October Empties + Mini Reviews

Yes another post of what I sifted through my magical box of trash. Read on to see what I dug up, what I liked and what I didn't care for.

Ziaja - Jasmine Micellar Water - 200ml - Php 295

It's not one of those makeup - removal ones like Bioderma and Garnier. It's more of a toner (to my initial dismay) and it's a pretty mild, alcohol-free one. I purchased the "dry, mature skin" variant  because I knew it would be extra moisturizing. Case in point one of its ingredients is Hyaluronic acid along with Sweet Almond Oil, Castor Oil and Pro Vitamin B5 known "firmers" and skin "plumpers".

• Hyaluronic Acid - Improves the appearance of fine lines and helps retain moisture.
• Sweet Almond Oil - Has Vitamin E for repairing collagen and Vitamin A for reducing acne flare-ups.
• Castor Oil - Helps in disinfecting open wounds because of antimicrobial properties and penetrates deep into the fine lines.
• Pro Vitamin B5 - Most noted for its ability to perform as a humectant — a water-binding substance that attracts and retains water.

Further reading :
http://www.livestrong.com/article/32305-skin-benefits-pro-vitamin-b5/
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/sweet-almond-oil-benefits/
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-castor-oil/
http://www.youbeauty.com/beauty/hyaluronic-acid/
https://bettermindbodysoul.com/sweet-almond-oil-benefits
https://alwayshealthyliving.com/benefits-of-hyaluronic-acid-for-skin/

Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Facial Scrub 100g - Php 120

After all the marketing hype I finally got to try the famous Lulur facial scrub via a BDJ box.

Originating from Java, Indonesia, the Lulur scrub was traditionally a ritual used by bride-to-be's to smoothen and whiten their skin before their wedding day.

Verdict : It was okay. No apparent whitening effect in my opinion but the scrub was fine and subtle so it was perfect for everyday. It also didn't lather like other facial washes which I prefer. One thing I didn't like was that it had plastic micro beads (polyethylene). I avoid those as much as I can but was too late with this one. I figuratively smacked myself in the face when I finished the tube and decided to nonchalantly read the back for the ingredients.

Further reading on micro beads/plastic in the ocean and in our food:
http://www.theoceancleanup.com/?gclid=CO_hmvimqMgCFUMrjgodNoEAHQ
http://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/doneer/ja-ik-steun-de-psf/?gclid=CJyE-fimqMgCFYEqjgodW9gJHg

Ziaja Eye Cream 15 ml - Php 150

I liked it as evidenced by the mauling of the tube. It's lightweight and creamy. I think it's a good eye cream for people in their early 20s. Full review here.

Lip Ice SPF 15 Lip Balm - ~Php 100

This soothed my cracked dry lips. I already have a backup. I like that it has spf. I haven't seen a lot of lip balms that have spf.

Pond's Dewy Rose Gel 50 g - Php 399

It's a light moisturizing gel in a pretty frosted glass tub. I thoroughly enjoyed using this one. Mainly for the fact that it was the only one in their line that didn't break me out. Read my full review here.

Kojie San Cleanser + Toner 100 ml - ~Php 70 +

Despite having Ethyl Alcohol as the second ingredient it was surprisingly mild and dare I say moisturizing even, which I can attribute to the third and fourth ingredient - Sodium Lactate and Glycerin (both have hydrating properties). This didn't break me out and it left my skin feeling clean, smooth and a little cool because of the menthol. It also has Ginseng extract, Castor Oil and Rosehip Extract.

Moringa-O Malunggay Herbal Facial Toner 100ml

Alcohol-free, dermatologist-tested and made for dry and sensitive skin? Sign me up please. I purchased this because of the aforementioned claims and because it contained natural ingredients. 

It supposedly helps in minimizing pores and reduces pimples, but I like it because it's not harsh, I never had any adverse reactions and it leaves my skin supple. I've repurchased this twice already. Even if it had fragrance like the Kojie San it's one of those toners that don't leave the skin "thirsty" unlike Eskinol and the like. #noshade

Further reading :
http://www.skinstore.com/sodium-lactate.aspx
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-moringa-plant/

Zenutrients Witch Hazel Toner 100ml - ~ Php 200 +

I grew little bumps all over my face similar to pimples just devoid of any pus or redness. It wasn't harsh on the skin and didn't leave it stripped of moisture. I just had an allergic reaction to the Witch Hazel. I was hoping it was just the Dickinson's Witch Hazel I tried long ago that I was allergic to. Too bad eh?

Snoe Snoe White Whitening Detox Clay Mask 40g - Php 200 - 350

Okay okay, I bought this because of the cute tin packaging and the artisan-esque design but at the time I was in need of a new mask to try. And a detox clay mask with Calamansi that helps eliminate deep-seated dirt and AHA's which help in drying up pimples, sounded convincing.

I wouldn't exactly say this was bad. It just didn't do enough to have a noticeable difference in my skin's texture and appearance. Apart from that, it dried up too fast. The gray clay turned "gummy" and doughy over time so it was hard to spread evenly on the face. No bueno.

Etude House Oh My Lash Serum ~ Php 200

It didn't do anything. Period. Full review here.

Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Hair and Body Glaze - 50 ml - Php 299 

Ugh. I always get sucked in by their packaging but most things I've tried from Snoe's body/skincare line always left a lot to be desired. 

The scent reminded me of cooking oil with a tinge of their "Vanilla Bean and Butterscotch". It felt like regular dry oil on my hair and body. It wasn't particularly moisturizing too. Their packaging maybe one of the cutest ones out there (punny too!) but I just can't get on with their formulas.

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter - 226 g - $46

It's a thick mousse-y body butter that melts onto the skin leaving it soft and hydrated. It's more of a night time moisturizer because of its richness. But avoid using this in the summer or whenever it's hot. It tends to be a little sticky and the smell can get a little cloying because of the heat.

Divinia Tinted UV Base Spf 30 Pa ++ 30 ml - ~ Php 200

It's a very watery tinted sunscreen that you have to shake to mix the pigment up. The shade was a little light and a little neutral but it was passable on my skin tone (MUFE 123) and worked well as an everyday base + spf. The finish was natural; A sort of demi-matte (I have dry/sensitive skin) boasting sheer - light coverage. I'd probably repurchase if I see it again. But I much prefer the un-tinted one in a blue tube.