Cetaphil Daily Exfoliating Face Cleanser For All Skin Types Review

Hey, it's me again! I'm bored so here I am lol. Today, I will be doing another review about a skincare product from one of the brands I truly trust: Cetaphil. This is the first time I've tried Cetaphil Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (₱‌521/178ml) and I've stumbled upon it when I was browsing through their official shop online.

This isn't exactly like the newest from Cetaphil, but I don't think people are talking about it as much as with the Gentle Skin Cleanser one. That's basically the reason why I decided to try it out in the first place. And you know that each time I try something new, whether it's a pleasant experience or not, I'm just happy to share my thoughts with everyone.

 

This product right here is infused with skin conditioners and vitamins that gently cleanses and combats dirt, oil, and impurities with the exfoliating micro-fine beads. It promotes a faster skin cell turnover, buffing away dullness and dryness while leaving the skin soft, smooth, and radiant after every wash.

Cetaphil Daily Exfoliating Cleanser claims to be a non-irritating, hypoallergenic and is a gentle facial wash that is suitable for all skin types and is safe for everyday use.

Claims

The ingredient list is a bit long with tons of tongue-twister words for me (LOL!). I've noticed a few ingredients which always work great for my skin type such as Glycerin, Panthenol and Vitamin E. There's something that sounds herbal (and alien) to me such as the Bambusa Arundinacea, which I found out later on as the scientific name of Bamboo Extract.

Google says that it is a great natural moisturiser which soothes and smoothes skin while helping it hydrate. It supports and assists the healing of skin and has antibacterial properties to cleanse, purify and detoxify. Forgive me if I have to google them, for I am not very good with ingredients. Hahaha!

Ingredients

The product has a minimalist design just like most Cetaphil products. The only thing I dislike about the packaging is that it comes in this tube type bottle, which I think isn't the best option given that the formula is a bit runny. Sometimes when I open it in haste, the product slid down the opening and spilled. I think a pump would be better. 

Manufacturing and Expiration Dates

The formula has thin, gel-type consistency. It's close to clear in opacity, only with very tiny microbeads you'll barely see unless you look closely. I don't know why but the scent reminds me of Lactacyd Baby Bath I've used before when I had skin rashes. It's possible that my mind is playing tricks on me right now, but I really think that they smell so similar.

This cleanser doesn't create a foamy lather which I don't mind. I am used to cleansers that doesn't lather much and I like them better because they don't feel drying at all. I like using it together with the Gentle Skin Cleanser as my primary cleanser then follow it up with the exfoliating one. I don't know if anyone else do this, but I like using both because I felt like my skin is not just cleaner, but also softer.

First thing I noticed when I tried Cetaphil Daily Exfoliating Cleanser for the first time, was the burning sensation on my skin. It was intense and after only a few seconds, I had to wash it off already. It felt like I applied Maxipeel while my skin is already peeling (LOL!). But maybe that was my skin in the process of getting used to the product - which actually turned out to be true. The next few uses felt better. I have been using this product for about a month now (only once a day) and every time I use this cleanser, I still feel some warmness on my skin but it became much more tolerable.

The microbeads on it are non-abrasive - you'll barely feel them, to be honest. Cleanser rinses easily without leaving any residue. I also like how it soften and smoothen my skin every wash. It's an exfoliating cleanser, but it's surprisingly non-drying.

For only ₱‌521, you get a good amount of product that will last for a while. I recommend this product if you are looking for a substitute cleanser that will gently remove oil and dirt from your skin, as well as scrub away dead skin cells for that clearer-looking complexion.

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Using Shopee SPayLater For The First Time

I am sure that you've heard about Shopee SPayLater at one point especially if you are an avid online shopper. I wasn't even interested at first to be honest. Processing fees and interests have always been red flags to me. The only loans I am willing to deduct from my paychecks are salary and multipurpose loans from SSS and PAGIBIG. I just wanted to make sure my contributions were properly utilized.

I am not even confident enough to apply for credit cards because I am scared that the interests would be too much and would add up to my piles of bills. I would rather wait until I have enough cash to buy something I want or need. That way, I won't get any unexpected charges.

Think cash. That's what my mother used to tell me all the time. However, I kept on seeing these promotions online and thought of maybe trying out SPayLater for a change, and see whether it's worth it or not.

Before we start, I would like to let you know that I am not a financial expert or affiliated with Shopee so everything I say is based on my experience or what I have encountered.

WHAT IS SHOPEE SPAYLATER?

It's like a payment method/service provided by Shopee wherein qualified users can use this to pay for purchases at a later date. This is good if you don't have cash on-hand or you find it uncomfortable to pay first before getting your purchases.

Users have the option to settle payments in installment basis - you can choose to pay on your chosen due date (every 5 or 15 of the month), pay in 3, 6 or 12 months. Of course, the longer option you choose, the higher the interest rate will be. If you failed to settle on your due dates, late fees would also apply. There might be consequences as well such as suspension of your account or limit to Shopee services and vouchers.

Credit limit is up to P50,000 monthly depends on your approval. When I signed up, I was approved with a P10,000 credit limit. I think the expected monthly salary disclosed during application as well as your account history has something to do with the approved credit amount. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

For more information regarding SPayLater, I've included some screenshots here, which you can also easily see on your Shopee app.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR SPAYLATER

To be honest, it took me several tries before I get approved. I am not sure what exactly went wrong on the first few tries - it could be my I.D.s or some information I must have typed in wrong. Then about less than a couple of weeks ago, I gave it another shot and was finally approved. I started buying groceries and a few things I need using SPayLater.

HOW TO USE SPAYLATER

It's very easy to use this service from Shopee. You just have to do the usual shopping and just select SPayLater as the payment method uponchecking out. If you are not ready to pay the item in full, choose from the monthly installments that are available. I always choose BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) because the interest rates and processing fees will be lower.

INTEREST RATES

BILLING CYCLES

You have two options to choose for your due date. You can consider your payout date (if you are an employee) before choosing what's best for you. I chose 15th of the month though because...uhmm, no particular reason. :D

HOW TO PAY YOUR SPAYLATER LOAN

HOW TO PAY YOUR SPAYLATER LOAN IN ADVANCE

As much as possible, I'd like to pay for my purchases ahead of time so I don't have to worry later on. It's a personal preference but that's what I usually think. I don't like COD as well because I prefer cashless payment. I get impatient too while waiting for my bill which I can only expect to come at least 10 days prior to my due date.

I was only playing around when I found out I could pay my SPayLater loan in advance. I included some screenshots down below. I found out that every time you receive an order paid with SPayLater, it automatically accumulates on the upcoming bill amount which you can pay in full even if it's not your due date yet. I like doing this so as to increase my credit limit back up again and avoid expensive bills when it's already almost my due date.

NOTE: There are lots of payment methods to choose from to pay your loan. It doesn't have to be Shopeepay. I just like to keep some cash in my Shopeepay account just in case I need to buy something.

 

 

  

  

 

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I find Shopee SPayLater convenient to use. The application only takes about 5 minutes as long as you have a valid I.D. and make sure you follow the instruction properly, supply all valid information and fix yourself for the facial verification part.

I haven't been able to use SPayLater for a long time yet but so far, I enjoy using it most especially because of the vouchers only exclusive to SPayLater users. I noticed that they give out vouchers from time to time wherein users can take advantage of 20-100% cashbacks, capped at around 75-350 coins.

Imagine the amount of coins one could earn and use for future purchases! I'm easily swayed by these cashback promos and I'm not sorry at all. Haha!

It was too hot these days so I decided to buy a pair of cotton boxer shorts for women. They were on sale for about ₱‌159/ea. The total was ₱‌292 for the pair (applied free shipping and coins) and I got some cashbacks worth ₱‌200 (because of the 100% cashback voucher capped at 200 coins). Including the rates/fees for this particular purchase, I paid ₱‌303.71. So hindi na 'ko lugi, right?

Yesterday, I received one of my orders from last week - an OPPO Band B1 Watch - which I got on sale for ₱‌1099. I got it further discounted because of an SPayLater voucher where I got 400-peso off my total purchase. Imagine the savings. I only paid ₱‌699.35 for my loan.

I assume that we'll encounter less and less of these types of promotions in the future, so you know it when they say, "enjoy while it lasts."

I just had a minor issue with SPayLater so far and this is with regards to the interest/free shipping vouchers. Take this one for example. Say I am to buy this earrings which costs around ₱‌589...

I noticed that if I choose a free shipping voucher with the ShopeePay/SPayLater label, I'll pay ₱‌653.85 for my loan (please see screenshots below). If I choose a different shipping promotion though without SPayLater on it , I would only pay ₱‌612.27. It appears misleading to me because how come they are providing free shipping vouchers, yet it seems like I'll have to pay for them through loan? This is just an observation and I don't think it's a technical error either. I've been trying these shipping promos with other products too in my cart and there's really a difference on the loan amount. It doesn't make sense to me at all. If you have an explanation for this, please enlighten me.

SAMPLE SPAYLATER VOUCHERS

Screenshot below shows examples of the the promotions offered when you utilize SPayLater. I would say that it's a convenient and practical way of paying for purchases online and I would definitely continue using the service. From time to time, they also offer 0% interest on certain products. I'm kind of excited for the next big sale and see what kind of offers I can take advantage of!

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Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil 30ml Review

Here's another product review that is long overdue. Today, we'll talk about Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil 30ml. This was given to me by my aunt from Canada and I have been using it since January of this year. This is the first time I'm going to use a skincare product from this high-end brand.

I don't know much about Emma Hardie, so I checked the site and found out that this facial oil alone costs about ₱‌2,900. I rarely use and buy skincare products this expensive so thanks to my aunt, I get to try it for free. :D

According to the packaging, Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil is a light-weight, multi-active everyday facial oil complex, containing 9 essential oils of Palma Rose, Orange, Mint, Vanilla, Geranium, Camomile, Lemon, Rose and Lavender that help to condition, hydrate and smooth the skin's texture.

Also includes 5 plant oils, Grape Seed Oil, Apricot, Almond, Olive Oil and Sunflower Oil that contain Omega 3, to help restructure the skin and promote elasticity and moisturize. Also including the unique Camelina 'Gold of Pleasure' oil for its powerful anti-oxidant properties to protect the skin from free radicals.

I am quite overwhelmed with the abundance of oils in this single luxurious tiny bottle of skincare. On  the other hand, it made me more excited to try this product knowing that my skin will absorb such goodness.

This was basically the first time I am trying out a facial oil ever so I am both scared and excited. I have very oily skin, characterized with very large pores and am also acne-prone. I had bad experience with oils before where I use them for a DIY mask and my skin just ended up with clusters of pimples all over. It was a terrible breakout, so then I promised not to slather oil on my skin ever again. And then the era for oil-based products became a trend and I knew for a fact, that at one point, I had to try again. And probably, hope for the best.

INGREDIENTS

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Geraniol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citronellol, Linalool, Bht, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citral, Farnesol.

Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil can be used on its own but you can also mix it with other products such as moisturizer and foundation.

The product has a golden color, comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. The scent is very citrusy. I don't exactly hate it, but it's too strong for my liking and very perfume-like.

Product has a runny consistency, spreads well and evenly on the skin and leaves a shiny, hydrating layer. Well, it's oil basically, so I kind of expect it. It feels light and non-sticky on its own, but when mixed with moisturizers or other products, it becomes a bit greasy. I have very oily skin so you can only imagine when my natural oils mix with this product. LOL. I could afford looking like a slick ball at night, but obviously not when I'm out. I think this product will be really beneficial for those with dry skin though.

This product makes foundation easier to spread, but my skin tends to look a lot oilier during midday. My foundation seem to move around as well and build up on the folds of my skin. It's hot and humid here in the Philippines so that's also another factor that affects the longevity of the foundation I wear. 

I don't want this product to go to waste, so I had to endure the oiliness of my face whenever I use this. I know that oils are good even for those with oily skin too so tiis-ganda lang talaga.

On the brighter side though, this facial oil didn't cause my skin to breakout. I also noticed that it helps with redness and smoothening out existing blemishes. I like how it keeps my skin looking glowing, smooth and supple whenever I wake up. A very small amount is more than enough for my entire face and this bottle would surely last me for ages.

It's been 3 months now, and my bottle is still about half-full. I don't regularly use this product now because I have serums and moisturizers that I am currently road-testing. However, on days when my skin feels tight and in need of extra moisture, I tend to seek the help of this product.

I haven't used any facial oils before so I have nothing to compare it with. It isn't exactly a favorite or a holy grail, but I still recommend it if you are looking for a facial oil that's light and would help moisturize your skin and make it look healthier.

Well-moisturized skin is the one of the primary keys in younger-looking visage and Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil has lots of beneficial ingredients that targets skin aging.

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3 Shops I Am Buying Affordable Freshwater Pearl Jewelries Again

Pearl jewelries are old trends and I personally think that every woman should have them in their closets. They are classic, timeless pieces that you should invest on.

When it comes to pearl jewelries, there are varieties to choose from such as White and Golden South Sea, Tahitian South Sea, Japanese Akoya and Freshwater Pearls. Freshwater Pearls are cultivated pearls, created with mankind intervention and are way more plentiful as they can grow in lakes, streams, and rivers, thus cheaper in value. They are a great substitute for the more expensive variants but still as beautiful and lustrous in their own way. Each pearl has different personality and since they are created by nature, no two pearls are alike.

In this post, I'd like to recommend three shops where you can buy gorgeously-made freshwater pearl jewelries if you are from the Philippines. There are three things I consider before choosing them: price point, pearl and craft quality and flexibility of the shop to accommodate special requests and customization.

THALASSO SHOP

This is the first local brand I've known that makes freshwater pearl jewelries. I have come across their Instagram shop after seeing a sponsored post and that began my interest in pearls. They use either silver or gold setting stainless steel hardware in most of their crafts, but they also sell jewelries made of sterling silver and gold-filled hardware.

Stainless steel are commonly used in jewelry making, and with proper care, they could last for a long time, making them durable and cost-efficient substitute for more expensive metals.

Thalassoshop does customize length  and designs too for that more personalized vibe. For special requests and quotations, you can send them a direct message on their Instagram or Shopee account.

I have bought a lot from this shop already - some were given away but mostly for personal use. I like that they have good quality control despite the affordability of each piece. Also, the quality of the pearls being used are not 100% blemish-free but still beautiful and lustrous. Their jewelries are for preorder so you must be ready to wait for up to two weeks to get your item.

Margarita Choker Necklace - 750php
Ahtisa Chain With Rice Pearl Charm Necklace - 550php
Denise Rice Pearl Hoop Earrings - 430php
Oxana Gold Hoops Dangling Pearl Earrings - 430php

MY TOP PICKS

It was hard to pick which three I loved the most, so let me just add one more please. The first one is a choker type of necklace with approximately 4mm corn-shaped pearls with 14k golf-filled spring clasp lock. It was customized to about 15 inches length because I'm into chokers these days lol. 14-15 inches necklaces are best for my neck size.

Then, I also got the chain necklace with tiny rice pearls that are slightly peachy in person. Length was customized to about 15.5 inches and also in tarnish-resistant setting. I think this one is perfect if you are into layering jewelries.

I also chose two of my favorite pearl earrings up to date. One is a hoop earring with 14k gold-filled hardware and tiny white rice pearls. They are the perfect basic pearl earrings that screams B.E.A.C.H. And then I have another pair which I think I could wear casually or formally - a twisted gold plated stainless steel designed with dangling pearls. I like that I could remove the pearl and reattach it depends on the look I am trying to achieve.

JIUZHEN FRESHWATER PEARL

I was planning to feature all-local shops, but Jiuzhen deserves a spot in my most recommended. I have bought several jewelries from different local shops but some of them I honestly didn't like. The quality of the pearls are not very nice - have lots of fish bites, rough textures and broken parts. Also, some of the metals used are already tarnishing with only a few uses.

I recently bought some pieces from Jiuzhen. Their shop is situated in China, which is the world's largest freshwater pearl market. By checking their Shopee account, I found out that they have their own pearl farm. The brand was founded by 3 girls, with the support of their aunt, who's been in the pearl farming industry for decades.

Their designs are truly unique and eye-catching and most items, if not all, are hand-crafted beautifully as advertised. The thing with most of my purchases from overseas - they don't look like on pictures. With Jiuzhen though, there's barely any room for disappointment. I still have a few more in my cart and would certainly buy them once I got some funds.

The items are also made to order and since shipping is from overseas, you should expect more delays before you get your parcel. I swear that waiting time is worth it.

Baroque Pearl Choker Necklace - 360php
Rice Pearl Twisted Double Layer Necklace - 725php
Dainty Pearls Floating Sterling Silver Necklace - 408php

MY TOP PICKS

One of my favorites is this very affordable natural baroque pearl style choker necklace with 14kgf lock which originally was 40cm in length, approximately 15.6 inches which I requested to be cut down to 15 inches. The distinct characteristic and shape of each pearl is so rare and beautiful when put altogether as a necklace. For me, this is a must-have and for only 360php, you can't go wrong with this!

Then, I have the second one - a double layer twisted 3-4mm rice pearl necklace in 36cm length and has a 925 sterling silver lock and extension. The rice pearls on this necklace are so high quality, very lustrous and smooth indeed. Price is just right for the quality. I can't wait to wear it on a formal occasion! Both necklaces are great for stacking too.

The third necklace is what I have been looking for quite a while - a dainty 2.5-3mm pearl stack floating necklace in sterling silver chain. I also like that there's a needle pin that you can adjust to make the necklace shorter or longer. This is such a must-have too, you guys!!!

MACASNAIE COLLECTIONS

Is it just me or their brand name is really hard to pronounce? I am not sure how long they have been in the industry but given the limited number of ratings, they might be somehow new, at least on Shopee. I also noticed that they might need a bit more help in the marketing aspect.

What I love about this shop though is how responsive the seller is. One time, they delivered a wrong item and so I raise my concern and seller told me to keep the item as a gift. She said that she would just send me the correct order without me having to pay anything extra from item to shipping. How cool is that?

Macasnaie Collections is also a dealer of genuine Freshwater and South Sea Pearls Jewelry in the Philippines and they also customize based on customer's requests and preferences. Shipping time and preparation is shorter compared to the other two shops yet so far, I got items that met my expectations.

Round and drop-shaped Pearl Earrings - 350php
Double Drop-shaped Dangling Earring - 350php
Black and White Pearl in Chinese Strings Bracelet - 150php/ea

MY TOP PICKS

The first drop earrings was absolutely beautiful. Handcrafted in gold plated stainless steel setting, it's hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant too. I like everything about it, the size is just right and it just looks absolutely charming when worn. The chain part is removable just in case you would just like to wear a single pearl on both ears. Pearls used are so shiny and almost blemish-free. Did I say that it's only 350php? Seriously.

The second one is a pair of double drop-shaped dangling earrings in stainless steel silver setting. Just like the other one, pearls are full of luster, smooth and just simple-looking. It's great to pair with the most casual outfits.

I am not sure how you call braided bracelets like these but my mind says Chinese strings lol. I remember back when I was in grade school, my classmates and I would purchase nylon strings like this and would just make them into braided bracelets. Seeing these brings me back to my childhood.

The addition of a baroque pearl at the center is a really nice touch. I actually love the dark one the best! The shape and the ombre shade is truly one of a kind jewel created by nature. I would probably wear these bracelets on the beach!

I really enjoyed sharing with you this small collection of items I've been loving lately. Please do tell if you know other shops that sell amazing handcrafted pearl jewelries and I will definitely check them out!

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