From Manila with Love Blog: skincare

My skin is allergic to dust, heavily fragranced products, menthol and witch hazel just to name a few, so as a skincare enthusiast, née junkie, I read the labels of every product I put on my face. I automatically put down products with fragrance named near the forefront in the ingredient list as well as witch-hazel and menthol.

Even then some products that don't have those ingredients might still inflame and irritate my skin. After I stop immediately I use really 'basic' skincare that I know and trust to calm my skin down.

I've used Cetaphil, Celeteque, Neutrogena and Esfolio (or any brands along those lines). But this time I wanted to try something new - enter Luxe Organix.

Aloe anything products have always agreed with my skin, even if they did have a smidge of alcohol in the ingredient list.

Note : *Dry/sensitive skinned people - be wary that alcohol in the ingredients might dry out your skin more. But don't skip a product JUST because it has alcohol.

This line is alcohol, paraben-free and Made in Korea. Yes being made in KOR, is immediately a plus for me, only because they really have strict guidelines in terms of skincare and medicine and the ingredients that go in them.

Aloe Calming Toner : Php 209

Aloe Vitamin Face Mist : Php 199

Aloe Aloe Vera Cream : Php 249

*Prices may vary depending on where you buy it. This is based on the Watsons's and Lazada (Watsons) website prices

The toner and mist doesn't feel drying at all once it settles. And I love putting this water on my skin. And I say water because it feels just like it. It smells good, so that's the main difference.

What I do : Pat it on the skin and skip the cotton pad.

The star ingredient of course of the toners and mist is Aloe to calm the skin and moisturize it but it also has Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid and Arginine which bind moisture to the skin and boost collagen production.

The moisturizer feels really good, smooth and lightweight cream on the skin. It's moisturizing enough but it does leave a slightly film of tackiness on the skin so it's definitely a 'cream' but not the usual heavy moisturizer cream like the tinned Nivea. So feel free to use it sparingly during the day and/or under makeup.

Apart from the Aloe, this moisturizer as Vitamin C - which helps evening out the skintone. It also has Centella Asiatica extract one of the current star ingredients of the skincare world - especially in Korean skincare.

What is Centella and what does it do?

Long story short - Centella Asiatica Extract helps healing by speeding up skin cell production and collagen synthesis. It's also antibacterial, and may increase antioxidant activity and blood vessel formation. - Lab Muffin Beauty

I'm a fan of this line and I'm beginning to be a fan of this whole brand. I've used their serums and currently using their Power Glow one. So far so good, no allergic reactions etc. I'm currently looking into what to add to my routine from this line.

Have you used this or this brand? Let me know below!

xx,

PS. I don't have the aloe facial wash because I'm using their Aqua Lock one - which I like so far. Having dry skin as well as ageing - any moisture rich or moisture retention product helps in the long run :)

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Ask any beauty aficionado, what their favorite sunscreen is and more often than not the Biore UV watery essence will pop up. It's no secret that most Japanese skincare brands have my heart (along with Korean beauty products) - they just work really well for me. I'm an avid fan of the Biore UV watery sunscreen in the blue tube/bottle and can completely understand why it has cult status.

Why's to love about Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essense?

It has a water-gel texture that's easily absorbed by the skin giving a natural, skin-like non-greasy finish (no noticeable white cast). It's also super lightweight, making it great under makeup or by itself.

Sometimes though you want something different, you can't get a hold of the Biore sunscreen or for some reason it's not working for you anymore. Enter Village 11 Factory's Hydra Sun Fluid.

Biorè vs Village 11 Factory

1. Bottle - Village 11 has a pump but there's a tendency to lose the cap as it can be easily opened whereas the Biore one comes in a squeezable tube and a harder bottle with a screw-top.
2. Scent - The Biore has this alcohol-scent to it while this one has no noticeable scent.
3. Texture - While similar, Village 11 is more water-gel-like than Biore. But both are runny.
4. Color - Biore is has more of a milky color that blends on the skin while the Village 11 is clear.
5. Availability - Biore is more easily accesible at most Watsons' stores while Village 11 you can only find online. I got mine at Mei Satsuki on Shoppee (they also have a Facebook!)
6. Price - Biore's 50g tube costs around P500 at Watsons while Village 11's 50ml tube is around P650. Not much difference really.

Get the Biorè if you like Japanese brands or if Biorè in general has worked for you (if certain brands already work for you my advice is to stick to it) but if you're sensitive to scents or don't like alcohol-smelling products get the Village 11 Factory instead or Face Republic's Super Screen Sun Gel! (Very similar to Village 11's. All in all, they work great on their own and under makeup :)

Which one have you tried? Are you a kbeauty hoe or a japanjapan one? I'm both if you couldn't tell already.

xx,
CJ

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image of a beautiful black woman with a towel on her haid and touching her bare face

Toners or 'skin', as labeled in some asian products, are always marketed as a must in your skin care regimen. You know how it goes, after washing place some toner on a cotton pad or your palms and gently pat on your skin. Not to be confused with astringents or those alcohol based toners that leave your skin feeling tingly, minty, tight and dry.

I admit I personally didn't see the importance of toners in my teens as I frequently forget to put it or just disregard it completely but they in fact do a significant difference to the skin. Let me break it down...

an image of a matte glass red bottle on a rug

Retails at ₱1,580.00/ 130ml

The skin has a natural PH level of 4 to 6 with the scale of PH ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). Healthy skin has a PH level of around 5.5 which is slightly acidic. Washing the face with your cleanser plus water skews that balance and makes it typically more alkaline so a toner's job is to 'balance' it out to it's natural level to make it radiant and healthy. So toners generally are *slightly* acidic to help re-balance your skin post-cleansing.

an image of a red matte glass bottle with korean ingredients on it placed on a rug

Use a toner. Periodt.

Similar to moisturizers, no matter what skin type you have, you should always use a toner. It maybe a little more tedious but it does help in establishing a healthy barrier and preps your skin to absorb the rest of your skin care.

There are many toners in the market that can cater to a lot of people but I generally prefer Asian or Korean made skincare. What I've been using lately is this So'Natural PH5.5 RED WATER TONER, which fits the bill EXACTLY. This toner has a unique red color and not just the matte glass bottle but the liquid itself. This is not a result from artificial colouring but from the natural ingredients it has.

an image of a hand with toner liquid in the palm

Ingredients :
Purified water, glycerin-26, glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, butyleneglycol, methylglucose-10, sodium citrate, indian myrtle flower extract, indian myrtle leaf extract, xanthan gum, sheet Ric Acid, Betaine, Caramel, Daodium Sodium Dithia, Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Ivygod Fruit Extract, True Coral Horse Extract, Centella asiatica Extract, Lemon Extract, Green Tea Extract

Fun fact : This toner has an EWG GREEN rating, meaning that all the ingredients meet the strictest European Union's standard of acceptable health, ecotoxicity and contamination concerns. The labels properly state all of the ingredients and follow good manufacturing practices amongst other criteria.
See other products/ingredients that are RED, BLACK OR GREEN on EWG here.

Typically I pat this on my skin after washing my face or whenever I feel like my skin feels dry and needs a little boost. So far, I don't see any visible results from using this particular toner after 3 weeks of straight use BUT I do notice that my skin isn't as taut after washing and using this. I feel assured in knowing that I take care of my skin properly (as much as I can) and that it will pay off as I get older.

How about you? Which toners do you love using?

xx,
CJ

PS. Thank you SeoulUnni for sending me this to try!

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Gone are the days when skin clinics are only for those with extreme skin issues and who were rolling in dough. There are multitudes of skin clinics now available for the vast majority of people who want to address various skin concerns.

When you think of laser procedures, you'd think it's really expensive and opt out...therein enters Substance Clinic.

They offer skin procedures that rival any other skin clinic's. Quality is not compromised here regardless of the price - as is their motto.

Launch pictures below!

Their clinic is soo my style.

There were a lot of people including media and influencers so it was a little hectic for the Substance team.

Me feeling my oats.

I visited them again after their launching to try out their services. And being a part of #peopleofsubstance, I was privy to their main laser treatment every month.

I had popped blood vessels on my face that day but the whole treatment was quick and regardless of what I felt about their demeanour, she had light and experienced hands.

It wasn't without hitches though. I went in for the monthly treatment but they thought I was being adamant in getting the 'launching laser treatment of my choice' which was already past due - and I of course knew it. After that tiny commercial it was onto the actual skin treatment.

It wasn't really my first time getting a laser treatment done, but it has been ages since. I did the "Holy Grail Laser" (Php 4,000). A laser treatment that tackles acne, freckles, dull skin and uneven pigmentation.

Over-all the treatment lasted no more than 15 minutes. 20 tops because they took photos of my skin before and after, so as to see the progress after every treatment.

TIPS:
- After the laser, WASH your face only after 24 hours
- Lasers work better, according to my skin tech, after a facial
- ALWAYS use sunblock! Especially after a laser treatment!

All-in-all I really liked the place. It's not the 'clinical' squeeky clean type of clinic or the overtly hyper feminine clinic and opulent royalty type clinic. It's very clean, modern, urban- 'brooklyn' feel that most coffee shops I tend to gravitate towards have. It definitely fits the androgynous vibe everyone is bound to appreciate. So our fragile "guy-guys" will not feel out of place here.

Have you tried this clinic and will you try it?

USE MY CODE SUBSTANCECJ18 for a skin consultation worth Php1000! Why not? You might end up liking it there.

xx,
CJ

PS. Their social media is chock full of 'aesthetic' pictures. I LOVE IT.
PPS. Staff could be a little more welcoming? There was no warmth in the whole encounter. I could only pick one person there who was amicable. Maybe it was a bad day. Oh well, we all have those :)

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/skinbysubstanceph/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/skinbysubstanceph/
Website : http://skinbysubstance.com/

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With 'Glass Skin' being the latest talk of [Korea beauty] town in terms of skincare, it's no surprise that affordable korean beauty source, Althea Korea came up with another addition to their line.

Makeup artist Ellie Choi shares her skincare routine to achieving clear, pristine, poreless a.k.a 'glass-like skin',

I've tried the whole line for about a month and I have to say this line overall is pretty good with one a particular standout I might add.

Skin type : Sensitive with dry cheeks, under-eyes and forehead.

Althea Korea, has been on a roll with their own beauty brand following a great response from their pioneer product - Althea Velvet Powder. Now they're delving into the world of skincare and tackling the laborious 10-12 Korean skincare routine. Their answer? The 3 step 'Bare Essentials' line.

Great makeup starts with great skin

As most makeup lovers know, great skin equals great makeup. There's no denying the satisfaction of playing with makeup and getting your face ready for the day but there's equally a satisfying feeling when you apply less or not to even wear makeup at all you know?

The 3 step line, aims to give a more streamlined easier approach to having Kbeauty skin without the intense multi-step regimen.

The product breakdown

Step 1 - Cleanse
Contour Cleanser - a rich and refreshing foaming cleanser that contains micro capsules to both cleanse and gently exfoliate away impurities while improving blood circulation for that V-shaped look.

Key ingredients:
Ice plant - Hydrates and calms redness
Lemon verbena leaf - Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen the skin

Step 2 - Tone
Primer Water - smooth, hydrating and ever so slightly balm-like, this bottle of wonder penetrates into the layers of the skin to plump them up, prepping the skin and making it a smooth canvas for products to come.

Key ingredients:
Snow lotus - Smoothens and brightens the skin while evening out its texture
Patented "dewdrop" formulation - Revitalizes the skin and provides immediate, effective moisture

Step 3 - Moisturize

Fixer Cream - powerful moisturizing properties are packed into this little jar that provides the skin with hydration for up to 24 hours for a fresh, revitalized complexion.

Key ingredients:
Trehalose - Powerful humectant that retains moisture on the skin
Wild Green Tea - Hydrating, skin soothing and pack with antioxidants
Baobab Tree Extract - Non-greasy moisturizing agent that helps promote collagen production

Thoughts / Experience

As you can tell, the whole line is about hydration and moisture as with most Kbeauty skincare regimen and I'm all for it. The key ingredients all promise moisturization and soothing which we all need regardless of skin type. What I like most about the ingredients are that they aren't that common. Everything was a new thing for me to discover and most of these ingredients are pretty natural/plant-based (no breakouts from me!). It's worth noting that the fragrance is listed at the very end. Three thumbs up for that.

The cleanser - is a typical foamy cleanser. The beads aren't harsh at all and the consistency itself is creamy and you really only need a small pea-sized amount because it lathers so well. After cleansing I don't find my skin feeling taught or dry. Would I buy it by itself? Probably not.

The toner - If you've ever tried Cetaphil or Galderma cleansers, you know the non lathering cream cleanser, the consistency and texture is similar to that albeit this one is a little more runny and not soapy feeling after wiping it off.

It's very milky and I do find it giving me a little more moisture after cleansing. I do really like this one. But the best one for me in this line is their...

The moisturizer - This one takes the cake. The cream itself is emollient but not oily or thick. It's like a gel-cream hybrid. So still light but it won't let you feel like you didn't put anything moisturizing on. It's very hydrating for me but I must say I only use it at night. If I do use it during the day, I make sure to use a small amount.

How much is it?

The price for the entire set is ₱1,341, which is pretty damn good if I do say so myself. Plus Althea's customer service is top notch from what I've experienced so far.

Out of all the 3, I would recommend the moisturizer. If only for the fact that it has Baobab tree extract - the tree in The Little Prince. I know, such a trivial thing but people go crazy over boxes of product so leave me alone! (Their minimalist packaging for their homegrown brand also stole my heart, just to add. Kbye)

Have you tried this yet? What do you think about the key ingredients?

xx,
CJ

Ps. Thanks Althea Korea for sending these over to try!

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Essential oils have been used in many forms of therapy since thousands of years. Only recently have they been scientifically proven to carry pretty much all the benefits that ancient herbalists claimed them to have. This is why, in recent years, almost all kind of therapeutic fields make use of essential oils; From different massage techniques to skincare products.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil easily tops the list when it comes to essential oils that are good for your health. It is widely known for its healing properties and is therefore used as an antiseptic in cuts and wounds.

Lavender oil also has a distinct scent which makes it great for use in aromatherapy. Apparently, it helps relax your mind and body and therefore is good for curing anxiety, stress, and depression.

Tea Tree Oil

One of the most widely hyped essential oils in the market, you will find many skincare products boasting of having tea tree oil included as one of their ingredients. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which makes it great for use on skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Tea tree oil is also great for use on acne-prone and oily skin. Many people who have had terrible acne breakouts at some point in their life swear by this oil.

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil is used far and wide to cure insomnia. It is easily the most potent natural cure for the sleepless condition.

Other than insomnia, chamomile oil is also used as a stress reliever. Getting a massage with chamomile oil or brewing yourself a cup of chamomile tea will melt away the stress and tension you have accumulated throughout the day and you will feel at complete ease.

Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil is best known for being beneficial to the skin, but did you know that it is known as a natural remedy for a wide range of respiratory problems as well? It acts as a valuable addition to teas to be consumed by asthmatics and bronchitis patients. This oil helps in improving sleep and reducing fatigue.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil can be added to foods and drinks as it acts as a cleansing and detoxifying agent for your body. It aids in efficient digestion and breaking down toxins inside the body.

Alternatively, lemon essential oil is also a really effective agent in calming our nerves and making us feel relaxed and refreshed.

Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh essential oil has antiseptic properties which protect you from skin infections and diseases. You can also sterilize wounds with the help of this oil.

Adding this essential oil to teas and drinks and using it as a massaging agent also keeps your hormones balanced.

Rose Essential Oil

I believe we are all familiar with the lovely smell of roses. This smell is the reason why rose essential oil is so widely used in aromatherapy.

Rose oil is also widely used as a massage agent. This is because it improves blood circulation to the skin. This makes the skin soft and gives you a healthy glow.

Contributor : Sara is a psychologist by profession and she loves massage therapies. She enjoys home-based work and traveling. She is obsessed with massage chair therapies and other relaxing techniques. She recently published a post on the massage chair blog.

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beautylabwhitening product haul shopping experience

You all know how I love me some KBeauty, and if the beauty community is to be believed, a lot of people here in the PH do to! We already have a multitude of physical and online stores to satisfy our "Kutis Koreana Beauty" cravings, a new addition to the list is http://www.beautylabwhitening.com/.

Hailing from Korea, Beauty Lab Whitening, as the name suggests is a clinic that specializes in simple and strategic whitening/lightening procedures for the face and body. The most famous one being the "Red light theraphy" wherein you put their product on your skin and you go into something akin to a tanning bed (but vertical?) called the R-630 Collagen Machine and yes, they use red light.

"R-630 COLLAGEN MACHINE - Activates the natural collagen cells in the skin. Gives the skin a healthy pink glow."

"The Beauty Lab program combines whitening treatment, R-630 collagen light, dead skin cells management, and home care for truly authentic and lasting white skin. Our patented technique is non-invasive, uses no oral prescriptions, and promotes natural beauty and a healthy lifestyle." - Beauty Lab Whitening/Suaviss Korea

Apparently this treatment is quite popular in Korea i.e. celebrities i.e. IU.

They also sell what they use in their procedures and kindly asked me to try their online store + some of their products.

Photos from Beauty Whitening Lab's Facebook Page

BeautyLab Whitening's skincare products claim to never use pigments, artificial fragrances or other artificial additives in any of their solutions. So all products have 95% natural and 5% functional ingredients, (according to them) which maximizes long-term benefits while minimizing side effects.

"Our goal is to embue our customers with glowing skin that is not only immediately whiter but also healthier in the long term." - Beauty Lab Whitening/Suaviss Korea

What's better than KBeauty? KBeauty that uses natural ingredients! Here are some of the things I got from their shop.

Ordering experience

It was as quick and painless as with other online stores I've used. One caveat is that you can't check out as a visitor- you need to register and make an account. This can be an issue to some.

Feeling good about my choices. I checked out. Then waited. But after a few days and the proceeding days after, they began to contact me thru text and call that my orders weren't in stock. After giving out alternatives I thought that was that but they contacted me again saying my replacements weren't in stock too.

Miffed, I agreed to just get whatever was in stock. The products finally got into my hands, a week and some change, after going to their booth (near my workplace). This all could've been simpler had the website been updated with their available stocks.

Goodies "Purchased"

Cleansing water, Facial Lotion (2nd step) and Anti-ageing serum. All of which have some sort of lightening ingredient. The Facial lotion is specifically for whitening though.

I'm currently using the cleansing water (slippery and can't be used on the eyes but works pretty decent especially at its price-point! Doesn't leave my skin feeling dry too) and the facial lotion (lightweight and nourishing enough as a daily moisturizer for my somewhat dry skin)

Have yet to try the serum as I still have 2 open.

How many have heard of this treatment? Based on reviews and claims, effects are seen quite soon. As in after ONE session.

xx,
CJ

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Sometimes we wake up looking (and feeling) bright, cheery and radiant. Other days, not even caffeine can help. With about a thousand things we need to think about as we rush through the day, sometimes skincare is the least of our worries.

Regardless of your stance on physical appearance, a proper skincare routine is essential. Taking care of ourselves is an important step when it comes to self-love. So here are a few tips that might help you look and feel fresh and radiant.

Cleanse your face

Cleansing is important, regardless of how tired you are. Always take your makeup off before bed. Period. There are a multitude of cleansers out there for makeup removal and regular cleansing. Oil cleansers, Micellar waters, Foam and cream cleansers just to name a few types.

Tip: Choose one for your skin type! Foams are usually best for oil/combination skin while cream and oil cleansers are best for dry skin.

Another thing to remember is exfoliation. About once a week, use a good scrub to remove dead skin cells. Any product you use after that will apply and be absorbed more easily (apart from the baby-skin-like texture after).

Choose the right moisturizer

As with cleansers, the type of moisturizer to use depend on your skin type . Oily skin types benefit more from water based moisturizers. Dry skin needs something a little more heavy and emollient. While specific skin concerns like sensitivity, acne, ageing and whitening need specific ingredients that target them.

Read the label in the back and look for stuff such as retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C – they all help the production of collagen and help your skin retain elasticity. To target acne, products with salicylic acid are great, but if you have a more severe form of cystic acne you might wish to use something with benzoyl peroxide.

Enjoy a good workout and a balanced diet

Diet and exercise play a huge part in looking and feeling healthy because most of the time they just didn't wake up one day looking the way they do. You really have to work a little more extra and the pay-off is of course worth it.

Some opt for plastic surgery though and I wouldn't necessarily say that's bad. Just like most things we shouldn't rely heavily on it. The point is, to look beautiful, you need to feel beautiful, and if you want to turn to breast enhancement and dermal fillers to help you achieve your ideal, then that’s great. It’s your body, and you get to pick what you need to do to make it look the way you want.

PLUS WATER. DRINK LOTS OF WATER!

Read : Liposuction in Perth is on the rise, and one of the most popular procedures in the whole country seems to be breast enhancement.

Play with makeup

Makeup can create confidence. A lot of people who wear it can attest to that. The key is to enhance and accentuate certain features. Or just play and see what works best for you and your skin + features! There are a tonne of blogs and vlogs that can help especially on YouTube. Makeup doesn't have to be stressful it's actually quite fun!

Looking attractive is more than just about the products you use, it’s about your lifestyle choices and

the attitude you have. Take good care of yourself and you’ll always have fresh, glowing skin with the confidence to match it.

Contributor : Amy Mia Goldsmith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMiaGoldsmith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoldsmithMia

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