Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Tony Moly Naturalth Goat Milk Moisture Cream

When I came home from the beach last June, my face (specifically my forehead) got sunburned, even my beloved gel moisturizer wasn't enough to ease the peeling. Exactly that time, the weather in Manila became cool due to the rains, so I switched to a richer moisturizer to ease my damaged skin.

Tony Moly Naturalth Goat Milk range makes use of goat milk from New Zealand is its main ingredient. (I'd like to think of this moisturizer as milk-based, not water-based, and definitely oil-free.) What's special about goat milk is that it has essential fatty acids with pH level close to the human skin, making it more easily absorbed. It also contains lactic acid, which is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), to exfoliate the skin.

Tony Moly Naturalth Goat Milk Moisture Cream

About the product:


  • The moisturizing cream keeps the skin hydrated as it tightens the skin texture while gently wrapping the surface.

Ingredients:


  • Contains 50% goat milk extract from New Zealand
  • Contains shea butter and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
  • Minimal fragrance


This moisturizer comes in a heavy milk bottle-inspired jar. It's not colorful, the design is really simple, yet it looks classy and sleek at the same time. It even comes with a clear Tony Moly spatula!


The product is sealed - just like fresh milk!


The spatula is very useful in keeping the product free from contamination.


When I hear of skincare products with hints of milk in it, I almost always think of clean powdery scents (because  of how brands market theirs). Tony Moly Naturalth Goat Milk Moisture Cream is almost close to unscented, having fragrance last on the ingredients list. It comes in a thick cream but with a pleasantly light texture.

I used it to heal my skin when my face got sunburned. I came home to a damaged skin on my forehead near my hairline (with a shiny and dry texture) which I got from wearing a snorkeling mask. A week into using this moisturizer, the sunburned part started to peel and heal. Lactic acid has worked its magic! This one's very gentle at the same time, as I didn't experience any stinging at all, and it felt rather soothing.

Tony Moly Naturalth Goat Milk Moisture Cream is made for dry and sensitive skin, but I have oily/combination skin, and it works perfectly fine for me. I only use this as a night cream, as it makes my face look shiny (but I don't mind since I'm just going to sleep anyway), but it hydrates my skin well and I always wake up to plump, healthy skin whenever I use this.

I'm currently using this jar of moisturizer for 7 weeks straight as of press time. I'm loving it to bits as part of my nightly routine, and I'm definitely going to use it up!

Price: P1,298
Available at Tony Moly stores nationwide

Learn more about Tony Moly Naturalth Goat Milk products here. For more information, visit Tony Moly Philippines' official website at www.tonymoly.ph. Like Tony Moly Philippines on Facebook, follow @tonymolyph on Twitter and Instagram for more updates and promos.

What's you're current go to moisturizer?


Love,
Helen

Monday, July 27, 2015

The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick in Poppy Universal

It's been a while since my last The Body Shop review, and I'm amazed at how they always come up with new and interesting products. When I dropped by their new branch inside The SM Store Makati, I restocked on jumbo-sized shower gel and body butters since they were on crazy sale. This Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick wasn't on sale, but I wasn't able to resist. I have a thing with color-changing makeup. They're just so fascinating like that.

The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick in Poppy Universal

Indulge into your dark side with our transforming black Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick Universal Shade. By adapting to the unique pH of your skin the special formula turns into your own individual poppy shade. The final color will vary from individual to individual giving a unique, customized shade.
  • Suitable for both lips and cheeks
  • Velvety, petal-soft
  • Medium Coverage
  • Matte finish
  • Easy application
  • Subtle floral scent
  • Enriched with Community Fair Trade Beeswax from Cameroon


Swatches:

Just applied > Transforming > Blended

When worn:


The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Velvet Stick is so easy to apply and easy to blend. This universal shade is unique to each individual, and on me it turns from dark gray to a deep pinkish/purple color. It reminded me of The Body Shop's Cream Blush in Grape (the one that came in a tube, available 10 years ago but is now discontinued). Only, this one has a smoked poppy floral fragrance and lasts longer than the latter. It's fool-proof and more friendly for makeup beginners compared to tints. On my lips, it feels like a matte balm. You can blend it with your fingers to even it out. It also leaves a hint of stain on the lips. On me, it wears for about 5 hours on my face and lips. Retouching is convenient because it comes in a chubby pencil, which you can bring with you everywhere. 


Price: P695
Available at The Body Shop stores nationwide

Like The Body Shop, Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,
Helen

Saturday, July 18, 2015

ChapStick Mixstix in Strawberry Banana Smoothie

I had my first encounter with ChapStick exactly 15 years ago. I was in 5th grade then, and it was the first lip balm I ever bought with my own allowance. I chose the classic strawberry flavor, and loved it to bits - I even used a lip brush to scoop every bit of it out. Since then, I've got to try a lot of lip balm, but nothing beats going back to an old favorite! (Thanks for this one, Tellie!) :D

ChapStick Mixstix in Strawberry Banana Smoothie

ChapStick has innovated their products to this lovely limited edition Mixstix, with a different flavor on each end!


ChapStick Mixstix contains 4.4g of products = 2.2g each flavor. Shelf life is 3 years, but since it smells and tastes so good you're bound to use it up in a few months.


This is a super space-saver inside my makeup kit. On days I can't decide which lip balm to bring with me, I reach for this one - problem solved! The cap is also nice as it's secure, so the lip balm won't make a mess inside your bag.


Strawberry is a classic flavor, its slightly tart but more on the sweet side.


I think this is my first ever banana lip balm, and I am in love with its (artificial) banana scent! Think: banana flavored candy - nowhere near the taste of real bananas as a fruit but still so yummy.

I can wear this in 3 ways: strawberry alone, banana alone, or mix both flavors together to get a sweet delicious strawberry banana smoothie flavor! And it's not just scented, both flavors are tasty sweet!

Tip: Use one flavor on the upper lip, and one on the lower lip, then press your lips together to mix the flavors on your lips. This way, it won't mess up the actual scent of the product on the packaging.

ChapStick Mixstix has a smooth glide and it lasts long on my lips. It keeps my lips soft and moisturized for around 5-6 hours. given that I just eat light snacks and sip on water often at work. It has no tint and no SPF, but given its concept (2 in 1) and performance, it's a winner for me!

ChapStick Mixstix comes in 2 flavors here in the Philippines: Strawberry Banana Smoothie and Lemon Berry Sorbet. In other countries, they even have a Green Apple Caramel version!

SRP: P140 to P169 (at Watsons)

Get Chapstick Mixstix in Strawberry Banana Smoothie and Lemon Berry Sorbet for FREE at Sample Room! Six and four stocks (respectively) available as of press time! :D

Love,
Helen

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

#GetGlowing with Jergens and Araneta Center!

Jergens has always been a trusted household name for as long as I can remember. Part of my childhood memories was seeing my Mom slather on a generous amount of Jergens lotion before going to sleep. The scent of the Original Beauty Lotion variant is just so nostalgic!


Now, more people can get to try Jergens as the brand teams up with Araneta Center to launch #GetGlowing – a campaign promoting healthy, glowing skin for all! The aim of #GetGlowing is to encourage everyone to take care of their skin through healthy living and instilling the habit of proper skincare.


On your next mall trip, take a peek inside the restrooms of Smart Araneta Coliseum, Gateway Mall, Farmers Plaza, and Ali Mall in Araneta Center, and you'll won't see generic soap but Jergens Liquid Soaps and Moisturizers made available starting July until the rest of the year.

Jergens will also be hosting activities in Gateway Mall to showcase the advantages of having glowing skin and how it can be achieved. A Skin Expert will also be there to share tips on how to #GetGlowing with noticeably beautiful skin.

It is never too late to start your healthy skin care habit.  Let's #GetGlowing!

Jergens Moisturizers are available in leading department stores, supermarkets, and retailers nationwide.

Website: http://www.jergens.com.ph/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JERGENSph.Vibelle
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jergens_vibelle

Love,
Helen

Monday, July 13, 2015

My Morellato Drops Bracelet ♥

I've been itching to build my charm bracelet ever since I attended the first leg of the Morellato Style Series. Finally, I've done it yesterday and it made me really really happy! I went to their store in Shangri-La East Wing because it's the only branch I know which carries the specific charm I had been looking for, for the longest time!


I was assisted by Charles who was friendly and not hard sell. He just let me take my time to choose which bracelet and charms to get. Look for him when you visit their Shangri-La store!

Now, let's unbox! :D


As usual, this set came with a guarantee certificate. I didn't get a cloth to clean my Drops with though, as it was out of stock. By the way, did you know that Morellato Drops are made with surgical stainless steel? It's strong and it won't tarnish, and it's easy to clean! Just wipe it using their special cloth to bring back its sparkle.


Morellato has ready-made sets of charm bracelets which are more affordable, but I preferred to choose my own charms since I want them to have a story/meaning related to my life. Here are the Drops that I chose.

The elephant stands for my trip to Thailand earlier this year. This trip was special to me since it's my first trip abroad which I funded for all by myself. Also, it's the place where my Panda and I reconnected. :3

The glass art bead in black and pink served as the unifying factor for all the charms. I love it's design as it's feminine and edgy at the same time!

Panda is the very reason why I trekked to Shangri-La. It was the last piece, and I believe it's sold out in most of their stores. It reminds me of someone special. And look, he's holding a ♥!

The pink glass bead, butterfly, and stoppers were from my previous charm bracelet. I replaced the bracelet from white satin to black satin, since the white one looked dirty and gray. At least the black one will always stay black.

Price:
  • Black satin bracelet - P895
  • Stoppers - P995 each (x2)
  • Drops - P995 each


I'm so happy with my Morellato Drops bracelet. The charms are so special to me, and I can't wait to add more for when I travel again. I'm all for being practical, and it's nice to know that we can have charm bracelets at a more affordable price compared to other brands having the same concept.

Like Morellato Philippines on Facebook for more information. Morellato jewelry and watches are available in SM The Block, Shangrila Plaza Mall, SM Clark, Ayala Cebu, Landmark Trinoma, SM Megamall, Veranza Mall, SM MOA, SM Makati, ATC, SM Cubao, Aura, SM Megamall Department Store, SM San Mateo.

Love,
Helen

Saturday, July 11, 2015

The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Africa Ximenia & Salt Scrub

After a long day, sometimes all you want to do is go home and relax. For some it's just chilling on the couch while watching TV or reading a good book. For me, it would be a DIY pampering session! Getting full body scrubs can be pricey, so why not just do it at home? I've got just the perfect product for that!

The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Africa Ximenia & Salt Scrub

Best if you want to: Take time to cleanse, revive and revitalize your skin using a luxuriously pampering creamy salt scrub for the body with skin softening butters from Africa that will leave skin soft, smooth and subtly scented with our traditional Spa Wisdom™ Africa fragrance.

Best for: all skin types, particularly those with dry skin who need to exfoliate regularly

Ingredients:


How it works:
  • Community Trade organic beeswax moisturizes and conditions skin while acting as a barrier to help seal in moisture.
  • Community Trade shea butter moisturizes and softens skin.
  • Salt grains gently exfoliate skin.
  • Ximenia, an oil extracted from the ximenia tree native to Africa, helps soften the skin.


The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Africa Ximenia & Salt Scrub comes in a thick glass jar with a flip lid and metal closure. The packaging looks cute and has that spa-like feel. It looks unique so I'll be keeping it long after I finish the product.


Opening the jar instantly gives you a whiff of that sensorial experience that lies ahead.


Our weather has turned rainy all week, and my skin's adjusting from last week's heat to this week's sudden cool. My arms are sometimes itchy and dry, and I treat it using this creamy salt scrub. It comes in a buttery texture and I don't know if it's just me, but this scrub feels slightly (and pleasantly) warm on my skin on the initial contact. I love how I can spread the product on my skin without worrying about wastage (since the salt won't fall off). The salt then melts onto your skin as it scrubs off dead skin cells, and the shea butter and Ximenia oil moisturizes without ever feeling greasy. This scrub has a comforting and exotic powdery floral fragrance that lingers on after you bathe. (This lovely fragrance also transform your bathroom into a spa!) It rinses off milky white, and leaves the skin super soft and delicately scented. This scrub is gentle, effective, and hydrating. This jar may cost like a one-time visit to the spa, but it gives you more value for money since it's good for multiple uses, and can give you soft skin for months.

Price: P1,950 for 350ml
Available at all The Body Shop stores nationwide

Like The Body Shop, Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,
Helen

Thursday, July 9, 2015

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