Bask Beauty Prima Blush Face and Body Glow Bar

Been weeks since I last updated my blog. :( Sorry! I have been really busy with my OJT that I can't find time publishing another blog post. Anyway, onto my stash, I find this soap given to me by Bask Beauty PH which I have been using two-three weeks now and it feels like I owe you a review about it this time so keep reading for more information!

Bask Beauty PH

Price: P180

From: Bask Beauty PH

-With Aloe Vera Extract 

-Moisturizes without giving the greasy feel. For men, good to use after shaving to soothe skin.

-Treats acne. Aloe contains 2 hormones, Auxin and Gibberellins. These two hormones provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation. Giberellin in aloe vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring.

-Fights aging. Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated.

-It lessens the visibility of stretchmarks.

-Prima Blush--all natural face and body bar.

-Deep cleansing, brightening, rejuvenating and is non drying.

I would really like to commend the packaging. It looks really nice with that subtle floral effects and detailed information about the soap. It gave me the slightest hint that the owner does love pastel-colored stuff (like me!) just by looking at it!

This soap suds well and does not melt easily. It effectively cleanses the skin, removing deep-seated dirt and oil. Using the soap both on face and body did not, in any way, caused me irritation except on the eye area so let's get this straight: try to be more careful when lathering it around your eye area because it could pretty much sting or as much as possible, try not to open your eyes when washing your face to avoid the burning feeling.

With that being said, this soap did not cause me to breakout as well. Truth be told, I never had any major or cystic breakouts (even while on my period!) when I include it on my skin care routine.

For the aging and stretchmarks claim, I cannot comment much about it since I don't have any substantial proof to show you guys. Maybe because I'm still a teen and I need more time to see when I aged and I still need to use a few more bars to notice if I will really get lesser stretchmarks.

This soap, even when it burns the eyes, did not cause my skin some drastic peeling and redness--still gentle for my face, I guess. However, given my oily skin, I find that this soap could still be drying to the skin so moisturizer is a must.

After every wash, I notice that my skin becomes clearer, brighter, softer and smoother! Overall, I won't hesitate repurchasing this soap but I'm up to try other variants too! I can say that I love this soap and would highly recommend it to anyone (except for dry-skinned gals), as long as you can effectively counterattack the dryness that this soap could give. Anyway, Bask Beauty has face moisturizers, so you can just get one for you and voila!

What I like:

-Gentle on skin

-Deep-cleansing

-No peeling and redness

-Prevents breakouts

-Remove pimples

-Makes skin bright and clear

-Scent is not too overpowering

-Lathers well

-Does not melt easily

-Affordable

-Cute packaging

-Made of natural ingredients

-Vegan and cruelty-free

What I don't like:

-Could be drying

-Burns the eyes

Thank you so much Bask Beauty for sending this soap over! Love love! :)

DJ Hanna and DJ Nica on Reel Talk!

It'll be a real quick plugging, promise! I don't know if someone reads this but as my virtual diary, let me put this news here! Guys and girls, watch out for me and my partner DJ Nica for one of the latest shows of BPO Radio that will commence this coming Monday (April 18, 2016) from 3:00-5:00pm, the Reel Talk, only at bporadio.com! It will be a fun and entertaining show especially to moviegoers (like me) and celebrity avid fans!

You can also tune in to the Roses and Thorns by DJs Andy and Naica J (from 1:00-3:00pm) and The Band Aid Show by DJs Aim and Netty (from 5:00-7:00pm)! And before I forgot, please do follow our Facebook page and include the hashtag #BPORADIO so we can check all your posts/selfies out while listening to our shows!

First Impression: Lavish Skin Care + Professional Skin Care Formula Products

Clarifying Toner,

Kojic Acid Soap

Bought for: Free

From: Lavish Skin Care PH

I ain't got no time for full reviews just yet so I am just gonna share some first impression post for two of the products of Lavish Skin Care PH--another local brand on Instagram that sells authentic PSCF (Professional Skin Care Formula) products.

Admittedly, I am one of those girls out there who are a bit skeptical about trying these sets given both the positive and negative feed backs. Though I believe that most girls who drop negative feed backs about these products might only mistakenly use those that are sold by frauds, thus the misfortune. 

However, it is very timely, indeed, because I am currently using PSCF Kojic Acid Soap right now, but not from the same shop, alright? It was my mom who brought the soap home just a week ago. She said it was given to her so we both use it for cleaning our skin. And because I am really terrified of using the soap on my face, I just decided to just use it for my body and so far, my experience with this soap is pretty much unbelievable.

This soap does not cause me any skin irritation nor peeling. I don't really know if its normal but I did not notice drastic peeling on my part but I think my skin lightened a tone fairer after a week of constant usage. I just skip off the 'let it stay on for whatever minutes' because most Kojic Soaps are a huge sucker of moisture. 

And for the Clarifying toner, ahmm...this is what I'm most skeptical about because one of my classmate said that using it will cause drastic peeling and it really hurts daw. Still, I wanted to give it a shot, but only before the next semester starts because I can't afford to look all red and flaky while undergoing my On-The-Job Training.

Guys, I badly need your advice/comments/experiences right now. I wanted to proceed but I'm afraid. Comments will be much appreciated! And please don't forget to subscribe!

First Impression: Bask Beauty + Products

Prima Blush Face and Body Glow Bar, 100g (P180)

Rub Me Good Bath Salt (P150)

Toner (P165)

All from: Bask Beauty PH

Bask Beauty PH is one of the fast-rising skin care brand on Instagram that promotes skin treats that are handcrafted in Manila  with products only made of natural ingredients and is cruelty-free.

As always, I got familiar with their brands because of other IG blogger's reviews whom I follow earnestly and who raved so much about how awesome Bask Beauty products are. I really got so kilig when they decided to send me some love in the form of these awesome skin treats!

1. PRIMA BLUSH FACE AND BODY GLOW BAR

On my first cleanse with this soap, I notice instant brightening of my face. It also suds pretty much great, works well in removing dust, dirt and excess oil on my face without leaving my skin taut and dry. I have yet to figure out if this one maintains my good first impression. Full review soon so stay tuned!

2. RUB ME GOOD BATH SALT

This scrub smells heavenly. Not too overpowering nor too plain. In fact, when I opened my package, I already caught that whiff of milk and vanilla, I guess? And since it is a dry scrub, I have to mix it with little oil and honey to make application much easier.

3. PORES IN ORDER BALANCING TONER

This toner smells mild and gentle. It also does not sting especially on the portions of my face where I am currently experiencing some breakouts. At first use, I can say that it works better in hydrating and moisturizing my face than extra cleaning it which is but fine with me as moisturizer isn't anymore necessary while using this.

To tell you the truth, I am having a good first impression with Bask Beauty PH and its products. I think they are great and would yield me even better results when used religiously. Also, let's add the fact that they are soooo affordable!

So have you tried any of Bask Beauty's products? Share it here with me!

Silka Premium Whitening Lotion Green Papaya SPF30 with Olive Oil

Silka Premium Whitening Lotion Green Papaya SPF30 with Olive Oil

Price: P55 (50ml), P98 (100ml), P174 (200ml)

Bought from: Sample Room PH

The product with the most number of samples at the sampleroom undoubtedly goes to Silka Premium Whitening Lotion Green Papaya SPF30 with Olive Oil. So can you blame me when my initial reaction was that "Oh no way. People might not like it that's why it's the most un-availed. So I'm definitely not gonna put it in my cart." I was new to sampleroom back then and it was long before I notice the number of product availed and the number of stocks (hehe).

So I received my parcel and this product went along with it. I gave it a shot mainly because I am looking for SPF-based lotions which, in my experience, usually feels more lightweight than sunscreens/sunblocks, regardless of brands or available reviews online. This is the only one in my stash that needs some road-testing so I used it straightaway.

To sum up, my experience with this lotion is beyond satisfaction. I know two weeks is so short to gauge Silka's ability to whiten the skin but it was upon trying that we figure out how we underestimated a great product like Silka's. No wonder my mom adores every Silka's products in the market. I have tried the variant with milk and honey during my high school, it smells good, yes, but I can't really comment on the whitening ability of that product because I admit that I did not religiously use it. Why? Because back then, the greasy-feel that body lotions leaves on the skin just annoys me. But when used frequently, I believe that it would yield a better outcome, thus, whiter skin.

The formula of the product is creamy white in texture and color. Also it smells really nice and refreshing. It smells fruity which I really love and it also glides easily on the skin without leaving your it feeling suffocated and warm. It does leave a hint of shiny film on your skin (because of the olive oil) which I already expected upon reading the 'with Olive Oil' label. And it is but fine with me as it contributes to making pelts look healthier, more moisturized, hydrated and glowing. Upon application you can instantly feel the softness and smoothness of the skin.

The best thing about it is that it has a pretty decent amount of SPF30 which is already advisable for daily use. When you want your skin to still breathe and absorbs nutrient or if you are just off to run some errands, I suggest you go for lotions with SPF but of course, if you will stay long under the sun, aim for sunscreens with higher amount of SPF.

I always commute from Valenzuela to Makati and this has been my go-to lotion especially this summer. Although I did not see any noticeable lightening on my part after using it for over two weeks now, still, I love it so much and I will definitely repurchase. Also, I highly recommend it to any skin type as its mild for sensitive skin, moisturizing for dry skin and lightweight for oily ones (like me).

If you are interested, you can get a sample at sampleroom.ph or you can also avail a bottle on leading drugstores, supermarket and department stores nationwide.

Katrina's Clothing Carrot Soap + Discount Coupon

 

I've recently discovered a clothing brand via Instagram and its no other than Katrina's Clothing! First and foremost, thank you so much guys for entrusting me some carrot soaps to review (separately) here on my blog. For a moment, I never thought that they have skin care products but they do! Always curiosity kills the cat, so I browsed through their shop and spotted some skirts that would really look chic and lovely when sported on! They also have variety of accessories and shoes that would go well with outfits! For illustrations/photos, you can visit their Instagram account.

Also, you can use my coupon code: HANNAPOLENG when you buy Carrot Soaps on their website and instantly receive 10% off your purchase! So what are you waiting for? Go hoard some now because the discount code expires on April 30, 2016!

Leiania House of Beauty Liquoriced Coffee Whitening Scrub

Leiania House of Beauty Liquoriced Coffee Whitening Scrub, 100g

Bought for: Free (P235)

From: Leiania House of Beauty

From a perspective of a beauty junkie like me, body scrubs are bath essentials to make sure that we maintain a healthy, soft, smooth and supple skin. Therefore, in whatever form (powder-based, salt-based, cream-based), I make sure that I never run out of any. And for as long as I have a tub at home, then I'm far away from having rough and dry skin. I'm pretty sure you feel the same way, yes?

What I am going to review this time is the Leiania House of Beauty Liquoriced Coffee Whitening Scrub housed in a plastic tub with proper labels and information (directions for use, organic and natural ingredients, proof of authenticity, manufacturing and expiry dates).

For those who are not yet familiar with Leiania House of Beauty, they are one of the booming skin care and makeup brands that promote organic, ethical and holistic beauty. Their products are plant-derived and certified organic that not only cares for the skin, but for the environment too--very appealing to locals who have this huge aspirations to be a hero and save the world!

Hope you can read it well! :)))

What piques my interest regarding this product, I guess, is the variety of scrubs/exfoliants in this tub. There's coffee, poppy seeds and salts without the cream-based formula. I wonder if you know how I am a bit skeptical on using dry scrubs? Well, I really find them quite abrasive most especially on the thinner skin of the body like the face and it's not at all a pleasant experience. It feels like rubbing salt on open wounds. Very torturing instead of relaxing. But let me go ahead and spoil you that I found a better way to devour this tub of smells-edible-but-not coffee while welcoming it with open arms!

To reduce abrasiveness, I'd like to combine one tablespoon of this body scrub with one table spoon of honey, a teaspoon of combined olive and virgin coconut oil. This amount already suffice one luxurious bath, giving you baby-soft and smooth skin!

For the application, I just scrub it on my whole body (skipping my face as it can't really tolerate the rough edges of coffee and poppy seeds), paying more attention on rough areas particularly, then let it sit on the skin for an ideal 5-10 minutes (or longer).

Liquoriced Coffee Whitening Scrub claims to whiten the skin. My skin isn't dark in the first place and I don't have any substantial proof to claim that it did noticeably lighten my skin tone even after weeks of use. What I did discuss here are the things it does instantly.

Overall, I think it did a magnificent job in buffing away all the skin's impurities while revealing a healthier, softer and smoother skin with a beautiful glow. It's made of natural and organic ingredients which are safe for everyday use although I don't really recommend it for people with sensitive skin. Still, if you are looking for a product that won't burn a hole in your pocket, well, it's on top of the list!

SALE ALERT: Laverne, Bath Junkies, Etude House, The Face Shop

It's been months since I last blogged about sales. Sorry! Oh, I feel so selfish indulging myself to both hoarding and window shopping without you, guys, so I'm gonna make it up to you now and share some of the ongoing discounts/promos that few of my favorite shops are launching. Anyway, here are they!

1. LAVERNE

Beautymnl has an exclusive intro price for Laverne Makeup and Beauty Tools Sanitizer (which kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria in just 60 seconds) at P319 for 60ml pump bottle and P479 for 150ml. I bought mine just recently and so far, I am loving it!

2. BATH JUNKIES

Bath Junkies is the first local bath and body brand to compete globally and they are having a free soap giveaway for EVERY P300 worth of products that you avail from them! Their scrubs smells really nice, by the way!

3. ETUDE HOUSE

I still don't have an idea what Etude House got for us this time and I am yet to check them out. Hihi! Who's excited? Me!!!

Here comes the ETUDE HOUSE SWEET SALE! GET a 50% OFF on our items this April. Promo applies to selected items only. Visit us at our participating stores (SM Megamall, Greenbelt 4, SM MOA, SM North Edsa, Ayala Mall Cebu) to see what items you can get for half the price! Hurry! Promo period is until April 28 only!

4. THE FACE SHOP

Actually, this is the first time that TFS launch a promo which got me really jumpy. You guess what I have been eyeing all these time? Their most-raved tints! Yay! It's on Buy 2, Take 1. For me, this is a deal I wouldn't miss!

😉
Buy any Natural Sun Eco product, get the Jeju Aloe Soothing Gel for only P99. Get a FREE Chia Seed Skincare Kit with any P2500 purchase on regular items. Includes Toner, Emulsion, and No Shine Hydrating Cream. Promo valid until April 30, 2016.

BUY 2, GET 1 FREE on Lip & Cheek Aqua Tints. Promo valid until April 15, 2016.

Did you just go out on a shopping spree? Have you spotted some sale items in the mall or online that's definitely worth purchasing? You can share it here with me! ;)

Natura Organics Holy Grail Soap

Natura Organics My Holy Grail Soap

Price: P189 (full block)

From: Natura Organics

I am such a die-hard fan of organic soaps. Organically-labeled add feels to these blocks like it invites us to bathe in luxurious suds, promises that we get nothing but pure goodness. Now, I am going to talk about a soap from one of the leading organic skin care and makeup brands on Instagram--Natura Organics' My Holy Grail Soap (which I got as a freebie for winning their IG contest yie!)

Natura Organics My Holy Grail Soap claims to have antioxidants and which brightens, lightens, hydrates, rejuvenate, clarifies the skin with their superstar ingredients: Organic Olive Oil, Coco Betaine, Organic Tamanu Oil, Antioxidant & Brightening Magnesium Ascorbyl (Vitamin C), Bellides™, Organic Rosehip Oil, Papain Enzyme Plus™, Antioxidant Vitamin E, NiacinPure™ Vitamin B3, Organic Moringga Extract, Organic Calendula Extract, Organic Bearberry Extract, Organic Tomato Extract and Organic Sunflower Oil. (100& Natural, 94% Organic)

This soap comes in a bright reddish-orange color with great sudsing formula and a slight combination of fruity and chemical scent which reminds me of Kojic or Glutathione soaps except this one, I can say, is a tad milder. This soap does not sting nor cause me any micro-peeling after finishing two thin slices. It melts easily too which won't be a problem since it's going to be undoubtedly consumed right before it even melts. Still, I wanted to make sure to prevent wasted soaps by dividing them into smaller parts.

Natura Organics Holy Grail Soap has great cleansing abilities. It effectively gets rid of dirt, dust and oil on the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, bright and glowing. However, I find it a little bit drying on the skin which isn't something moisturizers cannot address so still, it's a great product for me!

I actually used it first on my red days and amazingly (right on time!), it did soothe and remove acne/pimples which I have been battling with every freakin' month. The result? Clearer and brighter skin while on period! Amazing, isn't it? With this soap, nag-back out ata bigla mga pimples ko hahah!

What I like:

-Cleanses well

-Sudsy formula

-Brightens and clarifies the skin

-Dries out pimples

-Non-irritating

-Safe for face and body use

-Does not sting the face

-Made of organic and natural ingredients

-Makes skin looking clear and radiant

-Reduces oil production

-Mild and gentle formula

-Gluten-free

What I don't like:

-Could be a little drying

-A little expensive

-Soap melts quite easily

Overall, this product is super worth the repurchase! It could be a little excess in the budget but I know it will all be worth it. I love this bar and would highly recommend it to anyone! Go get yours now by visiting Natura Organics and drool over their extensive collection of makeup and skin care products which are highly raved by clients!

Here's How to Get Additional Discount on Althea!

Obsessed with Korean skin care and makeup? Been wanting to get some bb cushions, foundations, palettes, lippies or skin care products from well-known brands and locals' favorites such as Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, The Face Shop, Tony Moly and Holika Holika? Then you might want to checkout Althea Philippines for some freakin-half-of-the-mall-priced items!

What else? You can enter the referral/discount code 'JUSTHANNA' upon checking out and get additional price deduction from already discounted prices! Start hoarding now!

Maybelline Hypercurl Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Hypercurl Mascara, 4g

Bought for: P199

Bought from: Watsons, SM Manila

I have tried a few mascaras before I got my hands onto Maybelline Hypercurl Volum Express and now, I can say that it's my favorite mascara! Well, not that I have tried a lot--just the Nichido mascaras, San San, Covergirl--you know, the affordable ones. And by affordable, I meant the drugstore ones which retail at least P300 below. I'm up for some high-end discoveries but currently, they don't fit the bill.

I love the packaging--very sleek and classy with the pink and black theme. To be honest, I am a huge fan of pink and black stuff. They look very feminine without giving all out. By saying so, you won't think of it as a makeup which you can get at a dirt-cheap price of P199!

As you can see, the wand has a slight curvature that makes application so easy because it perfectly fits the arch shape of our eyes. The bristles have short ones intended for the thinnest and shortest lashes so you get an even application. without the clump. Yay! Finally I have found a mascara than applies so thinly but gives off an even and well-coated finish! Just one coat for both eyes and you're good to go! But of course if you want eyes with lashes that looks more wide-awake, longer and thicker, then you are free to add another coat. You probably don't need some false eyelashes with this!

Maybelline Hypercurl Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara has been out in the market for a long, long time already and I regret buying it just recently. Had I figure out how great it is back then, I never should have spend small bucks for other not-so-much-of-good-quality stuff.

Sorry for my untamed brows!

The picture shows my lashes without (first) and with (second) mascara. It's not that much obvious there because I only want one coat of the product so it would look a bit natural and not so overdone. I love how it maintains my curls for at least 4 hours without weighing it down (unlike other mascaras) and without smudging. As a matter of fact, it's the hardest to remove makeup I had in my entire life! Could be a bad thing when I'm running out of makeup remover! Hahah!

*****

What I like:

-Do not weigh curls down

-Gives a thicker and longer looking lashes (volumizing effect)

-Non-irritating

-Affordable

-Dries easily

-Smudge-proof, tear-proof, waterproof

-Easy to apply

-Does not create clumps when applied properly

What I don't like:

-Formula in the container dries quickly even when sealed.

If you really want an affordable mascara that effectively lengthen and thicken your lashes and could be use in a daily basis, then you might want to give it a shot! I highly recommend it to everyone!

Don't forget to subscribe, beauties! 'Til my next post!

Geparly's Sweet Sensation EDP 100ml

Geparly's Sweet Sensation EDP 100ml

Price: Around $19.99-$65

Available: Online

My mom was the one who bought this for me as a gift because she knows I love perfumes in cute packaging. I actually asked her how much this one cost and she just won't answer so what I did was search online as to how much it retails for and I figured out that different shops sell it for different prices. During sale, it could go for as low as $19.99 dollars and as high as $65.

I like this very cute bottle in baby pink, I just don't find it radiating class and elegance, though very feminine, modern and girly. It has a small letter G engraved on the snuffer-cap which I believe to be the initial of the brand's name, Geparly.

It's bursting with Citral and Limonene (a fragrance agent that emits citrus odor), Citronellol and Linalool (which has a floral type odor),  and when combined all together, they just create a very sweet sensation, thus, its name.

Unlike other perfumes, I wouldn't say it would fit any woman of all ages because it's both cloyingly saccharine and citrusy without much muskiness--perfumes of modern days. A woman of adventure, vibrancy and blitheness is what I see myself whenever I am wearing this, very me indeed--the reason why I am into this.

Longevity wise, this fragrance is such a keeper. Spray it on your wrists for some cheering up sessions! It helps!

UPDATED: Skin Care Routine for March-April

This blog post will going to show you what I did use for my face last month up until now.  I wanted to forget how and why I promised myself months ago to keep a minimal skin care routine for my face but, ugh, beauty products are just so irresistible, I can't help it!

I know we have to follow certain regimens to keep our skin as healthy as possible. The most common are the 3-step cleanse-tone-moisturize and 10-step skin care routine of Koreans. While three (3) is clearly not enough for me, 10, on the other hand, is just too overwhelming.

Considering the overall experience I have with these products (using each in conjunction with each other), I can say that these yield me a good outcome: brighter, healthier skin that gets less oily.

PRODUCTS I USE FOR MY MORNING SKIN CARE ROUTINE

1. NATURA ORGANICS HOLY GRAIL SOAP, P189. I depend on it so much in the morning to remove all excess oil on my face during sleeping because it works well in cleansing and brightening the face although a bit drying. This is why I don't recommend it to those who have been suffering from dry skin.

2. BELO ACNE PRO PIMPLE FIGHTING GEL FACE WASH, (AcnePro Kit, P230). I use this gel face wash of Belo along with the Holy Grail Soap just because I like to double cleanse. This is super hydrating and moisturizing on the skin so I use this to compensate from too much natural oil loss.

3. BELO ACNE PRO TREATMENT TONER, (AcnePro Kit, P230). This toner does not only remove deep-seated dirt on my pores, but it also mattify my skin and contributes big time on the prevention of breakouts.

4. BELO ACNE PRO PIMPLE GEL, (AcnePro Kit, P230). I am using this pimple gel because acne-prone skin (like me) requires advance skin care routine with the use of spot treatments. I'm pretty sure you've heard from me that this is the least of my favorites from Belo Essentials Acne Pro Kit but I am looking forward for more product empties for the next month. I may not notice it but maybe this really works in its own little ways.  I do not say that I hate this product but I don't love it either.

5. NATURE REPUBLIC SUN BLOCK, P460. Sun screen has become a necessity that I would prefer it more than makeups. So it really would be nice to have sunblocks that are tinted enough (like Nature Republic Sun Block) to act both as sunscreen and a tinted moisturizer in one. This does not only save time but makeup usage too! Review of this product soon, by the way.

PRODUCTS I USE FOR MY NIGHT SKIN CARE ROUTINE

1. LEIANIA HOUSE OF BEAUTY MICELLAR EAU DE FLEUR. I actually love this tough makeup remover from Leiania House of Beauty. It so mild and gentle on the skin and it easily removes heavy makeup so I usually use this before washing my face at night. There are times when I am so tired that I just want to lay down in bed so I just use this this remove all the dirt and makeup on my face. It's organic and it's effective.

2. LEIANIA HOUSE OF BEAUTY BLEMISH CLEAR ACNE FREE FACE MASQUE, P305. This is my current go-to mask. I apply this everyday before I go to sleep because it has the ability to reduce sebum production, soothes pimples, acne and redness and makes skin bright and radiant. It's made or pure organic and natural ingredients too so consider it as a healthy treat for your tired skin.

3. BELO ACNE PRO PIMPLE FIGHTING GEL FACE WASH, (AcnePro Kit, P230). (See details above)

4. BELO ACNE PRO TREATMENT TONER, (AcnePro Kit, P230). (See details above)

5. BELO ACNE PRO PIMPLE GEL, (AcnePro Kit, P230). (See details above)

6. CLOUD 9 BLANC DE WHITENING CREAM, P700. As much as I would like to include it in my morning skin care regimen, I just can't because it just make my face appear so much lighter than the rest of my body. Let's say it could lighten complexion, I guess it will work better during nighttime when the skin regenerates the most and is at rest.

So, these are the products that I have been using since March. Care to share what's keeping you beautiful?

Product Empties from January-March 2016

Being a beauty blogger, we tend to change skin care routines as often as possible so emptying products is almost an impossible feat unless you really like them so much that you can't get over them. Being a student on a tight budget, it is always a boon to me when I use up all of a product's content because I feel like I consumed all my money's worth and it feels really good to live without excess. Whether they are effective or not, at least I came to a verdict as to repurchase or not.

No matter how compelling I can be to myself to empty a product first before jumping to another one, I still end up either throwing them away or just give them to friends so it's really a pride to have at least seven cleared items from my beauty stash!

Scrubs!

1. St. Ives Even and Bright Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub, Watsons, P204. I don't know if you are well-informed that I love scrubs. So much. And St. Ives is one of those skin care brands that I grew to love. Their scrubs are composed of 100% natural exfoliants, is hypoallergenic and paraben-free. What I like so much about this product is how fine and gentle the scrubs are--suitable and recommended even to those who have sensitive skin. It also gently slough away dead skin cells, leaving your skin clearer, brighter, smoother and softer!

2. Leiania House of Beauty Milky Apricot face and Body Scrub, Leiania House of Beauty, P305. This scrub reminds me of St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub. They look the same but they are different in the texture, formulation and consistency. This scrub is cream-based but not really creamy that a little could go a long way so generous amount is really needed per bath. Did I tell you how I am really addicted to the scent of this? Gah! It smells so yummy! All I can't think of is how I love milk!

3. Leiania House of Beauty Dark Chocolate Face and Body Collagen Scrub, Leiania House of Beauty, P305. The main selling point of this product could be its semblance to chocolate fondue with ground bits of cocoa. If it were in a separate container, I could have mistaken it as something edible! The scrubs are a bit bigger and more abrasive for face use unlike the two previous scrubs but it is just perfect for some serious body scrubbing to release stress and freshen up your skin! Both the Milky Apricot and this Dark Chocolate Face & Body Scrub will leave your skin moisturized with all the healthy oils on it.

4. Beauty Pitch Milky Body Scrub, Beauty Pitch PH, P180. I am not really a fan of dry scrubs. I find them abrasive on the skin even with the finest scrubs. But what I like most about this Milky Body Scrub is how it really looks and smells like powdered milk. Wait, I think it's more of a yellowed skimmed milk with bits of oat and which smells so delish. Despite it being not cream-based, it is easy to apply, a bit rough on skin but will leave it totally smooth and soft after rinse.

5. Leiania House of Beauty Extra Strength Underarm Whitening Cream, Leiania House of Beauty, P660 (duo). I am actually in loved with this underarm cream. Not only it makes my pits soft and smooth but also it slows the growth of hair so there's minimal waxing needed. It smells very floral too and dries easily without the greasy after-feel.

6. Sooper Beaute Tomato Serum, Sooper Beaute, P280. We all know what tomatoes can do to our complexion--makes it more glowing, brighter and younger-looking which are just some of its numerous uses for the skin. This Tomato Serum here is a keeper. It's really moisturizing and hydrating without the greasy and heavy feeling, dries easily and replaces dull, dry and rough skin with more glowing and healthier complexion.

7. Leiania House of Beauty Ultra Moist and Tone Whitening Lotion, Leiania House of Beauty, P280. Among all drugstore and non-drugstore lotions that I have used, Leiania House of Beauty Ultra Moist and Tone Whitening Lotion is my most favorite. Why not? It's made of 100% organic and natural ingredients, it moisturizes skin, improves its overall condition, smells REALLY nice, brightens and soothes the skin and makes it appear glowing, healthy and bright. What is better than slathering pure goodness on the skin, hm?

Looking forward for more empties next month! I already got a hint what they will be! Til my next post, beautiful people! Happy blogging!

Love,

Hanna

5 Things You Need to Know When Shopping on Ebay

Now, I don't know how to start but let's just say you happen to read this because you want to flex some muscles and be fully-equipped with enough tips before dashing to a tough shopping battle!

We've probably heard of Ebay, have the littlest knowledge about it, even think that it's one of those typical online shops but what sets it apart from others, little did we know, is the unique buying-selling environment and feedback system.

If you are a new Ebay shopper, you might find it hard to decide on the smartest way of buying stuff because of the different buying formats on Ebay. Oh, been there. Anyway, here's five  (5) things you might want to know before you start hoarding! ;)

1. EBAY IS LIKE A VIRTUAL MARKETPLACE. Whatever your concern is--from home to personal necessities, Ebay got tons of sellers who could offer you what you need. Just check out the shopping categories below so you get an idea on what you could buy from this online shop.

2. PRICE CANVASSING COULD SAVE YOU MONEY. Always. You should know that there are lots of sellers on Ebay who sell the same items. The main difference could be their selling price. This process actually takes time but it ensures that you get hottest deals from everything. To save both money and time, the quickest way to do this is by clicking the 'Refine' button, click 'Sort by' then 'Lowest Price + Shipping'.

By the way, international sellers who offer worldwide shipping offers the cheapest items. Most probably, a specific commodity retails, say, P200 on other online sellers, but on Ebay, you can get it only for a fraction of its price. You just work hard and be patient enough to do lots of scrolling! While comparing prices, you might want to click the 'Watch' button because it lets you monitor their status. Whether you want to buy it right away at a fixed price or bid in an auction-style listing, putting it on your 'watch list' is probably the most convenient thing you could do.

Anyway, just wanted to show some of my recent purchases on Ebay. I won the mushroom brush (the second brush) for only P67.91 when lots of IG sellers's mushroom brushes are priced between P150-P200. Same with the other brushes.

3. SPOTTING LEGIT AND BOGUS SELLERS IS EASY. You may use your detective skills when shopping on Ebay. Prior to committing on buying a specific item, check the profile of the seller by visiting the feedback corner and read some of the comments for references. At Ebay, you feel safe because you can easily tell if sellers are legit based on the number of positive feedback versus the negative ones. Sellers and buyers rate each other (could be an agreement to rate each other or one has to initiate the rating) based on their performance as such. When there is less feedback or if the items that they are selling is questionable, then it's time to steer away even when their pricing is hard to beat. This might not be 100% accurate, but it does help!

4. THERE ARE THREE (3) BUYING FORMATS: AUCTION, BUY IT NOW, BEST OFFER. In my whole shopping experience with Ebay, buying things in whatever format is almost the same when you want to get the best deal/cheapest priced item. Usually, I save more when I join auctions because it let me bid for an item for as much as I can afford while also considering the 'Buy It Now' price of that specific product. There are instances when a product is sold both in an auction-style listing and at a fixed price (you really have to watch out for it). If the fixed price is lower compared to the current bidding price, then forget about placing bid and buy it right away. Unpaid won items could get you in a bad situation when your buying privileges gets limited.

Tips: You have to be clever when you place a bid. You might want to join an auction on a time of the day when competitors are less AND when you really want an item but still prefer to buy it on a cheap price, place a bid when the auction listing is about to end (e.g 1 minute left on the timer countdown). This will prevent other bidders from bidding at a higher price and beat you to it! It's bad when you lose money on bidding but it's even worse when you don't win!

5. YOU CAN NEGOTIATE WITH SELLERS. Before you buy an item on Ebay, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the seller--shipping couriers, mode of payment, shipping and returns, etc. If you want to combine all your purchases into one shipping, contact the seller right away. By the way, buying from different sellers meant different shipping packages. Isn't it cool? I mean receiving lots of packages? Hihi! By the way, there are lots of international sellers who offer free shipping but usually, it takes weeks before the arrival of your parcel. Also, you can check their different modes of payment. Sellers from different country collect payments via Paypal and seldom accept bank transfers so that is just one of the things you should research about before making a purchase.

I hope you are now well-equipped with all the knowledge you need to make Ebay shopping as exciting as I find it! If you have questions, just comment below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you for reading and shout out to Ms. Iris (fellow blogger---raveandview.com) and she's the one who requested this blog post! Thank you, Ms. Iris! :)))