Review: Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream

After two months of dilly-dallying with my opinion on this product, I am now ready to present my review of Missha's Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream. I've used a few other snail creams before, but this one is the best among the group so far.

Missha shopping spree (with thanks to my sister). Missha M Signature
Real Complete BB Cream, Time Revolution the First Treatment Essence and
Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream all for 50 usd

Price and Availability: I asked my sister in Korea to buy this for me because Missha products here in the Philippines can be quite expensive. For example, this reviewed sunscreen costs around 1500 php at Cinderella when I bought it for 9 USD on a roseroseshop sale. Yeah, go figure. Anyway, if not for my sister, I'd probably buy off roseroseshop.com for around 38 usd if not on sale.

Packaging: I have no idea how the stand alone Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream is packed, but the one I bought came with a free Sleeping Pack and a transparent sampling spoon. It also came with a step-by-step instruction on the use of the full Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail set. 

Texture and Scent: I think texture is where Missha's snail cream beats the other brands. It is light and gel-like, which is quite refreshing. It has a floral+cucumber-ish scent to it which may be overpowering to some, but it's fine, at least for me.

Ingredients (from cosdna.com): First, I'd like to be clear that I am still skeptical of the use of snail secretion filtrate as an anti-aging, skin repairing ingredient, although studies about it are already being published, such as this study, hopefully more studies about it will arise.

I made the mistake of setting this cream to act as a moisturizer with infrequent use of the sample Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Moisturizer given as a freebie. Missha's Snail Cream has alcohol in it, which probably is the reason why it did not feel moisturizing enough for me, unless I use the Super Aqua Snail moisturizer or serum freebie. 

Finish: The cream can be a bit slimy at first but once it is absorbed, it leaves a slight sheen on the face which may not be ideal for day use for some. Most snail creams are marketed as products which reverse the signs of aging, but as I have no wrinkles so far, I was unable to confirm its anti-aging effect. 

Rating: This product is somewhat expensive and ineffective in moisturizing when used without the other products from the Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail set. Its anti-aging, wrinkle erasing benefits may not be so suitable for wrinkle-free skin yet, so for yuppies like me, this is a steeply priced gel moisturizer.

Ingredients: 4/5

Value for money: 2/5

Performance: 3/5

Overall: 3/5

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.