REVIEW: Snoe Under Armed Forces Micro-Refining Peel Solution

Underarms is one of the female body parts in which we, girls, are always conscious about. We wanted to have that bump-free, light, and hairless underarms. So in conclusion, we always look for products such as solutions, cream, and deodorants which promise to lighten this sensitive area. Believe me, I am one of those girls who's always conscious about how my underarms would look in sleeveless clothes! That's why every time I drop by supermarkets or department stores, I always stumble through racks of these for-underarm products.

So this time, what I'm trying out is the Snow Under Armed Forces Micro-Refining Peel Solution. By the way, I wanted to commend them for coming up with the Under Armed Forces line. It really is nice to think about it.

(c) Snoe Beauty: Snoe Under Armed Forced Micro-Refining Peel Solution @ PHP699

My underarm isn't that dark, but I always wanted it to become at least one or two tone lighter. Hey, I know nobody's skin is perfect, but isn't it wrong to want to have better skin? Ha! So yeah, months ago (I really forget the exact month), I visited the Snoe Boutique at SM Manila. I've read one good review about it and in those pictures, I notice that the underarm of that blogger started to peel in a week-long use. So yeah, I was really intrigued so I had to buy one myself. Sadly, I can't find the same post anymore.

So yeah, by using this solution, I thought I'll have my underarms peel like what happened to that blogger, but no peeling had taken effect! I was so disappointed but I feel like I still gotta try. But to no avail. Again, I DID NOT EXPERIENCE PEELING THE WHOLE TIME I AM USING THE PRODUCT! But still I continued using it. I don't want to waste any single penny. Until I noticed the discoloration in the formula. It was once a clear fluid and watery in consistency but one day, I noticed that the fluid became blurred. So yeah, I had to stop, I don't know if that's fine or what but I don't want to risk anything. Psh, it's still a quarter full pa naman...

Honestly, I didn't experience any lightening effect on my underarms despite of my following the instructions carefully (applying the product twice a day). I don't think if it's a good or a bad thing I never bought the cream and deo together with it. However, I noticed that my underarm hairs take a long time to regrow during the time I was still applying the solution on my underarms. And it made my skin there softer and smoother.

Claims, Directions, Warning, Ingredients

The reason I bought it is that I really do believe in its efficiency. Hey! It's worth like two days of my allowance! Maybe it will work better with its cream and deo, but I wasn't able to buy them because they are quite pricey for a 50ML bottle. And I don't want to judge the other products from the same line by using the solution alone.

What I like?

• Smells really good
• Reduces underarm bumps, making it softer and smoother
• With Mistletoe extract to inhibit hair growth
• Takes a long time to dry
• No sting-y effect

What I don't like?

• Quite pricey (PHP699 for a 50ML bottle)
• No noticeable lightening effect (at least for me)
• Discoloration in the fluid happens

Remember: What works for me might or might not work for you. 

Other products of Snoe (Under Armed Forces line):

(c) Snoe Beauty: Snoe Under Armed Forces Whitening Cream @ PHP549

(c) Snoe Beauty: Snoe Under Armed Forces Deo Spray @ PHP449

How about you? Have you tried Snoe Under Armed Forces Micro-Refining Peel Solution? Share it here with me! Happy blogging! xx

Love, Hanna

REVIEW: Pond's White Beauty Translucent Pinkish White Glow Day Creams

As promised on my Haul + Review: Best Face Creams in The Philippines post, I am now ready to share a review about Pond's White Beauty Pinkish White Glow and the one which targets acne-prone skin. It is my first time to be neither a pro or a con upon reviewing the said products as there are as many positive as there are negative things that I experienced during my two-week testing period.

First, lemme show you the products that I am talking about. I know this isn't new to you as Pond's is very well-known for its innovative products that works well for most Asian women. Nonetheless, I want to share with you, girls, my experience while using these products.

Pond's White Beauty Translucent Pinkish White Glow; PHP10

Pond's White Beauty Translucent Pinkish White Glow For Acne-Prone Skin (new packaging): PHP12.50

So yeah, these are the first products on my to-use facial creams since...well, I don't really know. It's just that I've heard lots of good as well as bad reviews about it. I actually expected a lot from it since it's one of the most famous skin care brand in the Philippines. Yet, their products just won't work for me the way I expected them to.

What I mean is that, on the very first night of using the product, upon waking up, I've noticed that small bumps/breakouts already developed (even while I use the one for acne-prone skin). I never stopped using it the same time since my friend said that, "Ganyan talaga yan sa una, magkaka-pimples ka muna" and yeah, I was persuaded to continue using the product until I can't help it. It's been months since I developed so many tiny bumps on my face and they all came back just because I've used Pond's. So there's no choice but to stop. Geez, I had to stop. Good thing, I just bought sachets or I'll end up regretting big time.

Another thing I hate about it is that, it's hard to blend! Plus the fact that you can't put on some foundation or bb creams on top of it because you'll end up having white spots on your face!

Okay...okay...maybe you're going to say "Aren't there some good points?"

One good thing I like about it is the powdery finish. My face is too oily--too oily that you can fry some eggs on top of it. But while using the product, it takes an hour or two before I notice my face gets shiny because of oil buildup. But the cream feels heavy on my face and it easily gets all sweaty especially in this humid season.

Another good thing is that after using and million times of blending and massaging the mousse-like consistency/formula on my skin, my face feels lighter, fresher, and brighter. However, during the two-weeks use, I didn't notice any spots lightening effect on my face. It just wouldn't show any significant results for it must be use continuously for months. I just hate that it caused me breakouts! Otherwise, this product will be my favorite.

Claims: Pond's White Beauty Translucent Pinkish White Glow

Claims: Pond's White Beauty Translucent Pinkish White Glow For Acne-Prone Skin

What I like?

• Powdery-finish
• With Titanium Dioxide for sun protection
• With Saffron and Ginseng
• Cheap at PHP10 and PHP12.50 per smallest sachet (also available in bigger sachets and tubes)
• Widely available
• Makes skin look bright, fresh and light

What I don't like?

• Causes breakouts (at least for me)
• Could not be worn under foundation

Let me take a selfie!

Selfie with Pond's White Beauty Day Cream on!

Share your experience here with me! Happy blogging! xx

Love, Hanna

Color Your Hair Brown Using Glam Works Permanent Hair Dye Color!

Yesterday, I mentioned on my blog post that I bought two packets of Glam Works Hair Dye Color in Light Brown. I am just so excited to try this product out since it would be the first time for me to do a diy hair coloring. Tell you what, I enjoyed it! I bought the one which colors hair in light brown because I really wanted a lighter hair for a long time now. Glam Works Permanent Hair Dye Color comes in four (4) shades: Light Brown, Medium Brown, Burgundy and Black. Among the four shades, I wanted the lightest color payoff, and it's the light brown. And I also think that when I buy the other three shades, I would end up regretting since the color wouldn't be that obvious. And you know, I wanted a hair that shouts "Brown!" even in dim places.

Glam Works Permanent Hair Dye Color, P49/ea

According to Glam Works, the hair dye is "made of natural herbal essences and can change the hair color in just one hair washing. It lasts up to 8 weeks, turning the hair naturally bright, and conceals your gray hair naturally. Admittedly, I didn't expect a lot from this product especially one pack is just quite cheap. But I read good reviews about it on other blogs so it increased my hope of getting better results. Anyways, you can't go wrong it naman given the price...

Another thing I like about it is the smell. I am really not that very particular when it comes to the fragrance of a certain product, but who loves the smell of ammonia!? I hate it every time I go to salon and I always have to catch a whiff of those urine-smelling chemicals that can be found on hair dyes and such. I am not saying that the scent is light but it's not that stinky smelling as well compared to other hair dyes. Actually, after rinsing, you can still smell the fragrance of the dye and it's not that strong, so for me, it's no biggie.

Of course I had to follow the instructions. I am very cautious with that because I don't want anything to get wrong on the first time I use a product. So I had to wash my hair first, making sure it's clean because I believe that the dye would stick that much longer than when your hair is covered with dusts and oil. Then I had to wring out my hair to remove excess water.

Upon cutting the edge of the sachet, you will notice this:

You have to mix them both before applying it to your hair. Since I use two sachets for my below-the-shoulder-length hair, I preferred to put the contents first onto a small bowl since I can't hold them all with my two teeny tiny hands. Hahah!

After mixing them, I just applied it on my hair the same way I apply shampoo. And you will notice bubbles! You're just like shampooing while leaving dyes on your hair! But don't forget to use the gloves if you don't want to stain your hands! The sachet has an attached disposable plastic gloves with it anyways.

Then leave your hair for 25 minutes or longer! To avoid staining my white shirt, I had to use my old shower cap that I don't mind to get stained.

Rinse it after 30 minutes! And voila! Just don't forget to apply conditioner afterwards because the chemicals on dyes can make your hair dry! This is what I've noticed upon rinsing. I'm not a fan of conditioners because they make my hair a lot more prone to hairfall but this time is an exception!

The results?

From black to brown!

All in all, I'm quite satisfied with the results (given the price)! Although the color payoff does not completely satisfy my desire for a much lighter hair and even color, I just had to keep in mind that I just paid a hundred bucks for this than thousands if I go to salon!

So girls (and guys), have you tried Glam Works Permanent Hair Dye Color yet? Share it here with me! Happy blogging!

💕💕💕

Keep updated by following me on my social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskincarefreak/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannapoleng/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hannapoleng

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeJZrWvwomBCAgC-JKhNe5A

Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/@hannapoleng

Fashiolista: http://www.fashiolista.com/#!/profile/hannapoleng/items

Haul + Review: Best Face Creams in The Philippines

Because of the two-month vacation, I've ran out of my moisturizing cream at home, so I decided to buy another one at the department store, SM Manila. Many thanks to my Broadcast Writing Professor who didn't attend our class yesterday evening so I still got plenty of time to buy stuff at the mall. While looking around shelves and everything, I was faced with a whole plethora of face creams. Seriously, I didn't know which one to buy first as I'm always in the verge of trying out new products every time I finish a tube or what. So yeah, I got home with these products instead. I only got one sachet for each brand since I just want to try them out for a week or two. For me, that's enough time to know if a product suits my skin well.

Aside from the creams, I've bought some facial wash and packs/masks in sachets as well. I didn't include them here as I am planning to give them a review separately.

Featuring: Olay, Ponds, Garnier, iWhite Korea, Myra E, SkinWhite

My first product from iWhite is their facial wash. I remember buying that back when I was in Grade 6. Admittedly, I didn't intend to buy the product alone. It just happened that the facial wash was included in the promo set so I guess I had no choice but to use it as I didn't want a single penny of mine go to waste. Hahah! And I never got disappointed naman so there was no doubt trying out products in the same line as iWhite is one of my most trusted brand when it comes to skin care. You can read my iWhite Korea Facial Cream review here and my iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizing Cream review here.

iWhite Facial Cream @PHP20

iWhite Aqua Moisturizing Cream PHP20

The first time I've tried a Garnier product was when I was in second year high school. My friend--and he's a guy--was the one who gave me a sachet of Garnier and it was for free so just who the hell do I think was I to reject free samples? Hahaha! Anyway, he told me that it's really is effective. I forgot the name of the product but I remember that the sachet was slightly larger and wider than the picture below. I don't know if it's the same thing and Garnier has just change the packaging or what. However, though the cream caused me no breakouts, I find it really greasy and heavy for my face so I had to switch cream. And I'm trying it again some time soon and I'm really looking forward to better results!

Garnier Multi-Action Whitening Cream @PHP15

I've known Pond's for like forever. I can almost tell that it's one if not the most famous brand of whitening creams for teens just like me. However, There's nothing much to say about this product because as I clearly remember, I was never satisfied with Pond's back then the reason why I changed my moisturizer in a snap. But I heard lots of good reviews about it from other blogs and I believe that their products already improved so yeah, I'm trying them out again once and for all. I've bought two sachets, one mainly for lightening skin and the other one was dedicated for acne-prone skin. You can read my review about Pond's White Beauty Translucent Pinkish White Glow Day Cream here!

Pond's White Beauty @PHP10

Pond's White Beauty For Acne-Prone Skin (New Detox Pack) @PHP12.50

Olay is so far the best moisturizer for me when talking about lesser expensive creams in the market. It's one of the reason why my pimple scars from puberty years started to disappear--well, not completely but it helped. I always buy sachets of this brand while I was in high school. Actually, I already forgot why I stopped using this, probably because I also wanted to give other products a try. Anyway, I'm going back and I'll always will.

Olay Natural White Pinkish Fairness @PHP20

Olay Natural White @PHP12

Honestly, I'm not a fan of SkinWhite products. But I adore them for the scent of their creams and lotions. Anyway, they have products on sachets--my target for this post!

SkinWhite Whitening Face Cream @PHP12

This is my first time to try Myra VitaWhite so I'm quite excited. I've already tried their Myra-E Lotion, Face Cream and the capsules. They're quite excellent for the moisturizing factor, but I'm currently focused on lightening creams so I had to stop. As my friend always says, the lotion from their line of lightening products was really effective, so I guess I had to try this one out.

Myra VitaWhite @PHP7

I'll update this post once in a while as I will be linking review posts for each of the product! Anyway, have you tried one of these facial creams? Share it here with me! Happy blogging! xx

💕💕💕

Keep updated by following me on my social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskincarefreak/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannapoleng/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hannapoleng

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeJZrWvwomBCAgC-JKhNe5A

Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/@hannapoleng

Fashiolista: http://www.fashiolista.com/#!/profile/hannapoleng/items

St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub Jar Review

Body scrubs can't be gone missing on my skin care routine because I'm an ultimate huge fan of it ever since! I always use it at least thrice a week (since I don't want to strip off my skin its natural oils) after cleansing my skin because I wanted the feeling it leaves me every time I use it - skin that's softer, smoother, firmer and more glowing. So after I finished up my Gluta-C Intense Whitening Body Scrub, I decided to give the America's Number One Scrub a try - St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub. I've been using it for over three months already. And let me tell you, I still can't get enough of it! It's supposed to be a facial scrub but I don't mind using it all over my body.

I've used a whole plethora of body/facial scrubs before. One of those was the St. Ives Brightening Facial Scrub. I wasn't just able to post a review about it because I haven't started blogging yet by the time I was using it. So including another product from the same brand in my skin care regime didn't worry me at all. Anyway, just let me tell you how amazing St. Ives Apricot Scrub is!

The reason I bought it was because I've been long suffering from pimples/acne marks and large pores. And now, you can guess that I have oily skin hahah! I've read good reviews about it online so yeah, I tried it, after all, there's no harm in trying naman. To better tell the world that I'm really in love with St. Ives Scrubs, I even searched for their official website and eventually joined beauty forums and leave some love for St. Ives products through posting their own reviews LOL!

Just like what I've said, this scrub is the second one I've bought from St. Ives (the first is the St. Ives Brightening Apricot Scrub). Though the latter works well on brightening my face, it didn't help well enough in getting rid of breakouts and it's quite pricier. Fortunately, I was able to try their Blemish Control Apricot Scrub and it really works wonders for my skin! Though it helps in keeping oil at bay (and good news, it's oil-free), I don't think it did anything to minimize my pores after months of use. Guess I needed to use it quite longer to notice the effect.

The photo above probably shows how addicted I am with this scrub. Yey! It's half-empty already. Can't wait to try St Ives' other scrubs. Actually, I'm planning to buy their Green Tea line by the time I ran out of this scrub. It's just so sad that most of their product line aren't yet available in our country. I would also like to try their oatmeal scrub and I've been looking for it on beauty sections of supermarkets, department stores and Watsons but to no avail. I guess they just sell limited products in our country.

By the way, the tub as big as this retails for only PHP335 (price is increasing overtime). It's a pretty decent amount considering that you are getting a full jar with 10 oz amount inside. Also a little goes a long way so you can make sure that this will last you for quite a while.

Anyway, here's another good news! St. Ives's using 100% natural exfoliants with apricot seeds and walnut powders, so you need not to worry because it's environmental friendly. You also won't need to worry of the harmful chemicals other scrubs have since St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub is free from Parabens and Sulfate which can produce potentially serious health side effects. Better be careful what you choose for your skin nowadays.

Claims: This scrub deeply cleanses pores and stop breakouts before the occur. ALSO: For prevention of acne; for prevention of blackheads and acne-blemishes

Ingredients: Water, Juglan Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal, Cocamido propyl Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Cetyl Acetate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Ceteareth-20, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, PPG-2 Methyl Ether, Phenetyl, Alcohol, Glycerin, Methylsothiazolinone, Fragrancem Titanium Dioxide

Directions: Clean the skin thoroughly before applying this product. Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer and rinse thoroughly one to three times daily. Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two to three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor. If bothersome dryness, or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.

Application: Oppose to the direction, I usually scrub my body three to four times a week ONLY as too much exfoliation can do harm on your skin. I also let it stay for about 3-5 minutes letting the active ingredients enter my pores. For better results, I mixed equal amounts of the scrub and honey together, making the scrubbing twice effective!

What I like:

• Keeps my skin soft, smooth, and moisturized
• Helps to reduce rough areas on your body
• Smells not too overpowering
• Non-drying (at least for me)
• Non-peeling (a least for me)
• Prevents breakouts
• Cleanse well
• Not harsh on my skin
• Works well on both face and body
• Has 2% Salicylic Acid
• No parabens
• No Sulfate
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• Hypoallergenic
• Oil-free
• Retails for only P335 for a 283 grams tub
• Available in all supermarkets/drugstores nationwide

What I don't like:

• Didn't think it works well in minimizing pores
• Limited product line in the country

Remember that we all have different skin types or may react differently to certain products. What works for me, may not work for you. It's better to check the product first if it suits you well and discontinue use when causes you irritation. Also, while using this product, apply sun protection as exfoliation may increase the risk of sun damage.

Have you ever tried St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub? Share it here with me! Happy blogging!

Disclosure: This blog has been updated as of 04/19/20. By this time, St. Ives revamped the packaging and named it St. Ives Acne Control Apricot Scrub Jar but formulation is still the same.

Facebook ♡ Instagram ♡ Twitter ♡ Tumblr ♡ Bloglovin ♡ Fashiolista ♡ Wattpad ♡ Pinterest

REVIEW: Hortaleza Professional Hair Spa Treatment

As a beauty product junkie *ehem*, I always drop by at every beauty store if I have the time. (I wish I have all the time in the world haha!) Two months ago, I had my hair dyed in this favorite salon of mine. I also had their keratin treatment and they advised me to go back to their salon every month so that I could keep my hair smooth--since dyeing your hair could make your hair rough and frizzy because of the chemical content hair dyes have, I know all you are aware of that lol-- and well, I could not afford to get my hair pampered that often so I head to the HBC store, the nearest one from my place, to find something which I could use for my diy hair treatment. Oh how I love DIYs, not just you get to learn beautifying yourself, but you could also save a lot!

Anyway, the HBC people (lol) told me that this Hortaleza Professional Hair Spa Treatment is best for color-treated, rebonded and straightened hair. They told me how effective this product is but of course I know better not to believe until I tested it myself. And I wasn't disappointed! Thanks to them I got the chance to try the magic of this tub! Hahah! And I wanna thank them as well for patiently answering my questions until I brought the product all the way to the cashier. They are very accommodating as ever.

Hortaleza Hair Spa Treatment is available in 20g sachets (less than PHP20 I think?), 250g tub (for PHP153) and 500g tub (which retails for PHP200-PHP300). Should I have known at first that HBC has the bigger tub, I would have bought it instead since I could save mor
e if that's the case. Well, talk about being practical. Heheh!

This treatment claims to "help revive damaged hair" and is "ideal for color-treated hair and hair that has undergone rebonding, straightening and relaxing treatments"

I only dyed my hair just once in my entire life and I can tell that it already has damaged every strands of it. Before I dyed my hair, I need not to apply conditioner every after shampoo but now, I feel like I have to, otherwise my hair would turn to a bird nest. Seriously. I also noticed that it has dried big time so I really had to use hair treatment every now and then. I also think that rebonding my hair for the second time would tame my hair once again (since I have that naturally straight hair) but my friends said that I have that "nice" hair already and that I don't need some rebonding. But I don't think that's the case because it doesn't feel like that anymore.

That's when I decided that I really had to go to salon. The problem was that time, I did  not have 2K for the treatment! Hahahahah! Probably, next time.

I still want to have my hair rebonded though it has returned to its normal look again. But I hate those flyaways and those straighteners, and curlers, and blowers, so straight hair is where I'll never get wrong. Hahah!

Application: I apply it as directed and only once a week. After shampooing my hair, I apply a generous amount of the formula into it with constant massaging for a better blood circulation. Oh, and did I forget to tell you that I'm also adding honey, coconut and olive oil to the formula in equal parts. It was not directed though, but in my case it so works! After at least 3 minutes, I fix my hair into a ponytale, secure it with a band and top it off with a shower cap for better nutrients absorption. After 30 minutes (or an hour), I rinse my hair and let it air dry!

Can you believe it? A 250g tub only retails for as low as PHP153! I think it would last me for up to a year! You can also buy it in every HBC store nationwide.

The manufacturing and expiration date are printed at the base of the tub. Obviously, it has a life shelf of at least 2 years which is great since I think it will be emptied by 2016. Another thing that I like about it is the complete information printed on every product because if you're like me, you're going to check out/read every little detail first before purchasing it. You might want to know that the product you are purchasing isn't expired yet or you'll end up feeling sorry. (Hahah! Kidding! I'm pretty sure the HBC people won't sell/do anything that would possibly tarnish the image of the company.)

The formula was not at all yellow-ish. I just had to add some honey onto it since just like what I've said, adding honey and oil works well for my hair.

Photo below was the actual color of the treatment. It's kind of gel-like in consistency and smells good for me. It also has a kind of plastic protector so as not to contaminate the contents easily.

What I like:

• the affordability (PHP153 for 250g tub)
• long-lasting
• has glycerin known to be a good moisturizer both for hair and skin
• has Vitamin E known to prevent further damage and promote hair growth
• has Aloe Vera that promotes shine and moisture on hair
• smells really good (even after two days, the smell still lingers in my hair! It's just so sad that I need to use it only once a week. I'm actually tempted to use it as my conditioner instead.)
• its effectiveness (makes hair softer and smoother)
• exclusively available in any HBC stores nationwide

What I don't like:

• has parabens (lthough it's not yet clear whether parabens are unsafe or not, it would still be better if we get to be conscious enough as our health is what's at risk here)

How about you? Have you tried Hortaleza Professional Hair Spa Treatment? You can share it with me! Happy blogging! xx

Love, Hanna