned by me).


These are the products that I've used up this month:

1. Human Nature Natural Strengthening Shampoo
I used this together with its matching conditioner (which I emptied last January). The strengthening shampoo and conditioner do not smell as fragrant as conventional hair care products, and even it's green (grassy) scent does not linger. I had this experience of riding the jeepney on a sunny lunch hour, and the smell of smoke and sweat sticked to my hair like crazy, I had to tie it. (That's one problem of those who commute in Manila.) I wish this shampoo would have a fresher scent that lingers, because it would be perfect that way. I like the fact that it's sulfate-free (which is friendly for colored and chemically-treated hair). My hair color won't easily fade or turn brassy when I use this duo. This range is also less drying compared to conventional shampoos. Although I like this product, I still think I can find better alternatives for it.


2. Snoe Hair Heroes Intense Argan Oil
This is one of the best products I've used for my hair. It's a cleansing conditioner, somewhat like a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, so it lets me skip my regular shampoo once in a while. (I can't totally skip shampoo forever though, since my hair would be an oily mess by then.) It has a strong, soapy, clean scent that I am very fond of. It keeps my hair soft, and my waves more defined. Snoe has a new variant of Hair Heroes (Extreme) with Emu and Acai, but it's a straightening balm, so I think I'll stick to this red one since I'd like to keep my waves.


3. The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream
I love shower gels/creams because they don't leave a layer of scum on my skin. I think the previous bar soaps and conventional hair care products I used before was the cause of my bacne (which is now gone). This one from The Body Shop smells warm and comforting, and would go very well with their Chocomania lotion or body butter.


4. Human Nature Natural Feminine Wash
This big bottle lasted approximately 2 months in our home (with 6 ladies using it). Like I said before, I won't be shifting back to chemical feminine washes, ever. Once you've tried this underrated product, there's no turning back. This is the second big bottle we've emptied at home.


5. Human Nature Spray Sanitizer in Citrus Burst
This is the second small bottle I've used up, but as of now I have not repurchased because of my little project here. But if ever I had to get another bottle of hand sanitizer, I would purchase this one, but in Juicy Burst (with a berry scent). This hand sanitizer is liquid and comes in a spray-type bottle, so there's definitely no stickiness, unlike the gel-type hand sanitizers.

6. Human Nature Body Butter in Mango
This was emptied with the help of my Mom, who loves this product even more than I do. I adore the scent of this mango body butter because it smells like real mango dessert. It's an okay moisturizer, but I find it weird that a body salve this thick can't make the dry patches around my legs disappear. There must be something lacking. A bit of sunflower oil, maybe? Maybe my skin got "immune" to its moisturizing effects after a few weeks, so my Mom traded her The Body Shop Body Butter in Mango with me (which I emptied last year). I'll share with you all one product I've recently tried that worked better than Human Nature's Body Butter, yet with a lighter texture. (Guess what, it's from Human Nature, too!)

Care to share about the product you've hit panned this month?

Love,
Helen