The Face Shop Dr. Belmeur Mild Toner

 Ended up buying some stuff from the Face Shop at full price because it was the only place I could buy from. Kind of sad I wasn't able to buy it online, but desperate times!

Originally bought for between Php 750-850 at a physical store, as suggested by a salesperson because I wanted something moisturizing I could layer, and something for sensitive skin. Which, this was.

Product dispensed as a clear liquid that works best by splashing into the hand and patting on. This bottle contained an undisclosed amount of niacnamide, glycerine and some hyaluronic acid. I used one to three "skins" twice a day without any trouble or skin irritation. At that use, one bottle lasted four months so it wasn't bad.

I've tossed the bottle but I think it wa around 150-200 ml? 

I'm a terrible blogger. Haha. I think if I didn't have other things to try, I'd buy this again.

Vita Clear Acne Solutions Cleansing Gel

 Can't believe I finally got around to finishing this bottle of cleanser!

Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. But since I've been using it as a travel cleanser, it's pretty amazing that I've been able to finish it since it IS 2020 right now.

L'Oreal Elseve Hairfall Resist Conditioner

 Okay, I bought this product because it was BIG. At 325 ml a tube, I was sure that I wouldn't run out anytime soon since I didn't want to do a monthly conditioner shop (because plastic and effort). And at Php 220 for that much product, I think it was a win all around.

Mind you, tubes of these do exist for other brands, but they're a bit harder to find where I'm from.

What I liked about this was the scent, sweet but not overpowering, in contrast to the previous mask that may have conditioned well enough but brought no joy to use.  I also liked the way it conditioned my hair without weighing it down. It's supposed to have arginine to prevent hair fall, but I doubt it'd do much good at the tips. I also liked that this lasted nearly three months on my long hair so that's 2 less tubes to buy in a year.

Sadly, I don't think i'll be able to get the last of this out though as I can't cut through the plastic and there seems to be a good bit left. Kind of wasteful. Still not an optimal solution.

I enjoyed using this, but I'll probably try new ones now. Or go back and try old favorites. 2020 has been a year of revisiting old likes, so not much excitement for now.

Suncare 2020

 I seem to have misplaced my Biore Aqua Rich Watery Gel this past month, so this picture isn't complete but this is what I've been using aside from that.

1. Belo Whitening Sunscreen - does the job well enough but I need to blend this in so I need a mirror to apply. Also do not use near the eye area.

2. Belo Body Shield SPF 60 - not quite beach level but really good for sunny days. It' expensive to use daily so this has been around for a while.

3. Biore UV Body Care Serum - Extra Moist - Really have been enjoying this as an everyday lotion (Even more than Nivea since its a good bit easier to spread). Do not use while out in the sun for long periods of time.

Good morning!

Reusing some very good products I've talked about before.

CosRx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser  - forgot how good this was at cleaning my face in the morning.

Sensodyne Repair and Protect - used a different, minty brand for a change and while that made me happy, this is the one that made me feel safe.

Garnier Light Complete Yoghurt Sleeping Mask

 Bought a bunch of small treats for myself a while back and only remembered to talk about it recently, so I've chucked a fair few. One of the ones I've been able to keep was Garnier's Light Complete Yoghurt Sleeping Mask.

I tried this product because I really liked their clay masks, and as things were getting colder, I thought I could do with a sleeping mask to seal things in at night. A look at the back showed the following ingredients at the top: water, dimethicone, niacinamide, glycerin and isohexadecane. So I was sold with the niacinamide and glycerin combination.

I think it was Php 50-80 for 7 ml, so it was a bit expensive for its price, but I liked the squeeze-tube packaging as it was convenient for multiple use.

The product comes as white cream that blends in as you spread it about. You need to use only a little or get ghost-face, which is what happened to me the first time I tried this.  It smells like a citrus car freshener, but the scent disappears after a while and it dries down quickly enough. Skin looks visibly brighter after use so I'm not so sure it will fare well for darker skin types. Afterwards, there seems to be a veeeery slight mochi feel so while it can be used as a sleeping mask, I think others can use this under make-up for that tone-up effect.

The next day, I wake up with normal feeling and looking skin. Which means it works well enough as I've been using air conditioning at night lately.

I'm going to continue using this. Even if this thing is only 7 ml, I think I can get 4 or 5 uses out of this as I only need to use a little bit at night. However, I won't buy this again as I don't like the scent, and I'd rather get something that won't brighten my skin immediately as I'd rather slather my sleeping mask on.

L'Oreal's Elseve Deep Repairing Mask and Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultra Conditioner

 Finally writing about these. Net connection has been so bad that I can't post. But I really want to throw these away so here we are.

I haven't been able to write so my finished products have been piling and discarded, but I hung on to these for quite a while. I've finished both a tub of L'Oreal's Elseve Deep Repairing Mask and Cream Silk's Triple Keratin Rescue Ultra Conditioner.

It's been so long but I think the Cream Silk retails for less than Php 200 per 150 ml and the L'Oreal less than Php 400 for a 200 ml tub. I finished the tube in a month or so of daily used. I finished the tub after 6 months, I think? Both dispense a white, opaque cream with the mask being a heavier consistency.

The Cream Silk tube is highly fragranced, in a nice floral way. It's a joy to put on as a daily conditioner. It leaves the hair soft and shiny without weighing it down. Sadly, I have no color on so I can't see its color reviving properties, but I would recommend it for damaged hair.

The tub, on the other hand, smells meh? It's not a product I look forward to using but it definitely deep conditions. I only use it twice a week, else it leaves my hair too oily the next day. It does work the way it ought to, so I have no complaints.

I like trying new products so I won't repurchase for a while. However, for those on a budget, I'd recommend the Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue line for those with damaged hair, especially if you want a hair treat at the start or end of th day.

Skincare Routine: Covid Edition

 I'm keeping this short and sweet, like my skincare routine!

Anyway... skincare in the time of Covid isn't one size fits all so you have to listen to your skin.

If you're using cloth masks/surgical masks that tend to stick to the skin, you probably need to hydrate, hydrate and seal because having the mask stuck to the face tends to leave the skin clogged and dehydrated.

If you're wearing N95s/respirators, you probably need to hydrate a little, and occlude only the parts that are meant to be sealed since the long wear makes the mask environment super humid.

Once size doesn't fit all.

Head and Shoulders Supreme Moisture and Smooth

 Took a break from the virtual world and ended up with a lot of empties I ended up not talking about and just... tossing. Because I don't like storing things for too long :/

Yes. They are technically two different variants of the same style.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Another basic, but satisfying empty. This isn't the first empty this lockdown, but the first I'll be posting. I purchased this a long time ago because I wanted to see how an older me would feel about this compared to a younger me... and true enough, my skin has changed!

This old, orange salicylic acid wash is super effective at keeping me acne-free (more now than when I was younger and suffering more hormonal break outs), but it is significantly drying if I use it twice a day (thus, it took so long to finish). I don't get all the hate though, as it is NOT the terrible thing some bloggers make it out to be. I'd still recommend this for younger, oilier, acne-prone skin types on a small budget... for use once a day as an evening cleanse. In fact, I best enjoyed using this as a second cleanse after an oil cleanser. After a relatively long massage with an oil, use this next. You only need to keep it on your face for 30 seconds, and everything's gone.

Other bonus: pump bottle. Top not seen because it's so manky now. Glad I can toss this out soon.

Short Rant

Beauty related content, specifically in the form of YT videos, is something I've turned to even more at this trying time. I don't have to leave my bed and spend my hard earned money on products I'm pretty sure I would lust over, but not necessarily use frequently.

Recently, and most glaringly on a local beauty queen, on this platform, I've seen a lot of influencers say that they like product A because its natural, eco-friendly and recyclable packaging. It's good for the environment and it's something that they look for/like in a product.

In the same video, they will then talk about adoring product B, which is mostly a one use product such as a make-up wipe or face mask that very effective and convenient but contains a lot of plastic and/or packaging waste.

That's not to say you can't like both. But admit to yourself and to others that the environment is NOT a major concern when buying things. It's just a nice bonus.

CoViD-19

We're facing a global pandemic with over 1,000,000 people infected with SARS-COV-2.

Things people have been told to do:

1. Practice physical/social distancing (1 to 2 meters depending on the source).
2. Frequent hand hygeine (20 secs with soap and water or 70% alcohol)
3. Stay at home unless you really need to.

Now, an additional recommendation has been given which is to wear masks (and this will probably be part of the new normal).

But please don't hoard surgical masks, N95s or FFP3s as our frontliners need them most.

The alternative: cloth masks. Make them yourself or buy them from others.  But use these when you're outside.

Human Nature Rescue Balm in Tea Tree & Lavender

I don't know if my love for lavender is known to the world, but I was a thankful recipient of Human Nature's Rescue Balm in Tea Tree and Lavender.

Thanks family!

Junk Food for Face

While I am one of the (lucky?) few who get to go to work right now, I've felt a greater need to de-stress during this trying time. Because the first quarter of the year isn't over, and 2020 has been terrible so far.

Still, am genuinely lucky to be where I am and able to afford such a luxury as below. And I'm glad this got to me before lockdown.

Long Term Travel Shelf

Haven't released a Shelf for Jan 2020 because of travel reasons. But... here is what I have been packing for travels lasting more than a week.

Full sized products!

I find it easier to just grab these three instead of repeated packing. In here are:

1. Bella Curls Shampoo and Conditoner: review to follow but packed because of packaging.

2. Peter Thomas Roth 3% Glycolic Solutions Cleanser: For face AND body needs.

I've been pretty lazy and ill recently. Hope I get back to my normal self soon...

Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin

Writing about this foundation right as I'm tossing it in the trash.

I bought this foundation long before the rise of L'Oreal's Infallible. Which means this foundation is already over 2 years old. I wouldn't mind normally, but I've started to break out with this so...

Time to bin and buy!

I haven't felt comfortable reviewing it since I use so little foundation. As you may be able to see, I've barely used a fifth of it in the two years I've had it with me. But now that its lifespan is over, I think I can safely say my thoughts about Revlon's Colorstay, a foundation for Combination/Oily Skin.

In Her Element Rose Moisture Mist

 I think it's very apt to talk about rose products near Valentines Day. But... it is a bit late.

Still, I can't stop gushing about this Rose Moisture Mist!

As you may know, In Her Element is a local brand that has been around for a relatively short time. While my skin doesn't agree with some of IHE's products, I do keep my eye on it. Why? IHE is basically the sister/child of a blog/website I still follow from my college days: Project Vanity. Proudly Filipina owned and developed by grandmother/mother (of the brand) Liz Lanuzo, IHE is a brand I really want to like.

Maybelline Hypercurl in Waterproof

No valentines? No problem. Laugh or cry with Maybelline's Waterproof Mascara, a cheap but effective lash lengthener.

At Php 199, often going for Php149, try it or toss it.

The formula itself is best wet, freshly opened. Sadly, it has a tendency to dry out quickly soon after. Lashes are significantly lengthened, but a bit clumpy. The best part though, as the name implies, is the curl it gives- even sans curler! A boon for lazy mornings.

Remove with a good eye make up remover.

V&M Underarmour Acai+Mulberry Brightening and Detoxifying Deodorant

Bought this on BOGO ages ago and it seems I haven't reviewed it yet? So strange.

Flormar Deluxe Cashmere Lipstick Stylo

Ok I bet this product is old, but sadly I've only started using it now since I got it.

Flormar's Deluxe Cashmere, as its name suggests, looks luxe, but does it perform as well as higher end lipsticks?

On the short, no.

My shade DC24 or Red Boston is a super flattering pinkish red that can be used sheer, semi sheer or all out party! Super pigmented, with a satin finish that looks great when swiped, especially when built up.

However, two very important things make it annoying to use. First, the round tip makes it hard to create a precise line. Second, the formula is super dry and tugs like crazy.

Not exactly a cashmere experiemce.

However, I'm pretty happy with the shade and will continue to use it as even if purchased a long while back, it has a pretty long expiration.

Given by C so I have no idea how much this costs...

Palmolive Expertique Resiliente Conditioner

Honestly bought two different variants of the Palmolive Expertique Conditioners because I forgot about buying one and ended up buying another.

....

3 New Things to Do or What I've Done Over the Holidays

Read: Eight Treasures Trosseau

What: A chinese novel lovingly translated into English about a girl transmigrating to ancient china. Transmigration isn't an important part of the story (not a Fushigi Yuugi type story, unfortunately), but good for period drama juicy things (imperial succession, not inner courtyard).

Where: link through Novel Updates or translator at Dreams of Jianghu

Watch: Messiah

What: If a Jesus-like figure appears on Earth this millenium, how would he be treated. What is he? Lord, liar or lunatic? Kinda boring at times but very thought provoking.

Where: Netflix or friendly pirates?

Play: Obey Me!

What: Reverse harem game that's more about the story (linear progression) and art. Actual game is pretty boring, but the boys are to pretty not to stare at. Good if you like anime-like things.

Where: Play on Phone.

NYE Lips: Long Lasting Lips

I'm not going out today because I got so tired from ushering in the new year. Thus, this tutorial spawned from waking up with my make-up on. Yes, it's bad for you but my lips have officially lasted through 20 hours and 3 (not oily) meals.

Here's how I did it.