Altchek MD: Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Upon C's recommendation, I decided to purchase this as my previous cleanser, Clean and Clear, was running out. Now, if you haven't noticed, this is a totally different cleanser from my last. For one thing, it costs P795 for 240ml in Beauty Bar. It's not a luxury brand but it's no drugstore find either. It's a bit cheaper in the US for $14, available at Ulta - and it goes on sale there.

For another, this product is mainly glycolic acid (AHA) based, though it boasts other key ingredients as vitamin C, Calendula extract, fruit acids and reservatrol. I'm not sold on how these help at their concentration, and in a wash off product to boot. I also don't know why fruit acids aren't described as AHAs here. My skin doesn't react to this at all, so it at least it doesn't hurt.

The pump packaging is sturdy but makes it hard to transport. I need half a pump of this cream cleanser and rub on my face for 30-60 seconds. It contains these smooth exfoliating beads, and while it doesn't lather well, it spreads evenly and lightly exfoliates my face.

My skin feels moisturized after using, but that could be because of the glycerin and silicone in this product. I don't get any zits from the product, but others who are silicone sensitive may have issues because of this. It doesn't prevent acne formation as much as salicylic acid based cleansers do (when I do something stupid like not sleep), but my face is definitely smoother.

I'd recommend this product for those with drier and less acne prone skin types or as an alternate cleanser/scrub.

Long vs. Short Hair

More than 50% of my adult life has been spent with long hair. It's not because I'm overly fond of it or anything, but because I've found that long hair is:

1. Easier to maintain daily - no need to blow dry or style in the morning (or sometimes even comb).
2. Needs fewer salon visits - once or twice a year would do
3. More versatile hair styles

However, short hair definitely has its advantages, and I've definitely been feeling it.

1. Cooler - because long hair heats you up, especially during summer
2. No split ends
3. No need for conditioner

Right now this is a con for me: I'd rather use up my conditioner (because I have a lot hoarded - I don't need to buy any for the next year or so).

4. Removes the temptation for perming

And, depending on your style…

5. Does not get in your face

The most important factor for the things I'm doing now.

I guess I'm maintaining my short hair for a while.

For those who want to cut their hair for the summer and have at least 8 inches to cut, you guys may be interested in donating it. Do a quick google search: Papemelroti and David's Salon might be easy avenues to donate your hair for wigs for cancer patients (I had mine done during the latter's event).

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir

Last Christmas, I got a nice surprise from my favorite, C: a red paper bag bearing the Human Heart Nature logo.

A peek inside revealed a bottle of their Overnight Elixir. I'd been eyeing this since its release (P995 with the sunflower oil free), but I wasn't really interested in getting that freebie and I wanted to try it out first (only their physical stores give samples). Imagine my delight when I saw this baby!

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir Packaging

This is the "old' packaging of the HHR Overnight Elixir. Newer editions have a yellow, more cheerful pattern. If they haven't changed the scent or bottle packaging, I'd think this version of the packaging is more appropriate. I haven't checked if the newer bottles are different.

The box comes with easy instructions on how to use it. I prefer using 3 drops for my face and neck and apply it by massaging it in quickly. I didn't pay much attention to the label part because it felt too much like pro-organic marketing. However, those who like their products on the more natural side might prefer this for that reason.

They also provide a list of the active ingredients and what it's supposed to do. A lot of the product is sunflower oil (which may explain the new packaging). I didn't use the sunflower oil on my face but this product has several differences with its predecessor:

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir

The bottle is made of glass and contains a lot less product (1 oz). As you can see, the entire thing can fit between my thumb and index finger. The HHR sunflower oil was made of plastic and was prone to collecting dirt on the side. The way this product is packaged, it doesn't get filthy. However, this bottle is prone to breakage so I dare not move this around, and have had several mini-heart attacks while using it.

The dropper is very strange for me because you press the top of the dropper (pushed like a button, actually) to get the product. If you're familiar with the Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate, then this is very similar to it. To use: press once after unscrewing the bottle, then take the dropper out and let the drops fall naturally. The dropper can't pick up much product, but I need much less than what gets picked up.

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir Dropper

The serum itself is clear to lightly straw-colored and on the runny side. It also doesn't spread as easily as the Body Shop Drops of Youth. The HHR Overnight Elixir needs 3 drops for a light application on both my face and neck after bathing. It absorbs slowly for a serum (even compared to an oil like the Bobby Brown Extra Face Oil): around an hour. I can't put any other skincare products over this during that time. In the meanwhile, it gives a nice glow as long as it's not applied too thickly.

Warning: This product is meant to be applied lightly! Don't put too much on your skin or you might break out.

The best part for me is the smell - which is a mix that includes rosemary and lavender- that helps put me to sleep at night. I wake up with soft, moisturised skin which lasts through the morning wash. Because of this, I end up not using anything on my face but sunblock after cleansing (even if I know I'm not supposed to) without any visible repercussions.

I would buy this when I run out, but since I need so little - this will last a very long time - I won't need any replacement anytime soon. This is the oil that I placed in the Bobby Brown sample bottle, and while I'm on my second refill already, I still have around 3/4 left.

For those who want to buy it, you can get it cheaper (and sometimes with freebies) at their website. Promos change and appear sporiadically.

Edit: Reviewed Human Heart Nature's Pure Rosehip Oil too :)

Film: Cinderella (2015)

I love Cinderella, and I have watched most Cinderella movies/plays/musicals I could get my hands on. It's why I was very excited to watch this film even though it's a children's fairytale - a fact I could see with my own eyes as the previous showing ended. I prepared myself to be disappointed, because how much could you do with a children's story that's been done a hundred times?

I was pleasantly surprised by Sir Kenneth Branagh, who I know best as an actor in Hamlet (and whom others might know as Gilderoy Lockheart). While faithful to the core story, this version included an emotional depth rarely seen in its older predecessors, unlocking the motivations in previously one-dimentional characters and turning them into people. See: appropriately evil stepmother Cate Blanchett.

It also succeeded in translating fantasy into reality by a rich and textured visual experience that, while looking vaguely historical, could never be mistaken as a period film. This film is magic, and I'm not just talking about the something that Helena Bonham Carter brings. While Cinderella and Prince Charming are nice to look at, the beauty of this film is the story and how the story was told.

And it was told well.