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One of my preferred ingredients in skincare products is caffeine. Why? Benefits of Caffeine in Skincare: * Strong and energizing scent that boosts your mood * Aids in improving your skin *Makes your skin even-toned and smoother gradually if used regularly. * Contains antioxidants that fights free radicals * Has anti-inflammatory properties that lessens redness & inflammation * Helps in reducing the appearance of cellulites because it dehydrates fat cells (keep in mind that it not an alternative to working out and dieting because relying on this alone won't make you lose weight.) Let me introduce to one of my favorites: Bareskin Organics Detox Coffee Scrub!  Ingredients: Coffee Grounds, Natural Minerals, Shea Butter Oil, Activated Charcoal. No extenders added such as salt, sugar, vco or any economy oil. Product Description: Shea butter oil locks in moisture, soothes skin irritations and other skin issues such as eczema and rashes. No need for lotion after bath! While activated charcoal pulls out toxins from the body. This premium scrub removes body stress, and reveals healthier skin through exfoliation. It also helps in fading stretch marks and cellulites. 💆Plus it can be used as a face mask, just add honey! Does not clog pores and reduces dark under eye circles and eye bags. Scent: Raw Black Coffee / Kapeng Barako Price: 100g/Php100, 250g/Php240 and 1kg/P800 The texture of the coffee detox scrub when dry.  Review - Claims vs. Results: Texture: It is made in soft, fine powdery form that feels rough enough for exfoliation yet gentle enough not to scratch the skin. Exfoliation: Rating is 10/10! This scrub effectively removes dead skin cells when being rubbed gently for a few minutes focusing on a certain area at a time. It leaves the skin feeling smooth, clear, and looking radiant as well! Moisturizing: Rating is 6/10. While settling on wet skin, it feels a bit warm. After every use, my skin feels rejuvenated but my skin feels "normal" - not dry, not moisturized, just in the middle. I still have the need to put on lotion afterwards because my ultra-dry body skin type needs more moisturization compared to oily and normal skin types. However, my oily facial skin type seems to get normalized when using this, so technically it helps in "balancing" the skin out? I also don't get breakouts from using this, just keep in mind to rub gently everytime. :) Eyebags and Stretchmarks Removal: Score: 5/10. The size of my eyebags were never reduced and still remained the same after all these years. The texture of the stretch marks on my tummy and hips did not flatten nor smoothen and they still remained the same. However, the discoloration of my stretch marks have dramatically lightened now because of other bleaching soaps and mousse but not because of this scrub. BUT I have noticed though that with weekly use of coffee scrubs for 7 months, the elasticity of my skin on the tummy and hips have gradually improved somehow and that is without exercise (I'm not allowed because of the CS operation). Scent: Score: 10/10! The smell is of real black coffee (nothing synthetic) that awakens my senses! It boosts my mood whenever I get to use this! How the coffee body scrub looks like when rubbed on wet skin:  Conclusion:
Therefore, I recommend this coffee detox scrub to coffee lovers as well to anybody with oily, combination, and dry skin types. Those with sensitive skin types should always do a patch test first to check if there's any allergic reaction or skin irritation. If none, you can go ahead and enjoy the coffee goodness of this product! This product can be bought online in their Instagram accounts: @bareskinorganics and @humblebath_ Hey everybody! I have another skin food to show you that I'm pretty sure all chocolate addicts will love!!! Introducing, El Natura's Brownie Scrub!  Product Description: This organic delicious-smelling skin dessert contains antioxidants, exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, invigorates the skin, and promotes collagen production for healthier and tighter skin. It has moisturizing properties that aids in anti-aging. Ingredients: Real Cocoa Powder from Lanao del Norte in Mindanao, Raw Honey from the mountains of Abuno, Iligan City, Oats and blends of different secret carrier oils. No artificial scents added! Scent: Chocolate Brownie Cake Price: Php 135/ 150 grams and Php 555 for 1 kilogram Review: Honestly, I am a certified chocolate lover hence I have a bias about skin care products that smell like chocolates have REAL chocolate ingredients! I am pretty sure that people who have similar taste like mine will surely enjoy this product too! Remember: This brownie scrub has a semi-dry moist texture, it initially feels dry on the skin but once it gets contact into wet skin, the cocoa powder grounds melts and becomes creamy. HOW TO USE: Step 1: If you bought the 1kg package like I did, put it on a smaller container to avoid the other products from being contaminated. Step 2: Get a handful of the product using dry hands as much as possible. Here's how it looks when the product is still dry:  Step 3: Make sure that your skin is wet before you put the brownie scrub on, otherwise it will fall off. Step 4: Carefully put the brownie scrub onto the skin and gently rub it on. Step 5: Massage your skin in circular motions until the product melts and becomes creamy. Here's how it looks when the product gets rubbed onto wet skin:  Step 6: Let the creamy chocolatey goodness of this brownie scrub sit on your skin for 5-10 mins (or 15mins long if you enjoy the aroma so much!) Step 7: Rinse well until the skin no longer feels sticky.  CLAIMS vs RESULTS:
Moisturizing: I give this a 9/10 score because it was able to moisturize my skin so well during the bath and makes it feel soft and smooth to the touch. However, the downside is that if your body's skin condition is as ultra-dry as mine, your skin will soon feel dry after 10 minutes so it's a must to use a moisturizing lotion afterwards to avoid dryness of the skin - using only this will not suffice. On the other hand, if your body's skin condition is oily, you might not have the need to use a lotion anymore because this brownie scrub's effect will be enough! Exfoliation: I give this an 9/10 score. It was able to exfoliate my skin gently really well. It does not scratch my skin no matter how hard I rubbed it on and it does not sting nor result into redness either. However, since my skin is experiencing micropeeling right now, I have noticed that there were still a few micropeeling parts left on my body that this scrub wasn't able to exfoliate. On the other hand, if you have an ultra-sensitive skin, this product is perfect to be used by you since it is gentle enough and it won't be too harsh on your skin. Anti-Aging Effect for Healthier and Tighter Skin: Well, I do not have any wrinkles right now so I can't tell if it reduces wrinkles BUT this product actually made my skin look radiant and glowing! Therefore, I give this a 10/10 score! After every usage of this scrub, my skin looks rejuvenated and healthy! :) Aromatheraphy: Rating: 10/10. It smells so heavenly, I felt like there was brownies and chocolate cakes inside the bathroom while I was scrubbing this on! So yummy!!!! The smell of this brownie scrub is natural and just right: mild enough for those who have sensitive nose and strong enough for those who want to experience bathing in the smell of chocolates (without making you sneeze)! There were no artificial scents used to boost the smell of this product so it is a plus for those who have sensitive skin that are allergic to synthetic fragrances! Conclusion: Therefore, I can recommend this product to any skincare enthusiasts who loves chocolates! I am 99% certain that most of you will like it one way or another! If you like the effect of this scrub on you, I suggest that you avail of the bigger size of this product since you can save more by doing so! You can buy this product online in Instagram at @elnatura. What happens when real chocolates are made into soap? Of course, both chocolate lovers and organic skincare enthusiasts will definitely love this!!! Introducing, Blushberry Farm's Chocolate Soap!  Ingredients: Real Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Powder, Yogurt, Olive Oil, Coconut, Sunflower, Mulberry, Licorice, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Shea Butter and Pure Goat's Milk. All organic. No water & preservatives added! Claims: * Skin lightening and moisturizing * Aromatherapeutic chocolatey scent Price: Php 165 / 135-145 grams About the product: This organic handmade soap is made of all-natural ingredients and there were no chemicals added which is why it is safe to be used by those who have sensitive skin - even kids, pregnant women and breastfeeding moms! Texture: The size is big enough for a handmade artisan soap and it does not melt easily. While it is being rubbed onto the skin, you will feel the moisturizing oils with a few gentle micro beads. It lathers smoothly but it does not bubble like the other commercial chemical-based soaps yet based on my experience, there is an assurance that soap is an effective skin cleanser. Here is how the foam looks like on the skin:  Claims vs. Results:
Skin Lightening: Yes after every wash, the skin looks brighter and cleaner. It is glowing! However, take note that skin lightening level (making the skin look radiant) is different from skin whitening level (changing skin color). Skin moisturizing: Yes, this soap really delivers in this sense! It will not make your skin dry and itchy unlike other lightening and whitening soaps. After use, the skin feels soft and smooth to the touch. You can feel the oil being absorbed by the skin as well. However, don't expect it to work like an in-shower cream that feels like lotion. Scent: It really do smell like real dark chocolates - none of those synthetic chocolate-scents! During the bath, it made me feel like I am inside the spa because of its energizing aromatherapeutic effects! The chocolate scent is fresh and light - nothing too strong that will make you sneeze. Conclusion: All in all, I am very satisfied with this product, not just because I am a chocolate lover but because this soap delivers to its promises! I give this a 10/10 score and I definitely recommend this to all my fellow chocolate lovers and organic skin care enthusiasts! Always remember though that if you have ultra-sensitive skin, it will always be wise to do a patch test first and keep in mind that results vary from person to person. You can buy this online in Instagram at @blushberryfarm_main or Facebook account: www.facebook.com/blushberryfarm. Hi everybody! Let me show you one of the yummiest fruity-smelling scrubs that I have ever tried! Introducing, Organic Aura's Watermelon Rocks Milk Salt Scrub!  CLAIMS VS RESULTS:
★ Whitens skin ★ Eliminates blackheads and whiteheads ★ Exfoliates dead skin cells while leaving your skin soft and smooth ★ Smells so yummy SKIN WHITENING: I have not noticed any drastic changes in my skin tone when I used this BUT radiant glowing skin is obvious after every usage. In my opinion, it does help in brightening the skin tone because of its exfoliating properties. BLACKHEADS & WHITEHEADS REMOVAL: I don't think it removes the comedones completely. I used this on my face once and it kinda stings and warms my skin a bit so I stopped using that there and used it on my body only instead. EXFOLIATION: I give this a 10/10 score in this part because it was able to remove my dead skin cells making my skin look healthier and glowing! Salt scrubs could be harsh to use by people who have sensitive skin so it is advised to rub and scrub with caution - careful not to scratch and hurt yourself! A small amount of this can remove dead skin cells, no need to apply too much just to "make it work". LONGEVITY: The 150g tub lasts long depending on how many you use in every bath. I started using this during the 2nd week and finished the whole tub just today. I use this once a week, sometimes 2x in a week depending on my mood. It differs for every person anyway. SCENT: It smells exactly like watermelon juice and even after rinsing your body, the scent still remains! It is perfect for summer season because the smell will remind you of the beach, the tropical weather, and the summer seasonal fruits! Just have to remind you though that even if this is organic, this is NOT edible ha! Hahaha! :P HOW TO USE: When using salt scrubs, make sure that your skin is wet already and that you carefully put the salt onto the skin or else, it will fall off the floor. Even if scrubs like this are trickier to apply than the other lulur-type of scrubs, I still prefer this kind since it's full of milky salt goodness that makes my skin softer, smoother, and cleaner! RATING: I give this product a 9/10 score because it was able to exfoliate well although it is a bit harsh to use for my face. The smell is also energizing - perfect for awakening one's senses! You can purchase this in Instagram at @organic_aura for Php 150/ 150g! Anyone wants an "Instant Lightening Soap with Fresh Fruity Scent" all-rolled-into-one? I'll introduce to you one of my favorite bath time buddy perfect for the summer season!  CLAIMS:
This product promises gentle skin micropeeling with added arbutin to prevent formation of melanin. INGREDIENTS: fruit enzymes, arbutin, and papain extracts. SCENT: Summery watermelon scent that lasts hours after taking a bath. PRICE: Php 230/ 120 grams LONGEVITY & HOW TO USE: I was able to finish using the whole bar for 2 weeks (once a day for the whole body, and twice for the face day and night). Each time I use this, I let it stay on my skin for 5 minutes before rinsing. Afterwards, I use the Organic Aura Watermelon Rocks milk salt scrub to exfoliate the micro-peeled skin (1-2x a week), then I soap again with another whitening bar for better absorption of its ingredients. I have discovered that using this combo together boosts and maximizes each product's effects! PROS: At first usage, I was pretty surprised to find out that this soap has an INSTANT BRIGHTENING EFFECT!!! As in, INSTANT! I didn't really expect any soaps to give an instant result because I have tried many whitening soaps in the past that "promise" instant whitening but were not able to deliver it! I am not exaggerating but it is true! I have never experienced irritation and allergic reaction with this soap unlike what I had experienced in some bleaching soaps from the past. It lathers a lot and cleans up the skin so well. CONS: The only downside is that it easily melts. It only lasted me for 2 weeks given that I only use this ONCE a day on my body. It is a bit pricey given its small size and longevity so using this as a maintenance soap can be expensive for some especially students (but of course, that still depends on one's budget!) RATING: I give this soap an 8/10 score because it is effective in micropeeling and lightening the skin resulting to a glowing and radiant look. The only downside is its price and it easily melts. Dark spots? Pimples? Allergies? No problem! Let me introduce to you the products that I've been crazy about: SkinBeautanicals Arbutin Facial Set: The best skin regimen for skin whitening that gently removes dead skin cells, revitalizes and renews with this skin balancing formula.  SkinBeautanicals Organic Arbutin Set comes in a cute eco-friendly gift packaging. It originally includes the Arbutin Toner, Arbutin Giga White Day Cream, and Intensive Whitening Night Cream; but Ms. Roxanne Nieto was very kind enough to add a Snail Soap and a Rejuvederm Sun Protection SPF60 for me to try as well! I feel so grateful! I've been using this since the last week of March this year until now. After one day of using it, my pimples have dried immediately! Wow as in that fast! I haven't tried anything with immediate results like this before! Even the pimple marks have lightened dramatically. I wasn't able to take a "before" picture of me with a big pimple on my nose because just after 2 days of using the set, it dried up completely and the dark mark has already lightened it that it isn't that obvious anymore! My face has this bright glow even if my skin is not as fair as before due to sunbathing and swimming activities when I went to the beach last Holy Week, but still, I notice the gradual lightening effects. So in terms of whitening, it's effective!  The Snail Soap makes my face feel squeaky clean yet moisturized at the same time. No dryness, no stingy feel. It helps in drying up pimples and lessening the skin's oiliness. The soap melts fast if you left it wet and soaking even in a little amount of water but if you are able to take good care of it, it will last for up to 2 months and a half given that you use this only on your face day and night. It retails for Php300 and I can say that the price is worth it!
The Arbutin Toner feels like water but it effectively removes dirt and other impurities. It is gentle enough to be used even by the most sensitive skin because it does not sting unlike other derma-formulated toners. It also aids in lessening oil production and flattening pimples. The Gigawhite Day Cream & Intensive Whitening Night Cream both moisturizes well without the oily and greasy feeling. The consistency is rich yet they can be easily absorbed by the skin. I like the fact that the day cream has SPF already so there's no need to put on more products for protection! The Night Cream's color is light green but when you apply it on the face, it blends well into your skin tone making it look like you have a primer on while correcting uneven skin tone gradually with each use. The Rejuvederm Sun Protection w/ SPF60 is like a BB cream that can be used as a good primer. Perfect for all skin types I must say because it does not cake and has a medium coverage that can conceal semi-dark blemishes. It also blends with my skin tone well. I usually use this alone when I go out to run errands with only a lip/cheek tint for a natural look para blooming pa rin and hindi haggard. For those who have oily skin, it is advisable to put on a loose powder to set the bb cream and mattify the skin. CONCLUSION: Therefore, in my usage of 2 months and a half, I can say that it helped in maintaining the good condition of my facial skin. I rarely get pimples now (only when it's that time of the month or when I mistakenly fall asleep without washing my face and removing all of my makeup). In terms of whitening, the effect is gradual. It is able to lighten pimple marks yet some of what I've had before are still here but it is very blurry now and the marks left behind are no longer that obvious and can easily be covered with concealer. I have never experienced any allergic reaction with this set so yay for that! This set can last up to 2-3months depending on how much product you use up. In my case, although this set worked greatly for me, I have noticed that after 2 months, my face slowly became immune to this set like my new pimple marks do not lighten as fast as before anymore. So I guess, I might have to change products for the mean time and resume on using this after a month or two. I know that I can always go back to using this set in case anything goes wrong or when breakouts start popping up! All-in-all, I can still recommend this to anyone who have sensitive skin and to those who wish to lighten the facial dark spots left by acne. Always remember though that the effects of skin products on each of us might differ so it is advisable to use a patch test on your jawline first. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. But if none, then go ahead, enjoy the benefits of this awesome Arbutin set and hopefully it will give you great results as well like it did on mine! You can purchase this set for Php 1,200 online in Instagram at @skinbeautanicals. Too many red lippies, it's hard for you to choose? Don't worry you'll know each of their differences now!  Here's my Lip & Cheek Tint/ Lip Balm swatches and review! Each products have different texture, finish, etc. So if you are confused which one you should get, read on! The guide might just help you :)  TAKE YOUR PICK: Pinkish, Reddish, Redder, or Reddest?
Left Top: The Happy Organics Lip & Cheek Tint (Php 100) This product acts more like a tinted lip balm that gives off a sheer finish. The color opacity can be improved by adding another layer of the product. Be careful though because too much application can be too heavy, sticky and has the tendency na "magbuo-buo". The moisturizing effect that it can give is great, it can help soften chapped and dry lips. This is perfect to use when going to the gym or running errands when you don't want to look like too made up yet you still want to look like you have a bit of healthy color on your face. When this is applied on the cheeks, it can be a great "primer" for your cream and/or powder blush since they will last longer. Left Middle: Skinpotions Fruit Pigment Lip & Cheek Tint (Php 235) It is made in liquid form with thicker consistency. The color is also buildable. First application gives a sheer pinkish red tint, 2nd application gives a reddish tint, then 3rd application gives an opaque bright red color! Additional layers can make the color pop brighter! Its applicator can be compared to that off a generic nail polish wand so application without a mirror can be quite tricky. It is suggested that you let the first layer dry before you add another layer so the colors can stick better. On the cheeks, the colors can last up to 3-4 hours. On the lips, the more layers you apply, the longer it stays, it can also lasts to 3-4hours as well if you don't eat and drink. The taste is bittersweet, it's not something that you would like to take a taste off but the taste and scent will soon disappear anyway! I think that's also a good reason for you to avoid licking your lips! Left Bottom: Organic Aura Mini Lip & Cheek Tint (Php 70) It is made in liquid form that gives a sheer bright finish. First application gives a pinkish red tint. Adding another layer results to a reddish tint. The size is really small about 1 1/2 inch so it perfectly fits in the smallest pocket and clutch bags! Its longevity lasts up to 1-2 hours if you don't eat, drink, and lick your lips. Doing so can easily remove the product. The taste is similar to a bittersweet fruit, I'd rather not taste it! Haha! Its applicator is very easy to use that even without a mirror, you can still apply it without worrying of staining your teeth. Right Top: Nivea Fruity Shine Cherry Lip Balm (Php 80) It moisturizes the lips really well and it gives a tiny hint of pinkish red tint on the lips although it is not that obvious. The color is not buildable no matter how many times you reapply it. Perfect to use under your favorite matte lipsticks because it will keep the lips hydrated without messing with the lipstick's color. It has a cherry-flavored scent yet it is tasteless. The only downside is that too much product applied can result with cakey product build-up on the lips. Swiping the balm twice on both lips is enough to soften the lips. Right Middle: Skinbliss Beautintful Lip & Cheek Tint (Php 224) Among all the 6 products in this review, this is the CREAMIEST and most opaque lip product! A very tiny dot goes a long way so it is better to use a lip brush and dip it very lightly onto the product to avoid staining your teeth. I don't advise using your fingers to get the product because it will stain and it's difficult to remove! The texture can be sticky like common lip glosses so it is advised to apply it little by little until you get the tint/color that you desire. Its opacity is comparable with shiny rich lipsticks when you reapply it a lot of times. It stays for 3-4 hours on the cheek and longer if you use a primer underneath. On the lips, it stays for up to 6 hours given that you do not eat, drink, and lick your lips, when you do, only a pinkish-reddish tint will be left. There is no bothering scent and taste as well, so it is a plus! :) Right Bottom: Eden's Paradise Tomato Tint (Php 179/5ml, Php 199/10ml) This tint is made in liquid form and it stays on the cheek for an hour or two, you can generously apply using its applicator on the cheeks without worrying of getting too much product (that's why I love bringing this as well)! When it comes to the lips, it stays for an hour or two given that you don't eat or drink. Licking your lips will easily remove the product. The color is buildable as well. One layer gives a pinkish red tint and another layer gives a redder tint, then another gives a richer red. The finish is non-sticky so it is fine if you keep on reapplying to achieve the desired color. About the taste, well it doesn't taste like tomato at all, it is kinda bitter actually but it's tolerable. Because of its wand applicator, it makes it easier for anyone to apply it even withouto a mirror! So bring this anywhere you'd like to go, it will make you look blooming w/o trying so hard! You can buy the Nivea Lip Balm at any drugstores, department store and Watsons outlet nationwide. You can buy the other lip & cheek tints online in Instagram at @skinpotions, @edens_paradise, @thehappyorganics, @organic_aura, and @skinbliss. |
KrishEELA RaiFounder of Astral Crystals.  Archives
June 2022
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