The Better Skin Project: Pimple Fighting + Lightening Bar

Given to me by C and I'm glad I got to try it. This is an empty but it was a green soap that would murder my face. However, it's excellent both for acne prone skin on the body and as a solution to prevent those nasty odors coming out from exercising. That is, if that is a problem for you.

This product contains coconut oil as a first ingredient. Then water, sodium hydroxide and fragrance before its touted extracts: bearberry, rosehip oil, papaya extract and mastic gum and rounding off with some preservatives and colorants.

Sofy Pad Comparison

 I did a menstrual pad review a long while back then semi-transitioned to reusable pads. It took me a while but I've finally run through my stash of Sofy pads and I can now form my thoughts about them.

Though I don't have pictures this time, I've been using:

1. Sofy Comfort Nite 35.5 cm

2. Sofy Comfort Nite 42.5 cm

3. Sofy Cooling Fresh 35 cm

And of the three, there's one I won't be repurchasing.

The Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer

I haven't used a foundation in a while. Because masking and the resultant acne has made me wary of using base products, it just doesn't seem worth it. So now instead of using a foundation, I've been heavily spot concealing since it's been needed because of my foundation use causing a previous break out. Cry.

Thankfully, while my current concealer isn't mask proof. It doesn't break me out. 100 points. And what have I been using for the past year? The Saem's Cover Perfection Tip Concealer.

But a warning for users.

Five Fails of 2021

I have officially ended my official one-month (October) no-buy for 2021. Because let's face it. November's 11.11 is something I probably won't be passing up. Or Black Friday. Idk. But before that, let's talk about things I should not have purchased this 2021.

There are only a few of them, thankfully. But I have all the regrets.

Fresh Formula The Daily Grind

 I was actually going to do a long post about this, but then I saw Fresh Formula is closing down!

Suffice to say, I've been loving their Daily Dose low pH cleanser, as you may have seen in my previous skin care routine.

L'Oreal Color Riche Matte in 214 or Raspberry Syrup

I've got a really lovely lipstick I’ve taken to wearing around the house: L’Oreal’s Color Rich Matte in 214 or Raspberry Syrup. It’s this bright cool, pinkish red that really makes my lips pop when I wear it. Youthful but still age appropriate for myself when I go out or go on video calls, night or day.

Betadine Natural Defense Body Wash in Pomegranate

 I think this is another thing that's being discontinued... thankfully, I have another in my stash so I won't be running out any time soon.

For gentle, exfoliating goodness, I recommend Betadine Natural Defense Body Wash in Pomegranate.

Minimalist Skincare

I've been travelling again and not seeing the sun so this has been my most minimal skincare routine that I've actually been pretty happy with.

Review to follow if ever but... if you're interested

Home Workout Hack: Water Bottles

 I'm too scared to go to a gym right now. And like most people, I've turned to home workouts, mostly on YT. And despite the free workouts, I've been too cheap to shell out for home workout things.

It took me a long while to start using weights. And knowing that I was unsure about them, I decided to use water bottles as my weights. I started at 350 ml then at 500 ml. Yes, very low. But all I could really use for the things I was doing.

It took me a while to get to 1L or 2.2 lbs. Because I didn't want to go up and I had a hard time finding a water bottle I could grip comfortably. But I finally did.

These Refresh 1L bottles are very easy to grip. You have to use it with your index and thumb in the depression, so sometimes the bottle is upside down, but I've screwed it on tight and taped it jusr in case.

I've been using these for a while and am on the look-out if some 1.5L and 2L bottles may be good alternatives. Before I look at actual dumbells.

List of Things: Discontinued or Reformulated Products I Loved

 From having no budget to buy, to hoarding, to buying just what I can consume in a short while, I've decided to start getting back-ups of things I love as long as they're stable/I'm sure to finish it in time for expected expiration.

Why? Here's a list of products that have left my world too soon:

(will be edited as things change)

Soul Apothecary Glow Serum

 There are some things in life that just aren't meant to be. And that pretty much describes my relationship with Soul Apothecary's Glow Serum.

It wasn't meant to be. But how I wish it was...

Best ECQ Purchase: Nescafe Rich French Vanilla Instant Coffee

 Last ECQ (August 2021), while not being as restrictive as previous versions, was still a time to stay at home. And one of the things that were super helpful for my coffee cravings/sanity was Nescafe Rich French Vanilla Instant Coffee.

At around Php 360 ($ 8) online for 100g (making at least 50 cups) this was a good way to add flavored coffee without choosing high calorie 3 in 1 coffees. This gives around 10 calories per teaspoon, though best to add milk for a richer flavor.

Will repurchase eventually.

The Face Shop Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Trio

 During my previous purchases at The Face Shop of a toner and serum, I got this set as a gift with purchase. I didn't end up using it until my face needed heavy soothing, but I've used it enough for review. This set came in a resealable pack, which was already discarded.

The kit is composed of three items:

1. Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Foaming Cleanser

2. Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Facial Toner

3. Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Moisturizer

And here are my thoughts about it.