Short Review: DR. COCO Natural Hand Soap in Natural Lavender

Hey, guys! Happy Friday!

I just want to share with you this short review on a hand wash that I recently got.

A few days ago, I received the DR. COCO Natural Hand Soap via Sample Room. It's one of the newest products that they're offering and I decided to get a sample since we all know how products like this are very essential in these times. I got the Natural Lavender one but it's also available in Green Tea variant. I don't know, I've just been loving lavender scents lately. Check my previous blog post, it's another lavender-scented product. :)

Anyway, I know there are a lot of hand soaps in the market but what interests me the most about this DR.COCO Natural Hand Soap is that it is packed with CocoMCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) which is a natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial ingredient extracted from coconuts. In fact, 91% of its ingredients came from coconuts.

It is also clinically-proven to kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses and it provides protection up to 4 hours after wash. Isn't it nice? Plus, it gives extra care and it is mild on the skin since it is made from nature-derived ingredients. This hand soap is not really a moisturizing one but it definitely is not drying on the skin.

You can surely smell the lavender scent but it's not as intense as I thought it would be and that's just based on my preference, okay?  But overall, I think this product is a great buy. The features and qualities are promising and it's very affordable, too! This 250ml bottle only costs Php114.75 and the 500ml bottle only costs Php214.75. Not bad, right? Next time, I will try the Green Tea scent naman.

DR.COCO is available in Lazada and Shopee.

Hair Product Recommendations for Heavily Damaged Hair by HairMNL

When I was in college, I was so frustrated when it comes to my hair color because I wanted to explore and be more adventurous. I wanted to try almost every color but I couldn't because it was prohibited! 2016, I finally graduated from my second course and that was also the time when I started going crazy and dyed my hair in various colors! Every month I'd sport a different color. I did all of the coloring by myself or with the help of my sisters. Of course, at first, I did not know better. I bleached my own hair, experimented on my own, used hair dyes that require oxidizing lotion which greatly contributed to my damaged hair. However, as time passes by, I learned how to DIY better and I discovered greater hair products as well. Even so, since 2016 I've been dying and bleaching my hair so imagine what my hair went through all those years. And even though I take good care of my hair by using hair treatments, conditioners, following meticulous hair regimens religiously, damaging the hair could not be avoided. Such products and hair routines could help, but the hair will still get damaged.

Last Summer 2019 was the last time I bleached my hair and that was really the time I decided that I would stop with all these harsh chemicals for a while and just let my hair rest. I still dye my hair with different colors but for the past 2 years, I've been using colored hair treatments which are way better than boxed hair dyes. Anyway, since I've bleached and dyed my hair tons of time already, the very last time that I did it took a toll on my hair. My hair became very brittle and everytime I comb or brush my hair, the strands would break like crazy because the texture of my hair became so weak that it stretches like rubber whenever it is wet. So to avoid breakage, I would not brush my hair while it is still wet and would wait until  it dries before I begin to properly style it. It's frustrating and sad but that's what you get for wanting to be adventurous when it comes to your hair. Something of too much really results into something bad.

Now, here's some good news. Last month, I had a free consultation with HairMNL. HairMNL is an e-commerce platform or a website that made best salon exclusives and a wide array or professional hair products easily available to more customers. They made professional salon care even more accessible by making expert hair and scalp advice and recommendations available through free online consultations. Please keep reading to see the hair products they recommended for my heavily damaged hair.

BRTC Introduces 'Skip-Care'

BRTC is now in the Philippines! The famous Korean derma-cosmetics brand, Bio Remedies Therapeutic Cosmetics (BRTC) was officially launched in the country a couple of weeks ago. The brand is not actually new to some local consumers as BRTC is already well-known here and a lot of skin care enthusiasts, especially K-beauty lovers, have tried some of the brand's products. Well, it just became more interesting because BRTC carefully curated its initial line-up with products that are made for Filipino skin.

What you first need to know about BRTC is that all of their products contain Blue Phyto Complex™ which is a patented vegetable ingredient from lavender, chamomile, and other blue plants known for their soothing and healing power. This is actually one of the reasons why I admire the brand. Their products are made with natural ingredients combined with the power of Science. I personally enjoyed the talk of Mr. Jason Park, General Manager of Global Sales & Strategy Team from AMI Cosmetics, during the launch. According to him, they give keen attention to research and development in their centers in Jeju. They produce products using only natural ingredients and they now have 130 more registered patents.

Product Review: GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER WITH ARGAN OIL

When buying makeup removers, what I always look for first is its capacity to remove even the stubborn waterproof makeup such as eyeliners, mascaras, and even eyelash adhesives! In my years of doing makeup and trying various makeup removers, I find that the oil-based ones are the best as they completely melt off the makeup. However, some oil-based makeup removers can be quite greasy and sometimes it makes my eyes feel a little heavy because some of the oil can get in.

But yes, I prefer oil-based makeup removers because they are easier to use but I would prefer those that are lighter and gentler on the skin. In my opinion, the best one so far is the Garnier Micellar Water with Argan Oil.

Product Name: Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water

Price: Php149 (125ml), Php349 (400ml)

Available at: (online exclusive) Beauty MNL, Shopee, Lazada

Product Review: La Doctress Cloud Blush

It seems like people are more and more getting interested with makeup here in the Philippines. What's good is that we seem to be open to try various styles of makeup may it be Western makeup looks, Korean makeup, or even drag makeup! But what I noticed is that the most common looks we are all interested with are glam makeup (the Instagram makeup as what others call it), Korean makeup (with matching glass skin effect), and the natural "gandang pulbo at lip tint" looks.

That natural makeup look appears to be more popular nowadays because first, it's easy to do, second, you'll need less products, and third, it just gives you that fresh and simple look, perfect for everyday. With this makeup trend getting more famous, I also noticed that some people umped up their "gandang pulbo at lip tint" game by doing the drunk blush method. Personally, I love that style, too. It looks cute and makes me feel prettier! :D There are different ways to achieve drunk blush but I find that cream blush is the perfect product to do it. Since water tints set more easily, I prefer cream blushes because you can control the blending and create the perfect drunk blush look.

I've tried a few cream blushes from the beauty market but I recently discovered the La Doctress Cloud Blush Tube.

Product Name: La Doctress Cloud Blush Tube

Price: Php190/tube

Available at: Kalm Cosmetics

Product Review: L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Masks (Anti-Pores and Detoxify)

Face mask is now a very important part of one's skin care regimen. It's not something you use everyday in your skin care routine but it's something that I look forward to every week. I just love how it makes my skin feel cleaner, fresher, and more revitalized.

There are many types of face masks but one of my favorites is a clay mask because I just feel that it really helps in cleaning the pores. It is a must since our skin faces pollution every single day. Thank goodness for clay masks, it can get rid of excess sebum and unclog pores.

Well, there are so many clay masks now that are available in the beauty market. I have tried a few but recently, what I've been using are the L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Masks.

Product Name: L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Mask Anti-Pores and

L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Mask Detoxify

Price: Php399 each

Available at: leading deparment stores nationwide, BeautyMNL, Zalora, Lazada

REVIEW: HOCOS PUCCA CHUCHU SUNPACT

I admit that sometimes, I buy products because of their packaging. If that's a Cookie Monster edition product, say no more, I would totally buy it! If that product has a Bad Badtz-Maru print on it, I'd take it. If it's a Pucca product, you can just take my money (I'm guessing you already know who are some of my favorite cartoon characters)!

When I saw the Hocos-Pucca Chuchu Sunpact available at Charis, I did not think twice and immediately ordered it. I just can't resist Pucca!!! From the name itself, this sunpact is a sunblock in a compact. I know you know you can only find products like this from the K-beauty market. I first saw a sunpact in my trip to South Korea last year hosted by Charis. They gave us the andLAB Xylitol Mild Sun Cushion and the first thing that popped in my mind was "I would never thought of putting a sunscreen in a compact." At first, I thought it's just "Okay, another innovation" but this Summer when we had our family outings and I brought various sunscreens with me including the Pucca Sunpact, I actually realized that "Alright, this is pretty awesome".

Product Name: Hocos Pucca ChuChu Sunpact

Available at: Charis Shop

RAVE-IEW: Butterfly Kisses Cosmetics Soft & Creamy Matte Liquid Lipstick

Matte liquid lipsticks everywhere! There's no denying that matte liquid lipsticks are a big hit in the makeup industry now. Almost all makeup brands have their own versions of matte liquid lippies, may it be a high-end brand, local brand, drugstore, or independent ones. I admit that I am also a fan of these lippies and I have tried a lot of them already from various brands. Some are great, some goes straight to my HG list, and some quite sucks (sorry for the term). Recently, I discovered a good one!

Product Name: Butterfly Kisses Cosmetics Soft & Creamy Matte Liquid Lipstick

Price: Php280

Available at: Lazada

Review: Hyggee Balance One Step Facial Essence | Fresh

Hi, dear readers! Once again, I am sharing with you another great find from Charis. I have already talked about what Charis is in one of my previous posts and if you haven't read that yet, you can just click here.

It is now Summer here in the Philippines! You will probably see a lot of people hitting the beach and resorts with family and friends. A lot of people enjoy the Summer but the weather during this season is not completely fun if you are not going to take extra care of your skin. Since it is a hot weather, you need to keep yourself hydrated, even your skin! So, here is a skin care product that you may want to consider using this season or really, any time of the year.

Product Name: Hyggee Balance One Step Facial Essence | Fresh

Price: Visit my Charis shop for the discounted price

Available at: My Charis Shop

REVIEW: Superface Soft Blur Lip Mousse

Superface is created by two award-winning TV commercial directors, Larry Shiu and Jung Son. They both have worked with stars such as Zhang Ziyi, Fan Bing Bing, Lee Bing Bing, and more. After reading about Superface's history, I finally get why their logo is a director's chair and why most of their products are inspired by things related to movies or in creating movies.

One of the products of Superface that I have recently tried is their Soft Blur Lip Mousse which I discovered through Charis. It was one of their featured "Try Me" so I went ahead and order one because I thought it looks really promising. I received two out of three shades.

Product Name: Superface Soft Blur Lip Mousse

Price: $20 (check my Charis shop for the promo)

Available at: https://hicharis.net/bingcastro/5U3

Review: ALIVE:LAB Cotton Candy Ball

If you have already been following me on YouTube and all my other social media accounts, you probably know by now that I am a CHARIS Celeb. Charis, a Korean company, is world's first influencer-based commerce platform. They say that it is the optimal solution for all product providers, online celebrities, and SNS users. It is basically a website where you can purchase Korean beauty products from various brands.

I've been a Charis Celeb now for more than a year and I have already tried many of the products that they offer and I am telling you, it needs to be known. Most of the products you can find in their website have great quality, especially the skin care items. Well, we all know that Korean skin care products are great. Let me share with you one of my newest finds.

Product Name: ALIVE:LAB Cotton Candy Ball

Price: Php764.25 from Php1,018.50 (Promo from my Charis shop)

Available at: www.hicharis.net/bingcastro89

REVIEW: Anne Clutz Ultimate Beginner Brush Set

I finally tried the much-awaited and the most talked about NEW makeup brush set by one of the biggest YouTube vloggers in the Philippines --- the one and only, AnneClutz!!!

Grabe! Even before Ate Anne launched her makeup brush sets, people are already going gaga and are all excited to try her brushes. When she finally released her babies, in just a matter of days, they were all SOLD OUT! That's how eager the people are to get the brushes and to show their support to Ate Anne. And I couldn't be happier for her since I know this came from her hard work and she really carefully planned and hand-picked everything. Kudos talaga sa'yo, Ate Anne!

Also, I want to thank her for giving me the chance to try her makeup brushes. She sent me a full set so I can test it out but I can assure you that the following things you are going to read about these brushes are based completely on my own honest opinions and experience. :)

Product Name: Ultimate Beginner Brush Set by Anne Clutz

Price: Php500

Available at: Shopee

Liza Soberano Opens New Business | HOPE Hand and Foot Wellness

Liza Soberano, one of the most beautiful faces in showbiz industry and a great actress, is now a certified entrepreneur. She recently entered the wellness industry with her very own HOPE Hand and Foot Wellness.

I was absolutely stoked when I got an invitation for the launch of her new business because that meant I get to see her in person! I've always admired her beauty but I admired her even more when I attended the event. I realized how beautiful this person is, not just on the outside but also on the inside.

Eye Makeup Transitions with Paint Box Artistry (Makeup Workshop)

Last month, I was invited as a guest makeup artist in one of Paint Box Artistry's makeup workshops.  Paint Box Artistry, owned by Ms. Elaiza Basas, is known for hosting workshops for both basic and advanced makeup here in the Philippines.

The makeup workshop was a very intimate one and it was held in Go Hotels near Robinson's Pioneer. We had the makeup workshop in their conference room. This wouldn't be possible if not for my very good friend, Ms. Martha Jante, who is also a beauty vlogger. She endorsed me to Ms. Elaiza to be one of the guest makeup artists to the same workshop she would be in. We worked alongside each other to teach a small group of people about skin care and eye makeup transition. Peks Martha (that's our pet name for each other) shared with the students her skin care tips and tricks and I taught them three different eye makeup styles. The rest of the makeup workshop lectures were already tackled by Ms. Elaiza herself.

Girlstuff Forever Minnie Mouse Nail Lacquers | Rock the Dots!

Imagine two of your favorite things from different sorts meshed together! A kikay thing and a little girl's favorite. Yes! That's what you're gonna get with Girlstuff Forever's newest collection --- Minnie Mouse Nail Lacquers!

Girlstuff Forever is one of my favorite brands of nail polish. Recently, they collaborated with Disney and came up with the Minnie Mouse collection. I attended the launch a couple of weeks ago with my fellow beauty b/vloggers at Aruga by Rockwell. It's like a beauty event and a children's party in one. The kid in me was just so happy!

Product Review: Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick with Lip Swatches

Hey, guys! Sharing with you my thoughts on these Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick including lip swatches. There is actually a very wide range of shades of these lippies from Avon. From nudes, to peaches, to pinks, to reds, to vampy shades! I just noticed that there is no brown shade from the collection but that's okay.

Product Name: Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick

Price: Php399

Available at: Avon dealers, Lazada

Product Review: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, Powder, and Concealer (photos and video)

Hey, guys! Sharing with you my review on the Maybelline Fit Me line! I've already filmed a first impression review and demo videos a few months back and I just thought of sharing it with you here in my blog.

The Maybelline Fit Me line consists of the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation, Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder, and the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation stick. So, I have already reviewed everything except the stick foundation.

Benefit Boi-ing Concealers (MEET THEM ALL)

If you will ask me, what is one of the most important things that should never ever leave a girl's makeup kit? It's CONCEALER! It is the solution to almost all of our problems in doing makeup --- covering up those dark spots, hiding the dark circles, and concealing those other blemishes. In fact, on days when I don't want to wear heavy makeup, I just use a concealer to cover the imperfections on my face just to look more fresh and presentable. Y'know what I mean? That's why a concealer is already a staple in my makeup kit. Err, I mean concealers. Yes, I like to keep a couple of concealers in my makeup kit in different formulas just to be ready depending on my skin situation at the time.

Then here comes Benefit, re-launching their Boi-ing Concealer but this time, it's a full line! And this line of Boi-ing concealers can cater to all our concealing needs. Thank goodness for that!

Ever Bilena Bold Beauty Event Featuring New Products!

So, last June, I was invited to attend the Ever Bilena Bold Beauty Event. I always get excited whenever I receive invites from Ever Bilena and whenever they consider me to try their new products because they will always have a special place in my heart. It is the first ever local makeup brand that I used and especially since I joined the Ever Bilena Big Beauty Challenge and became a grand finalists. That contest helped me gained lots of friends. Such a wonderful experience!

The Ever Bilena Bold Beauty Event was held at White Space Makati where we were given pegs to recreate and where they also introduced to us their newest products that are to be released real soon. Our final looks were also taken by professional photographer, Hub Pacheco. Right after he took our photos, he transferred the file to our own devices (in my case, my phone) so we can already have our own copies. Since it was just the raw file, I took the liberty to post process my own photo.

Let's talk more about this photo below, shall we? :)

Maybelline Fit Me is Now in the Philippines (with SHADE GUIDE)

After the L'oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, another famous and well-loved foundation has finally made its way here in the Philippines! The much awaited Maybelline Fit Me Foundation is here at last! Well, not just the foundation but the whole Maybelline Fit Me franchise is now available in our country.

“Most of the time, Filipinas are offered only about four foundation shades to choose from, which makes it a real challenge to find their perfect shade. As Fit Me comes in 10 shades to choose from, Filipinas can finally easily find their FIT. What is even more exciting is that the Fit Me line that we’re bringing in here offers a MATTE + PORELESS finish, which is suitable for the Filipina skin.” says Bianca Sing, Jr. Product Manager for Maybelline.

Fit Me is available in 4 different formats - the FitMe! Matte+Poreless Liquid Foundation, the FitMe! Foundation Stick, the FitMe! Pressed Powder, and the FitMe! Concealer. All of these are said to be perfect for oily skin.