Intense Whitening?! Introducing Sheens Whitening Candy Bar

There are thousands of whitening soaps in the market but only a few of those that I have tried (and I've tried a ton) actually lived up to their claims. One of my favorite whitening soaps that really delivered was the Monte Luxury Perfumed Soap. Unfortunately, a couple of years ago, they were discontinued. BUT here's the good news! Monte soaps are back but with a whole new look and new name, too!

Introducing, Sheens Whitening Candy Bar.

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.

RAVE-IEW: BENCH/ Organics Lavender Castile Soap

A few years back, a friend who had an online shop at that time gifted me some of her products. Her items were all hand-made and made of natural ingredients such as body scrubs, shampoo bars, castile soaps, etc. That time, I didn't know yet that castile soaps can be used in different ways and I didn't really care about it at all so I didn't use the one my friend gave me right away.

One day, I was cleaning my makeup brushes and I decided to use the castile soap just so that I could finally use it, you know? I was so surprised and amazed on how well the castile soap was able to COMPLETELY get rid of the makeup off my brushes including the cream-based ones which are absolutely difficult to clean off. Oh, and it was peppermint-scented so it's a bonus for me! After that, I researched more about castile soaps and learned that it's actually a multi-purpose cleaning agent which you can use on almost anything.

What's good about castile soap is that it is made from vegetable oils so it is all-natural, biodegradable, and cruelty-free. Since the time I experienced its goodness, I began searching for castile soaps that are locally available but most of the ones that I found are quite pricey for me. Then just last year while I was randomly browsing inside a BENCH/ store, I discovered that they have their very own castile soap which is unbelievably affordable!

Product Name: BENCH/ Organics Lavender Castile Soap

Price: Php259/450ml

Available at: BENCH/ outlets, BENCH/ website, Shopee, Lazada

Cleansers I Have Recently Emptied! (Drugstore)

 If you're going to look at my blog archives, you'll see that my last post was dated January 2020. Yes, it's been over a year since I last posted an entry here in my blog. I have neglected it over and over again because I focused more on vlogging and my job as a makeup artist.

Recently, I felt somewhat stuck again and whenever I feel that, I usually go through my past posts both here in my blog and in my YouTube channel. I get motivation from that and makes me want to work hard as much or even work harder than I used to do. Now, I decided to go back to my roots and go back to blogging. Of course, I will continue creating contents in my YouTube channel and accept makeup gigs but I want to blog again since everything started in this platform anyway.☺

Enough with the somehow emotional intro, I thought I'd share with you something about skin care. As a beauty blogger/vlogger, you know we always try out various products, right? In this post, let me share with you the facial cleansers that I have recently emptied.

REVIEW: VNM Naturals Toners | Rosewater + Aloe Soothing Toner and Cucumber + Guava Leaf Skin Clearing Toner

Ever since I consulted a dermatologist years back about using toners, it made me use them less. She said that if your skin doesn't necessarily need a toner and if you don't see much of a difference when you use it or not, it's okay to skip it. Well, not totally ditch it but if you use a toner everyday day and night, you can use it every other day or if you want to use it everyday, do it only once in a day.

Toners are still important because it balances your skin's PH level but since that dermatologist told me I don't really need it that much, I decided to just use toners once a day. Particularly, every night only. I also realized after talking to the dermatologist that not all the toners that I've used really made a difference on my skin. Some did but some? Well, you can say that it was just another added step to my previous skin care routines. I can count with my fingers just how many toners I've tried that actually worked on me and when I say "worked", I meant I really saw a good effect that it did on my  skin.

Recently, I started using these toner mists from VNM Naturals. It's been quite a while since I discovered toners that would make it on my favorites list. I fell in love with the VNM Naturals toners because of its benefits for the skin and the fact that you can use it as a toner and as a mist.

Product Name: VNM Naturals Happy Pores Toner

Price: varies on the toner variant

Available at: www.vnmnaturals.com

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: Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara (I'M BACK!)

Grabe!

I didn't realize that it's been 5 months since I last posted an entry here in my blog. I don't know what to say. LIFE HAPPENED and I won't bore you with the details since I am here to share a product review with you, guys, and I am planning to tell you all about what happened in a separate post.

So, let's get down to business. Yes, it's been 5 months since I was MIA and it's also been that long since I last played with makeup and explored different products. Recently, I'm trying my best to check out new beauty products in the market so I'll have something new to share with you when I finally come back in blogging and vlogging. So, here you go!

When you stopped doing glam and beauty makeup for a while, it could be hard to get back so as of now, I'm just sticking with the basics. I rarely go out with foundation, concealer, or any base makeup at all. My go-to beauty products are sunblock, eyebrow pencil, and lip and cheek tints. On days when I want to look more presentable, I apply concealer, a touch of bronzer, and I sweep on some mascara just enough to open up my peepers. And when it comes to mascaras, Maybelline is one of my favorite brands. Then recently, they released their new mascara called Maybelline Total Temptation and boy! I am, yet again, impressed with the brand.

Product Name: Maybelline Total Temptation Waterproof Mascara (Very Black)

Price: Php399

Available at: Maybelline counters nationwide, 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: 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

J. Cat Beauty Browlyst Style Your Brow Gel Set Review (With Video)

Hello, everyone!

Yes, this is my first ever post for the year 2018. I've just been so busy with makeup gigs and been more focused in doing videos that I didn't have much time left to post a decent entry here in my blog. But I miss doing this so much and I don't want to completely neglect my blog so I want to continue posting at least once a week.

Now, I'm going to restart by sharing with you a new product review. This is also one of my most recent beauty videos in my YouTube channel where I did a review and demo regarding this product. I'm talking about the J. Cat Beauty Browlyst Style Your Brow Gel Set. I know, that is a mouthful!

Product Name: J. Cat Beauty Browlyst Style Your Brow Gel Set

Price: Php479

Available at: J. Cat Beauty stores

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.

Ever Bilena Matte Liquid Lipstick Review and Swatches

Hello, everybody! It's been more than 2 months since I last posted a blog entry here and I missed writing so much! I've been busy with makeup gigs and focused more in creating videos for my YouTube channel. Also, life happened and I needed to take a short hiatus. Anyway, I'm so glad to be back! And as a comeback post, I decided to share a review on a product from a local brand that is famous in the whole country --- Ever Bilena!

If you are a fan of Ever Bilena or if you are updated to their products, then you are probably familiar with their Ever Bilena Matte Lipsticks. At dahil nauuso na ang liquid lipsticks, they decided to create the liquid lipstick version of those well-known matte lipsticks! Last August 2017, they launched their new products and one of those is their Ever Bilena Matte Liquid Lipsticks.

Product name: Ever Bilena Matte Liquid Lipstick

Price: Php195

Available at: Ever Bilena kiosks/counters nationwide

Product Review: L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

A couple of months ago, L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation was finally launched here in the Philippines. Before, we can only buy them from our local online stores and since I am not a huge fan of online shopping, I haven't got the chance to try it until it finally arrived here in PH.

Even before it was launched here, a lot of people are already raving about it. They said it is the best foundation for people with oily skin. Of course, I was curious and wanted to see for myself so when I finally got my own tube, I immediately tested the product.

Product Name: L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

Price: Php700

Available at: L'Oreal counters nationwide

Product RAVE-iew: Jazzy France Sleek Matte Eyeshadow

I rarely buy eyeshadows from the local cosmetic brands and I rarely buy makeup products impulsively BUT when I see a product that I know is going to be worth every cent, I wouldn't even think twice! Especially when I am sure it is going to help me and my makeup clients hugely.

I first saw this eyeshadow palette from Paul Unating (Pro Hair and Makeup Artist) and Kris Lumagui (Filipina YouTube vlogger). It immediately caught my attention because based on Paul's makeup tutorial video in YouTube and Ate Kris' photo on Facebook, it looks really promising. However, I just let it slip until I visited SM North Edsa this one time and saw this palette as I was exploring (as usual) the makeup section at Watsons.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, one of THE BEST eyeshadow palettes I have ever tried, Jazzy France Sleek Matte Eyeshadow Palette.

Product Name: Jazzy France Sleek Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Price: Php1,299

Available at: Watsons, Department Stores

Product Rave-iew: Ever Bilena Advance BB Flawless Whitening Compact

One of my favorite products of Ever Bilena is their powder, err, I mean their powders. In fact, in my opinion, they are one of the local brands that carries the best powders. They offer quite a wide variety of powders but my favorite is the EB Advance BB Flawless Whitening Compact.

Product name: EB Advance BB Flawless Whitening Compact

Price: Php250

Available at: Watsons, department stores, grocery stores, drugstores

Product Review and Swatch: Maybelline Rosy Matte Lipsticks

Many Filipina love sporting that natural and simple makeup looks. They usually choose light-colored or natural-looking lippies especially for everyday looks. If that's the case, nude shades are always the best way to go. However, some ladies are hesitant to wear nude lippies because they worry that it might not complement their skin tone. Well, if you're looking for a nude lipstick that won't wash you out or make you look pale, you might want to try the Maybelline Rosy Matte Lipsticks by Color Sensational. 

Product Name: Maybelline Rosy Matte Lipstick

Price: Php299

Available at: Maybelline counters (Watsons, Department Stores)

Product Review: Monte Luxury Perfumed Soap with Intense Whitening Solution

There are so many whitening soaps available in the market but only a few of those that I've tried really worked greatly and helped in making my skin look lighter. One of the best whitening soaps that I've used is the Monte Luxury Perfumed Soap with Intense Whitening Solution. I know, that's a mouthful!

Monte is a company of skin care, cosmetics, and wellness. The first product that I have tried from this brand is their amazing soap. I know that this soap has quite a long name but what I love about it is that it really lives up to its name and what it claims.

Product Name: Monte Luxury Perfumed Soap with Intense Whitening Solution

Price: Php180

Available at: www.monteskincare.com