Snoe Beauty Inc. Haul, Books, Bench Fix & Update

Hi guys! How are you? I know.. Missing in action again! I admit I only have one post last September. I feel guilty but it's because I'm still adjusting to my new work. Don't fret though, I promise I'll update this blog weekly or as much as possible :)

I've finally had some Me time this morning, it's quite short but enjoyable. I originally intended to have a Brazilian Blowout this morning however, I remembered that we have an upcoming trip to Puerto Galera so I figured I'll just settle for a haircut and treatment instead.

I've been thinking which salon to visit this time, coz I had my last two haircuts at Edwin Samot in Imus. I opted to try Bench Fix in The District Ayala as recommended by my boyfriend. When I entered the salon, I guess I was the first customer.. All eyes rested on me and I felt conscious, haha. The receptionist asked if it's my first time to their services, I said and yes and registered in their log and was ushered to my seat. My hair was also shampooed, conditioned and blow dried. Everything's smooth until I saw my stylist. At first, he's not even smiling. Just the necessary questions on what haircut I'll be getting and if I want to have a treatment which I politely declined. He worked with such efficiency, being detailed even with a single strand of hair. I decided I like him because I prefer silence than being bombarded with chikas and sales talk of other stylists I've encountered. The original cut of 2 inches shorter went to 5 inches but I don't mind, he asked me anyway if it was okay and I said yes. I figured I'll make the visit worthwhile since I only cut my hair once to twice a year.

When I was finished, I'm impressed with the service and how light his hands were. I asked his name, he said it's Joel. I paid in the counter and saw a business card with his name on it. Senior Stylist pala siya. That explains his professionalism. I'll definitely have my next haircut with him but that would be months from now. I also bought these babies which I'm eyeing now for the longest time! Presenting..

Snoe Beauty Inc. loots

I've read a lot of good reviews about the Hair Heroes Extreme, it's the reason why I went to the kiosk and also to buy the Body Ritual Spritz Shen of Shen's Addiction has been raving about it which smells heavenly! I also wanted to get their Argan PM repair, but I'm not a fan of its smell so I changed it to the Body Ritual Glaze of the same scent, it has Argan Oil as well, will review these babies soon. Add that Green Tea foaming sanitizer to my cart coz I needed one. Also bought a baby brush to fit in my purse which I can carry in the office.

I've been busying myself with books as well! Harry Potter, Inferno, I am Number Four series and re-reading The Infernal Devices, it never fails to relieve stress. reviews will be up when they're due, thanks for reading bellas! Til next time ;)

Snoe Hair Heroes Extreme - 499php

Snoe Body Ritual Spritz Honey dew Melon - 249php

Snoe Body Ritual Glaze Honey dew Melon - 199php

Snoe Foaming Sanitizer in Green Tea - on sale 88php

Paganini Brush - 49.75php

Bench Fix haircut - 250php

My Wishlist as of September 3, 2013

This is absolutely an unimportant post. I figured I want to talk about my current desires as of today. Feel free to browse or you may leave now. Lately, I've been thinking of the things that I want to do before the year ends, or even get the things I've set my eye on.

Disclaimer: All the photos are NOT mine. They are all Google generated. All photos belong to their rightful owners.

1. Shu Uemura Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil

Why do good stuff have to be expensive? I'm crossing my fingers to get this one this year, or I may settle with MUJI's Cleansing Oil. I have my Bioderma to remove my make up but I want to try the oil types. 4,000+php for 450ml

2. Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash

I've read a lot of good reviews about this baby! I haven't got this one yet because I still have to finish a lot of facial wash. Certainly I'll try you soon. 200+php

3. Bath and Body Works Fall Scents & Candles

Are you going to stay a "wish" for me? I want you so badly. Sigh..

4. MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque

I've been eyeing this baby for a long time now, I hope I'll have you too soon. A peachy gold shimmery base for your eyeshadow. You can also wear it alone. 1,000+php

5. Majolica Majorca Las King Mascara

 

Oh dear, am I too late for this? I hope not! I'm not that adventurous when it comes to mascara because I'm wearing my glasses more often than contact lenses. I hope you don't disappoint me! 700+php

6.  Michael Kors Rose Gold Watches

Ah, perfection. Nuf said. 16,000++php

7. Whole Body Spa at least once a month!

I absolutely need this. With all the stress I'm going through with work and life, everyone deserves a treat!

8. Travel to at least 2 destinations this year.

Be it local or international! Solo or with my Travel Buddy, RR <3

9. White Linens / Bed Sheets

No, I am not crazy. I'm just obsessed with making my bedroom look pretty! It's my place to think and relax and my own personal space. I love it looking and smelling good all the time.

There! Now, what's yours? You have some crazy ideas? :)

KINGS Fragrance Wafers (similar to tarts/wax cubes) & Pot Pourri Oil Review

Hey guys! After my not-so-good experience with KING's tea candles and their votive ones, I finally decided to try their tarts/wax cubes in Citrus Splash. Aside from the fact that their packaging is really an eye candy, a lot of them smells really good! I also got the Pot Pourri Oil in Tutti Frutti.

79.75php and 99.75php

The cold throw* of the tart is heaven for me, as I love citrus scents that doesn't give me a headache. Have you tried drinking Smart C in Grapefruit flavor? That is exactly how it smelled to me. You may also think of TANG Pomelo juice but Smart C is more accurate.

Now for the performance:

 

I burned my first cube and this is what I got after an hour or two. The throw* is very weak, or maybe because I melted it in the living room which has a bigger space than my bedroom. The cold throw is waaay stronger, I'm not that disappointed though coz I love scents that are not too overpowering. After an hour and a half, it started to smell funny, like being burned plain wax. I was like, okaaay? The wax didn't evaporated to the last drop so I decided to blow it off.

And of course I thought, if one cube lasted an hour or two, multiply by 9 cubes, it's actually a good deal for 79.75php! So inconsiderate of me to think that this baby is a disappointment. So I turned on my aircon, gave it a second chance and burned it in my room. Smells, AH-MAA-ZIINGG! I figured the scent would be better paired with cold environment/weather. It's also an 'okay' with room and warm temperature.

Melts easily, after 3 to 5 minutes the wax looked like this. After an hour, I decided to call it a day. I'm happy with it. Maybe the left over wax is really supposed to be like that after burning the oil, the scent will disappear and will leave the pure wax. I don't know, I'm new to this.

For the Pot Pourri Oil, it smelled like bubblegum according to my sister. The moment she said that, my heart sank coz I'm avoiding bubblegum scents a bit but I don't know why I picked this one up. I wish I got the Ginger or Lemon Grass scent instead. Smells good though, let's see how she burns.

Over all I'm satisfied with it save the left over wax. I'm a bit annoyed that I have to scrape it off when dried lol. Will I repurchase? Definitely! (As if I have any other options here in PH, haha)

*cold throw means the scent of the product itself while it's not yet burning

*throw is the scent while burning

Do you guys know where I can find good scents and candles as well?

Zen Zest Peppermint Foot Care Review

Hey guys! As promised, I'm going to talk about these babies, I've been using them for weeks now and I guess even if you use it once, you'll definitely say something about it!

Zen Zest Peppermint Foot Soak, Spray and Scrub

I love taking care of my feet and legs. Though I must admit I'm very lazy sometimes to do it on my own which results to spa visits. Let's admit it, those kind of services are luxuries and kinda pricey. We can always do it on our own! Just a little bit of kasipagan!

Zen Zest Peppermint Foot Soak (120php, 150g)

When you put a teaspoon or two in a basin of warm water, you will notice that it is dissolved easily leaving a very strong but relaxing peppermint scent. The surface of water shows oil traces, possibly the peppermint oil! Actually, I felt that it doesn't do much on your skin except from the fact that the peppermint scent relaxes you. I'll say that this set is by far the strongest peppermint scent that I've encountered! It's not that strong to the point of headache (who wants that?), rather it will really give you that satisfied feeling and not the bitin kind of scent.

Zen Zest Exfoliating Peppermint Foot Scrub (260php, 300g) 

I absolutely love this baby! I'd say this is one of my top finds and will surely gonna be one of my 2013 favorites! Creamy consistency with apricot kernels, I love the feeling when I massage it to my legs and feet, it surely soothes your tired muscles. The beads are just enough, not too harsh and not too mild. I love that this scrub will prevent ingrowns as I shave my legs for unwanted hair. After rinsing, it will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
 

Zen Zest Peppermint Foot Spray (120php)

I spray it to my legs when I feel tired and achy. Nothing too special. You can also spray it after scrubbing.

I didn't buy the lotion simply because I feel that regular lotion can do the job of moisturizing. I will definitely repurch the foot soak and scrub. I'm not so sure about the spray. Over all a good product!

How about you, do you love taking care of your soles?

Collective Haul: Soaps and other Skin Care stuff!

If you're my mom, don't read this. Coz I know you'll get mad at me for this! If you're a person who loves to see hauls, go ahead. If you think hauls are way of bragging, you may stop reading now and go on your merry way. For me, a haul means sharing the products that got your attention and you believe it's worth trying. So here, let me show you some interesting stuff :)

1. Beauty Buffet Facial Masks in Repair & Refine and Smooth & Supple. I just can't resist the cute packaging! Too bad it's not on sale. 44php/each at Watsons

2. Glamworks Charcoal Nose Pore Strips. Check my review here! 99php/box of 12strips ast Watsons

3. Wedge Sponges from Japan Center. 88php/pack

4. Lolane Natura Hair Treatment. Been using this a lot lately! 10php/sachet at Robinson's Dept Store/Supermarkets

5. Shine Moist Ionic Keratin Treatment available at David's Salons for 100php/sachet. I already used this product before, and will try it again :)

6. Hortaleza, M.D. Glycerin Soaps in AcneSol, Illuminous, and Puressence from HBC at 63 to 68php/each

7. Schwarzkopf Hair Treatment available at David's Salon for 145php/tube

8. Asian Secrets Lulur Body Scrub. It's on sale at Watsons! Grab one now! The expiration is still on March 2014.

9. Zenutrients Organic Softening Mangosteen Soap at 75php/bar

10. Cyleina Organic Rice Bran Soap at 65php/bar at Watsons. I've tried Cyleina soaps before when they're not yet available in Watsons (Coffee, Peppermint, Tomato, Carrot/Pineapple, Seaweed, Strawberry). I bought mine online.

11. Olay Oil Control Cleanser. Gifted from my bf's sis, puchased in HK.

12. Celeteque Dermoscience Hydration Gentle Exfoliating Facial Wash. 142php/Watsons

13. Erth Origins Papaya & Pearl Whitening Soap. I remember my mom using this soap when I was in my early high school days. Their packaging back then was white and they even have the shower gel version. I just love how the scent brings back memories. I'm planning to buy Maxi Peel soap again as well. I got this on sale at Watsons, 59php/2bars

14. Zenutrients Glycerin Soap in Strawberry. Bought this because it's soooo cute! Kill me now lol. Great for traveling! 50php

15. Malakas at Maganda Moringa Peppermint Soap. Available at Kultura/SM Dept Stores. 105 or 110php/bar


Like I said, I'm in love with soaps and bath products more than make ups. I hope I'll have the wisdom to stop purchasing any more bath products this year aside from the Maxi Peel soap and this (Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash):

I want it! Been eyeing this baby for a long time now. Available at Sesou and Beauty Bar. Good thing I stopped myself from buying it right away coz I still have facial washes to use and of course, check its reviews.

If I didn't posted any reviews about a certain product, mostly it's because I feel like it didn't do much on my skin or I grew tired of using it or I'm simply lazy blogging it. I also don't talk about products I don't like. But if I hate it, most likely I'll mention it haha! Cheerio!

Glamworks Charcoal Nose Pore Strips Review

When I was in high school, nose strips are such a big thing. I remember my classmates use the Bench brand back then. I'm always hesitant when it comes to peel off masks because I'm wary about the pain. In fact, I decided I would never try nose strips at all. I'm worried that they will clog and leave my pores staring back at me. Lol that's an exaggeration of course. Okay. I know. I'm a little bit late for this! But hey, I only tried this because my boyfriend said I have to do this for him coz it's his birthday. How could I say no? Well, I said no. But he pressured me into it and he won using his charm.

photo from Google

 He told me to wet my nose and he applied it carefully to make sure everything's covered. We let it sit for 20minutes.

I braced myself for the pain when it's time to remove the strip. To my surprise, it's not really painful at all! I'm guessing it's because I have less facial hair unlike my boyfriend who shed a tear when he removed it. Haha. He got tons of hair in it, gross haha! I'm impressed with this product. Didn't even clogged my pores. Curious about how much dirt it removed from my nose? Warning: gross pictured ahead!

Ugh! I can't even bear to look at it too long. My boyfriend's obsessed with it, he even zooms it on his computer lol.

Price is at 99php at Watson's. Definitely a repurch! You may check my Daiso Natural Pack review as well!

Having an Acne-Prone Skin

Some friends may be wondering why I’m so obsessed with beauty, skin and hair care products. I’m not much of a beautiful person to start with. I admit I don’t have the perfect skin, proportioned body, or even healthy hair but I know I have my own beauty and I have a lot of love ones to remind me of it.

Have you been through a phase where in your physical appearance is taking its toll on you? Well, I have. Having this problem really affected my self confidence. During my college days, for some reason my skin is really acting up. Pimples were erupting every now and then. Thank God that at least, it’s not appearing on my cheeks that much. My forehead isn’t as lucky though. It came to a point where I’ve been jumping from one product to another, turns out that not because it’s pricey means it’s going to be effective. Also, I’m not as educated as I am right now with regard to what you should use and what’s not.

From Eskinol which is okay but it’s still not enough to remove those pimples (ugh!) to Ponds which is my absolute enemy. Every Ponds product that I try will break me out save the Pinkish White Cream. Belo is bearable but broke me out as well, to Maxi Peel which has been my best friend for almost a year. I’m using Maxi Peel Exfoliant Soap (green box with Marian Rivera on it) in my face and body and it helped me keep the pimples at bay. But of course, women have crazy hormones especially when it’s that time of the month! Months after I turned 18, that’s when I decided to have Acne Treatments.

I was in third-year college when I first had it, I’m 18 years old back then so I thought my skin is “pwede na” for Facials. My first stop is at Skin Perfect, I had my Acne Treatment (575php) twice (monthly interval) there and deep inside I’m cursing how painful the procedure is. Imaging they’re pricking those zits? Ugh! Every time I have treatments or facials, I’m always crying until now.

I had my Acne Skin Care Set (seaweed soap, clyndamycin solution, dalacin bleaching cream, sunblock gel) provided by Skin Perfect which cost me almost 2000php. You see, I was still in college and during those days, I’m saving my own money! Skin Care is such a burden you know? My next facial cleaning is at Let’s Face It, though it’s just a regular facial, I had an antibiotic soft mask after the procedure. Let me show you my nth acne pricking session haha. I believe I was in fourth year college already here. You see, I’ve been doing treatments all the time because my acne is sometimes Cystic type. Google it if you have to. 

Warning gross picture:

 Let's Face It. (was crying the whole time lol)

Since then I’m very picky with what I use on my skin, I prefer mild products but I also try strong ones. I also realized that I was sort of ripped off by Skin Perfect (okay, just a bit) because I can make the toner myself! (eskinol + dalacin c or clyndamycin). It’s a try it in your own risk drama. Oh c’mon, we don’t have broadband internet back then that’s why I can’t do my research lol. I became obsessed with everything, from Tea Tree Oil to Yogurt to Salicylic Acids. And every product that I try is either a hits or miss. I still do facials if I have to.

 After doing Yogurt Mask, clearing up

I even used my boyfriend as my Guinea Pig coz he has stubborn acne marks, a session with Skin Perfect plus Eskinol with Dalacin C plus local sunblock plus Let’s Face It Whitening Cream. My heart sank when I saw that his face was infected after a few days but he assured me that the antibiotic properties of the solution will fight it off. He’s not a Dermatologist but he’s a Nurse, so okay.

My obsession became a passion for taking care of my skin, maybe it runs in the blood as well? My big sis and mom are huge skin care addicts as well haha! One thing’s for sure though, fruit of labor. My skin is still far from perfect but I’m happy that somehow, my acne prone skin is not like before with the help of right skin care. Celeteque Hydration Line is the one who helped me most in maintaining my skin, yeah it’s not targeting acne but one major thing that we must know, too much dry skin is also one reason in having break outs.

    

My current problem? My skin is becoming oily, I’m thinking it’s because of St. Ives Green Tea Gel Cleanser plus Yves Rocher Hydra Seve combination. I’m still using St. Ives but for the moisturizer, I’m using my samples of Bioderma Moisturizers. Maybe I should change my skin care regimen again.

Here’s my boyfriend and I’s latest pictures, I’m absolutely not wearing any foundations or BB cream there, just powder.

Every time my skin is acting up, I’m having that dreadful feeling once I know I need to have a treatment again. It’s the pain! Kudos to Cassandra Bankson of YouTube for being so brave, she’s my inspiration with regard to this matter. At least it’s better now. How about you? How do you take care of your skin?