Monday, July 16, 2012

Korean Goodies Haul

Hey y'all! It's been so loooonnnngggg since I have updated my blog. Waaahhhh!?! I've missed sharing stuff and learning from you guys. I have lots of stuff to share but before that let me share my current Korean haul from two of my favorite local online sellers: sis char of kkochipida and sis joanne of davao tlcshop


These are the stuff I got:
  • Skin79 Smart Clear Refresh and Moisture Facial Wash
  • Coogi Cleantox Foaming Cleanser
  • Mizon Snail Gel Cream
  • Sulwhasoo Herblinic Restorative Ampoule
  • History of Whoo (Gongjinhyang:Seol) Brightening Sun BB SPF 45
  • Innisfree Olive Cleansing Oil (Free)
I got a lot of facial cleansers. I won't be buying a new cleanser anytime soon. I am currently using a snail cream from SecretKey. I just enjoy trying from different brands. I bought samples from Sulwhasoo and History of Whoo. Their products are highly raved not only in Korea. Plus they are very expensive that buying samples are the best way to try their products. The Innisfree sample is the perfect size for my travels. I'll definitely saving it for my travels soon.

Hope to write a review soon. Just can't decide which one. Take care y'all!




Monday, April 30, 2012

Nature Republic Aloe Vera 90% Soothing Gel

The heat in the country now is unbearable. I don't go out lately especially from mid-morning to the afternoon.  But with this kind of weather, the beach is the best place to go. I haven't been to the beach for almost a year now. Manila has no beach. You have to travel outside the city to get into a beach resort and I don't have the luxurious time to do that :( Hopefully, the office team-building will push through next month (cross-fingers!). Anyway, when going to the beach it's always a must to bring a sunblock. But actually, you need another product to also be your good pal on the beach, a soothing cream. Most soothing cream available in the market is made of Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera is known for its healing or soothing properties. It is widely used in the cosmetic industry. Products made from it are growing fast. One product I tried is the Nature Republic Aloe Vera 90% Soothing Gel.


Nature Republic Aloe Vera 90% Soothing Gel

  • Soothing & Moisture
  • contains 90% aloe extract
My say:
Performance: 4.5/5 stars
Packaging: 4/5 stars
Pricing: 5/5 stars

I love this soothing gel. I used this after I went island-hopping in my Bohol vacation last year. It does help in soothing tired skin because it gives that cooling effect that calm your skin. I did not get any sun-burned to attest regarding it capability to soothe burned skin. But to make me feel relax after a day of swimming was enough for me to get it again. There are a lot of use of this gel. According to Nature Republic, you can use it as a moisturizer from head to toe as a replacement for your skin care and body lotion, as a hair treatment, as a cooling eye pad, as a nail essence and even as an after shaving cream. One product with a lot of different uses :) It is non-sticky and absorbs fast by my skin. It comes in a 300ml huge tub! It's not great to bring along on your travel though. I have to put it in a smaller container that fits perfectly in my beauty kit. Well it's fine for me since this cost around Php 300 a tub. It's cheap considering how huge the product is. Definitely a steal! Nature Republic had changed its packaging and it now contains 92% Aloe extract. That's 2% more from the previous one and still with the same price.

So the next time you head to the beach, don't forget to bring a soothing gel. Leave your body lotion or cream and simply use this product. One great product with a lot of uses :)



Friday, March 30, 2012

Travel: Mount Pinatubo

This was my gift to myself on my birthday last February. A day before my birthday, I climb a volcano.

This was a last minute decision for me. I wasn't supposed to join my colleagues at work on this. However, fate intervened on this matter :) One of them had to back-out due to some emergency family matter. So he had no choice but to sell out his slot to me. They got this ticket on promo from EnsogoPH for only Php2000 all-in that includes round-trip fare from Manila to Tarlac, food for lunch, 4x4 wheel drive, and guide tour. I simply can't resist the price plus it would be my first time to a volcano. 

our destination

Our trip started in Manila at 2am. We left Manila at around 3am and I was trying to get some sleep for the next 2-3 hours of the trip. I haven't slept the night before and so with my gang. We were sleepless for the last 24 hours (we believe so!). But the excitement was our energy. We can't stop smiling and grinning with the idea of climbing a mountain and not just any mountain, a volcano.

Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano located near the tripoint of the Provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. It's eruption in the year 1991 was very much remembered not only in the Philippines but also the world. It was felt worldwide. But today, Mt Pinatubo is a destination for those hungry for some adventure and knows how to appreciate the beauty of nature.

The jump-off point is to ride the 4x4-wheel because it is the only car that can go through the very rough road ahead. And it is indeed very rough. One had to settled first some registration at the Tourism Office. Good thing, our package includes this so its our tour guide who took care of it. There were a lot of 4x4-ride waiting for us. We were assigned first on this car where the back is completely open. Basically it has no door nor any barrier at the back of it to block as at least from falling. Good thing, we were assigned to another car because the former has some technical problem. But we still did get some technical problem with the latter on our way back.

see how very open it is the one on the left compared to the second?

If I would to suggest what car you should get, if you have some asthma problem or don't want to breathe dust along the way, choose the closed one. But if you're up for extreme adventures, the open ones is the go but make it sure that the car can at least block you from falling at the back because there will be some path along the road where you'll go up and down to a more or less 45 degree angle. Though I don't think anyone will fall, so long as you have a good grip to hold on to.

very rough road along the way

It's a 1-hour ride to the starting point of the hike. After that, a 2-hour trek to the crater. Good thing, for the past 2-months before this adventure, I had been walking for more than a kilometer everyday. It somehow helped me prepare for it because I did not easily get tired from the trek.
 starting point of the 2-hour trek

walking and walking and walking

passing through some cold river

we are nearing the summit :)

finally, the summit - Mt Pinatubo Crater :)

We reached the summit after 1-hour and half of trekking. We didn't get too much of rest along the way because we were afraid if we rest, fatigue will overcome us. We all decided to walk slowly and relax by enjoying the scenery. Though, a resting place was available along the way, we stayed there for like 10-15 minutes and walked again. Once you reached a stairs-path, you are less than a minute or two (perhaps 5, depends how fast you climb) to the summit. When we got there, I could not anymore take it. I was really so tired that I really one to stop but then my eagerness to see the summit is overpowering me to finish and climb those stairs. And sure enough, once I saw the summit, all the exhaustion from the trekking just went away. It's like its beauty gave me some energy I need. The place is so beautiful. A body of water in the middle of nowhere. It was so serene.

going down to the lake...

Another stairs to reach the lake. And it's steep with no handrails on any side. Its more than a hundred steps. It was easy going down of course, but going back is a different answer. Good thing the weather on that day wasn't scorching hot. Cool wind thanks to the cool February month. It was cloudy on that day. However, sunblock is still a must!

 the resting place to eat lunch or get some lost sleep

swim or boat?

It's okay to swim in the lake but you are at your own risk. No watchguard to help during emergency. So better stick near the shore. You may also ride a boat a explore the crater. Php350 per person with life jacket and the boat is good for 5 people including the guide. 

Going back down was easy enough. However, fatigue is starting to creep us. We have some rest along the way. But our determination to finish it is still there. Rain poured down, good thing we have umbrellas :) When we near the entrance/exit, we were very proud of ourselves for such accomplishment. It was indeed an achievement worth bragging.

the gang... we survived!

Our tour package was organized by Access8. They were accommodating and friendly. They always see to it our safety comes first. They made sure no one is left behind or out of their sight. However, I have only one problem from this trip. The place were we could at least clean ourselves after a day of climbing. We were dropped off in some area to clean ourselves. It wasn't in the Tourism Office rather its some house in the middle of nowhere. Though its near to a road area going to the office. I left my clothes for changing at the bus which at that time is at the office area. I badly wanted to change but I can't. So I end up cleaning my face, hair, legs and only able to change my clothes when we got to Manila. If only I knew that's how the set-up would be, then I should have brought along my clothes. Perhaps, the organizer should ought to tell some information that their trekkers need also to know like where they could clean up after. But overall, it was a pleasant day and would love to take other tour package from Access8.
 
I still haven't received my certificate from Access8. I called them this morning to verify about it. The problem is I was a substitute to the original list. Perhaps they have forgotten to change the name of my colleague to my name. I hope they could send it soon. I'll post it here once I'll received it to brag about it. hehehe!
To know more information about this tour, you could visit the site of Access8.




Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Tony Moly Berry Berry Nutrivive Cleansing Oil

Happy Heart's Day to all! Love month is on it's peak. Yes, its Valentine's Day and everybody are full of love today. It's the celebration of love for this year. Anyways, in my blog its either love or hate on products. Did I love this cleanser or not?

Tony Moly Berry Berry Nutrivive Cleansing Oil

My say:
Performance: 4/5 stars
Packaging: 4/5 stars
Pricing: 3/5 stars

I love this cleansing oil! I would say one of my favorite cleansing oil I have used. No bad reactions at all. Removes make-up very well. However, a bit greasy feeling after use. It's okay since I always follow up with a cleanser. It has a pleasant smell but it's not irritating to the nose. I love the packaging because it's perfect for your travel essential. It does not come in a pump-bottle package but rather a screw-cap-type one. Definitely no spill on your bag unless you didn't close it well. I bought this for more or less Php 350 at my suki store. I would to get this again however, I believe this has been phase-out already. Well, I hope I'm wrong. 

Happy Valentine's Day :)

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Baviphat Trouble Catch Powder

I had no idea why Baviphat named this product like that. Trouble Catch... What trouble are they trying to catch? Weird name indeed but the product has no weirdness in it.

Baviphat Trouble Catch Powder (No. 2)

Skin-purifying powder specially formulated for sensitive or blemished and acne prone skin. Aloe soothes and nurtures skin, minimizing skin irritations and reducing acne inflammation. Non-comedogenic formula will not clog pores, to reveal naturally clear and glowing skin.

My say:
Performance: 4/5 stars
Packaging: 4/5 stars
Pricing: 4/5 stars

Great product! A great powder for oily skin. Though it doesn't give an all-day oil-free skin, at least it doesn't make me too greasy looking at the end of the day. A re-touch is enough to be shine-free all day. I got the No.2 shade which is perfect for my skin-type. They got only two-colors and both are not really a good shade for morena Filipina. This is okay for light, fair or medium skin tone because it only had limited shade for light-color individuals. I love the packaging because it looks sophisticated for it. It's all made of plastic but the top cover is good enough to act like a mirror. I got this for less than php500 from my suki. I tried get a new one but this is always out-of-stock :( I hope it will be available very soon.

Happy Love Month :)


Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Missha Liquidly Facial Cleanser

Facial cleansers has come a long way. There are different types to choose from. I had tried soap, foam, cream, liquid, and so on and so forth. I've used soap during my teenage years then switch to foam type as years passed by. But lately I have been liking the liquid ones. My first venture on a liquid-type cleanser is from Skin Food. Then I have also tried from JnJ Clean and Clear (from a friend) and Innisfree Juicy Apple Line (sample). Both products are actually great and I'm thinking of getting a full size. Then Missha, a Korean cosmetic brand, had their yearly summer sale. I grabbed the opportunity to try this liquid cleanser.

Missha Liquidly Facial Cleanser - Water Gel Foam

clean deeply and thoroughly
with organic botanical ingredients
for fresh and healthy complexion

Colorants-free / Oil-free / Alcohol Free

My say:
Performance: 2/5 stars
Packaging: 4/5 stars
Pricing: 3/5 stars

This is probably one of the bad facial cleansers I've ever used. I don't like this at all. I thought this would be good for my skin since its free from colorants, oil and alcohol but I was wrong. I don't feel my skin is clean. It doesn't even give any refreshing feeling after washing. I don't see any good results with this except for the fact that I did not break-out :) At least it got a point for it (hehehe!). I have high expectation for this cleanser but it disappoint me big time. I like the idea of pump bottle. However, this is not a great idea to bring along on travels since it doesn't come with any thing to completely locked it. It would be better to transfer it to a travel bottle to avoid any spill on your luggage. I got this on sale from the Missha summer sale last year and been staying on my beauty basket for a long time. I end up using it to clean my make-up brushes :) There is no way I'm getting this. I'm even having second thoughts if I should purchase other variants from this line. 
There will always be products that you won't be happy purchasing like in this case. Be sure to get it on sale if you just want to try it or better with a sample. At least you know that certain products isn't the one for you. Enjoy the last day of the month :)


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Nature Republic All Grain Farm Cleansing Oil

Cleansing oil is a must have for my nightly cleansing session. I got hook ever since the first cleansing oil I have used. Its a must to use this since I'm using sunblock and make-up everyday. I have used different brands and this is the first from Nature Republic.

Nature Republic All Grain Farm Cleansing Oil

My say:
Performance: 3/5 stars
Packaging: 4/5 stars
Pricing: 3/5 stars

It's an okay cleanser. It does remove make-up well. However, it leaves an oily feel after using it. It can hurt your eyes. I don't like its quite strong 'grainy-farm' smell. I did not expect the smell of it. However, the smell was tolerable after few times of using it. No irritations nor allergies :) This is the smallest cleansing oil I have used with 100ml. It comes in a plastic-pump bottle. I got this on sale at around PhP 200++ at my suki. I'm not gonna buy this product again. I'm not really happy using this cleansing oil.

Happy Dragon Year to all :)