Hello everyone! It's great to be back with yet another review of skincare products I've been testing out for quite some time now. I am talking about the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant and Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 PA+++.

CAUDALIE: Limited Edition Beauty Elixir

Hey everyone! I'm back with another review and this time I'm featuring a product you can conveniently buy online from Sephora Philippines. I think every beauty enthusiast in the country rejoiced over Sephora Philippines' debut in 2016 and it has since then been one of my go-to online shops. I checked out their site during the recently concluded National Lipstick Day and ironically ended up not getting a lipstick but got a few skincare stuff instead. I'm only featuring one item because I think it deserves an entire post rather than a quick mention. This product is none other than the Caudalie Beauty Elixir.

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS: Grandma Minnie's The Big, Brave Boo-boo Balm

Hey guys! I've been out of wifi range most of my days last week and it felt almost crippling. I know it seems a bit dramatic but I think you'll agree with me when I say that once you're used to having access to the world wide web 24/7 then suddenly gets regulated to just having it for a few hours, you can really feel the huge difference. 

JOHNSON'S: Healthy Skin Meter

Hello everyone! It's the first week of July which marks the second half of 2016 and though I know it's cliche to mention, I still think that time flies so fast don't you? I actually have a love and hate relationship with the midyear season. I'm fond of the cool breeze when it rains, the change of fashion from fresh summer clothing to layers of comfy fabric, even the drizzle at the end of the day gives me a sense of delight. But the downpour can get so heavy that I sometimes wish it's summer all over again. I also notice my skin getting dull and flaky especially when the air gets too cold. This is why I keep track of my skin condition and make a few tweaks on my skincare ritual as the season changes.

L'ORÉAL: Revitalift Laser X3 Power Water

Just a few days left and it's Valentines! Make yourselves date ready before the big day by sticking to a good skin care routine. If you're the type who wants to keep using products your skin is used to but doesn't mind adding an extra step to your daily ritual, then this post screams your name. 

VASELINE: Spray & Go Moisturizer

Hey guys! I really love a good sale especially when I get items worth the effort of endlessly going through racks, display counters and waiting in long lines for check out. Unfortunately, I missed this year's midyear sale in Landmark Trinoma. Although it was a monthlong event, I only got to visit once. After scouring through their beauty section, I was a bit disappointed seeing 10-20% off on selected items only. What actually made the trip worthwhile was finally seeing a product I've been eyeing since I first saw it in S&R, the Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer.

I previously posted about not finding this in local beauty counters, so I opted to get the St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion which actually turned out to be a great product. You may click here for my full review. Anyhow, though St. Ives immediately won my heart, I still couldn't resist the idea of comparing it to Vaseline. This is why I snagged one even if it wasn't included in the sale. 

This product is housed in a 6.5 oz spray canister. I love that it has a cap which you can twist either way to open and close the nozzle. The entire bottle has a matte texture with a tapered neck hence giving you a better grip. I'm actually impressed with how the spray works. The nozzle effortlessly delivers an even mist of moisturizer with just a light pressure on the cap. 

Instructions on how to use it is illustrated on the back and is pretty much the same with St. Ives. Just direct the nozzle and hold it 4 inches away from your desired body surface, gently push the cap and swirl all around your body. Quickly rub into your skin and you're off to go. This has a hint of vanilla scent which doesn't appeal much to me since I prefer the citrus fragrance of St. Ives. It gives off a cooling effect once the mist touches your skin. It turns into a light creamy texture that applies easily and gets absorbed fast leaving you with well moisturized skin. It's non-sticky and keeps your skin well hydrated the entire day although reapplication is a breeze.

Overall, I'm currently enjoying this product although I do prefer the citrus scent of St. Ives a lot better. It's also priced reasonably at Php 344.75, just Php 20 more expensive than St. Ives. This moisturizer is indeed another amazing product from Vaseline. If it weren't for the scent, I would've preferred this over St. Ives. I just hope Vaseline comes out with varied fragrances in the future. Any thoughts? Do share them on the comments section below and I'll get back to you soon. Thank you for reading this post and have a great weekend!

ST. IVES: Fresh Hydration Lotion

Hey guys! A little over a year ago, I saw the Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer during the annual S&R sale. I was so close to buying one but I decided to skip it instead due to the pricey tag. Since then I've been looking for a cheaper substitute but never got to find one until last week when I finally saw the St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion. 

L'OREAL PARIS: Youth Code Pre-Essence

Hey guys! Have you been enjoying your new year so far? I keep forgetting it's already 2014 that I always end up writing 2013 in most of my prescriptions. I just can't believe how time flies! Anyway, I'm really excited about a skincare product I've been using for more than a month now. I've been so eager to review its wonderful effects on my skin but I opted to use it long enough to RAVE about how amazing it is. Are you on the edge of your seats now? I'm talking about a skincare product from L'oreal Paris called the Youth Code Pre-Essence. 

First off, let me give you a moment to admire the beautiful 30 ml bottle. 

Gorgeous right?

The silver coated cover unscrews and doubles as a pump to dispense just the right amount of product through a glass tube that looks like a dropper. This reminds me so much of my Chemistry classes in college.


I love the overall look but I'm afraid the dropper like dispenser increases the chance of contamination and is too much of a hassle for everyday use.

This pre-essence has a mild pleasant scent that doesn't linger. It's turbid and has the consistency of a runny serum. Just a few drops on your forehead, chin and both cheeks can cover your entire face. It spreads effortlessly, doesn't feel heavy or sticky on your skin and gets absorbed almost instantly. 

My post acne marks lightened faster and it didn't break me out even during my period. I love how it made my skin smoother and supple to touch without looking and feeling greasy. I'm not so sure about my pores or small wrinkles but the overall condition of my skin is way better than it did a month ago. 

The verdict? L'oreal Paris Youth Code Pre-Essence is a good product to try but don't expect it to work like the fountain of youth. It also takes continued use and a little time for you to see a noticeable difference. Do I recommend it? YES, if you have enough budget and you're in need of a product that can truly deliver. Will I buy again? Most definitely! Although it comes with a hefty (1,495 Php) tag, I still think it's worth your money because one bottle can last up to 3 months and most importantly it does wonders to your skin. Any thoughts on this product? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

♥♥♥

Za Cosmetics Perfect Solution

Hey guys! I'm here to share with you another skincare line from Za Cosmetics called Perfect Solution. According to Za, it's their high-performance, anti-aging skincare line formulated with nature-derived plant seed extracts and marine collagen to give your skin a youthful resilience and a silky glow.

Za also comes from the makers of Shiseido, a well renowned Japanese brand when it comes to skincare and cosmetics. This is why I jumped right in to test the product and see for myself how well it works for me. 

The Perfect Solution line includes four products and thanks to Sample Room, I was able to get two of them for free (exclusive of 100 Php Shipping fee).

Perfect Solution Moisturizer (625 Php / 125 ml)

Za Cosmetics Perfect Solution Moisturizer comes in a bright fuchsia pink bottle which looks really dainty on any vanity table.

I like how Za designed the spout to easily dispense the product. This moisturizer has a pleasant scent that's so subtle it goes off a few minutes after application. 

It looks milky white and has a runny consistency making it very effortless to spread on your face and neck. It feels light on your skin yet very moisturizing and doesn't leave your face looking and feeling greasy. This moisturizer didn't cause any adverse skin reactions and it didn't cause me to break out.

Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream (725 Php / 40 g)

The Za Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream also comes in a jar with the same striking fuchsia pink color.

 

 

I would've loved an extra top cover for this container although the product seems to stay put even without one. This cream also has a pleasant scent that doesn't linger after application. 

It's opaque white and has a thick creamy consistency that spreads smoothly. I love how it immediately makes your skin feel soft and velvety. You may notice looking a bit shiny for a while but it eventually gets absorbed. I was initially hesitant to use this in the morning before applying BB cream because (based on experience) rich moisturizers tend to get rubbed off when layered with BB cream giving you a finish that looks obviously cakey. 

Image courtesy of Taste Central

However, the Za Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream doesn't give you the same unsatisfactory finish. First time I used it, I was able to apply BB cream smoothly without tugging or removing the collagen cream. I'm still amazed at how my Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB cream glides effortlessly on my skin each time I apply it on top of the Za Collagen Cream. The only problem is it limits the staying power of the BB Cream and my skin tends to get greasy a little earlier than usual. If you want to use this as a day cream under your foundation or BB Cream, you might need to touch up earlier and more frequently or you may put on a primer in between for longer staying power and better oil control.

The Perfect Solution line also has a Foaming Cleanser and Toner both of which I haven't tried. Meanwhile, I'm loving the moisturizer and collagen cream hence I recommend them to those of you who are still looking for a skin care regimen or just want to try something new. 

Image courtesy of Sample Room

As mentioned, I got mine from Sample Room but the overwhelming response from the members rendered them unavailable in just a few days. 

Image courtesy of Taste Central

You can also buy them online from Taste Central and enjoy 30% discount when you get the complete Perfect Solution line consisting of a Cleansing Foam, Toner, Moisturizer and Restoring Collagen Cream. Pay only 1,500 Php instead of 2,290 Php for the entire line with free shipping until January 4, 2014.

 

Image courtesy of Taste Central
L to R: Toner (595 Php / 150 ml), Cleansing Foam (345 Php / 100 g), Collagen Cream (725 Php / 40 g), Moisturizer (625 Php / 125 ml)

Za Perfect Solution products are also available in leading department stores nationwide. Any thoughts on Za Cosmetics' Perfect Solution line? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

♥♥♥

CLINIQUE: Bonus Time

Hey guys! You know the feeling you get when you hear or see the word bonus? Well, in my case I get overly excited especially when the word bonus comes after Clinique. I've always loved the brand but the hefty tag has kept me from getting their full range of skin care products. Good thing I was able to try them via Clinique Bonus Time last year. Since then, I pledged to replenish my Clinique must haves only during bonus time at least once a year. However, I didn't get to purchase again this year which turned out to be a good thing since my mom received a Clinique Bonus Time set as a gift.

I love that this set mostly comprises of Clinique products I've never tried. If you're not familiar with Clinique Bonus, it's a much awaited time when Clinique generously gives out a gift with every minimum purchase. This giveaway almost always comes in a trendy pouch with sample sizes of Clinique's best sellers as well as newly released products. The minimum purchase requirement is different for every country. In the Philippines it's around 4,500 Php but in the US, you get to avail of the gift for as low as $23 (900+ Php) minimum purchase!

Back to my mom's gift, the set came in a colorful floral cosmetics pouch made of polyester. I really like Clinique pouches because they look really cute, very trendy and most importantly can house an enormous amount of products. 

Sample products in the pouch were safely sealed in a plastic container. 

TAKE THE DAY OFF MAKEUP REMOVER FOR LIDS, LASHES & LIPS (50 ml)
"Totally tugless, two-way formula speeds the departure of hard-to-remove eye and lip makeups. Even waterproof mascara. Safe for contact lens wearers. To use: Shake well. Saturate cotton ball. Sweep on. Wipe off. Rinse with cool water before re-applying makeup. Ophthalmologist tested." - CLINIQUE

  I'm intrigued about the formula of Clinique's Take The Day Off Makeup Remover because it's something I've seen before but never got to try. Notice the 2 transparent layers of product becoming one translucent mixture after shaking? This is what you call a biphasic cleanser which combines the effective cleansing and moisturizing properties of both water and oil-based liquid. 

DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING LOTION (30 ml)
"Step 3 in Clinique's dermatologist-developed 3-Step Skin Care System. The moisture "drink" developed to maintain optimal moisture balance for Very Dry to Dry Combination Skin Types 1 and 2. Softens, smooths, improves. Apply twice a day to face and throat all over, or where needed. See the Expert for the 3-Step products that are right for your skin type." - CLINIQUE 

This Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is by far one of the best ones I've tried. It's virtually unscented and has the consistency of a lotion which makes application a breeze. You may notice a little shine on your entire face which lasts for a few minutes. It doesn't irritate my skin or cause pimple break outs. You will notice waking up to a supple and smooth skin every morning. 

CLINIQUE COLOUR PALETTE (2.8 g)
"Play up eyes and cheeks with ultra-flattering colour. Includes two creamy eye shadows on complimentary shades. Plus fresh, silky blush to sculpt cheeks." - CLINIQUE

I love that Clinique comes up with palettes consisting of colours that compliment each other. I think it's a great palette to start with if you're just easing your way into makeup. I love the big mirror as well as the generous amount of eye shadow and powder blush. This is really a great palette to carry around in your pouch for emergency touch-ups you may need in the middle of the day. The blush is in mocha pink while the eye shadow shades include lucky penny, a metallic light pink from the Colour Surge Eye Shadow Super Shimmer line and a rich chocolate brown color from Clinique's limited edition Black Honey Quad. 

HIGH IMPACT MASCARA (3.5 ml)
"Clinique's must-have accessory for lashes. Kicks up the volume of each and every lash for a look that's plusher, longer, bolder. Pure, deep colour only adds to the impact." - CLINIQUE

I have yet to try Clinique's mascara and see for myself if it truly gives a high impact. Although I've seen good and not-so-good reviews on them, I always delay judgement on a product until I get to try them personally.

ALMOST LIPSTICK (1.2 g)
"When pure pigment merges with the unique, natural tone of your lips, you've met your match. Each shade of sheer, glossy slip of lightweight lip colour is universally flattering yet looks a little different on everyone." - CLINIQUE

I actually got to try Clinique Almost Lipstick in a different shade (flirty honey) from Clinique's Bonus Time last year. I love the hint of color it gives and the subtle shine that compliments your natural lip color. It's comparable to a tinted lip balm that offers sheer color and excellent moisture. I think this shade looks really intimidating but I have yet to try it so I'll let you know how it goes. 

Overall, I do think that this set is amazing and can be very useful for everyone especially beginners in the makeup world. You may want to visit your nearest Clinique branch and have your skin analyzed to know which products best suit your skin type. I also recommend you to buy during Clinique Bonus Time which happens biannually in the Philippines so you can get to try their other products in sample sizes. 

Any thoughts on Clinique? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day! 

♥♥♥

CELETEQUE: Acne Solutions Oil Control Toner and Facial Moisturizer Gel

Hey guys! I've been suffering from a few break outs here and there since last week and my usual regimen doesn't seem to make it any better. Good thing I got samples of Celeteque Acne Solutions Facial Moisturizing Gel from the BDJ Beauty Social I attended last month. It didn't take long for me to decide on getting the full size and check out the other products included in the Acne Solutions line. 

I only thought of getting the Facial Moisturizer Gel but since Landmark was on sale, I bought the Oil Control Toner as well. I also got a silver cosmetic pouch for free since I reached the minimum required purchase of 300 Php. 

The Celeteque Facial Moisturizer Gel comes in this 50ml squeeze type tube. I bought it at 10% off, from its original tag of 335 Php down to 301.50 Php.

This moisturizer is unscented, looks clear and is in gel form as the name implies. It spreads easily, feels a little sticky at first, dries off easily then you will feel your skin tighten a little. I've been using this continuously for more than a week and after running out of samples, I bought the full size without thinking twice. This moisturizer miraculously helped clear my skin. Newly emerging break outs were dried off and halted in just a few days of continued use. I also noticed my post acne marks didn't look too dark the way they used to before I started using Celeteque. Although I'm not a fan of how it feels after application, adding a moisturizer on top seem to help fix it.

Miss Jenny, Celeteque's sales assistant in Landmark, recommended the rest of the Acne Solutions line including the Oil Control Toner. According to her, it can also double as your makeup remover at the end of the day.

It comes in this 125 ml bottle with a flip top cover. This is a clear toner that reeks of alcohol on initial application. I suggest you use it sparingly and dab on problem areas first then swiftly go over your entire face. This toner doesn't sting or cause any untoward skin reactions. I haven't used it on an active pimple since all of mine were already dried by the Moisturizing gel from a week's use. I can't tell yet if this is a good toner since I only started using it yesterday but I promise to get back to you with an update soon. 

Again, I bought this at 10% off, for only 103.28 Php from its original price of 114.75 Php. 

Since my entire purchase exceeded 300 Php, Celeteque threw in a silver cosmetic pouch as a gift. 

I like this small pouch and how it opens up into 2 transparent compartments. I think I can use this for travel or make it my dental hygiene kit.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this purchase as well as the gift that came with it. I love the Moisturizing Gel so much that I urge you to try it too if you have pimple problems like me. Although it may not work exactly the same way with others, still the tag isn't too hefty so you won't be losing much if it doesn't turn out that good for you. I haven't figured out the Oil Control Toner yet but I think it's a really promising product. I will update you soon so do check back in when you can. 

Celeteque is available at all leading department stores nationwide. You may get them at 10% off in Landmark, Trinoma until the end of October with a free pouch for a minimum purchase of 300 Php worth of Celeteque products. So have you tried any of the Celeteque Acne Solutions line? Do share your thoughts on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a great week ahead!

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