Have you ever experienced having problematic cystic acne that you just can't get rid of no matter what you do? Well, I've had! The best part though is that I was able to get rid of them without going to facial clinics nor using strong facial products! 

I'll share with you a back story if it's okay with you:

In 2006, when I was 16 years old, my acne problem had started, stressful college life full of sleepless nights did NOT help at all. That awkward stage lasted me for about 6 f*ckin years, yes until 2012! Yeah, it's true, my college classmates who were talking bad about me and my problematic skin behind my back can attest to the truthfulness of that fact. Hahaha! *insert evil laugh here*

I used to hide my ugly pimples and scars with make-up almost everyday because I felt so embarrased in having them. Little did I know that the cosmetics (and hair care products) that I used were some of the reasons why my acne problem was being triggered.  Not to mention, the facial care products that were being recommended to me by the dermatologists and other people never worked. That is because they were full of harsh chemicals that were too strong for y sensitive skin type. And just so you're curious, yeah I tried different derma clinics, spent thousands of money just to no avail. 

And one lucky day, I stumbled upon KSA stall, found a moringa w/ glutathione soap on sale for only Php 25. I tried it out and lo and behold, my pimples started drying up! And that, my friends, is how I found the effectiveness of herbal, natural and organic skin care, since then I never went back! (Oh, just so you know, I tried looking for that certain said soap, but I never saw it again. Sigh.)

Here's a barefaced photo of me. I still get 1-2 pimples during my monthly period, that's it. I no longer have a severe acne problem yet I was left with atrophic acne scars (ice pick and boxcar) on my cheeks and nose that can''t be fixed by topical facial care products. I was told to get a fraxel treatment from a professional dermatologist to fix them, I'll try it soon!

​Too bad, I lost those photos of me when I still had severe acne (I guess, I deleted them all since I hated it before!)

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Anyway, here are my personal favorite organic and facial products (usually sold as a set) that are tried-and-tested by me. These are all handmade in the Philippines being sold by local brands. I am proud to say that Filipinos are able to produce such effective products, since then, I no longer spend too much on expensive imported skin care products for I have these already!

TAKE NOTE:
I was not paid monetarily to give excellent feedbacks about these products even though some of them were sponsored. All reviews that I write are always true and honest, no bias! I would not say that a product is effective on me if it is not. Check out the hashtag #KrishxFacialCare in Instagram to check out my microblog reviews.

Now let's start!

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Skin Beautanicals Arbutin Set
(sold with toner, day cream, and night cream)
(I used this set along with this brand's collagen serum, miracle oil serum, and claire blanch soap)

I am strongly satisfied with this set! There are only a very few facial sets that is perfect for my sensitive acne-prone skin. It is great since it lightens pimple marks and prevents breakouts from re-occurring BUT if you keep on using other products that trigger the breakout like makeups and other products you're not "hiyang" with, it wouldn't be able to stop the acne even if it helps in healing them faster. Be mindful of what touches your face!

You may order this online at 
http://www.skinbeautanicals.com/

or visit their Instagram account:
www.instagram.com/skinbeautanicals
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Natura Organics Timeless 24K Gold Reform System Set
​(Peeling Gel and Skin Rejuvenator Essence)

As an exclusively breastfeeding mom, I gotta make sure that my daily skin care regimen is safe for the baby yet effective for my skin type as well!

Natura Organics Timeless 24K Gold Reform System Set (Peeling Gel and Skin Rejuvenator Essence) brings skin to its optimum potential for health, balance and beauty; with 24 carat fibers that is biochemically compatible, meaning our cells have the receptors to recognize the compounds which can be easily absorbed and metabolized into the cells.

I use these two products alternately every night for a month. I believe that after which, you should rest your skin from using this for the mean time and use a different facial set. The ingredients used here are potent that is why. 

The Peeling gel (packaged in an injection-like container) is used once or twice a week, and on other nights I apply the Skin Rejuvenator Essence (one golden capsule per use). Aside from their pretty golden appearance, this is what I like about them:

PROS:
- feels light on the skin, non-sticky and non-greasy;
-gentle on my acne-prone and sensitive skin;
- gradually lightens pigmentation from acne marks;
- gives my face a radiant and luminous glow even without makeup on;
- since I'm "hiyang" with these products, I rarely get pimples now.
- made with vegan, organic and natural ingredients.

CONS:
- nothing about the product per se, but I think the packaging for the peeling gel can be improved since during the first few uses, the product easily spilled out when I opened it. It would be nice to put them in a more secure packaging to avoid product waste and spillage. ​

Visit their website:
http://naturaorganics.ph/

or follow their Instagram (to see more posts and reviews):
www.instagram.com/realnaturaorganics
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​
Elella Ginseng Therapy Facial Set
(Deep Cleansing Foam, Toner, Refreshing Gel, Emulsion, and CC Cream)

After using skin brightening or whitening products, it is a must that we rest our skin from using them after finishing a certain skin-lightening regimen to prevent our facial skin from becoming too thin and sensitive which makes it even more prone in getting sunburnt and developing melasma.

I use Elella Ginseng Therapy facial skincare set for maintenance. The ingredients are mild and gentle for everyday use.

The Deep Cleansing Foam thoroughly cleanses my skin without leaving it dry and itchy. The Ginseng Therapy Toner effectively removes dirt and other residues (if there were any) without stinging my skin unlike the other chemical-based toners.

The Ginseng Therapy Gel soothes my skin whenever it feels irritated, wounded or when I get breakouts. It feels so cool on the skin, I like using it during the hot weather! I can use it not only on my face but on my body as well which makes it multi-functional. The Ginseng Theraphy Clarifying Essence hydrates the skin well. It feels light, non-sticky, and non-greasy, perfect for those who have oily skin types!

The Ginseng Therapy Perfect Face CC Cream has SPF 21 which works not only as a tinted moisturizer but also as a sun protection! The texture is smooth and gets easily absorbed by the skin. It provides a light coverage that can even out the uneven skin tone.

You may visit their store at Beauty Essentials by Eren McKay
located at 2L FISHER MALL, Quezon Ave., Quezon City

Visit their website at:
http://www.erenmckaybeauty.com/

or their Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/beauty_essentialsbyem/
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​Natura Organics  White Reform Facial Set
with Hydra Bright Supercharged Facial Scrub

Last 2015,  I had an allergic reaction from using a different facial set that caused my face to breakout! Well, that's the downside of being a beauty blogger, when you try a new product and don't get hiyang with it, good bye clear skin! I decided to change my regimen then by using this set and I was happy w/ the results - no more breakouts!

Here's Natura Organics Dream White Reform Facial Set with Hydra Bright Supercharged Facial Scrub which I used this set for 5-6 weeks. 

Power Bright Tonic
-is a very mild toner (doesn't sting!) that gently yet thoroughly cleanses my skin removing excess sebum, dirt, etc that was left after washing with soap. I put some of it on my palm and directly apply it on my face to absorb all the organic ingredient goods in it!

Miracle Fluid
-Every night, I apply this generously on my face. It looks oily at first but it's okay. It moisturizes my skin very well and I wake up w/ a certain glow on my face! My skin felt softer, smoother and firmer to the touch!

ReVive Power White Night Cream
-I get an instant luminous whitening effect on my face everytime I use this! I love using this moisturizer because the texture is soft and the consistency is balanced: not too light and watery, and not too thick and heavy on the skin, just right! It effectively moisturizes my skin without that greasy feeling!

Hydra Bright Supercharged Facial Scrub
-this fruity-smelling product applies like a dream on my face! The scrub beads are so gentle to be rubbed on my face yet rough enough to exfoliate dead skin cells! You can really experience a scrubby dubby feels with this scrub w/o the worry of scratching your skin! After using this, my face feels smoother and looks brighter!

All-in all, I am IN-LOVE with this set: they totally stopped my previous breakouts and they gradually lightened the dark spots left behind! The acne scars were no longer that obvious since I used this! It helped in maintaining my fair skin tone as well. I can really say that I am "hiyang" and truly satisfied with this set!

​Visit their website:
http://naturaorganics.ph/

or follow their Instagram (to see more posts and reviews):
www.instagram.com/realnaturaorganics

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PRODUCT COMPARISON SWATCH
​
Natura Organics Revive Day Serum Sunblock with SPF50
vs.
Skin Beautanicals Rejuvederm Sun Protection

For casual days when I didn't have to wear heavy makeup, I love using organic tinted moisturizer/sunblock that evens out my skin tone w/o the heavy feeling that usual makeups give. Here are two of the products that I use to make my skin look better that still gives my skin a breather.

Natura Organics Revive Day Serum Sunblock with SPF50
- it hydrates and protects my skin from UV rays,
- It also has age defying, brightening, blemish corrector and oil control properties. - it instantly evens out my skin tone and gives a light coverage, perfect for fair-skinned women,
- the texture is light and a little bit watery,
- the color has a bit of pinkish tone in it that is easily blendable on the skin.

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Skin Beautanicals Rejuvederm Sun Protection
- it has SPF60 that prevents sunburn
- the consistency is light but is thicker and heavier than Natura Organics'
- the formula dries faster so applying it swiftly is a must for an even application,
- it has a yellowish undertone that can be used for neutral-warm fair to medium skin tones

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Rose-C Botanical Glow Boosting Facial Set
(facial gel cleanser, spritz toner, serum and face creme)

Facial Gel Cleanser 
This isn't the usual cleanser that produces soapy and bubbly effects. The formulation of this product has a silky feel that produces very little bubbles yet it is effective in removing dirt and makeup residues. It has tiny bits of fruit beads that helps in mild scrubbing.

Spritz Toner
Feels mild: no stinging, redness and irritation felt. The texture is just like rose water yet it thoroughly removes left over makeup and deep-seated dirt leaving my face feeling light and.ultra-clean! It smells light like roses.

Serum
- Two pumps of this is enough for my face and neck. It is easily absorbed by the skin and it leaves my face feeling a lil bit more firm than usual. My face and lips feels deeply moisturized without the sticky feeling. It smells like roses too but a lil bit on the sweet-sour side, nothing bothering for me. (Keep in a cool, dry place. Avoid heat which can make it smell like patis or something.)

Face Creme
- light-weight, non-sticky, non-greasy and easily absorbed by the face. It has SPF15 and instant whitening effect after application. The white cream blends easily and doesn't leave awkward streaks unlike other sunblock. It's safe to use under makeup, it doesn't affect any cosmetics application. It is moisturizing enough to make my face look healthy without making my face look oily! It smells like rose-scented detergent at first though but the scent goes away after a minute.

Visit their website at:
http://www.thehappyorganics.ph/

or follow them at their Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thehappyorganics/
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Absynthe Beauty Emu Oil

 Absynthe Beauty's Emu Oil is a pure fully refined emu oil that claims to be 100% good and beautiful!

I have been using this oil on my face, tummy, hands and feet and I love how it moisturizes my skin without the greasy and sticky feeling! A little goes a long way too so this 30ml bottle lasted me for a few months. I use this day and night after putting on toner. 

Visit their Facebook:
http://www.thehappyorganics.ph/

or follow their Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/absynthebeauty/

Aside from using these products, I also make sure that I am mindful of the food that I eat (allergic to seafood), toothpaste, hair care and cosmetics that I use, taking note of the brands that caused me breakouts and allergies in the process. My skin may not be as flawless as the other fair-skinned people for I still suffer from the atrophic acne scars that were caused by my previous severe cystic acne problem but I am hoping that a fraxel treatment can finally fix it. I am happy with my facial skin now, in spite of the flaws, for I no longer have to battle with stubborn pimples. i just have to maintain it with organic and natural facial care products.

REMEMBER!!!
This review is solely based on my personal experience. The results of using any skin care products may vary from person to person so I am not giving others a 100% assurance that this may give similar results to everybody. However, since these products were effective for me, I still recommend using this product to others who are having the same problem that I had before because it MIGHT work on them as well, hopefully.

To see more of my microblog reviews about local skin care and cosmetics, check out my Instagram:
www.instagram.com/iamkrishenriquez

​Let it go! Let it go! Frozen fans anyone?!? What I've got here is the limited edition Happy Skin x Disney's Elsa & Anna Moisturizing Matte Lippie Set!

The shades of these lippies exactly resemble the cartoon characters' lipstick colors in the show! Just wow! Here are the swatches:

Was there a moment when you ran out of ideas on what else can you give to your loved-one on a special day? Like birthdays, monthsaries, anniversaries and other what-have-yous?

Well, fret not for Early Gift is here! They can make delicious breakfast foodies that are nicely packaged and beautifully arranged in a basket with other decorations! You may choose what you like from their menu.

On my baby shower last October, it was delivered to me inside this pretty white wooden box with pink flowers and a pink balloon! How lovely!

​So what do we have here for breakfast?

For the main course, I got Tequenos, a Venezuelan dish made with flour and deicious meltin'dish! Oh, did I mention that it was cooked and prepared by a lovely Venezuelan lady? Yes, it was!

​They serve 6 pieces of these, but my toddler already took one and bit the other one. Hehe! According to him, masarap daw!

For dessert, I've had Quatro Leches Cake in Choco Leche. It tastes like chocolate cake mixed with vanilla ice cream! Not too sweet, not too bitter, just right for my taste buds!

And I've got this refreshing cold lemonade drink with mint, grenadine, and ginger dalandan. It also includes a Mason Jar as a present!

So, that's it! I happily enjoyed all the food inside this basket! I guess the baby who was inside my tummy too loved it!

Here I was with the Early Gift's beautiful owner, Wendy Zambrano! She personally prepares the food that they offer the the menu! And so if you're curious, yes, she's Venezuelan which explains the Tequenos dish I showed you earlier!

Here is their menu, feel free to choose!

You may visit their Instagram account: @EarlyGift

​Do you believe in the supernatural? In the things that can't be seen yet felt by some people with "special gifts"? Well, I do. I believe that there are more bigger and deeper things than what meets the eye.

Yesterday, I had my very first tarot reading experience and I had it done with Mr. Robert Rubin of Mysterium Philippines. I actually didn't know how stuff like these work at first but he enlightened me more about how it is going to be like:

1. He reminded me that the tarot reading sessions that he does don't give out certain details like exact dates, names of people and/or places, lottery numbers, hehe! The images in the tarot cards will show you the signs and he'll tell you the meaning behind those symbols.

2. His tarot reading session will tell you about the general stuff regarding your past, your current predicament, and the possible things in the future. 

3. Tarot reading results should only be considered as a helpful guide in the next steps that you want to do with your life. Take whatever it is that you like and about the negative stuff, well, forget about them or do something about it to prevent that from happening.

So, we started our session. I was asked to part the deck of cards into three and he began the reading for me.

These photos show some of the results that I got during the session. In my case, I only got a few yet big deal aspects of my life that I had to work on immediately. The most important advice that I got is to make time for MYSELF as I had been sacrificing and giving way too much of myself for the sake of others. Well, that was deep!

There were others that are too personal to share but I was told that I have to travel and I gotta do it SOON! Well, well, well, I never told him anything about myself or what I want but I have always wanted to travel without the kids for the longest time already where I can just relax and do whatever I want without someone else telling me what to do. I need to do it for myself because I'm burned out, if I don't, I might get crazy and depressed and I know that his reading is on point!

I think it's time for me to renew my passport then!

The tarot reading session that I had was light, fun, and intuitive yet indeed helpful. Every questions and answers done during the sessions are in full confidentiality so you can ask away anything that you want to know, thrice. Whatever that is, trust that he won't tell anyone about  it.

It gave clarity on some of the things that I have been thinking about long hard enough for the past few months already. It also assured me to accept the kind of person that I am: how I unconditionally care for my loved-ones and how I work and help others. I should learn how to say NO, be firm of what I want and not settle for less, and to be the hard-headed and determined soul that I am. My favorite? Don't let others abuse my kindness no matter who they are: partner in life, parents, siblings, kids, friends, etc.

At the end of the day, my future is affected not by what appeared on the cards nor what the tarot readers said, it will all depend on me and the choices I will make with the information and knowledge that I possess.

For those who are curious, this is the tarot deck that Robert uses for his reading sessions. Actually, he doesn't just do tarot readings, they also offer other services such as hypnotherapy, past life regression, life coaching, and reiki healing sessions. Aside from that, they offer courses for those who want to learn this stuff. Yes, darlings, it is also a school! 

FUN FACT: The woman on the cover of this book is his wife, Sarah

The Intuitive Within hardbound book is being sold for Php 1,500.

Here are some of the things that I found interesting at the Mysterium Philippines office: books and tarot cards for sale, and some other stuff that they use for their other services:

​They believe in crystal healing and its metaphysical properties as well...

And here inside is where the reiki healing sessions take place:

SERVICES:

Tarot session: Php 3,000

Reiki healing sessions: Php 2,000

Intuitive Awakenings course:
Php 5,000 for walk-in
Php 4,000 for early bird
Php 3,500 each if group rate of 3 or more

Reiki Healing course: Php 3,500

Intro to the Tarot Certification Course: Php 6,000 for 6 sessions

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​
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.robrubinreadings.com/

Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/RobRubinReadings
https://www.facebook.com/MysteriumPhilippines

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

​For more inquiries and booking, call them at: 0916-551-1824

Mysterium Philippines is located at Unit M5, Burgundy Place Condominium (behind Bo's Coffee in Katipunan)

I chose the Red & Black Box for it contains the products that I usually want to use most of the time: a wearable day-to-night eyeshadow palette, contouring sticks, an eyebrow pencil, a black eyeliner and mascara, pink blush-on and a red lipstick. 

So here's what I've got for myself:

I am totally digging the Holiday Box packaging: the illustration looks adorable, the box is sturdy and reusable, and there are two greeting cards with cute images!

I also admire how they mix and match the products from different cosmetic brands to compliment each other which makes it easy for me to just pick whatever I need, no-brainer! ​

Here's my #MakeupOfTheDay using all the items in this box:

Now, I'll be showing the products inside one-by one. First is my favorite out of the bunch:

Secret Key Contour Sticks in Shading Medium and Shading Dark

Both sticks have a matte finish that are easy to blend, adhere strongly, and look natural on the skin.

It comes in two shades: Shading Medium and Shading Dark. I applied the former over my hairline while the latter on my cheekbones and jawline.

1. Apply the contouring sticks on your cheekbones, around the hairline, and jawline (nose line too if you like).
2. Blend them well by using a mermaid brush. Tap, tap tap!
3. Apply a translucent powder to set the base.

I love the universally-flattering earthy colors that come in this palette for they are wearabe for day and night use. I can wear them for a professional meeting during the morning and for partying at night!

It also comes with a Clio Eye Palette Dual Brush with flat and round lashes. It's handy since I can use the round end for my entire eyelid and the flat one for blending, drawing fine lines and  sharp lashes!

This eye shadow palette has a decent pigmentation that is easy to adjust, blend and layer over. Those who are just starting to learn how to use eye shadows may find this user-friendly as the colors are neutral and match each colors very well.

The colors, when swatched on the skin, look lighter than how the colors look like on the palette. I like that I didn't experience fall-outs while using this. Maybe it is because I used the brush that came along with the palette which makes the pigments stick on it. 

I am a strong fan of black eyeliners, I just can't live without them! Using one that doesn't smudge easily is a must for me because I have oily hooded lids which means that if I use liners that are not waterproof and easily smudges, I'll be suffering with raccoon eyes the whole day!

I am happy that this eye liner is waterproof and smudge-proof, I can also draw thick or thin lines with this depending on my mood! 

Witch's Pouch Get it Easy Pencilcara in Natural  Brown

As they say, the eyes are the windows to one's soul so it is fitting to decorate its frames beautifully. How our eyebrows appear greatly affects our whole look so if they are groomed nicely, our face will look pretty balanced too. Using a high-quality brown eyebrow pencil will do the trick!

This is how I used this product on my brows. The formulation of the eyebrow pencil is a bit waxy so using a separate clean spoolie is a must to blend the colors really well. I also like how the product don't get easily removed by sweat though it is easy to wash off with soap and water.

1. Brush your eye brows properly.
2-3. Line the edges of the  brows using the pencil.
​4- 5. Fill them all in still using the pencil, leaving the inner part of your brows untouched.
6. Use the eye brow gel mascara to color the inner part of your brows and all over the brows. Use gentle upward strokes.
7. Use a clean spoolie to blend the colors together and to brush the eyebrow hairs ( to avoid the sticky waxy look).
8. Ta-dahhhh! It's done! 

Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in Grapefruit Jelly

​If you want to look healthy and blooming, use a peach/pink blush! The rosy hue will instantly make you look fresh, mimicking an attractive "I-just-had-a-workout" glow!

The shade Grapefruit Jelly has no pearly sheen, only a cute coral pink color! A gentle pat with its lovely puff will supply your cheeks with rosy hue for a lively-looking baby cheeks!

And of course, the whole femme fatale look will never be complete without a classic red lipstick, the most alluring color that reveals you!

Chica Y Chico Matt Lip Mata Hari

It has a no-smudging matte finish, long-wearing vivid color, and a moist, silky texture. It spreads smoothly on the lips without becoming greasy or showing dry dead skin cells on the lips.

So, heres an example of a make-up inspiration that we can achieve using the cosmetics in Althea's Holiday Red and Black Box. Enjoy!