Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel Mist Review

I woke up very early today which is unusual. It's summer in the Philippines and the temperature soars up to 33° at 8:00 AM. Ugh. I had a hard time sleeping too because of the anxiety I am feeling since I'll probably resume working on the 15th. I couldn't wait to go back because I'm running out of funds but at the back of my mind, I am hoping for an extension. This community quarantine is a miracle in disguise for workaholics like mom and I as we're finally able to get some rest. Apart from that, it scares the hell out of me every time I think of the possibility of acquiring COVID-19. It still isn't safe as long as the antidote is nonexistent.

My apology for the early morning sentiments! By the way, I'm making the most out of my remaining days at home so here's a quick review on a mist that I have been using alternately with St. Ives Yaaas! Face Mist Happy Grapefruit. I've been using the Nature Republic quite longer than the one from St. Ives and it took me a couple of months to give a feedback but later is better than never, don't you think? Haha!

CLAIMS

Ah, how refreshing! Made from 92% Aloe Vera gel, Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel Mist is enriched with vitamins and is great for keeping the skin hydrated, soothed and cool throughout the day. The Aloe Vera used to make this product comes from certified organic farmers in California (CCOF) and is kind to even the most sensitive of skins, making this suitable for all skin types. Whether you like using this to set your makeup or to stay chill on a hot day, this is a definite must-have in your beauty routine!

INGREDIENTS

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (92%), Alcohol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglutamic Acid, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mentha Viridi (Spearmint) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Carbomer, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyester-5, Polyquaternium-51, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Parfum, Disodium EDTA

Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel Mist has three (3) key ingredients namely:  Aloe Vera Extract that soothes, cools and refreshes the skin; Hyaluronic Acid that hydrates to keep the skin plump and elastic and Calendula Flower Extract that improves blood circulation and reduces the appearance of scars and wrinkles.

PACKAGING

Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel Mist comes in a green plastic bottle with necessary information such as the claims, ingredients, directions for use, as well as the expiration date of the product. It comes with 150 ml amount of mist, just like the one from St. Ives but I find this one too bulky and definitely not what I would reach out for travelling. I am also not a fan of the spritz bottle because is dispenses the liquid in droplets rather than fine mists. So you won't end up with soaking wet face, hold the bottle 10-15 cm away or much farther and then fan your face or gently pat it in to absorb the product.

SCENT, CONSISTENCY AND EASE OF APPLICATION

It has a subtle Aloe Vera scent that isn't offensive to sensitive noses. I like it actually. The mist itself is gel-like rather than water-like and it's due to the high AV concentration. That makes it feel more hydrating to the skin. Despite the thicker consistency, it's easily absorbed by the skin.I think this mist is a great priming moisturizer but not as a setting spray. I find that the droplets makes my foundation move around. Those that sprays more finely are much preferred.

PERFORMANCE

Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel Mist is an good product for its price. I like how cooling and refreshing it is and how helpful it can be to dry, thirsty summer skin. In a tropical country, heat is very intense so it's nice to stock up on products like this. Moreover, it is free from parabens, mineral oil, and artificial colors making it suitable for any skin type. I like how it gives me that soft, dewy skin every after application. It's not exactly my favorite mist but it's worth it for its inexpensive price. The best thing - no breakouts! Just don't use it on peeling, broken skin because it might sting a bit.

And by the way, I'm pretty sure that there are counterfeits circulating online so make sure to buy only at reputable stores and resellers. Best sellers always have imitations. The nerves of these copycats LOL. I guess that's pretty much everything. Have you tried Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel Mist? Care to share your thoughts?

Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel Mist

Bought for: P260 (150ml)

Bought from: Althea Korea

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7-Day Mask Challenge with Nature Republic Real Nature Mask Sheets + Review

Nature Republic Real Nature Mask Sheets

Bought for: P30/ea | SRP: P60

From: an online shop

I don't really believe that it really should take 10-steps before we achieve great skin. I mean we live in a country where heat is so extreme, let's bet--our skin will not survive having layers of skin care on without turning like a grease ball. Still, since masks are included in latest skin care trend, I have to try sleeping for 7 days, leaving on some mask prior. For those of you who haven't tried masks, these are made of cotton fabrics drenched in essences or serum that will give you instant boost of moisture and nutrition. As much as you'd love keeping it in a safe place for second use because it's still soaked with essence, don't, as it might already be a breeding ground for bacteria.

I looked for Korean mask sheets online (of course, who's so famous when you hear mask sheets, right?) and found some on sale. I picked the ones from Nature Republic because...err...packaging's cute? And yeah, I just know the brand for a long time now and I haven't used much products from their skin care line other than the Nature Republic Provence Calendula Daily Sunblock with SPF 50.

Packaging

One thing I noticed about these masks are the pops of color used. Don't you just love how it's beautifully designed depends on the variants selected? Also, each sachet is loaded with necessary information like claims, ingredients and directions for use. I took photos of each variant and compile them in one single collage. I do apologize for the inconvenience but you have to view the picture in its original size to catch what it says lol.

There are a lot of variants available at Nature Republic branches but I only picked 7 to use for one week--Cucumber, Tea Tree, Royal Jelly, Tomato, Rose, Shea Butter, and Green Tea--each has their own uses.

Cucumber - moisturizes and makes skin soft

Rose - moisturize and revitalize skin

Royal Jelly - provide nourishment and reduce wrinkles

Tea Tree - soothe and make skin radiant

Shea Butter - nourishes the skin with a luminous glow

Tomato - hydrate and brighten the skin

Green Tea - deeply moisturizes and helps the skin stay moisturized

Texture and Convenience

Once tore open, you'll get the fabric that is folded in two and what's very noticeable is that the fabric is quite much thinner compared to other sheets I have tried before. It also absorbs less liquid due to it's thin texture so once you take it out, you can't prevent some from dripping. The first time I use one sachet, I almost tore the fabric in half while I was trying to spread the sheet onto my face. I did know better the next time though.

One good thing about it is that each cloth is well-soaked in serum that you will have plenty amount of left overs to apply sufficiently on other parts of your body like neck, arms, legs and feet! Seriously, the amount is enough to cover the whole body! Also, it is so drenched with fluids that it perfectly adhere to the skin without falling off even though I move carelessly. I do have chubby cheeks and wide forehead but the mask covers the entire skin and there's even slight excess for those with larger face shapes! The cut-outs on the eyes, nose and mouth are placed properly to allow me to move even though I have the mask on. Good job!

Scent

Scent differs depends on variant but they aren't strong enough for me to say they have funky scents. I just don't like the Tea Tree among all 7 scents.

Performance

To be honest, I did not notice any significant differences on what they do to my skin each night. They are all very hydrating, brightening but yields different levels of stickiness and moisture. Some feels awfully sticky and greasy; others are tolerably moisturizing. We all have different skin type so if you are choosing masks, choose the variant that will best suit your skin's current state. If you are more on the oily side and is breaking out, keep in mind to only get the ones that will feel light on the skin--those that are infused with ingredients known not to trigger excess sebum production. Rose, Green Tea and Tomato have the thinnest consistency for me. If you are suffering from dry patches, try the ones that are more hydrating such as the Shea Butter variant.

If you are not particular with how they feel on the skin like me-- who prefers the ones that are mostly found in amazing skin care products, here's a tip you might want to take into consideration. Leave the mask for a good 10 minutes, grab a clean tissue paper and pat it on your skin to absorb excess serum OR sit in front of the air conditioner or fan and let it air dry OR do both. You can also leave the sheet on for how long you like until it's almost dried out and then rinse with water. Your skin will still feel hydrated without too much stickiness. It works for me!

Here's me wearing the mask. Sorry for the face lol.

These mask sheets feel so refreshing on the skin once applied. It instantly eases away day's stress and make my overall complexion looking much healthier and glowing especially after waking up. The good thing about it is that even though I was sleeping for 7 days with slightly greasy face and heavy moisturizer on, I wasn't left with face full of zits or terrible reactions. They did not clog my skin which other affordable mask sheets did. My skin feels plump and I feel like I don't need any more moisturizer for the next few days.

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Nature Republic Provence Calendula Daily Sun Block SPF 50+ PA +++ Review

Nature Republic Provence Calendula Daily Sun Block, 57ml

Bought for: P460 (higher on stores)

From: Althea Philippines

Claims: A daily sunblock for the whole year round for sun protection, whitening, and wrinkle care. With Chamomile and Calendula Extracts which soothe the skin well and its pink base makes the skin one naturally bright and glowing. Rich and fresh formula is free from parabens, mineral oil and artificial colors minimizing the risk of skin irritations and making it suitable for all skin types. Creamy texture is soft and it gives light wearing without stickiness.

Regardless of the time of the day, I know that wearing sun block is a must. That is why even at night, I prefer to wear moisturizers with SPF on it because while sun is considered as the main source of harmful UV radiation, UV lamps, arc welding, mercury vapour lamps etc can also emit UV rays which can accelerate aging and other terrible effects. It's better to be safe than sorry, right?

Honestly, I prefer purchasing foundations with built-in SPF to save time applying two different products. However, I was lured to buying a separate sunblock last summer when I was commuting to Makati from Valenzuela for my OJT. And holy fudge, it was summer when the sun's rays are the warmest so it made me decide to purchase a sun protection product without consulting to blogs prior to buying. I regret it though because using it was a total mistake. Yes, for its price, I was really disappointed. To know why, please keep on reading.

The packaging is really nice as it comes in a tube which allows easy product dispensing. I just don't appreciate the description part which is written in Korean letters. I understand it was made from Korea but users are not only Koreans so why not provide a separate portion where it's translated to a universal language so everybody can understand. Even the back part of the box is useless. Anyway, if you can read Korean, then you have no problem anymore.

Hey! I found this! Thank goodness, the ingredient list is written in English. For those who are an avid user of anything paraben-free, go for this. And if you are very scent-sensitive, I think you would like it as it smells mild and gentle.

To be honest, the thing that I abhor about this product is the consistency and how it looks on my skin. First, the consistency is, yes, soft and creamy, yet thick and greasy. The swatch provided below does not do justice on how shiny it looks on skin because my hands are really dry and are in dire need of moisture. The moment I put the pink-base formula on my face, there is an obvious brightening effect which could look really awkward for me who has a yellow undertone. I try it for the second time and put only half of what I put on the first time but the effect is still the same. Sometimes, I find it quite hard to blend on skin and as much as I want to get rid of the white cast, it just don't happen. I try to think that maybe it is the result of the high sun protection the formula has but it if strives to give me this look, I would be much more willing to switch to a sunscreen that dries to a barely-there finish rather than dewy. I bet there's ton in the market. Products which offer dewy finish do not really go well with my oily skin. It just don't.

I also try to apply this under makeup but it made application quite hard because it results to patchiness. It claims to be light-wearing but I do not really see it as one as it triggers abnormal oil buildup on the surface of my skin and when it mixes with my facial oils... hallelujah. I know you won't want to look like an oil depot, right? With this, I do not recommend it for those who have oily skin. It, claiming to be good for all skin types, is really ridiculous.

Though this did not flare me up nor cause me irritation, I would still prefer not to repurchase. I would still want those who have a lighter consistency and dries to a matte finish with the same claims and benefits. Please be advised that all the things I have said in here are based on my own opinion and experience. Also, who knows some people out there consider Nature Republic Provence Calendula Daily Sun Block a favorite? It just depends on our own preference, okay? Hihi! I'm excited to watch Inlawfully yours on Netflix, so bye for now. Happy blogging!

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?