Empties: January to March 2015

Shine Moist Keratin Treatment - used this as a regular conditioner when I don't have enough me time which is usually every single day, but when I do, I use this after my shampoo. I blot my hair dry, apply this, and cover with a shower cap for a good 15 - 30 minutes. This product mainly contains keratin - a rich protein bond ingredient that helps nourish damaged hair without irritating sensitive scalp. This can also be used as a hot oil treatment to maximize softness.

Avon Naturals Body Refreshing Shower Gel in Green Papaya and Calamansi - citrus-y! That is how I would define the experience. Formulated with green papaya and calamansi extract, this refreshing perfect-for-summer shower gel leaves skin cleansed and "electrified". ;)

Eskinol Pimple Fighting Facial Deep Cleanser - with micro cleanse anti-bacterial formula that promises to dry pimples in 3 days and lightens pimple marks. This product contains Salicylic acid, tea tree extract and Vitamin B3. Used this after washing my face before bed, to remove makeup that the cleanser and makeup remover didn't get. Since this cleanser is alcohol base, I use a gentler toner from ZA Cosmetics just to balance the pH level of my skin before ending the night with my L'oreal Revitalift Night Cream.

Human Heart Nature Avocado and Gugo Bark Intensive Hair Mask - In my search for healthier hair, Human Heart Nature never disappoints. This hair mask is effective, no harmful chemicals and smells delicious!

Cycles Sensitive Baby Lotion in pink - it's fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and paraben-free.This lotion is fast-absorbing and non-greasy - just right for the humid summer weather. It also effectively moisturizes my baby's delicate skin, removing the scaly-looking dry skin while making it supple and elastic. Contains natural emollients that soothe dry itchy skin and prevents further drying. no parabens, sulfates, dyes and added fragrance that could irritate baby's sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

Zenutrients Green Tea Lotion - I used this as a hand cream on the go. I love the leafy scent. Non-sticky and fast absorbing. Will definitely get a full size of this. Thanks sample room for my sample bottle. <3

Belo Essentials Whitening Lotion - has skin vitamins which includes pentavitin that gently moisturize and nourish skin while enclosing active ingredients for whitening skin. I don't feel the sudden whitening effect but I'm satisfied on how it feels on my skin.

Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle - know more about this here. Thank you BDJ Box and EverydayMePh for my samples!

Human Heart Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil - click here. If you wanna buy this safely online, check out Eliance Closet on FB and on IG.

Johnson's Baby Bath in Milk and Rice - this post will be incomplete without any Johnson's product. This helps complete skin nourishment for smoother and healthier skin not just for babies but for mommy's too! Definitely included on my snatch-from-the-cradle product list!

ABS Herbs Grace Pure Virgin Coconut Oil - you could swallow a spoonful if you are brave enough but as for me, I use this as a belly rub. Just after bath, my swollen tummy is thirsty for moisture and this oil (aside from my HHN Sunflower oil) is perfect. Fast-absorbing, it effectively make my skin more elastic and the light coconut scent is relaxing.

Avon Naturals Body Care Lightening Papaya and Soy Milk - promises 30 hours of moisture. It contains papaya fruit extract for skin balancing nutrients and hydrolyzed milk protein for conditioning the skin. I'm not convinced on its 30 hours moisturization but it leaves my skin a delicious sweet fruity floral scent.

Band-Aid Isoproryl Alcohol - it's disinfectant, antiseptic and with moisturizer? What more can I ask for? ;)

High Desert Clover Honey - pure, natural, unprocessed. This honey is perfect as sugar replacement, spread or as a hot concoction. I love using this as a therapy for my soar throat and to strengthen my lungs. What I do is I mix two spoonful of this in a hot water, I sometimes squirt a lemon or a calamansi whichever is available.

Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer in pink - the smell is divine, the product works wonder on my pores. Good base before foundation. What I hate about it is that I didn't, couldn't used up all the product because of its packaging.

Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair Conditioner - with patented micro moisture serum and fiber actives that reconstructs hair deep inside and prevents split ends and breakage. It promises of up to 9x less split ends. This product is for frizzy hair, and since mine has very fine line, my thin hair weighs heavy on my scalp and is literally sticking on my face.

High Desert Honeybee Pollen - has natural vanilla, honey and whey. The toddler liked it so much, I need to hide the bottle to make it last. More about the goodness in this on a separate post. Stay tuned!

Head & Shoulders Shampoo in Cool Menthol - all I could say is, this is perfect for summer. Wanna iced up your scalp and feel cleaned, refreshed and energized? Use this.

Celeteque DermoScience Sun Care in face and body sun defense cream - with SPF 50 and Broad Spectrum uva and uvb protection. Perfect for everyday use. Very versatile as it could be use for face and body. A bag resident for reapplication in the afternoon.

Colgate Total Charcoal Deep Clean - reduces bacteria build up by up to 90% for a superior deep clean. More about this here.

Aido Cosmetic lipstick in H - tangerine color has very good pigmentation, affordable, locally available, creamy, no weird scent, good for everyday use but the plastic packaging looks cheap and you have to reapply every now and then.

Celeteque Anti-Wrinkle Ultra Hydrating Cleansing Oil

Prevention is way better than cure. With that said, we should take care of our skin's youthful glow and elasticity and maintain it. The earlier we make it a habit the better. One way of taking good care of our skin is by washing it regularly with mild emollient soap, putting moisturizers and removing makeup before going to bed... and one of the latest finds I had had this...

I got several of these as samples to try and I'm now on to my last sample size bottle, which reminds me, I need to get my hand on a regular size!

Celeteque Anti-Wrinkle Ultra Hydrating Cleansing Oil is a mouthful, of words and of action! Yep, that's right. This cleansing oil is one the products in their line: Advanced Anti-Aging. So if you are above 30. This is for you. I'm 26 aotm, and I did enjoy using this especially at night. What I do is, I remove my makeup with my regular makeup remover and then apply this. This removes the dirt that my makeup remover didn't get while leaving my skin smoother and moisturized.

Advanced Anti-Aging products from Celeteque promises 92% reduction of fine line in 6 weeks of regular use - amazing!

Celeteque Anti-Wrinkle Ultra Hydrating Cleansing Oil has dual vitamin regenerating complex that promotes healthy tissue, elastic and moisturized skin. It helps in firming skin hence reducing fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation - a lady's bestfriend indeed!

I love how specific Celeteque caters to what women needs, be it with ladies hitting 30's, 40's and acne-prone. They even got a line called Sun Care for outdoorish bellas.

I will definitely look out for this when I go out and try other Celeteque goodness!

Ditch the wrinkles,

Geri

Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Energizing Facial Foam

One of the perks of being a Belle de Jour/BDJ Box bella is that you got access to what's hot and the latest in makeup and skincare products! Just last sunday, we attended the BDJ Box' 2nd Beauty Social Event: Primp and Prettify where Garnier treats us with mocktails and reveals to us their latest skincare line...

Garnier PureActive Fruit Energy

Refresh Your Old Acne Solution

That said, this PureActive Fruit Energy Energizing Facial Foam is ideal for all skin type especially best for bellas who has oily to combination skin and is acne prone. Aside from keeping skin smooth and acne free it also targets imperfections, and in the long run promises reduction of visible pores. This yummy treat from Garnier is packed with vitamin C extracted from grapefruits and pomegranates!

The fresh fragrance and squeaky clean feel without dryness invigorates the face with a fruity burst, just the right boost to start the morning!

The orange packaging was refreshing as well - it screams "Good Morning" or "Have a happy day"! I used to think of yellow and a bit of green when my minds thinks of Garnier and now, looking at the packaging of bright yummy color of orange with citrus fruits, this has got a good "healthy" feel to it - making you wanna reach for it! :P I also love that it is house in a tube that has just the right size of orifice. The amount of product is easily controlled hence, no wastage. A pea-size for face and neck (yup, don't forget the usually neglected but must be included during facial wash - neck) is enough.

On to the substance... It is viscous enough that you could easily squeeze it out but not too watery, so again, no wastage. It looks like whitish orange with a hint of shiny little pearls and it smells so good! Sweet scented indeed!

Overall, this refreshing sweet-scented foam has extracts to remove deep-seated dirt and oil and when used regularly reduces visible pores. So, I would definitely give extra time to massage my nose area and because that is where my pores are screaming "Hello World" maybe because I pluck those nasty whiteheads!

#PureActiveFruitEnergy #GarnierPH

Physiogel Cleanser

Hello Physiogirls, err... Physiogel girls!

So, I decided to make this
month week a Physiogel special!

Check out Physiogel Cream here and Physiogel Intensive Cream here.

Moving on, this is what a full size Physiogel Cleanser look like...

Phsyiogel Cleanser - Php325.00

Packed in a simple box, plain print design and minimal color - this product means business and it is more than you think it is. :) It comes with a separate pump - so even if its huge, it won't spill in the luggage if you decided to go (carry) for it. :) The body shape is perfect for hand grasp too.

It does the job - simply, easily and chemical-free.
It's hypoallergenic - (if you haven't noticed yet) all Physiogel products are actually hypoallergenic, the same reason why its safe for baby's sensitive skin. :)

I carry this on JC's baby bag, so when he cooks down there and water is nowhere in sight - Hello Physiogel Cleanser!

Soap-free
Non-comedogenic
Balanced pH

Just what sensitive skin and baby needs in a cleanser that cleanses well without drying the skin or greasy oil film feel (does that makes sense?). It leaves baby a moisturized and clean bum and consecutive uses proved that it doesn't cause rashes as well.

Use as a

- Regular facial wash
-Makeup remover
-Baby wash on the go on his face
-and genitals after diaper change and poop

This is somewhat a refreshing product to use, simply because its chemical-free.

We (baby and I) are so gonna keep this on our separate stash (makeup kit and baby bag)! This is a multipurpose cleanser without the harmful agents.

Stay tuned for Physiogel Lotion! :)

Stiefel Oilatum

"Seal Babies' Skin with Moisture from Oilatum Emollient Bar"
Got several sample bars from different events that I've attended like BDJ Box (#so glad I've passed the moisturized skin test on their booth) and Mommy Mundo's MOTF, and I must say, my baby's skin is soft and smooth! :)

- gently cleanses without drying

 - moisturizes and protects

-suitable for children & infants

This bar of moisturizing soap is not a stranger to me. My mom used to use this with us when we were little to avoid that rough dry skin that commercial bars usually has plus, we (my siblings and I) are prone to eczema, it is also the reason why I itch fast when using drying soap.

 Bath emollients are widely prescribed by doctors to treat eczema. They are formulated to work with water to rehydrate and moisturise the skin. The water penetrates the skin and is then sealed in by the emollient, which creates a protective barrier. A bath emollient is convenient to use, and is the ideal choice for all-over dry skin treatment. Oilatum disperses in the bath water (unlike ordinary bath oils which can form a film on the surface) to give you an inviting, milky bath. It rehydrates the skin, helps protect against further drying, and soothes irritation. It also cleanses the skin, so you do not need to use soap.

This bar is kinda slippery and bubbles fast, with a pH of almost 7, whilst negative ions from the foams attract the positive ions of oil and dirt, it wouldn't irritate the skin.  (ha! I remember my good old engineering chemistry 2 at night - the fun laboratory ans all :D *insert inside joke here) Back on the topic,  it wouldn't irritate the skin, it actually gives the skin a moisturized finish as explained above. I had been on the search for additional bath goodies for my babe and after having this with J&J milk bath, I could say that it didn't fail me, and it actually satisfied me (as a mom) more than I could hope for that I decided to just consume the rest of J&J and stick with this new-found bath love plus Physiogel cleanser. And if this is oh-so-good with my babe's sensitive skin then it would not hurt, if mom's skin would (taste and feel) benefit from it too! :D the result in the long run is like reaping an investment for the future self, it is well worth it :)

I have more stiefel products to try to and share like the cleanser and moisturizer but for now check out Stiefel Spectraban 60 - a really high-end sun screen!

Empties May 2013

One of my favorite blog posts from my everyday reads are Empties. So, after several contemplations, I decided to jump in too and make posts about my empties - not necessarily be posted every month but- it gives a sense of satisfaction knowing that you used up a product "to the last drop" :) and to avoid redundancy,  will just show the products that didn't make it yet to this category.

So here are our empties for the month of May 2013...

1) Off! Lotion for Adults - used this a lot during our holiday trips usually every night just to add extra protection against disease carrying mosquitoes and other insect creepers of the night!

2) Johnsons Baby Powder in Cooling Powder - every one of us loved using this after bath especially at night, to keep our body cool so sweat won't interrupt a good night sleep.  If you follow me here, then you'll realize it's one big bottle of Johnsons baby powder down! Hurray!

3) L'oreal Paris Smooth Intense Shampoo - loved the smell, the texture and the everyday instant result I get from this shampoo! Just pure love especially this summer season!

Provide rebellious hair with nutrition and protection for an intense smoothing.Smooth Intense combines Nutrileum with Silk Protein, known for its smoothness and thermo-resistance, to deliver intense nutrition and 48-hour protection.Hair is nourished and soothed from root to top, for an easy and consistent smoothness and is protected against the effect of humid or dry conditions*.

4)Nivea Visage Sparkling White - Whitening Cleansing Foam - I enjoyed this product very much but I still prefer and will go back to my first love - Garnier Brightening Oil Control Scrub, I just miss the visible grains.

• Cleans into pores to remove dirt and oil.

• Acne reduction Technology helps prevent acne.

• Skin Nutrient Formula helps lighten dark spots and blemishes.

• Minimizes appearance of pores.

• Smoothes skin without dry feeling.

5) Imari Seduction Perfumed Skin Softener and 6) Imari Seduction Deodorant- this is my signature scent when I was pregnant and this just makes me nostalgic and I think babe also learn to know this smell... :)

7) Milea Bath Baby Cleaner - my savior! this is the first empty of my last Sesou haul for baby Jerson Clyde. Generally used it on his bum for easy squeezy clean after poop!

8)Venus and Mars Smooch Lip Butter Balm- one of my first product posts and now it's gone! I missed the minty fresh feel after applying this goodie balm but not sure, if I'll buy again because first, I'm not sure if they're still selling this line and second, I have lots of lip balm to consume first!
Aside from these, I have a lot of sachets of samples and gifts used and still in the process of consumption, but I decided not to put them here or else this post would take a gazillion years to end!
That's it for my first empties post! Yay for absolute zero waste (because we practice segregation and recycling in our home - save Mother Earth!)! :P
xoxo,
Gerilen

POND'S Flawless White Deep Whitening Facial Foam

As you could see on my previous post here about Clean and Clear here, Garnier here and Pond's Clear Solutions there, I am still in search for facial wash, scrubs and foam to try out and see what it would do on my skin.

Look who's running out of her paboritong (favorite) scrub?

I love the fresh clean scent after wash. It really penetrates deep down, removing stubborn dirt, traces of makeup and oil! :D Really does makes my skin look brighter and fairer after wash with no dry feeling! :) I just love love love this and I think will repurchase after I used up other scrubs and facial washes on my hands right now! :P

Do you love this pink Pond's too?

Up next, my Nivea Whitening Scrub!

My Mini Sesou Haul!

Sesou is a haven for all who embrace earth-friendly living because it is a source of products that has a lifestyle of wellness while being ecological sustainable! Sesou is definitely a one-stop shop for everyday green living! :)

Why? Well, it's mommy-friendly because it offers safe baby products, its ingredients are organic and au-natural, chemical -free, supports livelihood plus its a proud Filipino-owned brands!

Watch out as I'll dig for these babes soon! :D

Garnier Brightening Oil Control Scrub

GARNIER Oil Clear

My sister gave me a couple of these because she knew I'm in search for scrubs and cleanser for oily skin. It has eucalyptus extract and micro-beads! My sister loved this product the first time she used it! :) That's a good thing because I also consider her views...

It's quick to lather and easy to foam. Fortunately, no foul odor or anything close to that. It's smells of light eucalyptus and its minty and cool in the face, really refreshing especially during summer! ;)

It exfoliates dead skin cells effectively because of the obvious beads, you could actually touch the grains... 

After several use of this, my oily pimples started to slow down in production it actually dried out and peeled off, removes my excess oil instantly!

What's your say on this? :)

Pond's Clear Solutions Anti-Bacterial Facial Scrub

Anti-Bacterial Facial Scrubs

- digs deep down that clear away acne breakouts

- has antibacterial agent to prevent acne formation

- removes dirt, oil and make up inside pores

- exfoliates dead skin cells gently

- leaves skin brighter and visibly clearer

So far I'm loving this product and I'm more than half way in finishing this. :)

Have you tried this Ponds before? Does it work well to you like it did to me? Really wanna hear your thoughts about this, comment away! <3

CLEAN and CLEAR Deep Action Cleanser with Rice Extract Oil

Oiliness is next to ugliness –oily face is where pimples and acne go wild! With redness, shiny dark skin oozing with something not-so good to touch or see! :/

And I know I'm an oil factory! Grrr... :3

I am in search for the best cleanser there is that'll suit my recently oily-acne prone easy-to-breakout skin. And I decided to give chance to

CLEAN and CLEAR Deep Action Cleanser

that has a rice extract oil which claims that its absorbing element helps get rid of excess oil for up to 8 hours. It works better to control oil, keeping skin shine-free for several hours.  It is completely oil-free and promises not over-dry skin.

First thing I noticed was the smell, I honestly don't like the smell that much. It's like brine rice, kept my nose wrinkling for a couple of seconds... hehe Maybe it's just me... (IDK? Tell me what you think about it?)

But, don't judge the scrub by it's smell! This facial cleanser is a badass! ;) The beads works its wonders on deep pores removing dirt and traces of make up. A good defense against acne and really gives me shine-free hours! Less use of my oil control sheets and puffing off pressed powder! :D

Effective in cleaning and clearing skin and efficient because I can see and feel the difference after every wash! Instantly! :)

Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Foam

Dove contains 1/4 moisturizing milk in all their products and this facial form moisturizes while cleansing the skin. The milk ingredient deposits and locks moisture in wet skin making it more radiant.

I find Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Foam gentle on skin, smells good and it really DOES moisturize skin! ;)

Dove Facial Wash

This is perfect for normal to dry skin because of it staying true to its promise. :)

But since I'm currently oily, the moisture in the morning lately become additional excess oil in the middle of the day. It doesn't break me out but gave me hard time wiping my face with oil control sheet and puffing in pressed powder during hot and humid days, but inside air-conditioned establishment and during my stay in Baguio it's pretty good. :)

I guess I should focus on clearing my skin from pimples before using this Dove product again because this is intended for maintaining good moisturized skin, not from fighting oil, pimples and acne.

Have you tried Dove Beauty Moisture Facial Foam before?