Showing posts with label Skin Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skin Care. Show all posts

At the beginning of 2025, I made a personal commitment to take my skincare routine more seriously. As a full-time working mom, I needed something simple, effective, and stress-free. After experiencing a harsh breakout in the past due to a compromised skin barrier, I’ve become extra cautious about what I put on my face. My must-haves were clear: products that are gentle, suitable for oily skin, easy to use, and won’t break the bank.

So when The Originote products popped up on my Shopee feed, my curiosity was instantly piqued. A quick browse through their page showed a range of items that seemed perfectly tailored to my skincare needs. I immediately purchased everything that I needed for a full skincare routine.

After a few months of consistent use, here’s my honest experience using six of their products: the Hyalurose Micellar Water, Cicamide Facial Cleanser, Ceraluronic Essence Toner, Gluta Bright B3 Serum, Hyalucera Moisturizer, and Ceramella Sunscreen.

About The Originote

The Originote is a rising skincare brand that focuses on simple, science-backed ingredients which means no frills, no fluff. It's not indicated on their packaging, so I had to verify via their Shopee Account if their products are vegan and cruelty-free, and they replied in the affirmative. Their products are formulated to target common skin concerns like dryness, acne, and dullness. What caught my attention first? Their minimalist packaging and the fact that most of their items are under ₱300!


"The Originote Hyalurose Micellar Water" Review

What it is: A gentle micellar water infused with rose extract and hyaluronic acid to cleanse, hydrate, and soothe.
Texture & Scent: Light, watery, and refreshing. Has a subtle rose floral scent.
Application: I use this as my first cleanse to remove sunscreen and light makeup.
My Thoughts: It did the job without stinging or drying my skin. No greasy residue and didn’t clog my pores. I am a big, big fan of micellar waters and I will never not have one in my beauty arsenal. That being said, I'm glad that it comes in a 300ml bottle which means that I can utilize it for a looong time.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Cicamide Facial Cleanser" Review
What it is: A low-pH gel cleanser with centella asiatica and ceramides for calming and barrier support. Also contains niacinamide for other skin concerns such as enlarged pores and excess oil production.
Texture & Scent: Clear gel with minimal lather, scent-free
Application: Morning and night cleanse (double cleanser at night after using the Hyalurose Micellar Water)
My Thoughts: Super gentle and didn’t strip my oily skin. Felt clean but not tight afterward which is a big plus for me. I've had some trauma from the past and I know it was because of my weakened skin barrier. I always make sure that the facial cleanser should be low-pH and gentle to my skin barrier. I'm glad that this product is good and affordable. I wanted to give it a 5 star rating but I had a tiny bit of an issue: the product seemed to smell a bit stale right before I fully consumed it. I'm not sure what happened since it's not yet expired. I'm not totally giving up on this product tho, so I will still repurchase it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌗 (4.5/5)

"The Originote Ceraluronic Essence Toner" Review
What it is: A hydrating essence toner that combines ceramides and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier. Also contains heartleaf, a medicinal herb prized for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and calming properties.
Texture & Scent: Watery but slightly more viscous than a basic toner. 
Application: I apply this using my hands, patting it in for maximum absorption.
My Thoughts: In the past, I tend to skip the toner part and just proceed to moisturizing. But with this product, I never want to skip. I loved how it made my skin feel plump and supple. It also helps calm some redness of my skin after washing. It is also easily absorbed and layers well with the serum and moisturizer.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Gluta-Bright B3 Serum" Review
What it is: A brightening serum with glutathione and niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for targeting dark spots and evening out skin tone.
Texture & Scent: Lightweight, watery serum with no strong scent.
Application: Used daily after toner, before moisturizer.
My Thoughts: The essence toner and serum combo of this skincare routine is something I looked forward to; they just really paired well. I loved how this serum helped in minimizing the appearance of my pores. I also noticed a subtle glow after 2 weeks. It didn’t irritate my skin (some niacinamide serums do!) and my pimple marks faded faster. Another thing, this along with the essence toner layers well with my makeup.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Hyalucera Moisturizer" Review
What it is: A daily moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, meant to lock in hydration and reinforce the skin barrier.
Texture & Scent: Gel-cream texture, non-sticky, and fragrance-free.
Application: Used  after serum both morning and night.
My Thoughts: I love that it’s lightweight yet moisturizing enough. No greasy feeling, which is rare for moisturizers on oily skin! This is moisturizer, plain and simple and is exactly what I was looking for, no added fancy stuff. Just a moisturizer moisturizer that is meant to moisturize.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Ceramella Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++" Review
What it is: A hybrid sunscreen with ceramides and niacinamide for UV protection and skin barrier support.
Texture & Scent: Lightweight cream texture with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Fragrance-free.
Application: I applied this every morning as the final step in my routine.
My Thoughts: I love that it leaves no white cast—huge win for my light-medium skin tone! It is also easily absorbed and and sits well under makeup. The finish is not matte but more of a glowy one. Ages ago, I would have preferred my sunscreen to have a matte finish, but now, I prefer the glowy finish because it make me feel more youthful. 
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

How It Worked as a Routine
The whole routine worked harmoniously together—no breakouts, no greasy buildup. My skin felt calmer, more balanced, and less shiny throughout the day. It was especially great during busy days when I needed a fuss-free skincare system. I also loved how it works well with the makeup, I have never experienced pilling.

Final Thoughts
Would I repurchase? Yes, every product here that I reviewed is worth a repurchase.
If you’re new to skincare or want to build a minimalist routine that won’t break the bank, The Originote is a solid choice.

Tips for First-Time Users
Always patch test first, especially the serum if you’re sensitive to actives.
The toner and moisturizer pair beautifully, great for barrier repair days.
For oily skin, keep the routine light and avoid layering too many products at once.

Where to Buy
I bought the entire line from their official Shopee Store, but I believe they also available in TikTok and Lazada. Prices range from ₱99 to ₱299, making them perfect for budget-conscious beauty lovers!

✨ Have you tried The Originote yet? Let me know your thoughts or questions in the comments! Don’t forget to follow my blog for more honest skincare and lifestyle reviews. ✨

XO, Mommie Cassie
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Here's a review of the Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 PA+++. 
Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 PA+++
Price: Php 180.00 for a 20 mL tube

What is it?
A moisturizing facial sunscreen that effectively provides broad spectrum protection against harmful UV  rays. It has Cell Protect Formula that strengthens the skin's defense system while preventing accelerated premature aging. It claims tp be non-sticky, lightweight, water resistant, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and paraben-free.

Ingredients and other details
belo sunexpert sunblock review
Ingredients and other details of Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 PA+++
In Action
Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 PA+++ in action
My Take
Regrets...I've had a few. If I can fix a skin care mistake in the past, it would be that I would pay more attention to wearing sunscreen. I always thought that SPF on makeup was enough but recent readings have made me realize the importance of having a dedicated protection from UVA and UVB rays. I hope to the gods that it's not too late to make amends. 

One of the main reasons though why I veered away from sunscreens is that I always associated it with being sticky or greasy. I also felt that it causes breakouts. I've been dabbling with different sunscreen brands within my budget during the past year and I am thrilled that I've found something wonderful in Belo SunExpert's Face Cover. I was able to try out different varieties from Belo due to my membership with Sample Room but I missed this one and I regret not discovering this item a long time ago.

It comes in a cream form and I feared that it might be too heavy or sticky. But as soon as I blended it out on my skin, it is well absorbed and it doesn't feel heavy at all. I have oily skin and as a matter of preference, I am fine with the dewy finish that it leaves. It feels comfortable even if I wear primer or foundation on top and it doesn't leave a weird white cast (see photo above). More importantly, I'm glad that it didn't break me out. I've read  that we should wear at least SPF 30 so this definitely fits the bill and it also provides broad spectrum coverage. They say that the best sunscreen is the one that you will wear every day and yes, I feel comfortable wearing this one on a daily basis. What else can I say? Repurchases are in order, preferably in a bigger tube this time.

Will I buy it again? Definitely!
Will I recommend it? Yes!

Have you tried any products from Belo lately?
Drop your experience in the comment box below.

XO,
Carissa
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Short answer: NO. 😁
At least that's what I learned from using the CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch during a bad breakout. Cystic pimples are the worst of their kind. They are excessively painful, they are too obvious, too red and they take forever to heal. And don't forget about the pus! Ugh!
So if you think that a pimple patch is something you put on top of your zit to make it magically vanish the next day, you are wrong. But using it does have some benefits so it's not a bad idea to keep some at bay. 

CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch
How much: Php 150.00
Where to buy: Sophia and Kalel
CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch ingredients and other details
CosRx pimple patches are comfortable to wear. They are not too thick nor too hard and they adhere well to the skin. I've worn them overnight and they really stay on the same spot where you apply them. 
I always tell myself to quit touching my face especially if I have a budding zit but really, sometimes I just can't help it. So when I have this patch on, I have a physical reminder to keep my hands off. And if I do end up accidentally touching my zit, I still have this as a protective barrier. 
It was a very satisfying experience to look at the patch once I have removed it in the morning. I can see the oil and impurities that have been absorbed. 
A single pad of the CosRx Pimple Master Patch contains 24 patches in different sizes (10 pcs of 7mm, 5 pcs of 10mm and 9 pcs of 12 mm). 
A hydrocolloid patch absorbs oil and extracts impurities while creating a barrier that protects against outside irritants.
Here are photos that I took for three consecutive mornings to observe the daily progress of using the CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch. 
In the photo above you can see how very red and angry my pimple is. Day after day it has calmed down and it has flattened. Your pimple won't go away overnight but it will heal better and you won't be left with a bad scar to deal with in the aftermath. 
Will I buy it again? Definitely. It's very affordable. It's not something I can't live without but I also love having it around just in case.
Will I recommend it? For spot treatments and those once in a bluemoon zits, yes. 

XoXo,
caRissa 

Ps. This whole situation happened last April. My skin's been doing well lately. 😉
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I pre-ordered this set from an Instagram seller (@BeautyInABoxPh) last year and I think she got this one during the Black Friday Sale in the US. I wanted to give myself a birthday gift, sort of, yet again, although it didn't arrive on time. 😂 But it's okay, I'm totes chill about it now. There used to be a time when I got stressed out even by micro-delays but now I just sit back, relax and the J&T rider just arrives. 
So, this is the PLAY! by Sephora right here. PLAY! is an affordable subscription box that lets you try samples of six new beauty products from Sephora's coveted brands. They range from skin care to makeup to hair care products. For just $10, you'll get up to $65 worth of products and as I figured out when I opened this set, they're actually minis or travel-sized. Sooooo nakakahappy! Here's what's inside and I really do feel like PLAYing with 'em.
📌Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser and Bamboo Booster Exfoliant physique
The Slaai™ Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser is an innovative cleansing balm that melts all traces of dirt, makeup and sunscreen from skin. Included in the set is the Bamboo Booster™ Tiny, ultra-fine bamboo spheres that gently exfoliate away built-up dead, dry skin.

I'll admit that Drunk Elephant is the biggest draw for me here! DE products are pricey and  I know that I will never shell out a big amount for skin care products even if I can afford it. I finally got the chance to try it out because of PLAY! I will hold my opinion for a little while because it merits a full review so I will be making a separate blog entry for it soon.
drunk elephant makeup remover
📌Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover
Clinique's best-selling makeup remover! Clinique describes it as a totally tugless formula that dissolves and lifts away long-wearing and even waterproof mascara. Whew! I won't argue with that 'coz is true. What's more is that it is non-irritating and non-stingy and is free from synthetic colors and alcohol.
clinique makeup remover
📌Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Simple Detox Shampoo
Living Proof's site describes it as a "revolutionary shampoo that helps deliver beautiful, healthy looking hair, while it helps it feel cleaner, longer". Out of all the products in the set I think this the first one that I used and fully consumed. TBH, I didn't feel anything particularly revolutionary or notable about this product. Like, it was shampoo, okay. My dry and damaged hair couldn't tell the difference. 😄 In its defense, maybe I didn't use it long enough to make a difference. 

📌Juliette has a gun Not A Perfume
Juliette has a gun is minimalist fragrance that reminds me of clean, freshly laundered clothes that just got off from drying in the sun. It has none of those different elements that make up the base, middle, and top notes like other fragrances because it only has a single ingredient which is the Cetalox, a synthetic fragrance that has naturally woody smell, with tones of musky amber. (www.oakmanorfragrances.com) 

📌Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum
This is a lightweight serum that melts into skin to help reduce the appearance of imperfections and tightens pores.  It contains salicylic acid, grape seed polyphenols and organic essential oils. I'd like to take my time in using this so that I can make a good review. For now, I'm just enjoying the great smell of it. 😁
caudalie vinopure perfecting serum
📌Bite Beauty Power Move  Creamy Matte  Lip Crayon in Glacé
I love the shade! Glacé is a dusty mauve that is so close to my natural lip color. It has a creamy matte formula plus it contains moisturizing ingredients such as pomegranate oil and Wild African Mango Butter. Having a creamy matte formula makes it comfortable to wear and although it transfer, it leaves a lovely stain behind. 
bite beauty lip crayon glace
***
To cap things, I am so happy with what I got for my first (and probably only) PLAY! by Sephora. 
I loved the variety. Some may not be happy about having just one makeup item but I'm really fine with it since I've become a skin care junkee lately. 
I'm definitely happy about having makeup removers in the set because I actually use them a lot and I know that they will be put to good use. 
Am also excited about the serum because I am currently exploring about them. 
I still have tons of lipsticks to use up so I know it will take a while before I get to Glacé. 
It doesn't help that I don't get to wear a lipstick as often because of the masks.

Ugh! COVID go away already!
You suck! You've taken away so many precious lives with you.
Rest in peace, Lloyd Cafe Cadena. 💗😭
Heaven has truly gained another angel. 

xo,
caRissa 
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Here's a long overdue review of the Pyunkang Yul Low pH Pore Deep Cleansing Foam.
Pyunkang yul low ph deep cleanaing foam
What is it?
A cleansing foam that cleanses deeply yet gently to remove impurities, dirt and makeup. It mimics the skin's own pH level so it doesn't disturb the acid mantle.  

Packaging/Ingredients
I have the travel sized squeeze tube here so it only contains 40 mL of product. As you can see the packaging is simple, no eye-catching illustrations whatsoever. That's the way I like it though because I love the clean minimalist look and I always associate it to being straight forward and no nonsense. 

Ingredients and other details
Here's a photo of the back label. Of course I cannot read Korean but luckily I was able to find the details on www.ohlolly.com and here's the ingredients list:

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Coconut Acid, Polyquaternium-67, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Diatomaceous Earth, Isopropyl Alcohol, Citric Acid

My Take
Years and years of being a Project Vanity reader has instilled in me the importance of using a pH balanced facial wash. I look back on all those times that I've had a crazy breakout and I wish I could undo all the skincare mistakes of the past. *cringe* That is why I am always on a hunt for a facial wash that will not mess up with my skin barrier. A future tip too for my own daughter when the time comes. 

Last April, while I was in the middle of a huge breakout on my right temple I went browsing at the Shopee Page of Sophia and Kalel, I chanced upon this facial wash from Pyunkang Yul. I'll admit that the "low pH" tag caught my eye but I was not familiar with the brand so I decided to Google it. Let's just say that I liked what I saw, enough to make me order two tubes at once, along with other skin care stuff which I featured in my previous haul.

I've been using this facial wash ever since and as I write this blog, I've emptied one tube, I'm currently on one, and I have two more on the way. Wait, let me correct that statement; somewhere in between I tried to dabble with another facial wash for a few days which turned out to be a bad decision so I went back to Pyunkang Yul. If that doesn't speak volumes about how much I love this product then I don't know what does. 
A dollop of Pyunkang Yul Low pH Deep Cleansing Foam mixed with water. Notice the sparkly stuff embedded in it.
Lemme break it down for you. It smells fresh, akin to lemon-ginger according to my nose but I've read that it smells like bergamot and I have no idea if how that smells like so I'll just stick with my own interpretation of the scent.  It gives a satisfying foamy lather and it feels so gentle, no stingy or harsh feeling at all. I love using lukewarm water to wash it off and my skin feels clean, soft, and smooth. No tight, dry or stripped feeling. Above all, I have really experienced changes in my skin's texture and I seldomly get stubborn breakouts now. If I do, my skin recovers quickly. I'd like to think I've found a holy grail facial wash, something I wouldn't hesitate to repurchase in the future.

Pyunkang Yul Low pH Deep Cleansing Foam Rating
Packaging: 4.5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.5/5
User friendliness: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5

Would I buy it again? Yes. I just did. 
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you have oily/pimple prone skin like mine

Where I bought it: Sophia and Kalel (Shopee)
How much: Php 150.00 for 40 mL
***
My current skin care products. Plus sleep, drinking water and consistency in following the routine. 
I did mention in my title that I would also be featuring some of the skin care products that I am currently using. I've kept my routine simple with just a few products because I'm scared chicken that I will have another breakout if I overwhelm myself.  Click on the links to read reviews about the products. 
  • Nivea MicellAIR Acne Clear Micellar Water 0% Alcohol (Php 99.00, Mercury Drug) - no surprise here, I already talked about how much I love this one
  • Human Heart Nature Balancing Facial Toner (Php 99.00, www.humanheartnature.com) - new packaging, same love
  • Klorane Eye Makeup Remover - just trying to use it up coz sayang, and I could do with just the Nivea MicellAIR tbh 😉
  • Maxi Peel Sun Protection Cream SPF 20 (Php 45.00, Mercury Drug)  - I know I could still do better with the amount of SPF here. I've seen this product at the local drugstore but I have always walked past it. Then I read a review on PV that said that it is worth a try despite the lower SPF content and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It doesn't smell, it doesn't break me out, it is light enough to be worn underneath makeup and my skin's doing great at the moment. I will consume the mini tub before I try a different sunscreen but I will still buy it as a backup. Oh, it's Php 45.00. Ang saya! 
  • Sooper Beaute Baby Skin Serum (Php 199.00, www.beautymnl.com) -  This serum smells like my favorite fruit: the pomelo, so I feel perky when I get a whiff of it especially in the morning. It contains Vitamin E, Snail Secretion, Lactic Acid and a cocktail of extracts (chamomile, witch hazel and tomato). The label says that it is an "elixir to younger, poreless and glowing skin". That's a lot of promise and I know it would take more than a serum to have a baby skin so I didn't really bank on that. But this serum deserves some love. I love the consistency, it's not too thick nor runny so it does fine underneath my makeup. It spreads easily and is absorbed quickly by the skin.  It does minimize the appearance of my pores. Not quite baby skin yet, but the texture of my skin improved, it's currently plumper or bouncier, less pimple prone and the pimple marks are fading. This small bottle is almost done but I won't be repurchasing at the moment as I have another bottle of serum to consume, also from the same brand. I say I enjoyed using Super Beaute so I also won't hesitate to purchase from them in the future. 
***
For more info about these products here, don't hesitate to drop a question in the comment box below.
Have a good day!


Xo,
caRissa
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Human Heart Nature Natural Body Wash
Variant: Gentle Berry
Price: Php 179.75 for 200 mL
Where to buy: www.humanheartnature.com, resellers/dealers at Shopee

What is it? 
Human Heart Nature Natural Body Wash details
The Human Heart Nature Natural Body Wash is a mild wash that effectively cleanses away dirt and grime while being gentle on the skin. It is free from SLS/SLES, paraben and synthetic fragrances. It is available in two scents: Sweet Orange and Gentle Berry.

My Take
We've had another merciless dry season, with the unrelenting hot temperature and humid air. Think of this, as early as 10:00 am at the office, I am already imagining going home and heading straight to the bath to wash off the stickiness. In truth, I can only have another bath after a long day's work and the simple process felt like cleansing my soul. No, actually it was heaven on earth. 😂

I wanted to elevate my experience while taking my evening baths and that is how I started missing Human Heart Nature. I wanted to have something that smells really nice and to me, HHN products always smell good in a non-synthetic way. I've been an HHN fan for a long time but it's been a while since my last purchase so I decided to order some over Shopee. Moreover, I also noticed that taking multiple baths in a day using soap has started to take a toll on my skin. I could feel that it was making me dry so I knew that I needed something mild and HHN fits the bill. 

I was so excited when my package arrived that I couldn't wait to take a bath. 😆 And because of this product, my quick bath took twice the usual time. You know why? Well, I spent a great amount of time just sniffing the symphony of fruity scents coming right off the bottle. The body wash comes in a transparent gel form and it lathers well - but not in a big bubble type of way. Just small suds but I can feel how well it cleanses my skin. I took the time to massage the whole stuff all over my body to make me feel relaxed. When it came to washing off I 'm glad that there is no sticky or greasy after-feel. Above all, my skin felt clean but it didn't feel dry. Clean ingredients and clean feeling for the win! ✔️✔️

Packaging/Ingredients and Other details
Human Heart Nature Natural Body Wash ingredients and other details
Human Heart Nature Body Wash Gentle Berry Rating
Packaging : 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
User-friendliness: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Would I buy it again? Yes
Would I recommend it? Yes
More goodness... 
It is indicated in the bottle that a portion of the proceeds of this product goes to the Philippine Foundation for Breast Cancer Inc to help indigenous women who have breast cancer. So with this, I am not just getting an amazing product with clean ingredients, I am also helping the environment and helping my countrymen. I will always be in awe of Human Heart Nature.

Xo, 
caRissa 🌻
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Here's another skin care roundup involving my toners and face masks. This is the third one. I featured my cleansers and makeup removers in the past. So basically, I gathered 'round all the stuff that I had in my skin care stash (during the CQ) to try to assess if which products should I chuck already or use immediately. As a skin care and makeup junkee, I have become a hoarder of sorts that sometimes I forget I have certain products tucked away somewhere. I hate it when things go to waste so I'm keeping up with my assessments and checking my priorities. It also helps if I impose a no-buy policy unless I've emptied everything, for motivation. Well, here they are!
L-R: Celeteque Acne Solutions Oil Control Toner, RYX Skincerity Deep Cleansing Water, Belo AcnePro Treatment Toner, Kojie San Cleanser + Toner, and Mamonde Rose Water Toner 
Currently Using
Moringa O2 Malunggay Herbal Facial Toner ingredients and other details
Moringa O2 Malunggay Herbal Facial Toner
Price: about Php 100.00 for 100 mL
Where To Buy: got mine at Mercury Drug
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this toner. I only picked it up on a whim because I was about to run out of and the specs on the label looked promising.
A week later, I was rushing back to the grocery aisle where I bought it with a mission to buy a backup. Lo and behold, they were all gone. I swear there were at least ten of them. So there, it officially sucks because I am now so in love with this toner. It is green tinged and has a bit of a fresh tangy scent. It is alcohol-free so it doesn't make the skin feel dry. It also incorporated the nutrients of malunggay, olives, and sunflower oil to "rejuvenate, nourish, and protect" the skin. But like I said earlier, I didn't expect to be blown away! But here we are. I attribute the improvement of my skin condition to this toner. The pimples on my temple gradually vanished and if there were new ones, they didn't go big, fat and plump and they heal pretty quickly. I used this in combination with the Zenutrients Tea Tree Soap that I featured on the first skin care roundup. I agree that I have experienced all the benefits listed at the back label. Am checking my reflection and my facial skin is actually whiter, not that I care much. This is definitely a toner that I will not hesitate to buy again. 

Coming Up Next
Mamonde Rose Water Toner
Price: Php 75.00 for 25 mL
Where To Buy: saw it on beautymnl.com but I got it from an IG seller
I already used this a few times in the past. It has a nice rose water scent, it is very mild and it has a softening effect on the skin. I didn't experience anything particularly bad or amazing things about this toner. Like status quo lang. 😁 However, I had to stop using it because my skin was going through a breakout and I needed something more potent in fighting acne. Now that my skin has finally calmed down, I think I would definitely use this again. Well, there isn't much because this is just a 25 ml travel-sized bottle. I am not planning to repurchase this after I run out tho.

Empties
Celeteque Dermoscience Acne Solutions Oil Control Toner
Price: about Php 130.00 
Where To Buy: I always grab these at Watsons or Mercury when I have the chance
Just like the other variant of Celeteque that I have reviewed in the past (read here), I also liked this toner. It contains alcohol but is balanced with other moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and aloe vera extracts. It also contains chamomile extracts which has antiseptic and anti-inflamatory properties. I also won't hesitate to rebuy this in the future. But if it came down to this and the Moringa O2 toner that I mentioned earlier, I would go for the latter. 😉

RYX Skincerity Deep Cleansing Water
Price: about Php 220.00 for 100 mL
Where to Buy: resellers in Shopee
After using the RYX Skincerity Rejuvenating set that brought on a lot of peeling, this toner is a welcome change in its mildness. Indeed, it feels like water but it draws out the dirt that's still left after washing. The ingredients list brings in a bevy of plant based elements such Centella Asiatica, Polygonum Cuspidate, Scutellaria Baicalensis, Camelia Sinensis, and Rosemary that gives lots of benefits for the skin (yep, Googled them all). It makes the skin feel soft and smooth and it really does the job well as it preps it for serums/moisturizers. 
This toner is available online so I always have trouble procuring it as I get lazy sometimes. 😆 The price is also steeper than how much I usually spend on toners which is around 100s. If you'll ask me, I can tell you that this is a good mild toner with other wonderful benefits, especially in the whitening department, if that is your thing, plus it balances the skkn's ph level and minimizes the pores. But the crux for me is that I can't buy it easily and buying it entails additional shipping fee, on top of it being pricey. Other than that, I have no beef about this toner.

Belo Essentials AcnePro Treatment Toner
Price: about Php 80.00 
Where To Buy: dept store and groceries, I got mine from Sample Room
This was part of the Sample Room haul last year and you can read my thoughts about this product in this link.
Kojie San Cleanser + Toner Ingredients and other details
Kojie San Cleanser + Toner Dual Action
Price: about Php 45.00 for 60 mL
Where To Buy: Mercury Drug
This is another quick buy from Mercury Drug. It's meant to be a cleanser and toner in one and indeed it effectively draws out the dirt after washing. Over the past year I have learned to love the Korean way of doing skin care and that means using products that are gentler on the skin. I do find this one drying. Although I didn't experience excessive stinging or that kind of stuff, I just feel in my gut that this isn't the product for me. Must be because the alcohol content is high up on the list or maybe the menthol content. I used it less frequently, like three times a week and I alternated it with the Mamonde Rose Toner. It didn't help with the pimples either. I don't think I will be repurchasing this even if it's pretty affordable and readily available. In case you're wondering, the bottle is really not emptied but I decided to give this a rest already.

Check out: My other favorite toners: 

The Mask Sheets
Eenie meenie miney mo...
I have a few here. I enjoyed collecting mask sheets and in the back of my head, I planned to use one weekly but that never happened. It became more like a once-every-3-months thing. 😆
Papa Recipe Honey Mask Sheet (also part of the Sample Room haul, read here)
Quick FX Mask Sheets (I did an unboxing last year, read here)
Esfolio Red Ginseng Essence Mask Sheets
Leaders In Solution AC Balancing Control Mask Sheet
BioAQUA Pure Skin Acne Mask

I ordered these mask sheets, save for the first two, at BeautyMNL during their annual holiday sale. I promised myself that this will be the last batch of mask sheets that I will be purchasing as I will be slowly switching to the wash off/peel off types (see photo below). I heard that the sheets don't easily decompose and I feel bad about what it does to the environment. 
I'd like to have my say on these products too but let's save it for a different blog post. Shall we?

Thank you for reading and see you on my next post.
Xo,
caRissa 🖤
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These aren't exactly fresh. I got these products at the end of 2019. Can you believe it?
It's been four months and I'm only blogging about them now. What a slacker!
Well anyways, I have more time to blog these days. And as you can probably see... I'm on a roll. ;) 
I've been posting at least once a week. I'm meaning to do more. Bringing back my 2017 level of blog productivity. Oh yeah!
Working on a skeletal shift has it's benefits. I've also been doing lots of DIY stuff these days.
So, let's move on to the topic at hand: these are the latest products that I got from Sample Room.
I prefer getting skin care or daily essentials from them because I am practical that way.
You know, it seems that no matter what happens, I will never not use skin care products.
So this time, I got me a toner (because I will never skip toning), a sunscreen (because, duh), and a face mask (no, not THAT COVID-related mask).
Check 'em out after the jump! ;)
Belo Essentials AcnePro Treatment Toner
Price: Php 79.75 for 60 mL
What is it? What does it do?
An anti-acne toner that is infused with Purified Bee Venom which is clinically proven to treat mild to moderate acne and reduce inflammation. It unclogs congested pores & dries up pimples, reduces inflammation and red marks and soothes skin from irritation. It is oil-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.
Belo Essentials AcnePro Treatment Toner ingredients and other details
My Take
When I read the details of this toner, it felt like this is THE ONE made for me. Those ⬆️ are the skin problems that I always encounter, albeit not on a large scale. And I enjoyed using every single bit of this product because it really helped in calming down the zits and the oiliness. What saddens me is that this isn't the usual Belo toner that I see in the local stores because I've only seen the pink and orange ones. I haven't spotted this toner in town. If it were available, I'm pretty sure I would always purchase this one. 
Rating: 4.5/5

Vitapack Whitening UV Sunscreen
Price: Php 449 for 40 mL
What is it? What does it do?
It is a soft cream that protects the skin from harmful UV rays to prevent premature skin ageing while keeping the skin light and moisturized. It is infused with antioxidants in Sunflower Oil and Vitamin E to nourish, speed up rejuvenation and even out skin tone, and Sodium Hyaluronate to plump up skin for a lightweight, non-sticky and water-resistant finish.
Vitapack Whitening UV Sunscreen ingredients and other details
My Take
I've always associated suncreens with stickiness so I was overjoyed when I road tested the Vitapack Whitening UV Sunscreen. It comes in a creamy formula but when applied to the skin, it leaves a matte finish. It also spreads easily on the skin so it's hassle-free. It makes the skin look smooth and at times, I would apply it and skip the bb cream or liquid foundation and just top it with powder. Even when I sweat out, my skin doesn't look oily or sticky. The label says that it is water-resistant, however I was not able to try it out because swimming got canceldt because of COVID19, so I won't be able to make a sound comment on that aspect.

The BIG problem that I had is that I believe it has been causing my pimples on my temple area. I used this a lot earlier this year and I kept having pimples on the same area. And then I stopped using it for a while, but not because I suspected that it was causing me pimples but just because I had other products to try out. And then a week ago, I used this because I was in a hurry to go out and it was the only sun protecting product I could grab. And voila, within that day, I had a painful red bump and I am still currently dealing with it. So. And there isn't a chance that I'll be using this sunscreen again because it is about to reach the end of its life, according to the label.
Rating: 3/5 (Truly, I wanted to love it, but.)

Papa Recipe Bombee Honey Mask
Price: Php 149.00
What is it? What does it do?
Indulgence in a sheet mask! A treatment sheet mask made with nature's best ingredients including honey, propolis, and royal bee jelly.
Papa Recipe Bombee Honey Mask ingredients and other details 
My Take
The first few days of May has been rough on me. These aren't exactly huge problems but it's been stressful that I couldn't take it any longer: I had to pamper myself a bit. So I grabbed this mask. As I pried it from the protective film that was covering it and tried to put it on my face, the first thing I noticed about it was that the material was too thin. I wasn't too gentle but I didn't exert too much force and I seem to have stretched the mask so easily that the hole for my left eye was bigger than the one for the right. When I tried to adjust it, it kept stretching that the mask became too big for my face. The only solution for me was to try to make it fit by crumpling some parts of the mask. WHAT A MESS! But after wearing it for 30 minutes, I felt nothing but appreciation for how soft and bouncy my face was. It still felt that way even the next day. I could have given it a better rating if it wasn't so difficult for me to use. Rating 3.5/5 (I loved it, but...)

***
And now it's time to calculate how much these products cost versus how much I spent to get them. 
Belo Essentials Acne Pro Treatment Toner   -  Php   79.75
Vitapack Whitening UV Sunscree                   - Php 449.00
Papa Recipe Bombee Honey Mask                  - Php 149.00
Total                                                                  - Php 677.95

I got all of these items for only Php 150.00 because of the shipping fee.
Isn't it that a delight?
Thank you again Sample Room! Until next transaction!

XO, 
caRissa ♥️ 
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Hey!!! Last time, I did a skin care roundup involving my facial cleansers/washes. 
This time, I've rounded up all the makeup removers in various formulas currently in my stash. I also mentioned my empties, just because they were good and are really worth the mention.
Once upon a time, I didn't bother with makeup removers. I just washed my face with whatever, maybe with a facial wash that was not pH balanced. Yikes! Never again. I've reaped the benefits of being careful with what I put on my face and I am never going back. 
I've learned about the pre-cleansing stage because of the Korean Skin Care Regimen. Although I don't do the full ten steps, I believe that the first and second steps are really necessary. 
So here are the pre-cleansers or makeup removers that I bought last year. I will try to consume them all first before moving on to other products. 
Hope you enjoy reading the quick reviews!
L-R: 2 bottle of Pond's Brightening Micellar Water, Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover, Klorane Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover, Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melt Butter Cleanser with the Bamboo Extract Charcoal Powder.
Bottom: Banila Co. Zero Clean It Cleansing Balm
Currently Using
➤Pond's White Beauty Brightening Micellar Water/Price: Php 99.00 for 100 mL/Where To Buy: Mercury Drugs
I think I am currently on my fourth bottle of this micellar water. Needless to say, I think I am pretty much "hiyang" with this product. Personally, I am okay with my micellar water being just that: something for removing makeup, no frills or extra functions needed. Pond's micellar water gives us something extra because it is infused with Vitamin B3, commonly known in skin care jargon as niacinamide which brightens the skin and tightens pores. It effectively removes makeup and my skin feels clean and fresh after using it. I think I do at least 3 passes before I get a satisfying clean. What else do I say? I will keep repurchasing it, especially that my other favorites, the Garnier and Nivea Micellar Waters are nowhere to be found in my locality atm. 
pond's micellar water ponds micellar water ingredients
Pond's Brightening Micellar Water ingredients and other deets
➤Klorane Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover/Price: $16.00 for 3.3 floz /Where I Bought: My favorite seller on Instagram
This product is quiet pricey and I am glad that I was able to try it out with this travel sized bottle which I bought on Instagram. What do I say? Hmmmm. This product actually reminds me of the Nivea Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make-up Remover. They both make use of cornflower extract, they both have plant based oil and the same blue tinge. Most of all, they are both great in melting down waterproof eye makeup with just the slightest force of swiping in the eye area. If you can't afford the Klorane one, then there's always Nivea. ;)

Coming Up 
I have not yet used the following products so I can't really give a feedback for now so I'll just give an overview. They're both part of the Sephora Play! Dessert Island Essentials so they are just minis or travel-sizes:

➤Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover/Price $19.50 for 125 mL (clinique.com) 
"Dissolves and "lifts away" long-wearing makeup, even waterproof mascara. Non-irritating, non-stinging. This product is free of synthetic colors, gluten, denatured alcohol, SLS, SLES, talc. It’s also vegan."

➤Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser/Price: $34.00 for full size (drunkelephant.com)
"Slaai™ is an innovative cleansing balm that melts all traces of dirt, makeup and sunscreen from skin. Gentle enough to be used around the eye area, it quickly transforms from oil to milk upon contact with water. Skin compatible Slaai™ effortlessly removes even water-resistant formulations and is free of PEGs and essential oils." 

Empties
➤Banilla Co. Clean It Zero Original/Price: Php 995.00 for 100 mL, but this one I have here is a mini so I bought it for a tiny fraction of that price/Where To Buy: www.beautymnl.com
The Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm in Original
This is a balm-type cleanser and I love how it melts into oil upon contact with my skin. It easily dissolves makeup, even hard to remove mascara. I also love the light floral scent. I get a small amount of the product and massage it on my entire face. Then I wash it off with lukewarm water to get rid of the oily feel together with my preferred facial wash for my second cleansing. No tight and dry feeling after using but instead, it keeps my skin soft and supple. Sometimes I just can't help touching my face.

➤Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion/Price $30.00 for full size (esteelauder.com)
The Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
Here's another pricey product that I was able to try out because of my fave IG seller who sells travel/mini sized products, be it drugstore, mid-range or high end. All I can say is...some pricey products are pricey for a reason. This one is a gem. It is lotion type but it feels oh so light on the skin. You only need a small amount of the product to work. There is no greasy feel, and on the contrary, it leaves a cooling effect. Upon application, I really felt that the makeup was coming off without struggle. Ha ha. I could only wish that I can afford to get the full sized one. Until then, I will just make tambay on IG and wait for the next sale. Baka after the lockdown pa. 😆

***
If I were to make a rating, I would definitely give the Estee LauderTake It Away Makeup Remover something close to 5/5. The Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is somewhere behind with a 4.5/5 above rating. All the micellar waters are 4/5+++. The Klorane Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover was so-so for me, as I have tried a similar one from Nivea that works just as well.

I know I made quick blurbs about these products and there could be some details that I have skipped so if you have any questions about any of them, feel free to drop a comment down below. ;)

Stay safe. Wash yo' hands. Wear face masks. Stay indoors.

XO,
caRissa ♥️
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I hate using this line, but IT'S REALLY BEEN A WHILE!
I slacked through the better part of 2019 and here we are at the start of the second quarter of 2020, seemingly trying to not make it a tradition. 
A month into the lockdown, when things are starting to feel a little calmer (at least here in the Eastern Visayas part), I finally found time to look into the pile of skin care things that I purchased last year. 
I needed to do things to stay off Facebook to stop feeling anxious, hence the decluttering. It also gives me the chance to check out the expiry dates so I would know which ones should I use immediately and which ones should I chuck. 
Hop on as I delve into these things and make a quick comments/reviews. 
L - R: RYX Skincerity Ultra Hydrating Foam Cleanser Refill, Zenutrients Tea Tree Balancing Soap, Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Cleansing Gel, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
Center: Alani Sonic Facial Cleanser and Massager
➤Currently using
RYX Skincerity Ultra Hydrating Foam Cleanser
How Much: Php 95.00 for 50 mL refill/Php 350.00 150 mL bottle with foamer
Where To Buy: Shopee ➧ I was able to use the RYX Skincerity Rejuvenating Set last year and although it didn't turn out to be a bad experience, I must say that I could never get used to the feeling of using something that involves A LOT of peeling. So I purchased this foam cleanser afterwards and I loved it that I decided to get two pieces of 50 mL refills in addition to the full-sized one that I already had. This cleanser is ideal for removing the day's grime, although I always make sure that I double cleanse to fully remove makeup and sunscreen. I love how it gives me a satisfying lather but it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry. It is gel type which I find effective for my oily and pimple prone skin. It contains niacinamide, aloe vera extract, carrot extract, papaine and vitamin B3 among others so it not only nourishes but it also exfoliates the skin. It also has a nice fruity scent. However, it is not readily available locally so I'm not sure if I will be able to repurchase it given the current situation.

Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Cleansing Gel
How Much: Php 270.00 for a 50 mL tube
Where To Buy: Mercury Drug ➧ I've always recognized the power of Salicylic Acid when it comes to dealing with zits and this is basically the selling point of this product for me. This is an oil-free cleansing gel that purifies and clears skin. It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, dermatologist tested, and fragrance free. But I won't say I never get zits when I'm using this ah. Dealing with one's skin is like doing rocket science sometimes; so many factors affect it, sometimes it's the food, sometimes it's hormones, sometimes it's dirt, sometimes it's stress. What's important is that it doesn't go out of hand, and that you are not left with a humongous scar afterwards. Gentle cleansers with acids always help. ;)

➤Coming Up 
La Roche-Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser
Price: $14.99 for 400 mL from https://www.laroche-posay.us/ 
Where To Buy: ➧ The La Roche-Posay website simply describes it as "a daily facial wash for normal to oily skin foams to remove face and eye makeup, dirt, and impurities. Its refreshing gel formula removes excess oil while maintaining skin’s natural protective barrier and pH. Leaves skin feeling clean and fresh." which reminds me of how straightforward Celeteque's Hydrating Facial Wash is. It contains Ceramide-3, Niacinamide, Glycerin, and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water which will certainly give the skin some good lovin'. 

anti acne soap tea tree soap
Zenutrients Tea Tree Balancing Soap
Php 88.00 for 100g
Where To Buy: www.beautymnl.com  ➧ I intend to use it again when I run out of my current facial washes. Tea Tree is also one of my favorite ingredients when it comes to fighting pimples. I do have reservations when it comes to using soap on the face as it can be harsh. I will update this entry in the future. 

➤Empties
I have emptied several facial washes last year such as the Celeteque Hydration Facial Wash and the Celeteque Hydration Gentle Exfoliating Facial Wash, pictured here with my favorite micellar water. I love how simple and mild they are but they work, are very affordable and are always readily available at the local Mercury Drug.
I also used the Safeguard Derma Sense albeit I was not able to take a photo of it. It also contained Salicylic Acid for made it ideal for fighting the pimples however, I just felt that my skin looked dull while I was using it. 😃 Anyways. When it comes to making repurchases, I'm sure I won't hesitate to pick up Celeteque products over and over again.

➤The Device - If you are curious about the pink, triangular device...
Alani Sonic Skin Cleanser and Facial Massager
Price: Php 450.00
Where To Buy: Kimstore ➧ The Alani Sonic Skin Cleanser and Facial Massager is a cleansing device which is made from safe-for-skin silicone material. It has four brush heads which can be used as cleanser or massager. It is waterproof and rechargeable. It vibrates/pulses upon pressing the power button and it also has buttons for adjusting the strength of the pulses. I have been using mine for nearly a year however, it just stopped working, like it no longer vibrates or sends sonic pulses but it still lights up when plugged to a charger. I dunno what went wrong but anyway, I still use it for cleaning/scrubbing my face even if it no longer has power.
foreo luna

***
And that is it for my facial washes as of this point. 
I will consume them first before picking up new ones.
Next up, I will post about the makeup removers and the toners.

XO,

caSSie ♥️
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