Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream Review

I guess Blogger just became mobile-friendly! I used to not be able to blog through my phone but all of a sudden I now can! Good for you, Blogspot. I’m thinking of switching to Wordpress because I’ve been having too many issues with this site lately - can’t upload new photos and the template layout is changing from time to time. Sometimes, it’s becoming unresponsive. I struggle with design and HTML, you know. I can barely keep up with blogging!

When I started this blog, I thought of it as a channel where it’s like I’m only writing in my diary with no pretenses. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy as long as  I am open and honest. Now it feels like I have to compete with others by buying expensive templates and even a domain of my own. Ugh.

I didn’t realized that I started with a rant. My apologies. Anyway, here’s the last installment (is it?) to our Maxi-Peel review series.

CLAIMS

Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream is a non-greasy, lightweight cream that protects skin from sunburn and hyperpigmentation. It contains SPF20 that shields skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays which contribute to skin damage that can last up to 5 hours. Use Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream during day time when you apply Maxi-Peel Exfoliant Solution at night for added protection during the entire exfoliation process. Re-apply as needed.

SCENT, CONSISTENCY AND EASE OF APPLICATION

This product has an insignificant scent, a bit weird and sunscreen'y but not offensive. It has an opaque white color and a creamy consistency. The cream is quite thicker than sunscreens I would normally use on a daily basis, nonetheless, it still feels comfortable as it dries to a semi-matte finish. Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream isn't the most lightweight sunscreen out there but still lightweight and easy-absorbing on its own.

I've tried other sunscreens that cause makeups to get all patchy. Sometimes, the cream and makeup pill and roll together. Because of the sun protecting ingredients, they can even cause white casts. I haven't experienced those with Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream fortunately. It can be layered under makeup without compromising the coverage. You can also easily apply it on its own whenever necessary and just douse some powder for a fresh look. The white pigment from Titanium Dioxide somehow contributes to instant skin brightening.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream has three UVA/UVB blockers: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino, Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate and Titanium Dioxide - all of which are safe and effective. It also has Glycerin to moisturize the skin and has very little irritants. With regular use, my skin isn't clogged and irritated. This sunscreen is easy to wash off with oil cleansers.

This is an okay sunscreen for me in terms of formulation. My only concern is that it's lacking on the sun protection level. In a tropical country and most especially during summer, I believe that we need to use products with SPF not lower than 35 to make sure we're protected from the sun's harmful rays. This is advisable to be used together with Maxi-Peel Exfoliant Solution which I'm very skeptical about. If the skin is peeling, there's much more need to use stronger sunscreens.

The price is very affordable so if you are a bit tight on budget, this is a good alternative especially effective sunscreens usually comes at a steeper price tag. I just feel more secured in using high SPF sunscreens so I don't think that I'll be repurchasing Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream anytime soon. Splash is a very well-known and reputable brand so I would assume that there's always a place for improvement.

What do you think of this product? Care to share?

Maxi-Peel Sun Protection Cream

Bought for: P28 (15g)/ P45 (25g)

Bought from: Mercury Drugstore

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Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++ Review

Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

Bought for: Free with points | SRP: P374.75

Bought from: Sample Room

Sunscreen is an essential that I couldn't live without. As of the moment, I have about five opened sunscreens which I use alternately depends on my skin needs. It's summer now but it doesn't mean we never have to use it for the rest of the year. Yes, no matter what season or what day it is, I make sure to slather a generous amount of sunscreen for protection. You may not see the need and importance of using it now, but later on, you will thank yourself for preventing premature aging. Using sunscreen daily is one the best ways to combat it aside from eating food that are healthy for the skin.

Today, let's talk about Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++. I'm used and been in loved with the Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF40 PA+++ and Perfecting Shield Tinted Sunscreen  that I lost track how many times I repurchased in the past 2 years. I'm so glad that they come up with a whitening variant with added SPF that not only prevents skin darkening but also helps lighten and maintain the skin tone as well.

CLAIMS

Your whitening journey must begin with expert sun protection. Get superior sun protection as skin becomes fairer with continued, everyday application of Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen! With Niacinamide and Brightening Essence® that lighten skin tone with regular usage. It has SPF 50 and PA++ ensure broad spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. Also with Cell Protect® that strengthens skin’s defense against premature skin aging. It is formulated to be non-sticky and lightweight, water resistant and works as soon as you apply it. Paraben-free. Non-comedogenic. Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist-tested.

INGREDIENT LIST

PACKAGING

Product comes in a tube container for easy dispensing of the product. It's lightweight too so you can bring it conveniently anytime and anywhere you want. Just like all Belo products, they are designed in a way that there's enough room for important product information such as benefits/claims, usage, warning and ingredient list. The cap shuts tight with a click so product doesn't leak or whatsoever.

SCENT, CONSISTENCY AND EASE OF APPLICATION

The product has a very faint scent I couldn't almost distinguish it. It's opaque white in color and has a soft, creamy consistency. It's very easy to blend and surprisingly, it doesn't leave any streaks or white cast on the skin. It also dries quickly. I like that I can use it under makeup and the product won't make the base any cakey or patchy.

PERFORMANCE

Just like all of Belo's sunscreen products, I really feel that my skin is really protected under the sun. I don't see such significant lightening effect after using it for more than a month. To be fair, skin lightening is never easy to achieve and I know it by heart. It takes religious skincare, effective products, a bucket of patience and several months of waiting (possibly in vain) before you see it happen. If you are not very tight on budget, you can opt for food supplements or even undergo chemical procedures for faster results. I said a lot but my point is, this is not that product that you buy to see miracles overnight. On a lighter note, this has a brightening effect on the skin that doesn't look awkward.

I haven't tested nor used it during a getaway but I think staying under the sun in the afternoon (when the sun's at its strongest point) is enough for me to gauge whether or not this works. I remember having a long day when we went to Taytay and shopped for clothes and stuff. After hours of exposure to sun and heat, I went home to Valenzuela (imagine my hours of commute!) and go straight to Post Office to pick up a parcel. I wore it from morning to almost evening and my skin did not darken at all nor felt tight. Another great thing about this product is that it feels very lightweight and non-sticky and it's very comfortable on the skin even after perspiring a lot.

If you are looking for affordable and lightweight sunscreens, go for Belo SunExpert range. All of them are worth the money. These will forever be one of my go-to sunscreens and you'll know it because I always recommend them. Thank you so much for reading! Happy blogging!

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Althea Exclusive: Althea Korea Petal Velvet Sunaway SPF 50+ PA++++

Althea Korea Petal Velvet Sunaway SPF 50+ PA++++

Bought for: Free | SRP: P480

From: Althea Korea

I am so grateful and delighted to be one of those who just got first dibs on the new Althea exclusive item added to the Petal Velvet Line, the Althea Korea Petal Velvet Sunaway. Honestly, this isn't the latest from the entire AEC because they already released a cream mask (on the way to my doorstep) just a few weeks right after the launch of the Sunaway. But here I am talking about it just now. Sorry 'bout that. I just spent the last few weeks doing test runs with products I know I have a lot to say about.

I have recently reviewed  ALTHEA KOREA REAL SKIN DETOXERS IN GREEN TEA AND ROSE and both are absolute must-haves. I honestly swear by these 10-seconds masks that I could even show you a proof  that my tubes are already good as empty by now. I use them every single day and they just keep my skin soft and fresh and always ready for the next skincare step. Now, I couldn't be any happier that Althea Korea gives me, us, another promising product I'd swear by.

CLAIMS

Shield your skin from the sun's rays and give it some petal protection with Althea's Petal Velvet Sunaway! Ultra lightweight, this invisible sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid and Damask rose extracts, ensuring that your skin stays fresh and hydrated throughout the day without any streakiness or a white cast. It has an SPF of 50+ and PA++++, so your skin'll be kept protected all day. As part of the Petal Velvet line, it also contains micro-powder particles that give you a smooth, petal-like complexion.

PACKAGING

The packaging is overall very simple with its white body made of thick, sturdy plastic material and a baby pink cap. The minimal design and feature looks very attractive to me and the pointed nozzle is very functional. It dispenses product easily and gives you a good control over the product. Just like most Althea Exclusives products, it does not display too many information about the product and it's something I wish they can improve on. I like to know what it's made of or the claims to set my expectations.

 

SCENT

This sunscreen smells like Rose, it's very inviting and I like it. I like rose-smelling scents which is why I got attached to it very easily.

TEXTURE, CONSISTENCY AND EASE OF APPLICATION

The products comes opaque white in color and has a runny consistency. It feels a little rough on the skin when being applied and at first, it felt weird. It reminded me so much of NEUTROGENA ULTRA SHEER COMPLETE UV WATERLIGHT LOTION in terms of packaging and product texture but Althea's has finer pigments. It, then, dawned on me that it's probably because of the innovative micro powder barrier feature that is supposed to absorb sebum from the skin. Despite this micro powder system, Althea Korea Petal Velvet Sunaway does not set completely matte. It still leaves a bit of dewiness for a healthier-looking complexion. I would say that it easily applies, blends, and sets to a soft, smooth layer. Not as velvety as claimed but still even and smooth enough without leaving any greasy or glazy layer.

PERFORMANCE

I have been an avid user of sunscreen for years and I have a lot of sunscreen in my stash because they have different finishes that you'll never know when one can come handy. I like a lot of things about this product and one of which is it being a lightweight sunscreen that fits our humid weather in the Philippines. It does not completely balances sebum production but because it's very breathable, my skin does not warm up too easily.  Thanks to the micro powder system! And I need to mention the Hyaluronic Acid too that is still able to hydrate the skin in spite of.

Despite the whooping SPF 50+ PA++++ (which is a pretty decent amount of sun protection), this sunscreen leaves the tiniest bit of white cast that somehow adds brightness to the skin. It sets very thinly too so you can easily layer makeup on top with no problem. It does not interfere with makeup and all.

 

If you are looking for a sunscreen that wears comfortably, safe, provides effective sun protective and wont break the bank, you know what to get. I really love Althea Korea Petal Velvet Sunaway and I'm looking forward to a repurchase. After all, there aren't any adverse reactions from my end! Head over to Althea's website for an additional 10% discount plus free shipping with the code PBSHIP.

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The Newest From Althea Korea: Petal Velvet Sunaway SPF50+ and PA++++

If you are a die-hard fan of Althea Korea's Petal Velvet Powder, here's something you'll love just as much. Althea Korea has been mum about this until just recently when they informed us all that something new from their Petal Velvet line is coming out. I am so lucky to be one of those who got first dibs on and so I would just like to share the good news with you if ever you're missing out.

According to Althea Korea, the new Petal Velvet Sunaway SPF50+ and PA++++ will shield your skin from the sun's rays and give it some petal protection! Ultra lightweight, this invisible sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid and Damask rose extracts, ensuring that your skin stays fresh and hydrated throughout the day without any streakiness or a white cast. It has an SPF of 50+ and PA++++, so your skin'll be kept protected all day. As part of the Petal Velvet line, it also contains micro-powder particles that give you a smooth, petal-like complexion.

There are so many things I love about Althea and one of which is producing beauty products that are cost-efficient with performances that are at par with some high-end cosmetics. With just an initial use, the product ticks off so many things in my what-a-good-sunscreen-is criteria: protection, little to no cast in photography and breathability. I am still putting the product to a test run before I finally give my  thoughts about it so watch out for that.

For the meantime, you may want to visit ALTHEA KOREA to score Petal Velvet Sunaway for 10% off or you may avail the Petal Velvet Set (Petal Velvet Sunaway + a powder of your choice) for 20% off., your choice!

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My First Impression With Hello Gorgeous UV Shield Facial Gel

Hello Gorgeous UV Shield Facial Gel

 Bought for: P250 | SRP: P300

Bought from: Lazada Philippines

When I bought a few stuff from Hello Gorgeous weeks ago, trying out UV Shield Facial Gel is what I am most excited about. I love buying sunscreen products at discounted price tags because...let's admit it, sunscreens are always kinda pricey. This is also the most expensive HG product I bought that day as everything else is below P150. I couldn't help having high expectations from this product especially after reading it's claims and reviews from Beautymnl.

CLAIMS (AS PER BEAUTYMNL)

A natural sunblock with SPF 30 that won’t leave a greasy feeling. Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel texture refreshes and safeguards skin; moisturizes, heals, and protects with antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties from virgin coconut oil; deeply nourishes, conditions, and softens with shea butter; helps minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles as it fights free radicals with vitamin E; effectively shields skin against damaging rays with safe non-nano zinc oxide. Perfect for oily, combination skin.

PACKAGING

Just like the HG Active Gold Facial Mask, it comes in a smaller tub and as usual, the overall design and feature appears attractive to me. It displays helpful information too but I hope there's more. Again, I just have issues with packaging like this because first, it wasn't sealed when I got it and it opens very wide, exposing a large amount of product to air and who knows what bacteria could grow from it. There is no spatula provided so you have to take extra precautions and make sure your hand is super clean whenever you dip it on the product.

As OC as I am, I tend to pay extra attention to jar packaging  as creams and moisturizers are skincare steps you have to let be and something that you don't have to rinse right away (so it stays on your face until you cleanse at night and bacteria might have multiplied before you know it) unlike with masks wherein you only need less than 20 minutes of skin contact.

I don't know if I am making any sense but what I am trying to say is that if ever HG is listening, I hope they can rethink their packaging. Maybe you don't see it closely, but the gel have almost spilled on the side of the tub. :)

SCENT, TEXTURE AND EASE OF APPLICATION

The product smells like baby powder and milk and I really love it. The texture is between gel and liquid and from the looks of it, I know that it will be very lightweight on the skin which is true enough.

Once you apply it on your skin, it felt like this ain't gonna get absorbed by the skin and then it would turn sticky and gradually dries to a very tightening powdery matte finish. The tightening sensation felt weird to be honest because I find it too much. From extreme oily skin, I feel like it has turn dry which is just as annoying as oily skin can get.

As you can tell from the photos below, it has specks of white pigments. I expected them to blend on the skin with the gel but much to my dismay, they failed to do so.

The SPF30 sounds like a decent level of sun protection for regular use which is what I think of when I first purchase it. It was also the first time I ever heard of a gel-based sunscreen. so who wouldn't be  so enthusiastic? They might be around for some time, but being the late bloomer I've always been, I never knew of them until HG. If ever you know good gel-based sunscreens, let me know!

Now I think about it, the only things I like about this product is it's oil-controlling power and being a non-comedogenic sunscreen. Keeps the skin shine-free for about 4 hours WITHOUT ANYTHING ON. You cannot layer it with powder because it's powdery and dry already and you don't wanna mess up and add to the patchiness and white cast it gives. I find this product so hard to blend and there is too much tugging that's going on. You can't even dare to layer foundation on top too without good blending skills nor pre-moisturize because the gel seem to not want to blend in.

So there you have it. As much as I would want to love this product considering it's made of safe ingredients and has good oil control formula, I just couldn't because it's a pain to blend. I don't know about you, guys. Maybe you have acquired tricks or techniques or any suggestions so I can make a better use out of it? I don't know. Just feel free to tell me anything or leave a comment down below.

I am not gonna recommend this by all honestly. I know HG has a lot better to offer and I hope they could improve the product's finish and until then, nope, I'm not gonna repurchase.

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion Review

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion

Bought for: P484

From: Johnson&Johnson online shop

I never ran out of sunscreen in my stash, I could have a lot but trust me, never a few. I even think this is the most important part of skincare that even during I went out at night time, I never forget to apply sunscreen because of harmful radiations from both natural and artificial light sources. My skin is already damaged with breakouts from hormonal imbalance and stress right now and I never want to put it in an even more dangerous state. Which is why, I recently ordered not just one but two Neutrogena sunscreens. Though I only got one (Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion), it wasn't a complete disappointment anyway. I guess I just have to reorder the dry-touch variant.

Claims

Super lightweight sun protection lotion. Effectively blocks out harmful UVA/UVB rays and environmental aggressors with Helioplex; helps prevent pigmentation and skin darkening; formulated with Dry Touch Technology for an ultra-light, non-oily finish; dermatologist-tested, PABA-free, oil-free; perfect for  normal to oily skin.

Packaging

It comes with an accompanying box that displays all necessary information such as claims and benefits, ingredients, directions for use, caution and even the manufacturing and expiration dates. The bottle is quite slim, making it perfect to bring for quick getaways. It comes in white sturdy bottle with a twist cap and a bit touch of dandelion. Indeed, very clean and neat-looking. The bottle comes with a pointed nozzle that dispenses product in small quantity so you don't overdo it.

 

Texture, Consistency and Ease of Application

I already expected the product to have a very fluid consistency given that it's in a lotion formula. I even had a hard time taking a picture of the product of my skin because it slides off easily. I had a good first impression because I prefer lightweight and non-sticky sunscreen because they go well with my oily skin.

As you can see, it comes in a white color liquid that somehow creates a white cast on the skin once applied. It's not as pronounced though as you would think, more like an added brightness to dull skin.  Please do take note that the white cast from sunscreens depends on the amount that you are using. I initially thought it's probably because of the iron oxide and titanium dioxide (which are mainly found in sunscreen products) but I'm surprised neither of these two constitutes to the overall formulation. I am not good in analyzing ingredients and Science doesn't love me much so I'll stop right here hehe.

The good thing about this product though is that it gets absorb by the skin easily, doesn't feel sticky and has that dry-touch breakthrough I'm currently obsessing over with.

Performance

This product claims that it has the Helioplex technology I've only heard from Neutrogena which "represents a breadth of stabilized sunscreen technologies specifically engineered to deliver broad-spectrum, superior protection from UVA/UVB damage." I wouldn't want my sunscreen to have unstable ingredients that will easily oxidize when exposed to heat and light. I haven't noticed any darkening on my skin the past few weeks (no reason for that 'cause I rarely go out) but that doesn't mean I should compromise sunscreen application because aside from the sun, some artificial lights emit UV radiation too. Even if you are indoors, you can't say you are free to wear bare skin so I make sure to apply sunscreen whenever necessary. I am just glad that Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight Lotion is very comfortable to wear alone or even under makeup. It's non-shiny finish yet hydrating formula surely captured me!

To be honest, I think I haven't tested this product enough yet during the afternoon and I only get brief exposure to the sun every now and then so I couldn't tell much about how tough the SPF content is. Using a sunblock with SPF 50 is more than enough though to ensure you are protecting your skin from UV rays the right way. I'm sure that it's a great sunscreen product to use on a daily basis to reduce the risk of you having damaged and darkened skin. There's nothing much of a change in my skin tone ever since I use this and I can tell because my skin can get both burned and lighten easily. I can also tell that this product is gentle enough as it didn't cause me any irritation or breakouts. This is definitely a highly-recommended sunscreen for oily-skinned girls!

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