January Haul: Skin Care and Beauty Tool

Hey, hey!

I got some new skin care stuff today. My skin's been acting up lately.I figured, why not introduce new things in my skincare routine because I have to admit that I tend to slack off on maintaining any routine. I hope to at least sustain this one long enough to witness visible results and recommend these products to you guys for real. Hopefully these will work! I'll keep you guys posted!

Anyway, here are some my latest additions to my collection:

• Deoproce Essence Moisture Skin (Green Tea Toner) - Php 625
• Snoe Awesome Poresome Beauty Bar - Php 199
• On an unrelated note, I got myself a new eyelash curler (Php 175) and spare rubbers (Php 45/3 pcs). This one is from FS Cosmetics (formerly Fanny Serrano Cosmetics). I read from a forum that this is a good one. My old eyelash curler keeps grabbing on to my skin. Blech!

I got the first and third from the SM Store in SM Santa Rosa and the beauty bar is from the Snoe store in the same mall. I find it odd that Samsung is now penetrating the skin care industry. I haven't done my research, but the saleslady said that the brand Deoproce has been around for 3 years, mainly in bigger SM malls (i.e. Megamall, Southmall, etc.) but has only recently come to Santa Rosa. It's a Korean skin care brand. Why not give it a go? 

*Side note: I have tried the beauty bar and the toner today and my skin feels so much better. Guess we'll just have to wait and see a couple more days and maybe even weeks if this attempt at salvaging my poor skin will be successful.

Review: Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Fresh Custard Face and Body Powder in Honeydew Melon and Yogurt

Hello! I hope everyone's having a happenin' Sunday so far.

With the summer heat catching on, makeup can get really tricky to put on. I guess I learn the hard way. It's really not ideal to pack on the liquid fonda in this weather and cake on the powder on top of it, but today I will be sharing with you a small trick that I use whenever the heat gets unbearable. Who can stand the feeling of makeup melting on your face? Not me. Gross!

Anyway, here's something you can definitely try using this summer (or whenever you feel like it, especially when the temperature strikes a new high) - the Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Fresh Custard Face and Body Powder in Honeydew Melon and Yogurt. This particular product actually comes in a wide range of scents or varieties. I haven't really gotten the chance to drop by any Snoe outlet lately but if you do have the time, feel free to check them out or swing by their website HERE or their Facebook page: Snoe Beauty to find out more about their products.

For this very bottle, I must have gotten it late last year. I get most of my stuff out of curiosity. I like going around department stores and malls just to see what is new in the market. But I would have to say that for this powder, it took me about four trips to the kiosk (on separate occasions) before I bought it.

And silly me, I just found out today (yes, despite using this product for a few months now) that this particular variant is actually for neutralizing redness on the face - which is perfect for acne-prone or problematic skin types. However, since I don't have regular breakouts (thank goodness), maybe I should try the Tropical Cocktail variant next, just to help boost my summer glow. :)

I have also tried this for the body and not just for the face, but for the sake of focus, I will be discussing my thoughts on it as a face powder.

Snoe Says:

Fresh Custard Powder is the smoothest, most luxurious powder infused with Argan oil for a silky sensation. Its already added with anti-oxidant Acai berry and sunscreens for skin protection against the sun's damaging rays. This fragrant delight with an airy consistency will make sure you feel fresh; controls oil and shine. This ultra fine powder will also correct the most common skin imperfections and evens out skin tone.

Now that you've seen what Snoe has to say about this powder, let's move on to my personal thoughts:

What I Like About It:

- An entire bottle will last you a long time! You actually don't need much to shoo away the shine.

- It has lots of good stuff for your skin, like acai berry, sunscreen, and argan oil. It's more than just a powder, it's nourishing and protecting your skin at the same time.

- It's widely available. Snoe has lots of outlets now. You can also buy from their website.

- This definitely kills the shine and controls oil. It's a lot more wearable than your run-of-the-mill setting powder and it's a lot more Philippine-weather-compatible than most.

- Smells great!

- Doesn't break me out or bring out the whiteheads.

- It may look scary and ghastly green at first, but it does settle into your skin tone and adjusts to your color after a while.

- Doesn't reflect in flash photography.

- Good price, considering the amount of the product you're getting in one container. (this retails for about Php 249)

- Doesn't spill inside my bag, thanks to the cap/stopper. I would suggest that you transfer this to a loose powder container (like one that comes with a puff, you can get one from any department store) just so you won't have to lug the entire thing all the time.

- Even if I just found out about the redness-neutralizing property of this particular variant, I did kind of notice that it managed to even out my skin tone, especially on days when I have breakouts or when I'm healing from a breakout.

-Wears like a dream, if blended in properly. It's just like wearing baby powder, with the added goodness mentioned and oil control.

What I don't like about it:

- It has the consistency of poorly-milled gawgaw or flour. I like my powder to be a little more smooth to the touch. And they also say that it has an airy consistency? I don't think so.

- It has a tendency to just sit on top of your skin, if not blended in properly. I suggest that you use a powder brush or a kabuki brush in applying this.
- Don't expect this to be as long-wearing as your standard setting powder. I usually have to reapply it within 1-2 hours on days when I'm out and about and about 3-4 hours when I'm inside the office.

- For some people, the scent can be a turn-off.

-Can turn out to be a little chalky. Again, the trick is to blend it well so it harmonizes with your skin.

The opening of the bottle

It's not exactly finely-milled and airy in consistency.

Chalk, anyone?

Initial swatch. Don't freak out. It gets better once it's blended in.

Voila! It disappeared!

Here's how I use it. Also, so you guys can see what it does to my combination skin. Please note that I have the Maybelline BB Cream as a base and applied very minimal concealer. I have been out and about when I took this photos and this is the second time I applied the powder within the day.

Another tip: Shake off the excess from your brush, if necessary. It's better not to end up having streaks of green/white on your face at the end of the day. Or if you really must, just blend, blend, blend away!

Please pardon my kenkoy face.

La la la, just blending my powder in...

Ta-dah! Sorry if I look really haggard. It's the weather, yeah?

Overall, this powder is uhhhh-mazing! It's great for our hot and bothered weather here in the Philippines (and in other tropical countries as well!). It's not as heavy as your typical face powder and it lets your skin breathe through the heat. BUT it doesn't let the oilies out, at least not for a few hours.

Let me know what you think about this powder. Cheerio! :)

Review: Snoe Emutox

As I was running out of my L'Oreal Hydrafresh Mattifying Gel, I knew I had to find another moisturizer to replace it. I've had my share of good times with it, but since I was at the office a lot more and was inside an air-conditioned environment, I found that my skin became dry, especially since I have combination skin. I got dry patches (even to the point of flaking, unfortunately) and oilier in my nose area.

It's a known fact that the more dehydrated our skin gets, the harder it compensates by producing more sebum. You might think that just because it's not humid, your skin will stay matte, well think again. Quite frankly, my previous moisturizer, didn't do much justice for my skin anymore. Hence, my quest for the next best skin-thirst-quencher.

 I found just that and more in Snoe EmuTox. It's more than just a moisturizer, it also works as:

 Anti-wrinkle

Anti-oxidant

Hypoallergenic

Anti-inflammatory

Damage Repair

Skin Regenerator

Skin Repair

Skin Protection

Moisturizing

Non-comedogenic

Whitening

Anti-bacterial

Pain management

100% Beautiful Skin

According to Snoe:

Pushing innovation to its limit, Snoe Emutox’ cutting edge serum fortified with Emu Oil and Acai Berry gives your skin a youthful lift making you look and feel instantly younger. Acai Berry’s potent anti-aging properties defend against the accumulation of pre-mature wrinkles while the Emu Oil’s amazing rejuvenating and moisturizing effects hastens its smoothening effect. Can be used as a primer before you apply your SPF lotion under your make up.

How to Use:

Gently apply the cream by placing a pea-sized amount on the tips of your fingers and spread evenly on your face in an upward and outward motion.

* It's not so much of a cream, it's really more of a gel. Just to show you a swatch:

One pea-sized amount is enough. :)

When blended lightly.

When fully blended into and absorbed by the skin

Warnings:

For external use only. Discontinue use if signs of irritation occur. If eye contact occurs, wash with water immediately. Do not swallow product. Keep out of reach of children

Active Ingridients:

Deionize Water, Carbopol, Propylene Glycol, Acai, Phenoxyethanol, Penetyleneglycol, PEG 40, Triceth-9, Emu Oil, Lycopene, Bengkoang, Vit.b3(niacinamide), Hyaluronic Acid, Arbutin, Retinylpalmitate, Tocopherol (vit.e), Vit C

It may sound a little intimidating because of the Botox Serum on the label, but it also has emu oil and acai essence. I know what you're thinking. Botox?! I'm 21 years old, what can I possibly want botox for?! It's not that bad, really. Plus, it really helps bring out the best in my skin every time I apply it. Lately, my skin has been anything but stellar, perhaps due to stress, lack of sleep, and overall fluctuations, no thanks to my erratic hormones. So yeah. Want my take on it? Here you go:

What I like about it:
- It helped improve the clarity of my skin. I've been battling with small bumps, occasional breakouts, and uneven skin tone for a while.
- It works well with itchy bumps and rashes.
- Dries almost instantly, I don't have to wait a few minutes for it to be absorbed by my skin.
- Light-wearing, not too heavy.
- Removed premature fine lines in my undereye area
- I noticed that my dark undereye circles lightened. Before, I used tons of concealer to cover them. Now, I'm good with just a light swipe of concealer. Hopefully, with continued use, I can step right out without makeup (every girl's dream).
- There's so much product in one bottle! Talk about sulit! One bottle costs Php 449 in all Snoe outlets.
- Helps keep my skin firm yet supple (perhaps thanks to the Botox Serum ingredient?)
- The packaging is really cute! Snoe never fails to tickle my fancy!
- The pump dispenser makes for a more hygienic use of the product. 
- The bottle is made of a really sturdy glass material. It can definitely withstand wear and tear in my luggage. ;)

What I dislike about it:
- The scent - it smells weird. 

Overall, I give this elixir of sorts a thumbs up! Drop by any Snoe outlet (they have plenty) or check out their website for more info on this product and so much more: Snoe Beauty

Mid-July Buys

Like I said in the post before this one, I rarely buy something that I don't feel like I really need it to save my life. Haha! But seriously, what's the point in splurging for things we don't even need, right? This blog isn't entilted She Goes Thrifty for nothing, y'know. Oh, and I'd also like to point out that all of my purchases fit the budgets of just about any student or working girl. Don't worry! I hope you don't get the wrong idea! Again, I'm not a pointless walking splurging and shopping spree. I post things that I really use and review them based on my personal experiences. 

Now that's cleared...

You know how just about every beauty guru out there will tell you NOT to sleep with your makeup on? They're absolutely spot on! Makeup sits on your skin and seeps into your pores. Leaving them overnight will not only introduce foreign materials into your skin, i.e. bacteria, it will also aggravate and irritate your skin.

I've always relied on wet wipes or baby wipes to sweep my makeup off, then I wash off my face completely with my foaming facial cleanser from Etude House or my bamboo charcoal soap from Ilog Maria. That way, I reduce the risk of breakouts and infection. Who wants that anyway? So yeah, I've been searching for makeup cleansers, as they are more intensive in terms of getting deep down into your skin and scare off every last bit of makeup you have on. Just to make sure, follow up with a facial cleanser or a facial wash afterwards! Better safe than sorry! Anyway, I've been reading reviews and comparing product notes. I was torn between the one from Etude House (the tea cleansing milk line) or this one from Pond's. The classic won me over. A lot of people rave about how their grandmas, aunts, and moms passed on this timeless legend to them. I decided to go along with the majority this time. I used it right away and I have to say, I'm glad I chose this. :)

By the way, reviews on this and other products on this post will be reviewed very soon. Please stay tuned. :)

A small tub costs Php 130

Of course, I needed cotton pads to wipe my makeup away with. Thanks to Saizen and their 2-in-1 bundles, I got two boxes of cotton pads/puffs for Php 85!

There's been a serious buzz about Cyleina soaps. I'm such a newbie, I only heard of them recently, but apparently, they've been around for quite a while. I got this from Watsons in Galleria for Php 65. You know me, I'm partial to local and organic brands. I'm sure this one will fare very well with me. I still have to consume my other soaps though. The review on this will have to wait. :)

For more information, check out the Cyleina website and Multiply site. They carry a wide variety of soaps and other organic products. You can also try to check out your local Watsons or SM Department Store for availability and stocks. The price ranges from Php 65 to 125.

Aaaand lastly, I grabbed a gift for my friend, Justine, who just graduated from CSB. Oooh, I hope she likes this! In case you haven't noticed, Snoe is one of my faves. I've reviewed a considerable number of their products on this blog. 

That's about it. I'm so stoked to review these and more! (which reminds me, I have tons of backlogs to work on and accomplish!) *facepalm* But anyway, I hope you're enjoying your Friday the 13th as well. If you're superstitious, try to beg to differ. They say today's quite unlucky, but I believe that it's ultimately in our hands what to do with our luck. We can always turn it around, y'know! It's all about perspective, in my honest opinion. So think of it this way, refuse to be part of the unlucky bandwagon and make your luck work for you! It wouldn't hurt to try. ;)

Love,

SGT <3

Teacher's Day Out

Hump day hey! I've been on the low for almost a week and it's making me sick not being able to share something with you guys! Here's an outfit post. I have yet to work on my numerous backlogs (mostly product reviews, features, and of course, my experience during the launch of Senior Year and my FIRST EVER Fete dela Musique!)

In the meantime, I'm leaving you with what I wore to my teaching demo earlier. The commute was long plus I was carrying my materials and my laptop in my backpack. Went straight to Ortigas (where my Mom works) where I treated myself to a tall cup of grass jelly milk tea from ChaTime, strolled around Saizen, snooped around Snoe's booth, and walked around 'til my feet can't take it anymore. Eventually, I got myself a pretty nifty nail buffing tool and a brown liquid eyeliner from E.L.F. (reviews will come up soon, I super duper promise!)

In case you want to know, my demo went well... at least it went better than I initially expected (I really have to stop being so pessimistic). I have to do another one next week and after that, I'm all set to handle a class! Yay! :)

Anyway, I took out this thrifted skirt (from one of my Mom's expeditions to the ukay store beside her office in Ortigas) for a spin. When she first showed it to me, I didn't think I'd like it. Honestly, I was repulsed. When push came to shove, when the time came that I needed to wear something appropriate for a teaching demo, this ugly duckling turned out to be the star of the show! I love how vintage-y it looks! One thing I love about thrifted clothes is that each piece is unique and tells its own story. I was also surprised that people seemed to really like my ensemble. (side note: I wore flats with this outfit. These Primadonna heels were a late addition to the outfit - had no time to take pictures within the day, so we shot them when we got home.)

Please pardon the haggard look. I had a loooong day. :/

Top: Milk & Co.

Skirt: Thrifted

Belt: Genevieve Gozum

Shoes: Primadonna

Got this pair from Tracy Ayson's booth at Bloggers United 3. It's never been worn and they gave it to me for Php 500!

I fell in love with the wild print!

Accessories: gifts from family and friends

Please pardon my messy room. :P

Vanity excuses nothing, not even exhaustion. ;)

Special thanks to my Mom for taking some of the shots. Complete with direction pa yun ha! That's all for now! Have fun thrift-shopping! You'll never know what stunning finds you'll get. :)

Love,

SGT <3

Sun, Summer, and Snoe!

I have always considered myself as a beach girl. I may not have the long, curly hair, the year-round tan, nor the body that even a Victoria's Secret Supermodel would envy, but there's something about the sand, the sea, and the sun, that soothes my raging soul. 

Before the end of the world comes, I would love to visit El Nido, Palawan. I know some of you might think that there are far more picturesque and majestic beaches in the world, but it really pays to come full circle and come home to something familiar, to something closer to my heart. Much like a salutatory speech during graduation, I envision myself traveling the globe, searching every nook and cranny of the planet for the best and the most beautiful beaches. At the end of every conquest, I would come home to our very own  Palawan.

No beach trip is complete without the essentials, and as a self-declared girl scout, I am always prepared and well-equipped with just about anything I and my friends would need for a well-deserved travel experience.  Weeks before the grand journey to Palawan, I tweet Snoe (@SnoeBeautyInc), browse their  wide selection on their Facebook page, and heed their advice on what to take with me. 

With their numerous branches all over the Philippines, I can just swing by and grab everything I need:

• SM Muntinlupa - 2nd Floor Fashion Ave.
• SM Las Pinas - 2nd Floor
• SM Valenzuela - Ground Floor
• Festival Mall Alabang, Muntinlupa - Ground Floor
• Glorietta 4, Makati - Cinderella – Ground Floor
• Market Market - By the entrance from the fountain
  
• Landmark Trinoma - Cosmetics Section
• Robinsons Galleria - Ortigas
• Robinsons Dasmarinas - Ground floor – near the entrance
• Shopwise San Pedro

Good thing Snoe helps me pack all the right things - stuff my body and soul would thank me for. Here's what's in my good ol' beach bag:

• Snoe Here Comes the Sunblock SPF 45
• Snoe Maximum Whitening Moringa Beauty Bar
• Snoe Glam Jam in Blush
• Snoe Body Wonderland Slenderizing Gel
• Snoe Hair Heroes Intense Argan Oil
• Snoe S Skin BB Vitamin E Cream SPF 30
• Snoe Whipped Body Frosting SPF 15 and Whitening in Strawberry Smoothie

Snoe Here Comes the Sunblock SPF 45

Sun protection, first and foremost!

Snoe Maximum Whitening Beauty Bar

My skin needs to be ready for maximum exposure.

Goodbye, pimples, and hello, glorious skin!

Snoe Glam Jam in Blush

For when my cheeks need a pop of color, preferably that my-crush-just-smiled-at-me kind.

Oh wait, he just did!

 Snoe Body Wonderland Slenderizing Gel

Oops, I skipped a week of cardio workout before the trip.

There was so much preparation that needed my attention!

With this Slenderizing Gel, I can zap those silly cellulites and flaunt a beach-ready bod!

 Snoe Hair Heroes Intense Argan Oil

The sea breeze makes my hair frizz! Good thing there's Hair Heroes!

My locks will be in tip-top shape and texture in no time!

Snoe S Skin BB Vitamin E Cream SPF 30

My face needs some TLC too!

With this Vitamin E-enriched BB cream, I can definitely put my best face forward.

Snoe Whipped Body Frosting SPF 15 and Whitening in Strawberry Smoothie

All that sea water dried up my skin.

Time to get supple and smooth with a moisturizer that comes in a sensational strawberry scent!

No beach trip would be complete without all these and more (if only my luggage can fit an entire Snoe store!) Surrounded by nature's astonishing presence, I am really inspired to be at my best while I'm busy exploring and taking in all the beauty that Palawan has to offer! 

Love,

SGT <3

SNOE Glam Jam in Blush

I was never a big blush girl, as I mentioned on my latest post on my most recent blush purchase (more on the entry HERE). I just eased into the idea that without my blush, even with my lipstick on, I look like a washed-out face. I came upon this multi-purpose lip and cheek stain from Snoe called Glam Jam in Blush. It was not until Ate Leni, the area manager at their Festival branch gave me a makeover that I became curious and ended up buying a pot of the yummy bubblegum-smelling happiness!

The reason I've been hesitant about blushing up is that other people just can't seem to pull off putting blush on their faces. Some look like they've been slapped, some look like they have a landing strip on their face, and others just can't get it right. Oh, don't get me wrong, for me, putting on blush is an art. It's really difficult to get it right the first... or maybe even the fifth time. It does take a lot of practice and the right product to help you get that just pinched glow instead of a glaring just slapped tinge of red on your face.

With Snoe's Glam Jam in Blush, you won't have to worry. Just a little glop will go a long way. At Php 119, you're not only investing hard-earned moolah into a nice blush, but an all-around tint as well. It can go onto your eyelids, your lips, and your cheeks. Talk about a multi-faceted wonder!

What I like about it:

• Affordable (a pot costs Php 119)
• Quite pigmented, a little goes a long way, really
• Proudly Pinoy!
• Available in all Snoe kiosks all throughout the Philippines
• Also available online
• Very compact and portable, can even fit in any pocket!
• The packaging is so cute!
• Has a yummy bubblegum scent
• It's pink!
• Gives me that just pinched color
• Can liven up any makeup look
• Looks natural
• Made from natural ingredients
• Stays on for hours! (unlike powder blushes)

What I dislike about it:

• It comes in a pot. I have to dip my fingers into the product every time I use it. (Clean fingers are a must for application)
• If not blended right away, it leaves a pink spot that won't budge

What's in it / What's it made of

Swatch on my hand

This much will give you more than enough color!

Right cheek: I applied more on this side.
It's not overpowering, even with my red lips on.

Left cheek: Has less product/smaller dots applied

 Check out the difference:

I'm so in love with this tint. I use it almost everyday. It's not heavy at all and it doesn't rub off easily (which can be a plus if you need your makeup to last the whole day.) I would love to get another shade, the one in Goddess seems really gorgeous! It's best used for contouring and for light eye makeup. Anyway, if you're planning to buy this lip and cheek stain, you have my full blessing!

I really can't find much fault in it, except that it's too cute! Haha! 

Love,

SGT <3