Jinu Hair Salon

Good news to those who live in the South.  I have finally found the best hair stylist evuh!  Here's the story...(sorry, no actual pictures for today's post...too shy to take pictures of the salon and my new hair style...Hihihi)...

I took a day off from work yesterday to do something drastic to my hair.  I have always had straight hair.  So, yesterday, I wanted to try something different.  I wanted to try being a curly-haired girl.  Off I went to the internet, to search for the best digital perm salon in Alabang.  And so, Google introduced me to Jinu Hair Salon.  It was the first entry in my Google search list.  I actually have read about this salon previously (in Southern Living magazine) but forgot about the details of the salon.  I scanned through the list and clicked on some sites.  All of them claim that Sam, the lone hair stylist of Jinu Salon is a miracle hair worker.  I was convinced with their stories, so I booked an appointment.

The salon looked like one of my neighborhood salons, back in the day.  The decor did not have a theme and it was pretty much simple.  Chairs with mirrors in front and a waiting area.  The salon looked a bit dated but I had high hopes with regards to the hair stylist.

My appointment was at 2 pm but I had to wait a few minutes since Sam was still busy with a client.  When it was my turn to sit down on the chair, I immediately proceeded with telling Sam what I want for my hair.  I told him that I want digital perm with loose curls only if it's wash and wear.  I really don't have time to dry my hair in the morning.  I usually take a shower then rush out of the house with towel-dried (aka wet) hair.  He said that the curls can be air-dried and fuss-free.  He told me what he planned to do with my hair.  He trimmed a little bit and proceeded with the digital perm process.

For those of you have not undergone digital perm, it's actually a very short procedure.  The perming itself (the curl holders are attached to a machine) only took 20 minutes.  The long part is the putting on the chemical (around 30 minutes) and the rinsing of the hair (they shampooed my hair after the haircut, after putting on the chemical and after the digital perm process...my hair got shampooed 3 times!).

And the end result?  Perfection!  I have never seen my hair so alive and bouncy!  I really liked what Sam did to my hair.  He said that I can wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner the very next day.  I don't need a comb/brush to fix my hair.  I just put a lotion-like liquid (like a leave-on conditioner) after taking a bath and just twist the hair...easy peasy.

It has been 2 days since the perming process.  My curls are the same as when I left the salon.  My hairstyle is still wash and wear...although I wash my hair at night and put on the leave-on liquid in the morning and twist the curls.

The verdict?  I highly recommend everyone to try Jinu Hair Salon located at MSA Prime Building, Prime Street, Madrigal Business Park, Alabang, Muntinlupa (in front of CCF and at the back of Citibank Alabang-Zapote Road).  Make an appointment though, because there's only 1 super hair stylist (Sam).  You may call them at (02) 6597242.

Thanks for dropping by!

BC Fragrance 2

Hi guys!  Bernardette from BC Fragrance wrote to me regarding their services for customized fragrance.  Here's what she said...

We read your blog about our brand and we would like to apologize for not including our custom-blending services readily available on our website.

It is actually under our FAQ section but we will just modify the site and put it on the main menu for those, like you, who wish to avail of these services.

If you are still interested in having your own custom-blended fragrance, please read the payment information below:

Blending Information

Kindly fill up and send back the attached questionnaire for the initial evaluation of our perfumers in France.

ALL SAMPLES ARE BLENDED IN FRANCE, not in the Philippines. This takes 3-4 weeks (for sampling) and another 2 weeks for your perfume. However, due to existing development projects with major cosmetics companies here in the Philippines, waiting time may take 6-8 weeks. You will be notified once your profile is being worked on. We will send you 3 samples for your approval within 14-21 working days upon notification.

Payment Information

The minimum charge for Custom-blended fragrance is Php4,500. This includes a 60 minute personal consultation (optional), 60mL perfume and 1 FREE refill. All custom-blended perfumes require a 50% advanced payment. The remaining 50% should be paid in full prior to receipt of your Bespoke Perfume. If you are not satisfied with the samples, you do not need to pay for the remaining 50% if you do not wish to proceed with the project.
Should you decide to pursue the project, you can choose which among the samples you wish to have made. Once you have decided on a fragrance,a final pricing for your fragrance, usually ranging from Php4,500-12,500 per fragrance, will be provided. Your initial down payment will be deducted from this and the remaining balance should be paid prior to delivery. If this is okay with you, we can proceed with this project and we can send you a list of viable notes that we think will fit your fragrance preferences.

To continue and pay for the downpayment, please click on this link or copy and paste the following to your browser’s address bar:

http://ww5.aitsafe.com/cf/add.cfm?userid=79283181&product=Custom-blending%20fee%20%28DP-50%25%29&price=2250

I'm excited to try their customized fragrance services.  I currently have 4 perfumes on rotation right now.  Maybe I'll try to order their customized fragrance after I finish my current scents.

Thanks Bernadette for the e-mail!  Thank you for reading!

Thera-touch

It's convention week this week, hence I decided to do some grooming a few days ago.  But alas, my manicure was chipped only 2 days after it was put in.  I'm really clumsy like that.  Anyways, I would like to share with you my experience with Thera-touch home spa service.  Thera-touch services clients in and around South Manila (Paranaque, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa and I think in nearby Bacoor areas).  Their services include Mani-Pedi, Foot spa, body scrubs and massages.  The price for a mani-pedi is P 250.  I like Thera-touch since they use quality nail polishes.  They have Revlon, some Opi and L'Oreal.  Unlike other home service spas that I have tried, they use imported nail polishes.  But for me, I use my own nail implements and my own nail polish.  What I have on in this picture is Sally Hansen Double Duty Strengthening Base and Top Coat and Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in #160 Cherry Red.  As for the therapist/manicurist, she has a light hand and was very meticulous in cleaning and putting on the polish.

All in all, I had a good mani-pedi experience with Thera-touch.  Thera-touch is actually my go-to home service spa.  If you live in the South, try Thera-touch.  I recommend their mani-pedi services.  You may contact them at 8075438 / 5157528 / 09278937459.

Thanks for dropping by!  Until next time!

Dermalogica

I'll be turning 34 this year and I have been noticing increase in amount of visible lines on my face.  What's a girl to do?  Research and buy!  Yes, research on products that can help erase years from the face and buy the products that are backed by research.  A dermatologist friend of mine says that the only proven treatment to minimize and prevent fine lines is retinoic acid treatment.  I tried using pure tretinoin before, however, I developed redness and irritation as well as flaking of the skin.  Apparently, I was using a very high dose of tretinoin.  It got so bad (my skin developed 1st degree burns from avid use of scrub, toner and daily tretinoin...yikes!) that I had to seek consult with a dermatologist.  She said that if I am very particular with minimizing and preventing wrinkles, I should use commercial products that have tretinoin or retinol in low concentration.  So my Google search began.  After 1 week of research (total of 3-4 hours...hehehe), I short-listed my list to the following: (1) Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex; (2) Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Serum; (3) RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream and (4) Murad Age-Balancing Night Cream.  Out of all the products that I short-listed, only 2 products (Dermalogica and Murad) are available in Manila.  I went to the nearest department store and only Dermalogica is available.  I was really intent on buying the full size 15-ml tube of Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex, however, it was not available.  What was available was their special offer AGE smart kit which was composed of: (1) Age Reversal Eye Complex; (2) Overnight Repair Serum; and (3) Super Rich Repair.  So, I grabbed it (worth P 1500, which was a good deal considering that I just wanted to try the AGE smart first).

The good Dermalogica counter lady also gave me 10 pieces of skin perfect primer to try out (oh goody!).  And she also gave me a squirt of age reversal eye complex in a little circle container.  I was a happy shopper that day!

 

I have tried the skin perfect primer and the age reversal eye complex, however, it is too early (3 weeks of use) to give my review.  But, so far so good...

 

I need to try the product for a few more weeks to give my final review.  I'll update you regarding developments in another blog post.  Stay tuned!

BC Fragrance

Hi everyone!  A few weeks back, I was reading Preview Magazine when I chanced upon a very small feature on an online shop called BC fragrance.  I say very small since it occupied probably 10% of a full page in the magazine.  BC Fragrance started as an online shop in Multiply and has since branched into their very own online store (www.bcfragrance.com).  I was intrigued since the magazine feature said that they personally customize fragrances for their clients.  I went to their online site and was a little disappointed to find out that they really don't customize fragrances.  Either you buy from their pre-mixed fragrances inspired by perfumes/colognes from different well-known brands or you can buy materials for you to make you own fragrance.  You can personalize your own bottle, though.  But that's about it.  Anyways, I can't pass up the opportunity to try their "inspired" fragrances at P20/each for a 1.5-ml spray bottle.  So, I bought 15 kinds of perfumes/colognes.

When they say "inspired", they really mean inspired.  The fragrances do not really smell exactly like the originals but it sort-of/kinda smelled like the originals.  All in all, there were a few good ones and a few bad ones.  Majority of the fragrances were okay.  The ones that I liked were the following: RL Polo Sport, Creed Silver Mountain Water, Bulgari Aqua, D&G Light Blue, Clinique Happy, Creed Love in White, Bulgari Omnia Amethyst, and Bulgari Omnia Crystalline.  So, that's 8 out of the 15 that I bought.  Not bad.  The 1.5-ml spray bottle lasted me for 2-3 days (application twice a day).  The scent lasted for around 4-6 hours.  Maybe I'll buy from the site once I finish my current perfumes. A 60-ml bottle will set you back around P500/bottle.  It is a really inexpensive way to smell good.

Thanks for dropping by!  I'll talk to you next time!

 

 

P.S. Bernadette from BC Fragrance contacted me regarding their Bespoke perfumes.  Read all about it here. 

Goody Hairband

Hi everyone!  Sorry for the long absence.  I've been very busy lately and it seems that the only products/experiences I have been documenting are from restaurants.  So here is one that is not a food review.  I have been on a look-out for thin headbands that doesn't slip so that I can use it for everyday and for swimming.  I was doing my grocery shopping and chanced upon the Goody No-slip headbands.  It was actually a pack that came with 2 pieces of headbands (I bought the black and brown headbands).  I had high expectations for these 2 headbands, being Goody and all (as well as being priced at P499/pack...gasp!  It was really pricey.).  Well, I was disappointed with the performance of these headbands.  The black headband was lost in a matter of days (less than 2 weeks to be exact).  And the brown headband...

Well, it broke in the middle the first time I tried it on.  Haaaay...I will definitely not recommend the Goody No-slip 2-pack headbands.  Save your P499 and stay away from the Goody No-slip 2-pack headbands.  When I checked the Goody website, I wasn't able to find the pack I bought.  Maybe it got discontinued already.

That's it for today.  Talk to you guys later.  Thanks for reading!

Human Heart Nature 4

I really can't get enough of Human Heart Nature products.  So, here's another review of their products.  You can read my other reviews here, here and here.  Human Heart Nature is close to my heart because I'm a "closet environmentalist".  I don't go out and shout to the world my love for trees...I don't even join reallies and parades for the environment.  I must confess, I haven't even planted a tree or joined any tree-planting activity for that matter.  But being a "closet environmentalist", I try to protect the environment in the best way I could.  I recycle paper, I donate used/old clothes, and I try to use products that are environment-friendly.  That's why I have a deep affinity with Human Heart Nature.  Their products are environment-friendly (mostly 100% natural) and made by people from Gawad Kalinga.  Hence, their products are pro-environment, pro-poor and pro-Philippines.  Also, their products are affordable.  What's not to like?

Let me start off with 100% natural moisturizing day fluid.  This product has a pleasant smell and you really need just a little (the amount of 1 pump) to moisturize your whole face.  It gives your skin a smooth and soft feel.  Forget about shine and a sticky feel to your skin, this product doesn't have those icky characteristics that other moisturizers have.

This lip balm is the bomb!  Not only is it made from natural ingredients, it smells good too.  By the way, it also is a good balm to keep your lips soft and kissable.

Lastly, the body cream.  I like the scent of Berry Bliss Body Butter Cream.  Like the body butters from Body Shop, this cream makes your skin ultra-moisturized.  I love this product because it keeps my skin soft, it has a great smell and it won't break the bank.

 

I suggest you drop on over to any Sesou shop to get your Human Heart Nature products.  Or better yet, head on over to their website at www.humanheartnature.com to check out their stuff and their story.

 

Thanks for reading!  Talk/write to you soon!

StriVectin

Hi everyone!  Let me share with you my StriVectin experience.  I purchased this StriVectin set via strawberrynet.com.  I was doing a search on good anti-aging creams and I chanced upon the StriVectin line.  Apparently, StriVectin was formulated to remove stretch marks, however, they found out that it has anti-wrinkle properties.  I was intrigued with the product, so I tried searching online on where I could buy it.  StriVectin is available in Rustan's stores.  I immediately went to my nearest Rustan's store (Alabang branch) and asked for it.  Poor me, the StriVectin products were being pulled out of their store (that day, no less!).  But they told me that it is still available in Rustan's Makati.  Buhooo, I don't want to go to Makati...I'm allergic to traffic.  :-(  So, I ended up ordering from strawberry net.com.

The purchase from the strawberrynet website was straightforward.  The problem is, I have to get the product from the post office and pay additional taxes.  That was a huge turn-off.  But, I had to try StriVectin, so I grudgingly complied with these set-backs.  So, anyways, I was able to get my StriVectin products last January 3, 2013.  So, since January 3, 2013, I had been using the product daily, once or twice a day (mostly once a day).  After using it for 2.5 months, here is my verdict.

The set consists of the following: (1) night serum (17.75 ml); (2) eye cream (15 ml); and (3) stretch marks remover that is good for face and body (50 ml).  I paid around P 5,000 for product (free shipping) and taxes.  I still have a small amount of eye cream and maybe more than 1/4 amount of the stretch marks remover left.  So, bottom line is, the product is cost-effective.  It lasts for a long time.  But does it really deliver what it claims to do?

Let it me break it down to you product by product.

1. Let's start with the Overnight facial resurfacing serum.  

According to the press release: "It is a multi-tasking, renewal serum that works overnight while you sleep to gently dissolve surface imperfections, minimize the appearance of large pores, even skin tone and improve the overall health of the skin for a smoother, younger-looking, more vibrant complexion."

My verdict: First off, I didn't seem to notice any changes in my skin after 2.5 months of using this product.  Secondly, by the end of my use (which was consumption of 7/8 of the serum), the glass dropper that came with it broke (it fell off the dropper bulb and shattered on the sink).  For me, this product did not deliver what it was supposed to do, based on their press release.  I will not purchase this product again.

2. Eye cream

According to the press release: "It is a multi-dimensional eye cream targeting crow's feet, dark circles and puffiness around the eyes."

My verdict: I'm 33 years old and I have a little bit of crow's feet in the sides of my eyes.  I also have allergic rhinitis, hence my allergic shiner (black circles under my eyes...not really eye bags but more of the dark circles).  Even if I sleep early or take in lots of fluids, these little buggers (dark circles/allergic shiners) will not budge.  This product did not reduce my crow's feet (not even minimally decrease it), but it did in fact slightly lighten the dark circles under my eyes.  I really have high hopes for StriVectin, but alas, I will not buy this product again.

3. SD Stretch Marks Remover

According to the press release: "Supercharged wrinkle fighter with hydrating properties dramatically diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, from fine lines to deep creases (stretch marks, too!)

My verdict: I have stretch marks in my thighs.  Ugly white stretch marks that look like worms.  After 2.5 months of using the StriVectin SD stretch marks remover, I'm sorry to say that it did not really work.  Not even one tiny bit.  My stretch marks look the same as before I used this product.  As with all the other StriVectin products that I tried, this is also an epic fail.  Haaaay...

FINAL VERDICT for StriVectin: I will not use this again.  I'm thinking of buying something from Dermalogica because I have read good reviews on the web and it is easy for me to purchase (it's available in the Rustan's Department Store near my residence).  My only requirement is that it should have retinyl palmitate, retinol or something along that line.  According to my dermatologist friends, the only true anti-wrinkle substance is one that has tretinoin or its derivatives in it.  My skin can't tolerate tretinoin even the smallest dose given on alternate days.  So, I'll settle with anti-wrinkle products that has retinol or the lower forms of tretinoin.

As for stretch marks, I'll live with it.  I won't stress about those white wormy lines anymore.  I love me for me...the goal is just to try to preserve the "me" I love.  He he he. ;-)

I'll update you next time once I have tried the Dermalogica product I will buy.  I'll have to try it for 1-2 months before I give my verdict.

Thanks for dropping by!  Talk to you later.  Have a great one!

Human Heart Nature 3

Here's another Human Heart Nautre Review (read my other reviews here and here).  This post will be about 4 products from the Human Heart Nature line.

1-2. Human Heart Nature Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

Human Heart Nature Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner

The shampoos and conditioners of the Human Heart Nature are my least favorite products from their line.  This moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are really not moisturizing at all.  Yes, it makes hair a little bit soft but it does not work to de-frizz or to make hair shiny.  I actually like shampoos and conditioners from Sunsilk and Dove (especially the one with nourishing oil care complex).  You see, I really have dry hair.  My hair is relatively straight but with frizz.  I really want to use Human Heart Nature products because I want to be pro-poor, pro-Philippines and pro-environment.  So, I'm trying to make these products work for me.  I ordered their hair serum and hair mask.  Maybe these products will work so I can continue to use their shampoos and conditioners.  I'll blog about it once I've tried them.  Stay tuned...

3. Human Heart Nature Cleansing Oil

Human Heart Nature Cleansing Oil

This one is actually a keeper.  This cleansing oil really does its job.  It removes make-up and waterproof mascara with ease.  The best part of this product is that it uses sunflower oil (which is touted by Human Heart Nature to be a miracle worker for the skin...allegedly nourishes lashes, removes under-eye hyperpigmentation and lessens stretch marks).  It moisturizes your skin and cleans it as well.  You use it on your face before washing and wipe off all the make-up/dirt with either a cotton square or tissue.  What I do for waterproof mascara and eyeliner is to dip my cotton swab in the oil and swipe it on my lashes and eye area.  It really makes removing mascara and eyeliner a breeze.  I recommend this product as an all-around make-up remover.

4. Human Heart Nature Deodorant
This deodorant works as a deodorant and nothing else.  Don't expect antiperspirant effect when using this deodorant.  It definitely will NOT stop underarm perspiration.  The smell is not overpowering (it actually does not have a scent but it works in removing unwanted odors.  I really want to continue using this just because it's 100% natural but I have a problem with underarm perspiration.  I don't smell bad, it's just that in this tropical climate, you really need something for sweaty underarms.  I'm still re-thinking if I'm going to re-purchase this item.  I have a relatively dry underarm (I don't sweat that much) and I don't have underarm odor even if I don't put deodorant (yup, don't judge me, but I've tried going a day without using a deodorant...I just stayed at home that day).  If I can live with sweaty underarms, then I can live with deodorant (or not).

I just purchased a few more items from Human Heart Nature and I'm waiting for the delivery.  I'll try the products out first for maybe a month, then I'll write another review.

Thanks for reading!  Have a great day!

The Spa

Welcome to my little space in the worldwide web!  Today's blog post will be about The Spa.  I was fortunate enough to be gifted with certificates for The Spa.  For this Spa experience, I chose to have the traditional hilot massage.  I had a cough during that time, so I thought it would be a great idea to have a hilot do my massage so she can remove my cough (channeling old non-western medicine to cure me).  I did not make an appointment but they accommodated me anyways.  My schedule was for 8 pm and it was just 6 pm.  I didn't want to spend 2 hours in the wet floors and the lounge, so I decided to go malling first and eat dinner before I have my massage.  At 7:15 pm, I went back and was ready for sauna, warm pool and reading magazines in the lounge...not to mention drinking lots of the soothing and delicious ginger brew.

The Spa has a very nice ambience.  The smells, sounds and sights are definitely soothing and relaxing.  The problem that night were the very noisy ladies that were using the warm pool.  I tried using the sauna but their noise can even be heard through the closed door of the sauna.  Alas, I stayed at the lounge for the rest of my wait for the massage (which was not that long anyways).  I couldn't take pictures of everything since I was shy about going around with my phone (besides, I'm sure The Spa staff wouldn't be too happy about disturbing the privacy).  Here are the pictures that I took...

My towel...

Inside the dressing room

Sitting area...for meditating

This is what's in front of the sitting area.

The ambience

The receiving area

Now let's talk about the traditional hilot massage.  It was soothing and relaxing (sorry for the repeat phrase...I can't think of any other words to describe the massage).  The massage was soft and the strokes were long.  The masseuse used warm oil for massaging.  There was also a big sheet of plastic with either warm oil or warm wax that was placed over the back.  It was hot at first but quickly became cold (probably because of the cold breeze from the air conditioning).  All in all, the massage was nice but not awesome.  I prefer the Shiatsu/Swedish massage that they offer.  But since this massage is free, I couldn't complain.  Anything that's free is all good to me.  :-)

Thanks for dropping by!  Until next time on Real Products...Real Experiences.

Sally Hansen Nail Polish Cherry Red

Hi everyone!  Remember how I gushed about Sally Hansen nail polishes (read my blog post here)?  Well, I got myself another one.  It's still from the Xtreme Wear line.  I got the brightest red I can get.  It's the Xtreme Wear nail polish in Cherry Red.

It comes with the squarish applicator brush that glides easily over nails to produce an even coating of the nail polish.  One coat actually looks nice already, but I had to apply two coats to cover my deformed toe nail.

Applicator brush

This is my swatch for you.  Excuse the uneven application...I don't really know how to put nail polish on my fingernails.  I just put nail polish on my toe nails.  :-)

Swatch of Xtreme Wear Nail Polish in Cherry Red

For the price of Php 245, this nail polish is worth it.  A bottle can last you a long time (since 1-2 coats is enough to cover nails).  And, unlike other cheaper nail polishes, Sally Hansen nail polishes don't become sticky and gooey after some time.  It retains its original smooth liquid consistency.  The only down side of this Xtreme Wear line is that the colors are limited.  I don't think I have found another color that I would like to try/purchase for now.  You can buy Sally Hansen nail products in PCX shops.

Talk to you next time!  Thank you very much for dropping by!

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Welcome back to another review post. Tonight I would like to talk to you about the Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau so fresh, Eau de toilette.

Image from the web

Let me tell you a background of my scent/smell preference. I'm really not a floral-scent-kind of girl. I gravitate towards the citrus, powdery, fresh kinds of scent. I like scents that smell like fresh laundry or scents that smell like you just got out of a shower.

I can't show you the box since I threw it away already (got this a few months back...I had no idea that I was going to start blogging then). But I can describe to you the box that came with it. It was pink with little flowers on the border. When you open it, the cap even has multiple daisies attached to it. So, my first impression was I wouldn't like it at all (based on all the flowers I saw on the cap and on the box). I thought it would overwhelmingly smell like flowers. However, when I sprayed it on, suprisingly, it smelled more fruity than floral. It smelled like sweet fruits (more along the lines of sweet cherry, mango, passion fruit). The scent is really sweet. It has a floral undertone but definitely not fresh or citrusy. It definitely does not smell fresh to me (as per my definition of fresh, being more like just cleaned laundry or just out of the shower scent).

The smell lasts a long time (2 applications for the smell to last for a good 10 hours). I sprayed it before going to work in the morning and a re-application in the mid-afternoon.

The verdict: if you're into floral scents, maybe try the original perfume version of Daisy and not the Eau so fresh version. If you're into sweet, fruity scents (not citrusy), this one is for you. If you are more into fresh laundry/out of the shower fresh scent, stay away from this.

I wouldn't purchase this again-well, I really didn't spend for this though, it was a gift ;-).

Thanks for reading! Until next time :-)

Sally Hansen Nail Polish

I have a secret to share...I have a deformity.  One of my big toe nail is cracked. I've had this deformity ever since I can remember. My mother said that I got it when I was 2 years old. My toe nail got crushed under the feet of a rocking chair. I believe it will forever be cracked since the nail bed has been damaged already. Even new nail that grows from it remains cracked.

When I was young, I used to think my cracked toe nail was normal. Meaning, all people had 1 cracked toe nail. But when I saw my mom putting on nail polish on her or nails, and I saw that she doesn't have 1 cracked toe nail, I began to check other people's toes. And lo and behold, everyone else had normal un-cracked toe nails. So, I got conscious of my deformity. I refrained from wearing open-toe shoes/sandals because I wanted to hide my cracked big toe. When I grew older, I began putting nail polish on my toe nails to hide it. And so my relationship with nail polish began.

In the beginning, I polish my own toe nails with cheap nail polish. Those were the only ones I could afford. Then eventually, I began going to salons to have my pedicure done. It was getting expensive, so I tried home service spas.  The problem with home service spa is that they employ cheap nail polish that  cracks easily or gets chipped off in a matter of a few days.  Also, I cannot control how the pedicure technician removes my cuticle and how they shape my nails.  I have also experienced cracked nails because of their manicure/pedicure techniques.  Back to the drawing board.  I wanted to do my own nails again.

Hence, my forage into Sally Hansen nail polish. They are priced in the mid-range (each bottle costs around 250 Php).  I think they give you bang-for-your-buck.  The nail polish lasts a long time, so each bottle can probably last you for more than 1 year (well, at least for me).  Now, I use the Sally Hansen Double Duty strengthening top and base coat as well as the Xtreme Wear Nail Polish. I like them a lot.

Left - Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Ice Coffee; Middle - Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Bamboo Shoot; Right - Double Duty Strengthening Base and Top Coat

The squarish brush makes it easy for color application. The consistency of the nail polish is also great. It doesn't get sticky, unlike its cheaper counterparts and it glides on smoothly on your nails. With the strengthening top and base coat, your nails are actually strengthened.  No more cracked nails for me (well, except for my original, one and only cracked big toe nail).  The Xtreme Wear nail color also lives up to its name.  I have worn this nail color for 1 month with minimal chipping.  Galing!

Applicator Tip of Ice Coffee

Applicator Tip of Top and Base Coat

I presently have 2 colors and I'm thinking of adding more to my collection. Maybe a bright red or a deep red. But definitely something on the opaque side since I need to cover-up my cracked toe. I'll let you know what I decide to get in future blog post.

This is as real as you can get.  This is my actual finger nail with Ice Coffee.  I can't share with you my toe nails because I'm shy.  ;-)

Thanks for reading! Until next time.

Human Heart Nature 2

Remember my Human Heart Nautre post (here)?  I have been using their moisturizing shampoo and conditioner in lush vanilla for 1 week.  Here is my verdict…

Let me give you a background of my hair condition.  I have dark, dry, straight hair with frizz.  I have not colored my hair or had any treatment done in the past 4 months.  I shampoo and conditioner my hair daily.  My main concerns are to relieve dryness of my hair and to remove frizz (if possible).  So far, the shampoo and conditioner that I love using to address my concerns are from the Sunsilk Co-creations line.  I like their expert-perfect straight shampoo and conditioner.  It makes my hair soft and smooth and lessens the frizz.

As much as I would like to love the Human Heart Nature Natural shampoo and conditioner, it doesn’t do much to my hair.  Yes, it effectively cleans my hair and it even makes it soft.  But my main problem with the use of this shampoo and conditioner tandem is, it doesn’t  control the frizz in my hair.  Even with application of anti-frizz serum, my hair seems to want to coil and stand up on its root.  I had high expectations for this product, but it did not deliver to my satisfaction.  L

It doesn't show in this picture but I've used 3/4 of a 50-ml bottle in a matter of 7 days.

After 1 week of use, I've finished the contents of the 50-ml bottle.

 As for the Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Healthy Lotion in Vanilla Delight, this one is a keeper.  I like the smell and it does make my skin soft and smooth.  The only downside for this product is that the consistency is a little runny.  But I can live with that.  I really admire and believe in the mission of Human Heart Nature.  So, in my quest to be pro-poor, pro-Philippines and pro-environment, I will now use this lotion.

This is what it looks like now after 1 week of use.  You can't see it but I've used up 3/4 of the original amount.

Let’s all do our share in making this world a better place to live in.  One step is using products that are pro-poor and 100% natural (100% chemical-free)/ environmentally friendly.

Until next time!  Thanks for dropping by!  J

Nivea Essential Care Lip Balm

Hi everyone! Today’s review is all about the Nivea Essential Care Lip Balm. As I’ve said before, I have very dry and sensitive lips. You would see me with chapped lips 4 out of 7 days in a week. Good thing, one of my best friends introduced me to Nivea Essential Care Lip Balm. She swore by its moisturizing power. True enough, I tried it and it was a miracle! I had soft and well moisturized lips after just a few uses.

Pictures from the Web

Actual picture of my used lip balm

I tried one of their variants, which was Soft Rose.  It had a pinkish tinge to it when you apply it to your lips.  I would’ve liked the tinge of color.  However, their colored variants doesn’t seem to moisturize as much as the plain white one.  I still liked the effect the plain white lip balm had on me.

So, if you are looking for the holy grail of lip balms, this is the one for me.  Try it.  It's very effective in combating lip dryness.

Until next time!

Human Heart Nature

I love buying online.  I recently came across the online shop of Human Heart Nature.  I have heard of the company before thru magazines.  I like the idea that their products and their very existence is to promote natural products that benefit the poor.  The company's core values are pro-Philippines, pro-poor and pro-environment.

Here is the box that I got from the mail.

I had an easy time using their web interface and the process of ordering and paying was a breeze.  I got my order after 1 day.  Their products are not expensive.  I ended up buying small bottles of their shampoos and conditioners.  I also bought small bottles of their lotions.

I plan to give their lotions as Christmas gifts.  So, I wanted to try them out first and check their quality before giving it out to others.  I also want to spread the word of their existence since I also believe in their core values.  Seeing that there are 100% natural products that are available in the Philippine market that is not exorbitantly priced makes me want to shift all the products I’m using right now to more environmentally-friendly items.  And since most of the products from Human Heart Nature is 100% natural, they are biodegradable.

First up for review is the lipstick that I got (oh yes, they even have cosmetics!).

Swatch of the lipstick.  I got the First Kiss Lipstick.

The lipstick is not that pigmented but it is highly moisturizing.  It actually resembles a lip gloss in its staying power (meaning it wears off quickly).  I have lips that constantly chaff and is mostly dry.  This lipstick is a good way for me to bring moisture to my dry and parched lips and bring a little bit of color into them.  Downside is, you have to keep applying the lipstick since it wears off easily.  But looking at the bright side, you need to consume the lipstick in 1 year anyways (there’s a printed actual expiry date on the metal tube of the lipstick case).  It expires easily since they use natural products that will go bad in a year’s time.  So might as well use it before it expires.

Watch out for the reviews of the other products.  I have been using their shampoo and conditioner, as well as their lotion for 2 days already…so far, so good.  I’ll give my full review maybe after 1 week of continuous use.

Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner in Lush Vanilla

Healthy Lotion in Vanilla

Thanks for dropping by.  Until next time!