Review: TheFACEShop Arsainte Eco Therapy Extreme-Moisture Daily Moisturizer

Happy Holidays to all!

I've been out of blogging for a while due to my Skyrim spree. But as promised, here is the review from probably my most favorite Korean product I've ever used. I could gradually replace all of my skin care stuff for cheap local/drugstore equivalents, but this one will never be replaced as long as it works so well for me. Presenting TheFACEShop's Arsainte Eco Therapy Extreme-Moisture Daily Moisturizer.

Holiday Haul: TPE Marketplace and Skin Food store rave

I't that time of the year in the Philippines when people are eager to spend on stuff, because Christmas. For me, I wanted a good haircut to go with the coming year. So last Saturday, I went by the Tony and Jackey Salon at Makati. Unfortunately, there were a lot of customers who availed of the ongoing perm and rebond discounts and the reception lady said it would take about an hour of waiting for an available stylist - an hour which was hell because of the strong smell of chemicals used for perms and rebond treatments. Pass.

Thankfully, TPE Marketplace was nearby (suggested to me by a fellow blogger, Rae) and the mall is just one jeepney ride away. Anyway, I found two good shops that night - TPE Marketplace and the re-opened Skinfood store in Glorietta.

Find out why I will stop by these shops from now on.

First Impressions: Random Samples from MISSHA, The FACE Shop and Etude House

I find it not fair to review skin care products based on samples as I believe not enough time is given to allow for the ingredients to take effect - it's just like taking a prescription medicine just once despite of the recommended trice a day intake and saying the drug is useless.

Which is why rather than a review, I'd rather share my first impressions on the samples I got from my sister who lives in Korea. Nothing too descriptive, but just enough to give an idea is worthy of further Googling for prices, suppliers, and ingredients.

Here goes!

Review: Kracie Naive Deep Cleansing Oil (Olive)

Hello! I've been too busy or very sleepy (to the point I cannot work or write) so I was unable to finish a review from my pending reviews list. Anyway, as promised, I am going to review a product I brought along with me which I will not forget since I used this on my wedding day to take care of my wedding makeup - Kracie's Naive Deep Cleansing Oil, the Olive variant.

Deep Clear Oil Cleansing, says the big Japanese text
(if I still recall the kana)

Essential and carrier oils you should be careful of (Part 1)

I cringe at people who claim that all things "natural" are safe.

Because not everything synthetic or manufactured is unsafe, and not everything natural is safe. Take for example essential oils and carrier oils. Such ingredients derived from plants have benefits and unwanted effects, just like other "chemicals" - and it is the way these ingredients are mixed which determine their performance.

Today, I'll be naming a few of the essential and carrier oils which may be dangerous (especially on the hands on unsuspecting DIY-ers or chemical-hating consumers who fail to check their facts).

I hope lavender is not on the list

Natural abortifacient

User /u/valentinedoux from /r/SkincareAddiction did a good job of enumerating herbs and oils which may be abortaficient. Anise, Basil, Bay, Bitter Melon, Camphor, Cinnamon, Coriander, French Lavender, Lavender Cotton, Lemongrass, Neem, Nutmeg, Parsley, Peppermint, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and Wormwood are some which I've heard of.

Anise seeds
(Image credit to http://www.livingherbaltea.com)

Essential oils for aromatherapy (Not!)

According to a review on toxicology of essential oils written by Anthony Dweck, consultant on natural products for cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals, some essential oils may be dangerous even for aromatherapy. Bitter almond oil, Armoise oil, Boldo leaf, Calamus oil, Chenopodium oil, Croton oil, Horseradish oil, Lanyana oil, Mustard oil, Parsley herb oil, Pennyroyal oil, Perilla oil, Savin oil, Sassafras oil, Summer Savoury oil, Tansy oil, Wintergreen oil and Wormwood oil are unsafe for aromatherapy purposes.

Wintergreen (Image credit from aromaoilstore.com)

Irritating essential oils

If you're the type to be irritated with chemicals such as SLS and SLES which are irritants for some, you should also be aware of irritating essential oils which may be in your skincare or toiletries. Bay oil West Indian, Clove oil, Coriander oil, Ho oil, Kuromoji oil, Melissa oil, Origanum oil, Pimento berry and leaf
oils, Rosewood oil, Summer Savoury oil, Winter Savoury oil, Tagetes oil, Tea Tree oil, Thyme oil and Turpentine oil can mess with your skin, so it's best to careful with these in your skincare.

Long story turned short, it's best to leave the formulation in the hands of capable professionals - whichever natural or synthetic ingredient is used.

Part 2 of this post will go over essential oils which may be phototoxic and carcinogenic. Stay tuned!


Source:
Dweck, A. (2009). 'Toxicology of essential oils reviewed' Available at: http://www.zenitech.com/documents/Toxicity_of_essential_oils_p1.pdf (Accessed Dec 11 2013).

Popular Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

For expectant moms, the greatest concern in every decision made is the safety and well-being of her baby. For skincare junkies like us, one of such concerns is the safety of the products we use. Some websites based on fear mongering would list several "chemicals" as unsafe, limiting the "safe" products that may be uses, and in effect will make skincare for pregnant women much more expensive (because organic and natural). But how do we know which ingredients may be harmful during pregnancy? 

Sure, you're not Marissa Miller, but hey, one can at least try to be beautiful!
(photo from allure.com)

Skin care products I cannot go without + Life updates

Again, let me apologize for the lack of attention on this blog the past week - my partner and I got married last Saturday, and we were very busy before and after the wedding.

I do have a skincare entry on this, but first, a short background on wedding trends here in the Philippines.

Having a photo shoot in a hotel during the bridal makeup and prior to going to the church is the trend here nowadays. Obligatory family photos, groom pretending to get ready for the wedding, bride pretending to be sentimental while being actually nervous because I might trip while on the aisle are common.

I mean, is such photo really needed?

So I had to stay in a hotel a day before the wedding. After the wedding, the husband and I went to Tagaytay for the honeymoon, which was more like a 3D/2N food tripping spree. During these times I was out of my home, I had very little room for skincare in my luggage. I wanted to keep my load minimal and I only bought along with me the very very important skincare products.

Update: MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

Hello! Before I go on with my revisit for the MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence as promised on its review, I would like to apologize first for not posting last week for I've been busy with our wedding. I do have a skincare related post coming in relation to that event, so stay tuned!

Now, let's recap where I left off on the review.

Review: The Face Shop Sake Nourishing Body Lotion

For body lotions, I usually prefer brands which are on the mid-range price: St. Ives brand comes into mind. Failing to monitor the amount of lotion I have left and running out of supplies, I decided to try one of The Face Shop's many body lotions. This product has been on the brand's line for years, so I thought it might be a good product to make it onto the shelves for that long. Nope, you're right, it's another unplanned, expensive buy.

On to the review of yet another shopping whim, The Face Shop's Sake Nourishing Body Lotion.

Safety Advisory: FDA (Philippines) warns against mercury-laden whitening products

Nov 20, 2013 - FDA (Philippines) issued a notice listing several whitening products which were found to contain mercury levels beyond regulations values. FDA found 11 mercury-tainted products from a set of products which were found to have no Certificate of Notification from the said agency. Products without FDA notification may not be sold, nor offered for sale to or use by consumers.

The following products were found to exceed the 1 ppm mercury content limit set by the FDA:

1. Sanli Eliminating Freckle Cream Plus Complex Vitamin C & E
2. Erna Whitening Cream
3. Top Shirley Nourishing Cream
4. Jiao Li Huichunsu Specific Eliminating Freckle Cream
5. Jiao Li Speckle-Dispelling & Whitening Cream
6. LMSER Cream
7. Gemli Beauty Series Freckles Cream Plus Placenta Extract
8. Zhjren 7 Day Beauty Elegant Moisturizing & Whitening Day Cream & Night Cream
9. Zhjren Whitening Ruddy Combination Suit
10. White Magnolia Intensive Repair Essence & Powerful Spot Remover
11. Angela Placenta Whitening Cream (Tender Skin and Whitening)

According to the FDA memo, some manufacturers add mercury salts to skin care products to inhibit melanin formation which will result in lighter skin. However, excessive skin exposure to mercury may lead to skin rashes, discoloration, scarring, and weaker resistance against bacterial and fungal infections, apart from more adverse effects such as kidney failure, anxiety and depression.

Meanwhile, the other product mentioned in the FDA notice for being unauthorized products are the following:

1. Excellent Royalsuffi Fade-Out Cream-Day Cream
2. Yu Yan Excellent Yest Intensive Night-Cream
3. Baschi Day & Night Cream
4. Feique Herbal Extract Whitening Freckle-Removing Series

FDA advised the consumers to buy cosmetic products with FDA market authorization and from legitimate outlets only. An order has been issued to local governments and FDA officers to seize the prohibited cosmetics.

Review: Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence

I intended to use this blog only for reviews of skin care products. However, I've came across this hair care product I liked and I would like to share it with everyone. I used to not care for hair care products, but ever since I damaged my hair so much from using bubble color shampoos and finally getting a perm, I've paid some attention. Take a look at Innisfree's Camellia Shine Hair Essence.

Penguin not included.

Review: MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun

Months ago, I purchased three sunscreen types by MISSHA, two of which I have already reviewed, both with above average ratings. I'm going to review the last one, which is a sunscreen reminiscent of flowers, freshness, and fire - MISSHA's All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun.

Random Rave (Anecdote): Salicylic acid x PIH (aka dark spots from acne)

My skin may be long over the "I have zits for a face" phase, but I still do get the occasional, hormone-fueled acne - which is quite painful and for me, takes a while to dry out. Weeks ago, I had one on my right cheek which I would not have cared about, only I am to get married in a month and my super excited mom was worrying about the big zit leaving a mark (yes, she is more excited about the wedding than I am). I reassured her than the mark will fade just in time for the wedding and she can rest her case of bugging me to go back to get a facial (horrible story here).

Little did she know I have a trick up my sleeve which I had been using with great results - Salicylic acid!

Review: Bioré UV Bright Face Milk

For those who have been following the blog, you may already know that I am a regular sunscreen user. Much as I hate their pore strips, I adore Bioré sunscreens. They're cheap, not greasy, and wearable.

To add to my Bioré sunscreen review collection, and also because I am about to run out of this product, I will be reviewing Bioré's UV Bright Face Milk (SPF 50, PA+++). It looks very much like the Perfect Face Milk which I've already reviewed, but will the Bright Face version live up to the performance of its white-bottled cousin?

Why I prefer Korean/Japanese products over drugstore products

No, it's not because I look like an East Asian. Or a prick against local drugstore brands.

I'm nowhere near "classy Korean" (from soompi.com)

Review: Innisfree Eco Safety No Sebum Sun Milk

Along with my return from the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day commemoration, I am back with a sunscreen review. I normally would have access to this product, thanks to my sister, who "gave" this sunscreen to me, we can review it: Innisfree's Eco Safety No Sebum Sun Milk (SPF 50, PA+++).

Phthalates in cosmetics: my non-scaremongering version

I've recently been eyeing a lip conditioner from one of my favorite Korean brands. When I checked its ingredients with cosdna.com, I found out that it had a phthalate (DPHP). I really want to buy the product because sale and I like lip care products, but I felt that the unrated DPHP component listed with cosdna needs some checking.

Bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate or DPHP belongs to a class of components known as phthalates. In cosmetics, phthalates have been used as plasticizers in nail polishes or hair sprays or as solvents in creams and fragrances. Interestingly, phthalates are used in medical supplies, both invasive and non-invasive chemicals, even on the examinations gloves doctors use.

So what is the deal with phthalates then? They are used in medical supplies and cosmetics but then EPA says long term exposure to phthalates (specifically, DEHP) may lead to various problems. Are phthalates really as scary as they sound or are they victims of the greenwashing movement?

Personally, I'd still prefer a life saving transfusion with phthalates over natural nothing.
(Image from blog.phthalate-free-plasticizers.com)

Is that face paint on you safe?

It's that time of the year when Westerners, rich Pinoys or social climbing Pinoys celebrate Halloween. From cute get-ups to cool props, a wide variety of costumes and accessories are made available for the Halloween party guy/gal. Makeup, and face paint too, is an essential part of the Halloween getup. But how can we assure ourselves that a scary mark made from paint or makeup will not cause irritation or a bizzare reaction and become a permanent mark on your face?

Image from diy-enthusiasts.com

Book Review: It's okay to have lead in your lipstick by Perry Romanowski and Randy Schueller

Weeks ago, while I was browsing through the Beauty Brains, I stumbled upon the book "It's okay to have lead in your lipstick" written by the founders of The Beauty Brains themselves, Perry Romanowski and Randy Schueller. The title was definitely intriguing as I too have this notion of how "bad" of an ingredient lead is.

The authors have impressive background of the cosmetics industry. Perry Romanowski is a cosmetic chemist, inventor, scientist, instructor, founder of Chemists Corner blog and training program. Meanwhile, Randy Schueller is a former Sr. Director of Hair and Skin Care R&D for Alberto Culver and Unilever, while also being a member of the National Association of Science Writers. The authors are basked in the cosmetic industry, and the quality of information in the books proves it.

Review: MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

Following several raves about this product, especially as a more economical alternative to the also famed SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, I decided to try MISSHA's Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence. When I first heard of these product as containing products from fermentation, I have to admit my curiosity got the best of me and I haphazardly bought this product without checking the price first. Better make good use of the money by making a review and sharing my experience.

Natural is not always safer

Whenever I look out for ingredient used in cosmetics, I almost always run across advocacy for "natural products" over products with synthetic ingredients, along with other scaremongering tags (SLS-free, paraben-free and the likes). Now, by all means I am not against the use of organic products (in fact I reviewed a couple, one of which turned out to be an excellent Vitamin C serum), but I do not like the fact that most of these products are much more expensive compared to their synthetics-laden, more effective counterparts.

The main points to those who advocate for anything "natural" is safety. So let's presume these products really are derived from natural products - say, vitamin C really came from citrus fruits are not from synthesis. Of course, the process of extraction of such from natural produce may require synthetically formulated chemicals, but let's ASSUME this possibility is bypassed by hippie magic. So are products made of natural ingredients safer?

Wild Cherry. All-natural. May contain cyanide. (Image from www.eatweeds.co.uk)

Review: Too Cool For School O2 Bubble Cleansing Pack

Chicken.

Whenever I touch my face, I can't help but feel tiny bumps on it, and I hate it. My office mate even commented on how scaly my face looked. I figured I might have dry skin, or I simply lack exfoliation (because I am afraid of exfoliating as I get damaged capillaries very easily - and I am being gentle). 

So I decided I should moisturize more often (even at work, during breaks.. definitely buying a handy moisturizer) and I should get an exfoliator. I was in TCFS's North EDSA branch and the SA recommended this cleansing pack when I told her I was looking for an exfoliator. 

So how did it perform?

Review: Laneige Lip Treatment SPF 17

I cannot deny that my work is so stressful. This is mainly because I sometimes am unable to sleep worrying about some of the decisions I've made. So sometimes, I go to work pale and looking like a ghost, that sometimes my boss and colleagues can't help but comment on how pale and colorless my face is, especially with my lips.

So I decided to look for tinted lip balms. This lip balm was an "impulse buy" as I did not research the ingredients until now, so together, let's discover Laneige's Lip Treatment.

Review: MISSHA All-around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk

Back again with a sunscreen review, because I bought a tiny tiny 40 mL bottle of MISSHA's All-around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk, and I've used up 3/4 of it. Better review it while I still have some of the product. I just realized that I've just opened this bottle less than a month ago and using the peso-sized amount of sunscreen can be expensive.

Anyway, I bought this from a sale, along with two other MISSHA sunscreen, so my pockets were not burned by this purchase. On with the review then!

Review: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

So I've been so busy with work that I have not been updating my blog as much as I'd want to. As I am a big fan of sunscreen, I still make it a point to reapply sunscreen several times in a day, depending on whether I should take my lunch out, go to a job site, or if I'm lucky enough to get an early time off work. So as not to waste the experience of a new sunscreen, I decided to quickly share my thoughts on Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock.

Internet gems: skeptical beauty resources

It's an ugly prejudice most people are guilty of - myself included. Most of us think that beautiful people are tantamount to stupid people, therefore beauty blogs are nothing more than random raving over some anti-aging, miracle product. This perception is one of my motivations in creating this blog which I plan to make as informative as I can.

Nope. Nope .Nope.

So when I found out about other blogs which aim for the same advocacy of informing the consumers of cosmetic and beauty products, I was ecstatic! These blogs are gems, so while I'm away slaving for the projects, I'll introduce you to these beauty skeptic-themed blogs, which I highly suggest for your reading:

Review: TheFACEShop Clean Face Oil-Free Sun Cream

I am a sunscreen addict. I started about a year ago, thanks to reddit's /r/SkincareAddiction. That subreddit convinced me that the best anti-aging regimen I can do now is to protect my skin from sun damage. This sunscreen I'm about to review was my second sunscreen, which was bought on a whim (I was too lazy to check ingredients at that time) because I had no sunscreen and I was desperate to have one. On to the review of TheFACEShop's Oil Free Sun Cream.

Review: Andalou Naturals Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum

From my previous post regarding my hunt for a vitamin C serum, I was keen on finding a vitamin C serum which was better formulated than the dismal serum I once loved. Oddly, Vitamin C serums are not such big fads in the Asian skin care scene even with tons of studies to back its claims as compared to unproven ingredients such as snail secretion. Disappointing, but I never found such serums from the Korean brands here, and all they have were products with lemon extract. Ugh.

After much Googling I luckily stumbled upon Andalou Naturals' Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum. Look, I am a stark critic of the organic and natural hype that has been going around in the food and cosmetics industry, but a skin care addict cannot do without a proper Vitamin C serum!

Product vs Product (PvP): The Face Shop Herb Day Cleansing Tissue vs. Too Cool for School Gazagaza

Because I'm not sosyal enough to commute to work by taxis or private car, I usually go by bus, MRT or jeepneys. By the time I get to my night class, my face feels like it is caked up with sweat and grime from all the exhaust floating around in EDSA. Which is why I regularly purchase facial wipes so I can quickly freshen up for my class. I've used several drugstore brands (Waston's, Kleenex), but today I'll be doing a product versus between:

TheFACEShop's Herb Day Cleansing Tissue (upper left, from a
picture of a TFS haul months ago)

and,

Too Cool For School's Gazagaza.

Review: The FACE Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam Acerola

I never checked out this cleansing foam until my sister brought home The FACE Shop's Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam. She bought the peach version and I liked how my skin felt when I tried to use her cleanser. But for curiosity's sake, I bought a different variant of the Herb Day 365 cleansing foam line, Acerola.

Review: Too Cool For School Rolly Doll Perfume Gel

Last Thursday, thanks to an unscheduled site meeting, I was able to leave work early and go check out Too Cool For School's North EDSA branch. I actually did lose a good half an hour in that shop, thanks to the not-so-girly interiors and packaging, and very attentive sales assistant.

The sales assistant was very friendly and accomodating, that even if all the TCFS merchandise I've bought do not have ingredient lists, I still have a haul.

Clockwise, from top left corner: GAZAGAZA wipes, cotton wipes,
After School BB Foundation Lunch Box, Rolly Doll Perfume Gel,
and O2 Bubble Cleansing Pack

First up for review from this haul is TCFS's Rolly Doll Perfume Gel.

A critique on acupuncture facials

It may have been already obvious that I like to criticize the tons of marketing hooplah made for the beauty industry. From unreliable active ingredients to extracts operating on naturalistic fallacy, there are many ways people can be fooled by unscrupulous businessmen. These people are too afraid of growing old or ugly that sometimes, fear gets the better of them and they take in all the false marketing hype.

And our beauty BS topic for the day: Acupuncture facials!
(Image from The Daily Mail)

Just days ago, I read an article from a local paper's online portal that one of the bigshots of Philippine cosmetic surgery is now offering acupuncture facials. For only P50,000 php (1250 USD) for every six months , a dozen or so needles will be stuck on the patient's face and will be removed after a few minutes. The facial's provider claims that it can cause facial muscle contraction, stimulate energy flow and circulation, toning up sagging facial muscles and thereby providing another very good anti-aging regimen.

Yeah right.

Mineral Oil: An anecdote on how it removed my sebaceous filaments

Remember I had a post where I said the sebaceous filaments really should not be "removed" as they are an essential part of the skin's barrier? But even if it's important for these SFs to stay, I have to admit I don't like they way they pop out, especially when I've just finished showering.

It's not that my cleanser is useless. In fact, it has been helpful in cleaning my skin which made my pores look smaller. My sebaceous filament, in fact, appears only after I shower (after I dry my face) and only when I pinch my nose. Just last night, when I was looking at the mirror, I noticed the cluster of SFs poking out of my nose and felt the urgent need to reduce their height or something.

Then, I remembered one of the very much repeated advices from reddit's /r/SkincareAddition sub: mineral oil is very effective in controlling SFs.

Review: The FACE Shop EAU de L'ÂME Perfumed Body Shower Gel

Today, I'll be reviewing a body cleanser I bought for those special times when my regular Safeguard's scent won't cut it -  The FACE Shop's EAU de L'ÂME Perfumed Body Shower Gel.

Review: Missha All-around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk

As I am about to run out of this sunscreen and on my way to opening my spare bottle, I think it's time to review this nice product courtesy of Missha.

By the way, notice how I often come up with reviews of sunscreen? That's because sunscreen is the product I use and repurchase quite regularly. And following the recommended amount as I've previously discussed (here), I could easily finish up a bottle in a month.

Okay then, on to the review.

Does it work: Snail slime skin care

One big skin care fad from the East is the use of snail mucus. It is believed to reduce pigmentation and scarring on the cute assumption that snail mucus was designed to heal the snail as it moves through jagged terrain. I've personally seen some snail mucin products and they're not as icky as I thought they would be. In fact, I'm thinking of reviewing one famed mucus containing moisturizer for fun.

I first learned about snail slime from Penn and Teller's Bullshit show. It was witty and brutal as always, and I thought the snail mask was a mean yet funny prank. At that time, I had no idea snail creams would be as huge as what they are now.

How to check if a beauty product is FDA approved

Following an advisory from the FDA on the purchase of unnotified products, 13 lipsticks, mostly from China, have been marked as having no market authorization from the FDA. The agency warns that unnotified lipsticks may contain hazardous ingredients, especially lead.

Any of these look familiar? Better check FDA's advisory here (fda.gov.ph).

So how can we know if the product we are eyeing on is FDA-notified?

Review:Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner

Although some people are at an opinion that toners are not necessary, I somehow had a good experience with Floria's Pore Tightening toner. But that toner is always out of stock. So when I saw this 7-in-one "total pore solution" from Etude House, I knew I had to try the Wonder Pore Freshner.

The product claims that it can do the following: deep clean one's pores, maintain a ph of 4.5, control sebum, minimize appearance of pores, refine the skin tone, keep elasticity of pores, and moisturize the skin.

This box set contains the toner and cotton pads

Review: Hadalabo Perfect Gel

I had ran out of my HG moisturizer when I was browsing sasa.com and thought of trying a new moisturizer. Although almost inaccessible, I decided to try a Japanese moisturizer just for the heck of it and after much ingredient scrutiny one product after the other, I decided to settle on Hadalabo Perfect Gel.

Review: Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Gel

Remember one of my recent posts regarding aloe vera as a treatment for burns?

I did mention that I have aloe gels on hand. I bought this to relieve the very harsh Manila sun's heat on my skin. Of course, I still use sunscreen! I use this product only after exposure for moisturizing purposes.

From the product description, this product "moisturizes the skin and helps prevent peeling and relieves sunburn." Let's see if it does that.

Eye Cream, are you worth it?

So because of the horrors I get from my job (I can't sleep sometimes) and due to my somewhat light skin tone, I have really huge and puffy and dark eye bags. I consistently apply moisturizers and sunscreen around my eye area but the eye bags are still there.

Would have been cute if I were a panda. (From Wikimedia Commons, photo by J.Patrick Fischer)

Yesterday, I decided to pay a visit to one of the Korean skin care shop's Robinson's Galleria branch. I asked the sales assistant for an eye cream or eye bag spot treatment. She led me to a new line of product, again containing the usual cleanser, toner, emulsion, essence, eye cream and moisturizer set - a very usual line-up from Korean brands with lots of products to apply. 

Miracle(?) Skin care Ingredient: Aloe Vera

A lot of skin care products contain aloe. I have after sun gels with aloe. I have a facial wash with aloe extract. I've always though aloe was an established, as in well-researched miracle care, since it has been used for so long.

Until I found this strip from http://carbon-comic.com. This site just gained a regular!

I read more of the post and found out that there are no scientific evidences yet for the use of aloe as a remedy for sunburns. Let's say the evidences for the use of aloe on sunburn may be anecdotes for now, but what about some of the other skin-related claims?

Like as a moisturizer, treatment for acne, anti-aging ingredient, remedy for stretch marks, treatment for wounds among many others. Again, there are no scientific evidences for these claims - http://www.webmd.com and http://www.mayoclinic.com do list some cases where aloe may act as remedy but point out that additional research on aloe is still necessary.

So fellow skin care fans, don't forget to check the active ingredients on your products. Always check the product claims. And don't forget natural is not always safe, so test a product prior to purchase.

Review: Avalon Organics Botanicals - Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum

The use of vitamin C serum is one of the effective, well-studied regimen we can do to brighten our face and and prevent aging (here is a good reference). However, with the exception of DIY serums, Vitamin C serums can cost as much as 5000 php. So when I saw this serum priced at a reasonable value, I just had to try. Here's my review.

Review: Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

I bought this sunscreen from a drugstore, in a hurry, as I accidentally ran out of sunscreen (for my body) when I was out of office. With no 3G connection, I was unable to at least go to cosdna.com to check the ingredient list. Anyway, here's my review for Hawaiian Tropic's Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen.

Product vs Product (PvP): Nature Republic Mango Bebe Lip Care Stick vs. Nivea Med Protection Lip Balm

As someone with pouty but easily dried lips, lip care is very important for me. As a kid, my lips always had skin peeling off of it that sometimes, my lips will even bleed. Even until now. This is why I buy a lot of lip care products and store them in my bag, my office cabinet and personal care kit at home.

Today, I'll be reviewing Nature Republic's Mango Bebe Lip Care Stick SPF 15 (which I've already used up months ago) alongside Nivea's Med Protection Lip Balm (current).

On the left corner: Mango Bebe Lip Care Stick SPF 15 from Nature Republic

On the right corner: Nivea Med Protection Lip Balm

Review: Kanebo Allie Precious Barrier Protector SPF 50 PA+++ (Blue variant)

When I was just starting out with the diligent sunscreen use (this started about a year ago) and after a couple of mishaps with two sunscreens from Korean brands, I was actively seeking any Japanese sunscreen that can fit my budget. Shiseido sunscreens from the malls here cost around 2500 pesos, so that brand is a no-no. Masyadong sosyal. And because I had ran out of sunscreen at that time, I purchased Kanebo's Allie Precious Barrier Protector in a hurry.

Papaya whitening: Is it safe and effective?

Visit a supermarket and you are sure to find a TON of whitening products. Among the most common here in the Philippines is the use of papaya soap. Papaya is claimed to help whiten the skin and is a common ingredient in lotions and soaps, which can be cheaply bought off supermarket shelves.

According to papaya whitening advocates, papaya contains papain which is the effective "whitening" ingredients. So what is papain and how does it "whiten" the skin?

Misunderstood: SLS and SLES

With the rise of the green movement came the demand for natural products. Among the main considerations of skin care product consumers is the absence of sulfates, hence the label "sulfate free", which comes almost always with "paraben-free" (related blog post here).

Image from http://www.shielo.com

Review: Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil

Before I go on I would like to really point out that I am not in any way sponsored by the manufacturers or sellers of the products I review. Why the reminder, you ask? It's because I do not want to sound like an endorser for this superb product.

I absolutely love Kose's Softymo Deep Cleansing oil.

Weird skin care ingredients

Growing up with messy skin brought me a fair share of weird skin care information from old wives tales to tips from the internet. Some are pure naturalistic fallacy or greenwashing, some are "revolutionary" anti-aging cures, and some are just weird advice.

Review: The FACE Shop Clean Face Anti-Trouble Spot

So two days ago, I had that occasional, very huge pimple. Normally, I would have not cared much for it, however as I had several other zits, I decided to give acne spot treatment a try again - even after having a bad experience with such (story here).

I decided to buy TheFACEShop's Clean Face Anti-Trouble Spot in the roll-on tube form as it was less concentrated and because I wanted to be careful with these kinds of treatments. It was my payday, so I was able to buy a few more products that I need.

The haul. Clockwise, from left corner: Herb Day Cleansing Tissue, EAU de L'ÂME Perfumed Body Shower Gel, Herb Day 365 Cleansing Acerola, Clean Face Anti-Trouble Spot, Flebeaute White Crystal Diamond Peeling, Blueberry and Lemon masks. Exfoliant and masks were freebies.

Advisory: FDA orders ban and seizure of 16 cosmetic products

The FDA bans 16 products, mostly from China, on suspicion that it may contain unsafe levels of heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic). The products are as follows:

- Baiyansu Three-In-One Whitening Set
- Beauty Girl Green Cucumber 6 Days Double Whitening Soft Essence Cream
- Bihuayn Whitening Day Cream
- Care Skin Strong Whitening and Spot Removing Package
- Gadakai Freckle Removing Cream
- Huayuenong 12 days Whitening and Speckle Removing Wrecking Set
- Huayuenong 12 days Whitening and Speckle Removing Wrecking Set (Note: No idea why this product was listed twice)
- White Advance Hydroxytyrosol L-Glutathione Whitening and Anti-Aging Cream
- Yudantang Ginseng and Green Cucumber 10 Days Whitening Speckles Removed Essence
- Yudantang Green Olive and Papaya Natrual Essence 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream
- Yundantang Sea Pearl and Papaya Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Cream
- Specific Eliminating Freckle Spot and Double Whitening Sun Block Cream
- Yundantang 10 Days Whitening Speckles Removed Essence, with picture of cow and papaya (Wat?)
- Zyiang Day Cream
- Whitening Cream (with the rest of the label in Chinese characters)
- Product label in Chinese characters, with gold package and picture of red flower with 3 green leaves

The advisory (link here) also advised the public to use only FDA acknowledged products and to carefully read the labels of cosmetic products before purchase. Said FDA-approved products must contain the following information:

- Name and address of the local company
- Full ingredient listing
- Batch code
- Date of manufacture or expiration date

My Simple Collagen in Skin Care FAQ

So I wanted to buy drinks with collagen because well.. they're kind of big here, and I want to experiment if collagen will have any effect on my skin. Also, it is supposed to be anti-aging, a skin smoothing miracle. However, this miracle may not come cheap - some of the collagen beauty products can fetch for hundreds of dollars. This warrants some research (or rather Google-ing) and here are a few things I learned (sources are linked within the post):

If my outfit can fund a foundation...

If my mom would plan to give me a Herve Leger dress and pumps and clutch from Chanel, I'd rather that she give me money instead. I have a lot of potential uses for it.

If however, she'd plan to give me a unit it Ritz Carlton instead, well, 34M pesos is too much for me to imagine (assuming she'd give me the cheapest unit) - I mean, that amount can build bridges!

But of course, my mom cannot afford a wardrobe such as that. She's just a simple businesswoman.

Whitening soaps in the Philippines

I'm pretty okay with my skin. I have some scars on my legs which I'm not insecure about, I have hyperpigmentation on my face from my acne days, webs of stretch marks and (dark) yellow skin - and as I know there is no such thing as perfection, I never bothered doing anything special with my routine. Just normal skin care.

But recently, probably because I'm getting married in this year,  I've become wary of my very very dark elbows which really stand out from the rest of my arms. As a result, I've been trying to find easy to purchase (and safe) whitening products for my elbows. Just last Friday, I went to a local supermarket and found a whole aisle of whitening soaps of various local brands and ingredients. Yep, most of the Pinays are not very fond of their more skin-cancer resistant skin color for whatever crazy reason, contributing to the huge market for whitening products. I could go on ranting with that obsession, but that is fitting for a different post.

Panic over parabens

Let us face it. Beauty products are sometimes full of BS and marketing hype. Anti-aging. Breakthrough technology. All-natural. Of course, some claims may actually be true, but are we discerning enough to know which ones are true and not? How do we know we are not paying ridiculous claims worth nothing?

Let's take a look at one of the labels we often see in products nowadays: paraben-free. For those who have no idea what they are: paraben (butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben) is a class of chemicals commonly used as preservatives. Recently, some beauty brands have been pegging this label into their products, implying that parabens are unsafe. But how (un)safe are parabens anyway?

Review: Biore UV Aqua Rich watery essence Water Base

Sunscreen can be troublesome sometimes. The texture may be too thick or too runny and may be hard to apply. They may also have weird scent or poor filters.

This product from Biore (again) is almost perfect. Almost.

Pulblic Safety Advisory: Kanebo Cosmetics voluntarily recalls products with Rhododenol

Rhododenol or 4HPB, is a substance implicated in cases of white blotches on the skin. Rhododenol-containing products have also been banned by FDA last July 4, 2013 following this voluntary recall by Kanebo Cosmetics, manufacturer of the said whitening ingredient.

White patches from rhododenol (Provided by Kanebo Cosmetics Inc.)