The Best Beauty Products of 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Radiance

2024 arrived with a fresh wave of beauty innovations that promise to redefine our skincare and makeup routines. From groundbreaking formulations to eco-conscious packaging, this year’s beauty products cater to every need. Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, a makeup junkie, or someone who loves minimalist beauty, there’s something here for you.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best beauty products of 2024 that are taking the industry—and our vanities—by storm. These are not just products; they’re game-changers you’ll want to add to your cart ASAP!

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1. Skincare Stars of 2024

a. Glowify Radiance Serum

• Why It’s Viral: Glowify’s new radiance serum combines vitamin C, niacinamide, and peptides for a glow-boosting trifecta. This product has been trending across TikTok, with influencers showcasing their transformation within weeks.
• Perfect For: Dull and uneven skin tones.
• Bonus: Clean beauty certified and cruelty-free.

b. SkinQuench Hydra-Boost Gel Cream

• Why It’s a Must-Have: Formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this gel-cream delivers long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy. It’s ideal for all skin types and has been hailed as the "2024 moisturizer of the year" by dermatologists.
• Perfect For: Dry and dehydrated skin, especially during winter.

c. Aether 7% Retinol Night Balm

• Why It’s Revolutionary: With a slow-release technology, this retinol balm reduces fine lines and hyperpigmentation without irritating sensitive skin. Its eco-friendly refillable packaging makes it even more appealing.
• Perfect For: Anti-aging and smoothing out skin texture.

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2. Makeup Marvels to Transform Your Look

a. IllumiSkin SPF Tinted Moisturizer

• Why Everyone’s Obsessed: Offering SPF 50 protection with a natural finish, this tinted moisturizer merges skincare with makeup. It’s lightweight, breathable, and perfect for achieving that “no-makeup” makeup look.
• Perfect For: Busy mornings or beach days.

b. LuxeMatte Lipstick by Velour

• Why It’s a Game-Changer: Matte lipsticks are back, and Velour’s new line offers a creamy, non-drying formula in 20 stunning shades. From everyday nudes to bold reds, there’s something for every mood.
• Perfect For: Long-lasting, smudge-proof wear.

c. K-Beauty’s Orchid Eyeshadow Palette

• Why It’s Trending: Korean beauty continues to dominate, and this palette is proof. With highly pigmented, buttery shades ranging from soft pastels to bold metallics, it’s an Instagram favorite.
• Perfect For: Creating versatile day-to-night looks.

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3. Haircare Heroes for 2024

a. PureLocks Biotin + Collagen Shampoo

• Why It’s a Bestseller: Packed with biotin and collagen, this shampoo strengthens hair while promoting growth. TikTok users swear by its ability to bring life back to thin, brittle hair.
• Perfect For: Anyone looking for thicker, healthier locks.

b. HeatShield Styling Spray

• Why It’s a Must-Try: With a heat protection level of up to 450°F, this spray is perfect for frequent stylers. It also adds shine and combats frizz, making it a stylist’s dream.
• Perfect For: Protecting hair during blowouts or flat ironing.

c. MoonMist Dry Shampoo Powder

• Why It’s Unique: This all-natural, talc-free dry shampoo is ideal for refreshing your hair between washes. Unlike aerosols, its powder form is eco-friendly and great for sensitive scalps.
• Perfect For: Those who want fresh hair on the go.

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4. Body Care Must-Haves

a. OceanGlow Body Scrub

• Why It’s Iconic: Infused with sea minerals and shea butter, this scrub exfoliates while leaving your skin baby-soft. Its tropical scent has become a self-care essential.
• Perfect For: Smoothing rough patches and prepping skin for summer.

b. SmoothMove Stretch Mark Cream

• Why It’s a Winner: Made with shea butter, vitamin E, and centella asiatica, this cream reduces the appearance of stretch marks and improves skin elasticity.
• Perfect For: Post-pregnancy care or weight fluctuation.

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5. Fragrance Faves of 2024

a. Seraph Eau de Parfum

• Why It’s Irresistible: With notes of bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood, this perfume is the perfect balance of fresh and sultry. It’s trending as the go-to scent for date nights.
• Perfect For: A signature fragrance you can wear year-round.

b. BloomMist Hair Perfume

• Why It’s Trending: Lightweight and non-drying, this hair mist offers a subtle floral fragrance while keeping your locks fresh.
• Perfect For: A quick refresh after the gym or during travel.

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6. Sustainable Beauty Innovations

Sustainability remains a key focus in the beauty industry, and brands are stepping up their game with zero-waste packaging and refillable products. Some noteworthy mentions include:

• EcoStick Lip Balm (fully compostable packaging)
• RefillGlow Foundation (refillable bottle system)
• BioPure Makeup Remover Pads (reusable and biodegradable)

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7. Beauty Gadgets That Work Wonders

a. DermGlow LED Face Mask

• Why It’s a Cult Favorite: This at-home LED mask offers red and blue light therapy to target wrinkles, acne, and dullness. It’s a salon-level treatment for a fraction of the price.
• Perfect For: Skincare enthusiasts who love a tech twist.

b. SonicLift Facial Sculptor

• Why It’s a Must-Have: Using microcurrent technology, this gadget lifts and tones facial muscles, giving you an instant facelift effect.
• Perfect For: Anti-aging and skin firming.

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8. Top Trends Defining 2024 Beauty

• Skin Minimalism: Less is more, with multi-functional products leading the way.
• K-Beauty Domination: Korean brands are redefining hydration and glow.
• Clean and Green Beauty: Consumers are prioritizing eco-conscious and non-toxic formulations.
• Viral TikTok Hacks: Beauty trends like “skin cycling” and “slugging 2.0” are inspiring product innovations.

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Final Thoughts

The best beauty products of 2024 prove that this is the year of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. With so many fantastic options, there’s no better time to revamp your beauty routine. Whether you’re chasing radiant skin, bold makeup looks, or luscious hair, these picks have got you covered.

Which product are you excited to try first? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this post with your fellow beauty lovers!

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Stay updated with the latest beauty trends by following us on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Here’s to a gorgeous 2024!

Cyme Hydrating Lip Balm + Exfoliating Lip Scrub + Hydrating Lip Mask Review

 

All the COVID19 prevention measures are wreaking havoc not only on my skin, but my lips as well. With all the antiseptic gargling, frequent washing, face masking, and not wearing lip products under the mask to prevent product migration to an already bacteria-breeding humid environment, my lips are cracking, peeling, and sometimes even bleeding.

So I stumbled upon this set of lip care products from US brand, CyMe. I've written about another CyMe product here. Let's see if this set solves at least one pandemic problem.

CyMe Smooth Exfoliating Lip Scrub

Let's start with the lip scrub. Label says, "Exfoliating lip scrub helps cleanse and restore your lips. Brown sugar gently exfoliates while shea butter and avocado oil softens."

The label pretty much says it all. As for the experience... well it's nothing like I've tried before. Which doesn't really mean much because all I've ever tried before to smoothen my lips are toothbrush and towel methods. Toothbrush method is basically "brushing" your lips after brushing your teeth. Towel method is basically rubbing your lips with towel after a warm bath. Both methods loosen dry lip skin, I find using a toothbrush to be gentler and more convenient.

Using the CyMe lip scrub was a novel experience. Because I wasn't sure what to feel about rubbing minty-brown-sugar-paste on my lips. It wasn't doing much, and all the dry skin that a toothbrush or a towel would effectively get rid of are still on my lips. The paste is just too gentle, it wasn't doing much.

My lips still looked unkempt and neglected (do they mean the same?) after using the CyMe lip scrub. A good redeeming quality was how moisturized my lips felt. I checked the label at the back and found that aside from shea butter and avocado oil, the scrub also has the following: 

• aloe vera
• sunflower oil
• palm oil
• carbuba wax
• bamboo extract
• raspberry extract
• vitamin E
• mango seed butter
• peppermint oil
• lime oil
• lemon oil
• buchu leaf oil

An impressive list of moisturizers. This product is more of a lip moisturizer than a lip scrub/exfoliator. I would recommend this to people with zero to mild lip issues. Like if you have unsightly, dry, cracked lips, this isn't the product to solve it. It will help with the dryness and maybe a little with the cracked parts, but lips will still look unsightly the first use. I imagine using this long term would fix major lip issues. However, its just one more step to an already complex beauty ritual that I do nightly, so if you have the time, this is a product to try. I don't have the time.

CyMe Hydrating Lip Mask

The label doesn't really say much except that it's perfect for use in dry, cold, or wind conditions to moisturize dry lips.

Like the lip scrub, this product has an impressively long list of moisturizers:

• sunflower seed oil
• castor oil
• ozokerite wax
• coconut oil
• shea butter
• rapeseed oil
• candelila wax
• carnauba wax
• mimosa wax
• paraffin wax
• jojoba seed oil
• vitamin E
• raspberry extract
• blueberry extract
• cupuacu seed butter
• goji extract
• seabuckthorn extract
• vitamin C
• oat extract
• cranberry oil
• peppermint oil
• lime oil
• lemon oil
• buchu leaf oil

I bet you didn't really read the list and just glossed over it. I find that American brands tend to have this looong list of product ingredients with exotic fruit extracts and oils, they tend to just add and add and add random berries and oils from the Czeuchides mountains of the South Wind Tribe. Not that it's a bad thing. Just makes me wonder how much of these are actually in the product and if these make any substantial difference. 

Nonetheless, I was surprisingly pleased with the actual product itself. It's kind of like thinned out petroleum jelly with a minty feel and a fruity scent. I woke up with soft, shiny, luscious lips.

Now this I would definitely recommend to people with major lip issues. This is excessively hydrating, I feel that the driest lips in the driest environmental conditions would love this. Also, compared to petroleum jelly, this has more longevity. My lips still had some product on it when I woke up. This can also double as a day balm. However, I wouldn't recommend this for use under a face mask. It can get sticky with all the oils and waxes from faraway mountains which can clog pores.

CyMe Hydrating Lip Balm

Label says, "Hydrating lip balm softens and moisturizes lips with Q10 and vitamin E with a nourishing infusion of avocado oil, squalene and olive oil."

This also has a rather short ingredient list:

• vitamin E
• lime oil
• lemon oil
• buchu leaf oil

It's not as hydrating as the mask, but it does what lip balms are supposed to do. I love that it isn't sticky, doesn't taste like plastic, smells fruity but not sickeningly so, and stays put for a few hours.

I also like that it comes in a dispenser tube. I was never a fan of stick-form twist balms that expose the entire product to air and bacteria. Burt's Bees is my all time favorite, but just for the packaging, this is just about to snatch that top rank. 

Bottomline

Recommend? Yes! 

Purchase again? Maybe the just mask? And the balm? 

Price? Ranges from $7 to $12 

Scrub ~ 3 stars out of 5

Mask ~ 5 stars out of 5

Balm ~ 5 stars out of 5

One pandemic problem solved. Please pray for this pandemic to finally be over.

3W Clinic Rose Water Cleansing Foam Review

 

I'll be honest. 3W is that one Korean brand that I've always ignored simply because it looked like a local Filipino brand pretending it's Korean. Nothing wrong with Filipino brands, which is exactly why it's annoying that some local brands pretend they're foreign. For some reason, 3W doesn't seem Korean enough to me. I have no idea why.

Maybe because their packaging lacks polish? Or their brand comes off as outdated? You know how Korean brands always seem to have cutesy elements like pastel colors, animal mascots, and collaborations with makers of cartoon characters? 3W has none of those. 3W's colors are always dark and muted and... aged. There are some Korean brands that cater to more mature, more moneyed women, but their brand comes off as sophisticated and classy and fresh. 3W on the other hand, employs late 90s to early 2000s packaging styles down to font and image choices. 

Also, the price range makes you question if they're even legitimately Korean. Chinese and Filipino brands that pretend to be from Korea are generally cheap, with product prices ranging from P20 to P100. I've seen 3W products being sold in low end malls for below P100. Makes you really think if they're knockoffs or not.

There's a 3W product I've tried and loved - the Palgantong powder. It was all the rage in 2016 and I just had to get my hands on it. It's a good product. Makes the skin look perfect but only for 30 minutes. I'll probably do a separate review. So yeah, that's my first brush with the brand. I was impressed but I was also disappointed. Check out the packaging below. See what I mean? 

It took me 5 years before finally giving 3W another chance.

And if it wasn't for my limited Shopee Wallet balance, I would have ordered an Innisfree facial cleanser instead. I was P60 short! Lol

Guess how much 3W Clinic Cleansing Foams are?

I got mine for P100!

As cheap as Ponds and other drugstore brands!

So I wasn't exactly expecting stellar performance from this dubiously affordable, unconvincingly Korean cleansing foam. I was even expecting to get a pimple or two - because that's what Ponds and Nivea and similarly priced facial cleansers do to my face. But no. 3W clinic had to prove it's legitimately Korean through and through. 

I did not break out. Not a single pimple. No rash. No trace of irritation major or minor. My skin is as normal as it gets. 

Considering it smelled, looked, and felt like the usual Ponds cleansers, I was really expecting the worst. 

I checked the product labels and nothing seemed special. It says, "Voluptuous foam and hypoallergenic ingredients melt away impurities." I mean, when was the last time hypoallergenic was used to market skincare products? Right? Circa 2007. The era of St. Ives Apricot scrub and Maybelline mineral powder foundation!

The label at the back says nothing special either. Rose water... vitality... makeup leftover... skin wastes.

I checked the ingredients, and there I found what was special:

Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract

Lavender Flower Extract

Tiger Lily Extract

Freesia Extract

An entire garden of extracts and not a single stripping acid or exfoliant. Well, there's lauric acid, but that's super gentle and it's usually from coconut oil. No wonder my skin felt soft and smooth and calm and chill. 

Bottomline

It's now my favorite cleanser. I alternate it with Kojic acid + Grapeseed oil combo. When I don't feel like double cleansing with Kojic and oil, I just wash my face twice with 3W Clinic, which really doesn't make sense, but you know, it's relaxing just cleansing my face and not worrying about how many pimples I'd wake up to the next morning.

Four and a half stars out of five. I'm reserving the half star for when 3W Clinic finally hires a young graphic designer for their packaging.

WHERE TO BUY

Click here for the most reasonably priced entry on Shopee. 

CosRx All Green Comfort Sun SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen Review

I've ran out of my trusted sunscreen, Biore UV Perfect Protect Milk, and so I haphazardly ordered random sunscreens on Shopee.

Today I'll be reviewing a promising product from skincare groupies' favorite brand CosRx.

I've been watching YouTube videos of skin vloggers and they are still raving about Centella Asiatica. I wasn't exactly Googling what sunscreens have this miracle ingredient, so I was pleasantly surprised that my random Shopee order included a product with this ingredient. 

Centella Asiatica, as I've mentioned in a previous post, is an all around miracle worker. What it basically does is calm the skin, help wounds heal, stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and make the skin healthier and more resilient. 

It also has Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, or white water lily extract, which brightens the skin. It has anti-inflammatory, soothing, and hydrating properties. It's used in products made for super sensitive skin.

Another ingredient is Artemisia Caliaris Extract, which protects the skin from toxins and environmental stressors.

And just to prove it's all green and filled with nothing but goodness, this is an EWG approved product. EWG, or Environmental Working Group, is an organization that advocates corporate accountability through research and information dissemination. They assess products and systems to make sure that consumers and the environment are protected from unethical manufacturing processes. If something is EWG approved, it's deemed safe from cancer-causing toxins, and other hormone-disrupting ingredients. 

Now that we know that it's SAFE, the question remains, is it EFFECTIVE? 

You know, with sunscreen and all the Korean scandal from last year about brands hiking up their SPFs and PA++++++ just to boost sales, I've taken product labels with a grain of salt. If a product label says it's SPF 50, I take it as SPF 25 and reapply the sunscreen as often as I remember throughout the day when I'm out under the sun.

I've so far not suffered from sunburn and have not noticed spots since using this product, but there's no way to really tell. We either trust the brand or we don't. The risk is more or less the same with any sunscreen product (except Chinese brands with dubious packaging and ridiculously low prices - please don't support knockoffs!)

What I love about this product, aside from all its glorious promises, is that it's not sticky. It has a creamy texture that takes a while to absorb into the skin. It's thick when applied, which actually means you need more product to cover your face, but that thickness disappears into the skin. It does not make the skin feel like a hot gooey mess after a few hours.

It's supposed to be matte, but I find that it leaves a glowy effect. People are torn about this, some like it, some don't. I personally love it now that my skin is getting drier and more mature. I miss the glow of youth and this product gives just enough. 

It's also supposed to not leave a white cast, but it does. I'm not sure how it will look on darker skin. But on my currently darker than usual but still pale skin, it leaves a white cast that can look a little BB cream-like. It does not cover flaws, zero coverage, but it makes the skin just a tiny bit lighter upon application. 

My overly sensitive skin did not show any trace of irritation. Which is impressive because I tested this product during my hormonal days when anything causes a breakout. My skin, as I type, is bright, glowy, generally clear, and refreshingly not sticky. Skin also feels soft due to the light, creamy texture of the product.

Bottomline

I'm currently loving it, but I'm still giving it a few weeks to truly convince me. At P850 for a 35 mL tube, this can get expensive for daily wear. I would recommend this for skin with sensitivity and redness issues that need a good balance between brightening and mattifying. Four and a half stars out of Five.

 WHERE TO BUY

Random Shopee Store

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Nose Pack Review

 

It was in the early 2000s when nose pore strips were introduced. I remember watching friends torture themselves pulling out hardened pore strips off their nose, enduring that pain of getting bits of skin and fine hair pulled along with some blackheads - all for a (temporarily) pore-less nose. It was satisfying.

In my early years, beauty was all about pain. Losing weight involved pain. Bleaching skin involved pain. Straightening hair involved pain. Getting rid of blackheads involved pain. Beauty came with a price. And who knew the price wasn't only pain, but larger pores?

It took years, perhaps even an entire decade before the truth came out that nose pore strips were actually bad. How bad? Well, because these tools of torture involved stretching pores and forcefully removing their contents, the pores eventually lose elasticity and so they grow wider and wider. They remain "open" over time, making them look more noticeable. By then, an entire generation of skincare junkies have gotten addicted to nose pore strips that it was part of their daily routine. Imagine worrying about blackheads that only you see, and replacing that problem with GIGANTIC pores that everyone from a meter away sees? 

After finding out the truth from the Internet, my generation turned our backs completely on nose pore strips. It was feared, and then largely ignored.

It was 2017 I think when nose pore strips from China started seeping into the common street person's consciousness.

Pilaten was everywhere - on social media, on video platforms, you can get them online and on the streets for cheap. I was never a fan of Chinese products so I never gave it a chance. I just knew that whatever it was in those must be of poor quality because how else do you explain the price? A pack of 10 for P10?! I've seen DIY videos of blackhead removing techniques that involved white glue. Whatever is in this Pilaten product must be cheaper than white glue. Scares me to think people put these things on their faces, on their noses, inhaling unknown stuff and letting unknown stuff seep into their skin.

So why exactly am I reviewing Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Nose Pack? One, because I saw a pack in my makeup kit and I thought why the buck not, it's been 4 years at least since I last used a nose pack. Two, because it's a trustworthy Korean brand with a reputation at risk if they bucked up their products. Three, because I'm currently hating the pandemic and need a distraction of sorts so I chose my nose to obsess on. I'm trying to create a minor problem here so I can forget about the bigger problem that the world is currently facing. 

I love this nose pack. It's not like the usual nose pack that involves a rather messy application, spreading glue-like stuff all over your nose. Innisfree's nose pack is a sheet of nose-shaped paper with adhesive on one side. You wet your nose, yes your nose, and then apply the paper sheet, adhesive-side, on your wet nose. Wait til it's dry. The package says wait for 15 minutes, I think I kept mine on a bit longer just to, you know, distract my mind for a longer period of time. 

And then you peel it off. 

Unlike glue-like nose packs, this paper-like adhesive does not hurt so much. It still hurts a bit because it also pulls out fine hair and bits of skin. But it's not as painful. I remember using iWhite and crying tears of pain just trying to pull out that last millimeter of glue off the tip of my nose. Innisfree's nose pack does not elicit crying.

What I rather dislike is the color. Glue-like nose packs come in either white or black, and so once you take it off, you enjoy the lovely sight of the gross, yellow/brown gunk from your pores. Innisfree's paper nose pack comes in beige/skintone and so once you take it off, you don't really see the contents of your pores, you have to like really look close. I even thought it didn't pull out any because I couldn't see anything. I had to use a flashlight for the stuff to cast shadows.

It was a grossly satisfying sight. 

What I dislike also is that by design, this thing failed because it leaves so much adhesive on the skin. You need to use a toner or a wet cotton ball to clean your face after. (A derma told me not to wash the face after using these things because getting the newly forced pores wet would freeze them or something and keep them from bouncing back to its "closed" form.) I still have bits of adhesive around my nose as I type. I look like I have dried mucus all over my nose. I don't want to wet my face yet. I don't wanna stretch my already stretched pores. I already have enough problems.

This thing costs P15 to P30 a piece on Shopee. Which is extremely cheap considering you only really need one every 4 years.

Recommend? 

Obviously not. I mean, yes, but use sparingly. The trouble with good bad products is that they can get addictive. This is a good blackhead remover, but removing blackheads using physical means is just a bad idea. There are chemical means and dietary means. But if you need a quick fix and an effective 20 minute distraction from the pandemic, this is a good choice. 5 stars out of 5

Belo Prescriptives Tyrosinase Inhibitor Review

 

Backstory on my first taste of Belo Prescriptives here. 

So I also got to try this Tyrosinase Inhibitor Cream from Belo Prescriptives. 

This costs P650, which is surprisingly affordable compared to the other product I've tried (P6,400 if you haven't read!) Considering it's only 10 grams a tube, I guess P650 is in an okay enough price range. 

I'll cut to the chase and just tell you right away that this product is EFFECTIVE.

It's not a miracle product in that it does take at least 2 weeks to see a difference. But compared to other spot whiteners I've tried which are just as expensive, this is the first to actually show an effect to my dark spots.

I wasn't really expecting much because I've tried all sorts of products with all sorts of mixes of bleach and whiteners and brighteners and whatever, but nothing worked. My dark spots didn't fade even half a shade. But Belo Prescriptives blew my mind. Nothing was happening the first 10 days at least, but after 2 weeks of use, I was hearing imaginary angels singing every time I looked at my spots. Kidding. Let's just say my dark spots were no more. They faded down to the same shade as the surrounding skin. 

Had I known it would only take P650, I could have saved a fortune trying out product after product trying to get rid of my flaws.

As far as I know, this is a prescription strength product, and so would require prescription (?) idk. You can purchase it online though, so maybe Dra. Belo now does online skin consultations (?) idk. Does anybody know? We're in the middle of the pandemic as I write so I really have no idea how you can purchase this product but it's there on the BeloMed shop: https://shop.belomed.com/product/belo-prescriptives-tyrosinase-inhibitor-5-10g

Bottomline

Obviously this is a good, good product and I only have positive things to say about it. I do recommend it for stubborn dark spots, even those that are years and decades old. Five stars out of five.

Belo Illuminating Cream Review

First things first. This thing costs P6,400 a tub as per the Belo website.

Let that sink in, my fellow beauty product hoarders.

Now that I've enjoyed a few seconds of getting you to maybe think I'm Heart Evangelista-rich, let me come clean by admitting I received a 250 g (P3,600 when bought new) as a gift/hand-me-down. LOL

So P6,400 Illuminating Cream. I have a mental list of things I could buy with P6,400 instead of one single beauty product, but we live in a world where rich people need ridiculously priced things or else they die of existential crisis so things like this exist. Honestly though, this isn't a horrible product. Let me tell you why.

It's basically a luxuriously rich body cream that is so thick it's almost a liquid foundation. It also functions somewhat like a liquid foundation in that it goes on thick and opaque on the skin. I initially expected this to be like normal body lotion, but it is nowhere near normal as its price suggests. It takes a full minute to get this to spread evenly on skin and can look like makeup when applied thickly. A little goes a long way and P6,400 can be stretched to a full year of use.

Unlike most leg foundations though, this is does not come in shades of skin colors. The color is bright Boysen white, and so you have take your time spreading it well, maybe even use a sponge or foundation brush to get it to go on smooth and natural-looking. I've been out under the sun for months and have gotten dark so this looked weird on my arms. My neck, which is generally paler than my body, is an ok area to put this product on thickly. 

I imagine if I were back to my original color, this would have worked perfectly well, blending inconspicuously. I guess this product is for people with pale pale skin to begin with and needs a product to get their skin to look blindingly bright. That makes sense, considering this is an ILLUMINATING cream. This product actually makes you look like you have an invisible ring light following you around.

The star ingredients are Alpha Arbutin and Liquorice.

Alpha Arbutin - a plant extract that brightens skin and is found to be effective in reducing pigmentation caused by sun damage, acne, and wound scars. This is a popular skin whitening ingredient in Japan. It is well loved because it is at par with other bleaching ingredients, but unlike harsh exfoliators, Alpha Arbutin generally does not make the skin more sensitive to the sun. 

Liquorice - a natural extract which used to dominate skin whitening products in the early 2000s. I was surprised to find this in an expensive product because licorice had its time back when I was young. To me it was a sentimental skin whitener like Papaya extract. Nonetheless, this no-longer-popular whitener works to brighten skin, fade pigmentation, and help treat issues like acne and inflammation.

Other ingredients include: Niacinamide, Titanium Dioxide, Bee Venom (!), Glycerin, Citric Acid, and other stuff normally found in skin creams. 

Bee Venom - helps stimulate formation of collagen and so reduces damage and fills in wrinkles and scars.

Belo Illuminating Cream also has SPF 40 for UV protection. 

No funky fragrance. For the price I was expecting it to smell like cherries and champagne, but it smells like regular lotion so that's I guess the only negative comment I have. 

I feel like people who have naturally pale skin, or those who are actively taking oral whiteners, can benefit from this product the most. Belo is known for being the skin doctor of the stars, and so this product was probably developed for artistas in mind who need to look bright, fresh and 3D on camera. 

Normal people can still probably benefit from using this for photoshoots or special events or for when they want to look ridiculously blindingly bright idk. I forgot to mention that this product does NOT have shimmers, thank goodness, so normal people can probably get away with using this on a normal day. That is, if they can afford the price idk. 

Bottomline

Erm. This is an overall amazing product. But again, this has a specific market, not only due to its price tag, but due to its shade. It's not marketed as a whitener, but as an illuminator because that's really what it does - it makes already pale skin look lit-from-within. 

Oh, before I forget, just to add to its exclusively-for-the-rich-and-artistas, this product is not for people who have to walk and work under the sun. This can get sticky in an unairconditioned room.

So recommend? Yes, if you're a) rich, b) an artista, c) stays in airconditioned spaces all day, d) already white/pale to begin with. If you're not at least two of those things, this product isn't for you. Sorry. Belo has a product line for us mere mortals on Watsons shelves. 

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion Review

I recently reviewed Eucerin Body Wash, which I have been singing praises for. It's the ultimate solution to washing dry skin. My skin had improved so much ever since switching to Eucerin.

But just to make sure my skin stays pretty despite sun exposure, stress, poor nutrition (sorry) and aging, I use body lotion:

• Once a day during the summer (March to May)
• Twice a day during the rainy season (June to November)
• Three times a day during the windy season (December to February)

I simply cannot live without lotion. In my younger days, I'd pour whitening lotion all over my body. I was obsessed with fair skin, but could not do without outdoor activities, so whitening lotions took all my money. In recent years, I found that whiteners are not for aging skin. It made me a little sad, but I moved on quite quickly, and went about looking for the best moisturizing lotion for my skin type. 

I've tried several moisturizing supermarket brands: Cetaphil, Nivea, Olay, Jergens, Vaseline, Suave, even inhouse products from Watson's, the Body Shop, and random organic stuff. The best I've found so far is from Aveeno. 

Dermatologists have always agreed on colloidal oatmeal being the best ingredient for moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, healing products. I remember being in total shock at how nice my skin was after washing it with colloidal oatmeal soap, but that's a different story. I've always loved oatmeal for skin.

What oatmeal does is it binds to skin to form a protective layer. This layer protects the skin from external stressors such as harsh temperatures, friction, and other irritants. All this while locking the moisture in. Oatmeal is perfect for all skin issues, from acne, to allergies, to eczema, to sun damage. Aveeno uses Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour. 

This lotion also works perfectly because it's fragrance-free. I'd have preferred something that smells nice, as applying lotion is one way for me to relax and I missed applying luxurious-smelling products. But, Aveeno is just so good and wholesome that I no longer mind.

Other bad stuff it's free from: parabens, phthalates, talc, toulene, mineral oil, and chemical sunscreens. 

The texture is somewhat like thin but not sticky petroleum jelly. It feels light, spreads nicely, absorbs quickly. It's a different sensory experience from creamier lotions. It leaves the skin oddly matte, too. Other lotions usually have ingredients like titanium dioxide that leaves the skin subtly shimmery. Aveeno has nothing like that, this leaves the skin looking like normal, healthy, youthful skin, which should really be the goal. 

What I got is the Daily Moisturizing Lotion, it's the most basic variant. Unlike other brands that have an entire range of lotions with varying fragrances, Aveeno only has this basic variant, the basic variant plus sunscreen, and lotions for babies.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Glycerin
• Distearyldimonium Chloride
• Petrolatum
• Isopropyl Palmitate
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Oat Flour
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Sodium Chloride

Pretty basic list. I know people have issues with using petroleum in beauty products. But everything I've read so far are inconclusive. At the moment, what matters is that it works. I am more concerned with harsh exfoliating ingredients, chemical sunscreens and cancer-causing brighteners.

This can be bought for P850-P950 locally for a 591 ml pump bottle. Landers Online also has the smaller bottle for P550. 

Recommend? Absolutely. I found out about this product from a friend who suffers from major eczema every windy season. This is the only thing that has helped soothe her flare ups. 5 stars out of 5.

Eucerin Body Wash Review

 

It's eczema and dry skin season here in the Philippines. The strong, dry winds are calming to the soul, but not to the skin. And I know I'm not the only one. I see dry skin everywhere. I read rants about dry skin on my social media feed. It's a yearly tradition for my people - to suffer from dry skin every January to February. My body skin had been acting up lately and I have had to change my body care products just to stop scratching my skin. Eucerin is the only thing that helps.

I will forever be singing praises for Eucerin. This is by far the best body wash to have ever touched my skin. I have searched far and wide and nothing, NOTHING, beats Eucerin.

Why is Eucerin so special? Well, for one, it's super expensive here in the Philippines, so it better work. I'm not sure if the big name shops carry it, but online, it's sold for at least P1,000 a bottle. For comparison, other brands cost about P200-P300 per 250 ml bottle. So Eucerin costs about 5x the popular supermarket brands. It better perform miracles.

As the label says, it's SKIN CALMING. It delivers omega oils and natural lipids to soothe and moisturize the skin. The ingredients list is pretty short, which I guess is why it's so good, see:

• Soybean Oil
• Castor Seed Oil
• Laureth-4
• MIPA-Laureth Sulfate
• Poloxamer 101
• Laureth-9
• Propylene Glycol
• Water
• Propyl Gallate
• BHT

No fragrances, no dyes, no acids, no added stuff to make it lather thickly. Just oils, and SLES. SLES, is the gentler version of SLS, which is the ingredient used to make soap. SLES does not cause dryness and irritation, and is often used for baby care products. The packaging says it's not soap, but it still is technically still soap. It's just very gentle and soothing.

Recommend? Absolutely. If this weren't so expensive, I'll give a bottle to every single person on my social media. In fact, when I finally get rich, one of my goals is to send a bottle of Eucerin to everyone. This is THAT life changing. But you know, I'm still very much poor, so the best I can do is to recommend Eucerin this way.

10 stars out of 5

Spectro Cleanser Review

 

Since the pandemic started, I've been looking for ways to add an extra cleansing step in my routine just to be sure I get rid of every bit of gunk from my masks. As mentioned in the past posts, I already have a solid skin care routine consisting of kojic acid soap, mandelic acid serum at night, alpha arbutin serum in the morning, and jojoba/rosehip/grapeseed oil whenever my skin feels dry or tight. This routine typically works, but in the rare times that I get out and wear a mask or makeup, I need something extra for cleansing. 

I have this small bottle of Spectro cleanser. A friend came to visit from the UK and gave me this. I've honestly never heard of this brand before, but judging by the way it's packaged, it looked like it's from a reputable brand. Like, it doesn't look luxurious but it doesn't look cheap either. Nothing fancy, pretentiously hippy, or fraudulently "herbal." Just something you'd normally find in supermarkets. 

It's supposedly a gentle cleanser. I'm sure about the gentle part, not so about the cleansing part. It's so freaking gentle that it doesn't really seem to do anything. It's very similar to Cetaphil cleansers texture-wise, although this is thicker and smells a little bit like white glue.

I wanted to like it. Because it's fragrance-free, non-irritating, and moisturizing. However, it simply just did not work the way I needed it to. I have oily skin that needs to be exfoliated regularly, and kojic acid soap does this just fine. The Spectro Cleanser does not remove makeup, sunscreen or mask gunk. 

You're supposed to massage this into the skin for 30 seconds to loosen up deep-seated debris. I do that and then rub it off with a cotton ball, the way I do it with Cetaphil. I find though that it takes at least 3 times of repeating those steps just to feel clean enough.

This isn't sold locally, but in the US, it's sold for $35-40 for a 500 ml bottle. Quite expensive, by Philippine standards. 

In essence, this is an awesome product. I guess it's just not for my skin type and routine. I would recommend this for normal to dry skin, with an occasional blemish, no heavy usage of makeup or sunscreen. In sum, it's still worth a try. I'm giving it 3 stars out of 5. 

Cre8skin Salmon Oil Cream Review

 

I do not know why I have a handful of expensive stuff sitting in my drawer unnoticed.

So I found this odd-looking thing. Which makes you wonder if it's canned seafood or something. It has a rose gold packaging inside a black tin can. As someone who tries to become a more environmentally-conscious consumer, this makes me feel extra guilty. Like, why is there a packaging for the packaging? After using the product, I now have 2 cans/jars to throw out into the environment. This product better be worth it. Sorry, nature, I don't really know why I own this thing.

Because it's packaged fancier than the usual face cream, it's also more expensive. It's locally available at P1,900+. 

The label says "Whitening. Anti-wrinkle." I was initially doubtful as to whether this works at all. This reminds me of Shark Oil, the miracle ingredient of yesteryears. I mean, I don't really know what to make of it. Salmon is known as a superfood, rich in Omega-3 and other good stuff. But as to whether it works when applied topically, I honestly was doubtful. 

Because the packaging made a bad impression, I was leaning towards disliking the product right away. I had to keep reminding myself to remain objective for the sake of a good review. 

This has a spatula (again, another plastic waste!) And you apply the product on your skin with it and then spread it with your fingers. The product is rather thick. It looks somewhat like a thicker Nivea creme. Thicker and with a more velvety feel to it. The color is true to its name, muted salmon, which adds to its luxurious appeal.

If there's anything I loved about this product, it's that it smells divine. It's in the same league as Anna Sui Secret Wish with a fuller, powdery scent. Feminine, classy, luxurious. It smells expensive. This can only be applied wearing a silk robe and a silk night gown. It just doesn't smell like something you'd put on your face when you're in your old PJs. 

As for product effectiveness... well, it does a good job moisturizing the skin. Because it's a thick cream, it tends to feel heavy and a little sticky. Not recommended during hot and humid summers. I can't tell if it's comedogenic or not because I didn't use this on my face (MY T.O. MANDELIC ACID + HA + ALPHA ARBUTIN STILL WORKS! NOT CHANGING MY ROUTINE ANY TIME SOON.) My neck and chest, which occasionally break out with the wrong products, seem to be okay with the cream.

A month of use and I still do not see any whitening effect. I just checked the ingredients list and the only whitening active I see is Niacinamide, at the 7th order at that. Most of the ingredients are for moisturizing, ergo anti-aging: Shea Butter, Beeswax, Salmon Oil, Caviar Extract, Seaweed Extract, Macadamia Oil, Jojoba Oil. 

Final verdict: not buying again, only because of the packaging and price. I'm in love with the fragrance though and I wouldn't mind receiving this as a gift. I feel like this would work well on people with dry, mature skin, I imagine all that moisturizing ingredients would do wonders plumping the skin and virtually erasing fine lines. 

Cyme 30 Protect Sunscreen Review

 

I have been abusing my skin the past months disregarding all warnings from family about the dangers of sun exposure. The pandemic just changes people in ways that are often not beneficial for aesthetics. I've seen women everywhere ditch the polished, made up look for a more natural, hairy, near barbaric look. I am not complaining, because honestly, this is too comfortable. Who doesn't want to live what could possibly be the last days, weeks, months of their lives in comfort? 

Nonetheless, I realized if I do survive the pandemic, I'm going to have to spend years of my life with sun damaged, ugly skin. So I thought I'd do something about it. Even if it may be a little too late for preventive protection. 

I discovered this tube of sunscreen in my drawer. I'm not familiar with the brand, and thought this might have been a gift I forgot about. I searched all over Google and didn't really find much about the brand.  Apparently, CyMe is a product line of Massage Envy - a provider of massage and facial services in the US.

I'm not sure if I can trust a massage and facial services store to produce good quality skin care products. I mean, when products are, well, produced, for the heck of expanding a brand, it's often not good. The logic being, it's produced for the purpose of brand extension, not really for customer satisfaction. I've bought lotion from a hair rebonding salon and it was... garbage. It's coz production is not really their main business function, and they most likely outsource the production, research, design, packaging, etc. However, CyMe is a skin care brand from a skin care service store, so maybe, just maybe, they actually meant for their products to be more than just token purchases for bored clients who are waiting for their turn at the massage bed. 

I didn't use this on my face, because I could not find reviews online. I have crazy sensitive facial skin so I read reviews before applying anything on my face. I used this on my neck, arms and legs.

Label: REFRESHING GEL SUNSCREEN. Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

"A weightless, moisture-rich, water-free facial sunscreen that smooths the skin with shea and aloe, promoting a refreshed velvety finish to the face." 

Claims: Waterproof for 80 minutes.

Scent: It's supposedly fragrance-free, but it does smell a bit. The scent is reminiscent of rubber and plastic toys.

Feel: Rather thick. Velvety. It feels comforting on dry, stretched skin. Like cocoa butter. Surprisingly not sticky. 

Packaging: Does not look like a haphazardly designed brand extension product. Does not look cheap. Reminds me of Avene. 

Price: $18 for 2 ounces or a month of daily use. 

Obviously, there's no way for me to tell if this works at all. I didn't really sunbathe so I can't tell if it protected my skin from sunburn. So I'm just gonna assume it does what it's supposed to do. As for its other reviewable qualities, I'm giving it 4 stars out of 5. Repurchase? I don't know, I don't think this is available in the Philippines. Recommend? Yes for beach use. Beach in windy, non-humid areas. I don't think I'll be comfortable using something velvety for sports or gardening or outdoor activities except for short bouts of recreation under the sun. 

Etude House 0.2 Air Mask (Snail)

This will be a quick review of face masks in general. Not the covid 19 pandemic masks we use to go see the outside world, but skincare face masks. I made a thorough review of masks in 2016. But I took them down because I realized I didn't want photos of myself on this blog lol.

Skincare face masks have been around for over a decade already. Maybe even for longer. I remember going to Marie France when I was 13 (?) and using masks for the first time and thinking what a luxury it was. It took a while before supermarket brands like Ponds came out with their own affordable masks. I was probably 19 when they came out and they cost P200 for a pack of 2, I think. 

Face masks weren't exactly cheap so they remained a luxurious home spa experience for a few years. I only used them probably once to a few times a year back then, mostly for relaxation and not for skincare.

Fast forward to the Korean skincare boom of the mid 2010's. Face masks were everywhere. Not only were they of good quality, they were available at supermarkets for cheap. The cheapest I've seen (that aren't of dubious quality and suspiciously from China) costs around P25. Pond's still sell masks at P200, I think, for a pack of 3-4? But generally, you can get good ones for P50 each at Korean stores.

My trusted Shopee seller sells masks for less than P30. I'm guessing these are the freebies that Korean stores give away for every minimum purchase. I see fakes everywhere though, so beware. 

What I have on my face right now, as I write lol, is from Etude House. I love Etude. I haven't tried a product from them that I didn't like, and I've tried a lot from skincare to makeup to beauty tools. My sister gave a stash of face masks she got for free from an Etude shop in Korea and I made time today for relaxation and skincare.

It says it's 'smoothening and firming'. It's the snail variant with the currently popular snail secretion filtrate. This slime promises to 'make skin texture look smooth, radiant, and elastic by strengthening skin barrier.' I chose this variant because this looked the least harsh, the others had acids and actives that might irritate my skin. 

What intrigued me is the 0.2 mm air sheet. Other masks tend to be thick and uncomfortable but this is light and airy. 

There's a generous serving of serum. What I like to do is carefully squeeze the packaging before putting the mask on my face, so I can get all the extra serum which I then put all over my body. Other brands offer just enough serum for the face, but with Etude I was able to squeeze enough for my neck, arms and legs.

I'm just about done with my 20 minute timer. No itching or irritation so far.

Obviously, a one time use won't make so much of a difference on skin texture, vibrance, nor health. But there are skincare enthusiasts out there who have the time to do this everyday and swear that daily masking is their secret to healthy, youthful skin. 

I tried daily masking for a week in 2016 and I saw results. Unfortunately, time is not something I have so much of. In fact, it's four years later now that I managed to start masking again. I have 4 more masks in the fridge (another tip: keep masks in the fridge for a more luxurious spa feel). I plan to mask everyday to may be fade some spots and rebuild my skin barrier. 

Updating this post in a week. 

Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum Review

I've had this little bottle of Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum since last year. I don't remember why or how I ordered it. Purito is not exactly my Korean brand of choice. And the only Buffet I've been meaning to try is from The Ordinary. I'm not exactly sure why I have this product so it took a while for me to test it. 

Front Label: 

+EWG Green Level Ingredients

+Centella Asiatica Extract 49%

+Palmitoyl Peptide Complex

+Asiaticoside

+Asiatic Acid

+Madecassic Acid

Let's examine each claim. 

EWG is an organization that seeks to promote product safety by standardizing safety tests. They have a criteria, and products are strictly scrutinized to check if they have ingredients with health, toxicity and contamination concerns. A "green level" basically means a product is all safe from toxins, allergens, and contaminants.

Centella Asiatica Extract or gotu kola is a popular Korean skin care ingredient. You've probably heard of cica creams. This is the extract that makes cica creams, which is simply just a fancy name for 'soothing moisturizer'. It helps protect the skin's moisture barrier and reverse sun damage. 

Palmitoyl Peptide Complex also helps reverse sun damage and refine skin texture. Some research claims that this is comparable to retinol, the current gold standard for anti-aging. 

Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid are separately mentioned. These, however, are all found in Centella Asiatica Extract. 

Looking at these ingredients now, I may have ordered this product for dermarolling. I've found, upon researching today, that Centella Asiatica is amazing for wound healing, fading hypertrophic scars, and collagen production.

I now kind of regret using up the entire product on my neck.

You see, I'm a skin care product hoarder with unreasonably sensitive skin. I buy products by the dozens at my worst, only to find out that none of them works for my skin type. Instead of throwing them out, or giving them away, I use them on my neck, arms, and feet. At the moment, I use this thing we're reviewing on my neck, Belo facial night cream on my arms, and Human Nature facial scrub on my feet. 

It isn't that Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum does not work for my skin type. I do not know if it does, because I never tested it on my face. (SORRY!) My current routine of TO Mandelic Acid with HA + TO Alpha Arbutin with HA + Rosehip Oil/Grapeseed Oil/Jojoba Oil + Biore Sunscreen and Kojic Acid Soap seems to be working fairly well on my oily, blemish-prone, textured, pale facial skin. For skin as crazy as mine, I avoid changing things up when I've found a routine that works.

So this product was only tested on my neck.

That doesn't mean this review is not valid.

Because it is. Here's why: 

I sort of damaged the skin on my neck. I was out under the sun the past months, and my neck and nape had it worst. I skipped sunscreen and so my neck and nape were brutally burnt. Skin was dry, spotty, and developed fine lines. I then used harsh products: Kojic Acid soap, alcohol-based toners, etc. just to get it back to its former bright and even color. My neck started breaking out, and my nape was beyond repairable. 

And then I found this little bottle of Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Serum. And because this has gotten too long, let me just tell you that this thing works, period.

The back label does not exaggerate (verbatim):

This is a nutritional serum that protects the skin from the outer environment by soothing the skin and enhancing the reinforcement of the skin barrier, with its 49% of Centella Asiatica Extract. Three core components of Centella Asiatica including Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid and Madecassic Acid, and peptide extracts. It has been prescribed only with the hand-picked Green-grade highest quality ingredients, and it is suitable for sensitive skin.

The skin on my neck is back to its former resilient glory. The blemishes have healed and faded, color is now more even, and it's back to feeling supple and healthy.

I'll probably order another bottle as soon as I'm ready for dermarolling again. I have a feeling this would help with my facial skin issues.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Purito and the Korean Sunscreen Scandal

So I've been advocating Korean skincare worship way before I even started to blog. You only have to see Koreans in their 40s to be convinced of their local products' effectiveness. I mean, you don't even have to pick actresses - even their male artists in their 40s have amazing skin. You don't even have to pick people on TV - Koreans anywhere in the world generally have much much nicer skin than the average human.

Sure, genetics have a lot to do with it. And their climate. Although, I'm pretty sure the Koreans, half-Koreans, quarter-blood Koreans I've seen here in this hot and humid country, the Philippines, are just as flawless. So maybe more than genes and gentle winds, that flawlessness comes from perfectly formulated skin care products.

Koreans, like the Japanese, also take pride in honest corporate values. In comparison to their Chinese neighbors, Koreans tend to value brand image and customer loyalty and so they are not as likely as the Chinese to sell for the heck of selling or cut corners (lessen product quality) for higher profit. 

So this whole Purito Scandal comes as a shock. Like. How is this even happening?

Short version: Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF50+ (which claims to have SPF84.5) was tested to have SPF levels 4x less than advertised (turns out to be SPF19!)

To make matters worse, instead of owning up to their misleading product labels, Purito blamed its manufacturer. Basically saying that Purito actually wanted a good sunscreen product that does what it says it does, and they apparently made it clear during the product design stage, but their manufacturer lied to them during the actual manufacturing process. 

They did promise to make things better next time. Which is, to make sure their products get tested multiple times before releasing them to the market, instead of just taking their manufacturer's word.

This doesn't end here. In fact, this only revealed a more sinister practice in the skin care product industry. SPF testing turns out to be ridiculously inconsistent. So maybe Purito, in Korean standards, actually has SPF 84. The scary question is, what other Korean sunscreen products believes and markets their products as SPF 100 in Korean standards, which when translated to non-Korean standard, could be what? SPF 25?

Imagine braving the sun at the beach, confident you have SPF 80 PA+++ on your face when it's really an SPF 20 with no PA?! How distraught will you be when you get all burnt and wrinkly in an hour.

Other Korean brands have been tested since. What I'm curious to know is if Korean brands are at all better than Chinese brands. And if Japanese brands, which have more popular and expensive sunscreens, are worth the price. And if US supermarket brands (Neutrogena, Ponds, etc.) are in fact the real deal. (Doubt it.)

Bottomline: Stay indoors, away from windows and sources of light. Move to Korea. Marry a Korean and produce non-sunscreen dependent offsprings. Trust no one.

Update: Amazon and other retailers have announced that they are *dun dun dun dun* refunding all recent Purito Sunscreen sales. 

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Review

As mentioned in a previous post (over here), I am a huge fan of Deciem. I've tried several products from The Ordinary line, and while some didn't particularly work for my skin type, I still believe in the brand. My skin's really overly sensitive and overall just a pain to deal with.

Deciem is known for amazing products, and their popularity is further augmented by their dedication to good customer service. They reply to personal DMs over at Instagram, and anyone can basically request for a personalized skin care routine. It's easy to be overwhelmed by their expansive product line, but you can trust them to give you a simplified routine so you can properly address your skin issues. 

I remember asking Deciem about which products to use for my skin issues: dark spots, blemishes, fine lines, and dullness. My personalized plan was: a Retinol/Retinoid for general skin overhaul, Niacinamide + Zinc for blemishes, oil and texture, and Alpha Arbutin for dullness and dark spots. It's been over a year and I've only recently remembered to order Alpha Arbutin. (I've reviewed the other products over here.)

So. Alpha Arbutin. My first brush with the product was in the early 2010s. It first gained popularity as the safest whitening/brightening ingredient in cosmetics. Hydroquinone and tretinoin are still the most effective, but both are nowhere near safe. Alpha Arbutin is wildly popular in geisha-whiteness-worshipping Japan. And when it comes to cosmetics research, I'm all for Japanese science. So in the past years I've bought all things whitening with Alpha Arbutin in it. 

Trivia: there's another form of Arbutin used in whitening cosmetics. There's Beta Arbutin, which is the cheaper form. It's also a whitener/brightener, but is not as potent as Alpha Arbutin because it's not as stable.

What is Alpha Arbutin and why is it the safest whitening/brightening ingredient?

Quick answer: It's a whitening extract from bearberries, blueberries, and cranberries. 

What it does, like Kojic Acid, Vitamin C, Licorice extract, etc., is that it prevents melanin formation. Melanin is the skin pigment, and it forms when the skin is exposed to the sun. Whiteners prevent this process from occurring by blocking tyrosinase enzymes so no pigments are formed.

What makes Alpha Arbutin the safest is that unlike other acids and extracts, it does not irritate and dry the skin. This is because its active component is released slowly into the skin. When it comes to skin care treatments, gentle and slow is always the way to go. 

It is also a stable form of Arbutin. Unlike other ingredients that need to be packaged in light-protective containers, Arbutin is not photosensitive. You can use it twice a day, morning and evening. It also does not make the skin photosensitive.

And because it's just an overall amazing ingredient, it goes well with other actives. Well, most actives. You can use it under makeup, with other skin care products, with no negative product interactions whatsoever. 

My experience.

I was pretty sold before purchase because I have so far not seen a single negative review about The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA. Even people from my Facebook groups: the Good Skin Crowd and Asian Skincare Junkies.

Nonetheless, I was a little apprehensive with the formula. Hyaluronic Acid can be sinister. Some people have bad experience with it, claiming it only temporarily moisturizes the skin and that it causes long-term drying. I have super oily skin, but dryness is also a problem from years of neglect and ignorance using harsh products.

So I've been paranoidly observing every square inch of my skin since Day 1 of applying the product. I wanted to be sure there aren't signs of dryness and irritation.

I'd like to report that this product lived up to my expectations. I had brighter, more even, and surprisingly calmer skin. I made sure not to use other products except for sunscreen in the mornings. No peeling, redness, allergic reactions. Not even pimples during my period.

Now I don't promise this can cure acne. All I'm saying is that this didn't trigger new ones from forming even with HA. This calmed my skin for some reason, probably tweaked the pH or the sebum production, I honestly don't know. My skin is simply more even both in tone and in texture. 

Recommend?

Absolutely. I'll update this as soon as I finish the bottle for a final verdict. Laters ~

Belo Night Therapy Whitening Vitamin Cream + Belo BB Cream Review

I am not a fan of Belo products. I've never used one that did not irritate my overly sensitive skin. 

Belo is the patron saint of skin perfection here in the Philippines. And so when Dra. Belo's daughter announced that she was releasing a product line that's affordable and readily available at grocery stores, I was elated. I knew it wasn't going to be as potent as the ones they prescribe at their clinics, but I had such high regard for their reputation that I expected their products to be really good. 

I've tried their soaps. The blue and pink ones. The whitening one dried my body skin. The whitening and moisturizing one still dried my skin. I've tried their deodorants. The one the promises to make the skin pretty. Dried and irritated my armpits. I've tried their lotions. The papaya one and the kojic acid one. The papaya one dried my skin also. The kojic one dried and irritated my body skin. My sisters also buy from their product line. And they experience the same thing. I was handed down a spot bleaching lotion, the one that comes in an orange tube. Did not lighten my dark spots at all. Just dried my skin.

I don't know if it's just my our skin. My body skin is usually resilient and does not dry out that easily. Or maybe it's the Belo formulation really. I notice they use Kojic Acid on almost all their products. And that's one product that my skin just does not tolerate well. So it could just be my skin that's the problem. 

Anyway, the reason I still keep buying Belo products is because it's Belo. I still haven't given up on the Belo promise. I've tried their prescription products, the ones you can only purchase at their clinics. And their Bleaching products did well without irritating my skin. They're not labelled, but if I remember correctly, the actives were mostly Arbutin, HQ and Tret. 

Also, Belo products often go on sale on Shopee.

Belo Essentials Night Therapy Whitening Vitamin Cream

This is paired with a day cream. Both promise to whiten and revitalize the skin in 7 days. Ingredients include skin vitamins (Vitamins A, B, C, E?), Glutathione, Kojic Acid, and Gigawhite. Glutathione is contested by a lot of skin experts to not be an effective whitener when applied topically, though I am no expert to judge, I mean, it's still in most skin whitening products. Kojic Acid, as mentioned earlier, is not compatible with my skin, but is an effective whitener. Gigawhite, I think, is Belo's secret concoction, though you can easily find whitening extracts in the ingredients list: Morus Alba Root Extract, Achilea Millefolium Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris Extract.

So I did not dare to use this on my face. I was too scared of the Kojic acid content. I bought this for my neck, which was showing signs of distress from recent sun exposure and aging. The skin on my neck is usually resilient. I've used Ponds products on it without any problem - if I used the same products on my face, I'm sure to get half a dozen pimples the following days. So I used this on my neck. And I was again heartbroken to find that this still isn't the Belo product for me. I developed a rash on my neck, which went away when I stopped using the product. There were also a couple of pimples along my jawline where I also applied this product. 

The upside: I now use this on my arms. And it seems to be working fine. No signs of irritation. I wish I bought the day cream instead so my arms can enjoy further sun protection during the day. But I guess I'm finishing this jar before I order that. 

Bought this for less than P200 ($4) for a 50g jar on Shopee.

Belo Intensive Whitening BB Cream SPF 50 PA++++

My skin does not tolerate Kojic Acid. I do not know why I bought this product when it so obviously contains Kojic Acid. Maybe because it was on sale? Maybe because I was running out of BB cream? Maybe I thought I needed sun protection of some form? Probably because this was on sale. Anyway

I lowered my expectations on this product. I actually braced myself for an onslaught of pimples so I only put this on my forehead which does not scar that much. When my forehead remained clear after days of using this, I went ahead and applied it all over my face. This didn't break me out. 

This is a BB cream, but this feels and looks more like a tinted sunscreen. It's very light. Almost translucent on the face. Has very minimal coverage so if you have spots to hide, you'd need a separate concealer for that. What this does is unifies the tone. This also does not make my skin feel oily compared to Korean BB creams. 

I am yet to see if this delivers the Belo promise of flawlessness. I don't really use this daily as I'm mostly at home during this pandemic. 

Bought the small one for less than P200 ($4). Tube lasts for about 2 months with daily use.

Recommend? Yes.

Amway Artistry Ideal Radiance Serum & Essence Concentrate Review

 A little back story: my sister was invited to this event. They were told it was for a free Chinese language workshop and so my sister went. She was disappointed to find out it was conducted by a Singaporean group whose main agenda was to sell Amway products. LOL. I don't know if any Chinese phrases were taught, but she came home with samplers of Amway products. 

She gave some to me. And so we're here to review. (The marketing trick was effective, you see, I'm here reviewing their products!)

So I'm not really fond of multi-level marketing products. Avon cosmetics are okay, sometimes they are at par with non-MLM brands such as Maybelline, Ponds and Olay. I have no negative experience with products per se, it's that MLM employs immoral tactics and that's something that does not sit well with my consumption practices. Posting this video to open eyes:

I discourage people from supporting MLM brands. I've been putting off this review for weeks because I don't want to contribute to MLM popularity. I realized I could just post that video up there whilst reviewing their product. Because honestly, these particular Amway products aren't bad. And maybe Amway can send me some more from their premium Artistry line. LOL

The Ideal Radiance line promises "Brighter, Lighter, More Lumious Skin"

The samplers I got were the Complexion Serum Concentrate and the Spot Essence Concentrate. The first one targets "early signs of discoloration like blemish marks, dull areas, and blotchy, uneven skin tone." The Spot Essence targets "stubborn age spots, dark spots, and UV spots." Directions for both are the same: "Pump 2-3 times onto your palm. With your fingertips, smooth over face and neck."

Both product samplers came in 0.75 ml and 1 ml sachets. Not exactly enough to see miracles. Nonetheless, I'd like to commend both products. Because both did not irritate my skin. I used the Complexion Serum Concentrate first, only at the parts of my face that do not get pimples. My skin did not itch nor show signs of irritation. 

The first thing that impressed me was the fragrance. I usually don't like products with fragrances, but this line smelled divine I forgot the fragrance might irritate my skin. Reminds me of Versace Bright Crystal without the signature vapor-like aftersmell. It smells like a toned-down, Bright Crystal with a fuller aroma. It's also quite an experience to apply on the skin. It feels luxurious. I know the smell has a lot to do with that effect. But the texture is also noteworthy. 

As for product effectiveness, again, the samplers were too tiny. I think it took a week each to consume the products. Right after my nightly application, and upon waking the next day, skin felt soft, plump and smooth. Skin also appeared brighter, but I have two pimple marks in the area that I was hoping to fade with the products, but they did not budge.

Nonetheless, I liked the line so much that I was willing to (gasp) make a purchase. Thankfully, they didn't have any on Shopee. LOL. (Hi, Amway, sponsor me?) I researched online and (gasp) prices range from $35 to $70+, which converts to P1,750 to P3,500+. So, no, not buying. (You can still send me some, Amway.)

Now, do I recommend purchasing? Nope. Out of principles. Did I like the products? Yep. I'm simply not paying that much.