PH Care Daily Feminine Wash in Natural Protection

 Emptied out this year a femwash: pH Care Natural Protection.

Actually bought this because it was a new variant from a brand I used before and thought I'd never go back to.

And in the end...

Hada Labo Gokujyun Alpha Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen + Elastin Lotion

 Took me forever to finish but I finally finished the OLD formulation of Hada Labo Gokujyun Alpha Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen + Elastin Lotion.

Here's why I won't be buying this again.

I've tried the white and the gold versions previously as I like their texture better. I bought this because I thought I'd need to step up my "anti-aging game" but I ended up using this the least. This lotion is thicker and a slight bit tackier so you can only put on one layer... and 1 layer isn't enough for me. I ended up using it over a more hydrating toner. I couldn't also see a long term benefit to this since I wasn't using it as consistently as I would want.

Additionally, I bought it here in the PH from a supplier and... it was more than twice its cost in Japan. So it was a fair bit more expensive than what it ought to be.

I think that it's a decent product for its SRP. But given its costing here, I'd rather get something that will give me more value at the price I paid.

Those who have access to this at local pricing may want to try this but it's a pass for me.

Ballet Manila's Florante at Laura: a short review

 Take this with a teaspoon of salt, because I'm not sure I'm fully able to do this justice given the late hour and my terrible experience with some absolutely inconsiderate theater goers, but here are my thoughts about the new ballet of Ballet Manila: Florante at Laura.

Personal Care Foot Powder

 I don't know how I ended up with this, but I've been trying to finish up some things I've had lying around and this bottle of foot powder was one of them.

I've been using it for half a year and it's already empty because...

There really isn't much to say about it. It does control wetness and odor but I don't notice any cooling.

Does what it needs to do. That's all.

Best Liners 2024: Carefree

I've been trying to cut down on my disposables so I've tried to cut down on disposable liners. But I have found that I do need them for the life I lead.

I've tried a bunch of local liners but I've always gone back to Carefree, despite their higher price tag because I've found them relatively cost-effective.

I gravitate to the super dry for long days and tea tree when I'm close to my period. Other liners are just too expensive and cheaper liners tend not to last or end up ruining underwear with their adhesive.

I just wish the big packs came in non-individual packs. A 40 piece pack usually costs between 100-110 pesos. I usually try to get them on sale.

Yuja Niacin Bemish Care Serum Masks

 Finished a bunch of these 2nd quarter 2024. These particular masks are gone but I think they've been repackaged and reformulated. I MIGHT try the new ones but I still have a good amount of my stash to get through so...

Anyway, really loved these blemish care masks by Some By Mi. They're very brightening (glow for days after) and help control my acne. The mask is soaked in product, though you get very little extra juice. 

This mask is STRONG. I can only use it arounds once a week but I did love it every single time I usec it.

Bought it for less than a dollar each as I purchased them close to expiration. Love the effect at that price point but may have to stick to serums for cost effectiveness if I do see these at 3 dollar per piece price point. Super worth it though if I did have the funds for a special occasion.

Face Republic Vita Glow Niacin Toner

Trying to go through my pile of empties from 2024, one product at a time since I'm ashamed to have prioritized a cleanser I've used once over things I have owned and emptied.

To start with: something I've gone through like water was Face Republic's Vita Glow Niacin Toner (bought after emptying an Inisfree toner I've yet to review). It was a clear liquid in a yellow bottle with an easy open flip top cap.

It feelt like water on the skin on first contact: very lightweight, slightly hydrating with no tackiness despite the glycerin base. Also with no stinging on application close to the eye. Initially, I thought there was no effect but I did see a visible brightness after a week of consistent twice daily use of one layer and a decrease in tendency to acne. I tried to increase application to two laters but noted my skin became more sensitive after so stuck at that single layer applied twice daily. YMMV but I've found it a brightening toner that I can use under a moisturizer/more hydrating serum and sunscreen so it really works as advertised.

Sadly, I not so accidentally exposed this to the sun so I saw some crystal formation by the final third of its lifespan... and thus relegated it to neck hydration - for which I could only tolerate once daily application.

I think I bought this near retail at Php 450 -500 but it often goes on sale. It's currently less than Php 400 or USD ~7 for a whopping 160 ml of niacinamide plus ascorbic acid.

Would recommend this who want brightness on a budget. Just don't leave it out in the sun. 

Ellana Take It Easy Make Up Remover

Just had a quick try of this make-up remover from Ellana.

TLDR: Happy to try but glad I didn't buy. Then again, seems like it's no longer available.

Old Spice: High Endurance Anti-perspirant/Deodorant

 Emptied out this emergency purchase of a deodorant/antiperspirant: Old Spice: High Endurance Anti-perspirant/Deodorant.

At 246 php (~4.5 USD), this was not cheap but lasted a good while (around 6 months) used 2x a week. I bought this since I need a heavy work anti-perspirant regularly and boy, was this heavy duty. On me, its antiperspirant effects lasted around 36-40 hours (granted I layer this over another antiperspirant). Its scent lasted around 24 hours - which may not be to your taste since the it leans masculine. Not a problem if using sleeves though.

However, even with sparing use, I've found it does leave marks on clothes, which are a big chore to remove. It's not yellow, leaning white. But it IS there and needs a good scrub or two.

I would not repurchase this but those who really do need a reliable anti-perspirant and don't mind the extra work may see the value in this.

Functional Empties:2024

 Still have a lot of empties to mini review(?) Or toss.

In the meantime, here are my often emptied items... 

1. Medicated shampoo. Seb derm is real.

2. Feminine wash: lactacyd forever.

3. Mouthwash: colgate. No particular attachment but always have one in my bathroom.

4. Toothpaste: sensodyne supremacy

IDK how people empty so much. I only have one body.

Reinvigorating Keratin Hair Spa in Avocado

 Finished up this really old tub of hair spa. Took me a while since I lost and rediscovered it. Not available anymore, I think. I liked the scent and using it as a lightweight conditioner.

Are there better products, yes. But this was fun and inexpensive.

Just goes to show that you can use the haircare products from Daiso.

KBK Acne Foam Defense Wash

 Here I am trying to both record all thoughts about and trying to throw away my empty bottles of stuff again. Hopefully, these mean more short reviews.

One of my cleanser empties for last year: KBK Acne Foam Defense Wash

Sanitary Pad of 2024: Charmee All Night Long

 I haven't done a pad post recently, but to update: I have been using a mixture of cloth pads and disposable pads. For the latter, while I still love Sofy pads for security, with the rising cost of everything, there has been 1 undisputed pad for me for 2024: Charmee's All Night Long Pads.

BURUGUDUY STUN STUGUDUN STUY: a short review

 Finally got to watch my first show this year, and to my regret, it was not Miss Saigon. It was the Parokya ni Edgar musical: BURUGUDUY STUN STUGUDUN STUY.

To summarize what I think of this show: It's high value production crack (fiction).

Sunscreen 2024

 

3 Sunscreens I've been using this 2024

I've picked up an order for new sunscreens, but here are what I've used recently and my short thoughts about them:

Summer Saver: Sheet Masks

 It's summer again, and I've officially transitioned fully into using cold showers (which I hate 90% of the time), which is a necessity at this weather.

Part of what I do to stay cool is to use an umbrella, shouting out to fibrella - remember to use UV coated umbrellas- as well as seeking out as much shade as I can. I ought to use shades as well but where I currently live, that gives far too much attention.

However what I've used this summer more than any other method to stay cool is to use sheet masks. Yes, I do still consider them as guilty pleasures. But it's really been so hot and I've just been keeping a bunch in the fridge and popping one on at the end of a long day and it does a lot to cool my face and really destress.

I've never been one to sheet mask regularly because of the environmental impact and the impact on my wallet but … it's just been crazy hot. I've been trying to use cheaper masks and those that come in packs to offset but I end up using a mask every 2 to 3 days. The good thing is I'm finally using up some of my super old face masks. The bad is that I'm buying more now.

Anyway, I still wouldn't recommend using an active sheet mask daily - soothing masks are ok unless they're heavy. If I use an active mask too frequently: my face starts to sting. If use a hydrating mask too frequently: bumps from the heaviness. I've found the cheaper daily masks work well enough since my main goal is to cool down and soothe my skin. Added bonus as a lazy girl: just top off with a moisturizer and I'm done for the day.

Ever Bilena Plus Serum Tinted Lip Balm

 An old, new find of mine for the year is Ever Bilena's (EB PLUS) Serum Tinted Lip Balm in Naked.

Did I need a new lipstick, no. Did I need a new lip balm, yes. And it seems I got both. 

Quick thoughts on Amodimethicone

 As I was throwing away an empty of a L'oreal Hair Mask, I wondered why I fell out of love with it. I had always had a L'oreal hair mask in rotation for the longest time but didn't feel the need for a restock for a while. 

But then I realized : my hair was very healthy- barely bleached and amodimethicone was the key ingredient in these masks. Amodimethicone, a silicone that works very well for damaged, processed hair, was a normal, lightweight silicone for healthy hair. And that was why I felt these masks did nothing for me now.

So for those with healthy hair, you probably don't need this ingredient in your hair care, but YMMV.

Fragrance empties for 2023

This is what's been finished:

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea

Fresh citrusy and clean. I've been using this for more than a decade. Really like this for daily use but it's time to move on after X number of bottles.   

Bulgari Omnia Crystalline

Floral to clean on me. I liked this but it's too expensive and doesn't last long enough for me to justify a full bottle.

Fireplace by Scent Therapy PH

Starting my "dupe" journey with this. Compared to the original, this is a lot sharper on the opening but I like the dry down more: it's very warm and cozy afterwards.

I'm only starting to venture into other fragrances and I think I'll be going into clone houses etc moving forward since I can't justify insane prices right now.

L'Or Essenso Instant Coffee

 

Tried out all the variants of L'Or Essenso coffee available in the Philippines. Prices can,vary where you get them and both 8 and 20 stick packets are available. I bought mine for 163 per pack with 8 sachets per pack not including shipping.

How to Spend 3 Days in Taipei, Taiwan: A Quick Guide

Recently came back from a quick trip to Taiwan and this is a short guide of how to speedrun things if you're short of time. For disclosure, this trip from the Philippines costed around  USD 1000 per person for two people. Things may become cheaper or more expensive depending on when and where you book your flights and accommodation, and what food you eat. Mine was relatively more expensive given that this was a last minute trip with booking decided less than a month prior to departure on peak season.

Recommendations before going to Taipei: