Last time I shared my favorite face sunscreen, Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, and thought to also share my favorite body sunscreen from the same brand--the Bioré UV Perfect Milk and Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel. 


I usually don't give much care to my other body parts that are exposed to sun (which is my arms and shoulders) and neglected to use sunscreen in those areas. It was only recently that I learned and realized that you really need to use sunscreen in exposed areas to prevent skin damage and premature aging caused by UV rays. So now I always carry one in my bag despite the bulk. 

We're going to compare which of the two sunscreen, Bioré UV Perfect Milk and Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, will fit your preference and budget. As for me, I love them both.

Bioré UV Perfect Milk
 
 Claims:

•  Protects your skin from the harsh and harmful UVA and UVB rays with with this ultra light and long lasting SPF50/PA++++ UV Block.
• Ultra light texture
• Water-proof formula  

Ingredients:

 Price: PhP 395 (approx. US$8)

Made in: Japan 


Bioré UV Perfect Milk has the same white color and texture as the traditional sunscreen that we grew up with. It also has that (maybe) mixing stuff inside the bottle, also something that I encountered with other face sunscreens that I used before.  

What I really like about Bioré UV Perfect Milk is that it's not sticky and doesn't feel heavy even during very hot and humid weather conditions. Really perfect when strolling outdoors casually especially on the beach. You just have to put a generous amount so you can apply the product evenly.

 
What I don't like about this sunscreen is that it leaves an obvious greyish-white cast on your skin just like the old traditional sunscreen. It also leaves a greasy feeling but goes away when the product sets in your skin. Maybe this can be used in face if your skin is more on normal to dry, and the white cast can be covered by foundation. Just avoid flash photography though.


Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel


 Claims:

• Maximum level of sun protection yet so light, it feels like nothing on the skin.
• Hydrates and softens
• Light and refreshing like water.
• Gentle and allergy tested.
  

Ingredients:



Price: PhP 485 (approx. US$9.50)

Made in: Japan


Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel is actually really close to Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence when it comes to texture, application, and even the fruity scent. It has a yellowish cream that turns into watery texture when applied, which leaves no greyish white cast, and actually absorbs really fast. It's moisturizing but not sticky and works really well in hot and humid weather. It's actually a better choice for everyday sunscreen.You only need a 2 pea-sized amount and it can cover a 1 side of your arm and shoulder.


The reason why the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel didn't make it as my choice for my face sunscreen is because it's a little oilier than the Watery Essence. I tried this in my nape and neck area and it gave me a few bumps, but no bad reactions in my arms and shoulder area.

But if you don't have a sensitive and oily skin, you can use this for your face and definitely save a lot of money. No need for two separate sunscreen! *uggghhh I envy you guys, seriously*

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Both the Bioré UV Perfect Milk and Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel are really great and affordable sunscreen, and choosing between the two is just a matter of budget and preference (and maybe ingredients if you have allergies). 

What are your other recommendation for sunscreen? ♥ ♥ ♥

Living in a country where it's always sunny, sunblock is really an essential part of my skin routine. With all the information on the internet, we all know that 80% of the sun's UV rays can pass through in the clouds. Meaning even when it is a cloudy day or a rainy day UV rays can still harm our skin and can cause premature aging and sun spots. ~eeepp!! That's why if there's one skin care that I'm willing to invest at sunblock is always one of it.

Though when I was younger I was not a fan of sunblock especially for the face. The ones that is available in our country then are usually from the west and are pretty expensive. And whenever I find a cheaper one, it usually breaks me out or makes my face oily with the horrible greyish white cast. With time and research, I'm really thankful that there are now a lot of new facial sunblock which not only protects us from the UV rays but also works for our skin woes. I've tried several facial sunblocks--mostly are Japanese made--and found my favorite: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence.



Claims:
"Maximum level of sun protection yet so light, it feels like nothing on the skin"

Ingredients:

Price: PhP 420 (approx. US $8)

Made in: Japan


I have to agree with its claim with how fresh this sunblock is in the skin. Really works in this crazy humid tropical weather and doesn't give you a break out.


Compare to regular sunblock, Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence has a cream moisturizer type texture but melts like a watery gel cream when applied. It does have a little sticky feeling after a few seconds of application so you  need to give it a minute to dry before applying your primer or foundation.

Since Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence has a moisturizer type texture, it doesn't leave or have a greyish white cast that most sunblocks do. So you can actually wear this even when you're having a pictorial.


It's hard to see in the oil test, but Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence left a watery residue in the oil sheet and probably a very (very!) little oil too. So if you have an oily skin like me, this won't add to your oil woes. You can wear the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence under your primer/foundation/concealer or translucent powder and it will just stay there.

If there's a thing that I don't like about Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is that it leaves a thin film-like residue in your skin. There is a little weight in your face but not as bad as the heavy night cream feeling.


It's a Cosme awardee too! It's no wonder why a lot of beauty junkies with oily skin love this--aside from being so affordable. I'm using this sunscreen for more than a year now and my favorite so far.

What's your favorite facial sunscreen? ♥

We all wanted to have beautiful skin. And if you're not blessed with a translucent and clear skin the best that you can do is to search for products that will at least take you a step closer to that dream skin. I bet most of you have already heard and know of this cult favorite Korean skincare product, and a lot of beauty junkies have already reviewed this. If you're acne prone like me, I bet you've already heard of CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pad.

Claims:
"One step Pimple Clear Pad is designed to wipe away excess dirt, oil, and purify clogged pores with exfoliating pre-moistened pads".

Ingredients:

Content: 70 pads

Country of Origin: South Korea

Price: PhP 665 in Watsons (approx. US$ 13), PhP 900-1,000 in online stores (approx. US$ 18-20)

Make sure to not fully peel/remove the protective foil. It will keep the pads from drying.
I was really skeptical at first because I'm a believer of traditional toner. But when I saw it at Watsons (and way cheaper compare to online stores), I decided to give it a try and I never looked back or regret this purchase. And I'm currently on my second tub and I have a reserve because this is always sold out (both online and in Watsons). 

If you actually read my previous posts regarding my dilemma with dry patches in my face, I'm happy to say that it was over. Ever since I added this to my (night) routine, I noticed that I'm getting less dry patches and my make-up really looked better than before. I noticed that my skin is getting better after more than a month of using CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pad. 

I still get acne and my skin still go crazy weeks before my period, but unlike before where pimples pop everywhere in my face and my skin gets really patchy and oily, now I get pimples most of the time in jaw, neck, and forehead and less in face area and no patchy skin everywhere. I think CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pad's exfoliation really works in removing dry patches and helps well in the absorption of skin care products (and make them really work!).


Look at all those grime! *eewww* It really wipes away oil and dirt.

The formulation is a little thicker than a regular toner and takes a bit of time to absorb but it will not leave any sticky feeling or residues. I usually wait a minute to dry before applying my serum. 

If you have acne and patchy skin, and you're not allergic to any of the listed ingredients, I suggest that you give CosRx One Step Pimple Clear Pad a try. I'm now a total believer and this is a staple!

PS: since this is a BHA product, make sure to use sunscreen! ♥♥♥

Have you heard of the "scream serum"? As funny as it sounds, it's actually a thing in K-beauty. "Scream serum" are actually serums that will make you scream because it stings when you apply it. It sounds scary, right? Like, why would you put something like that in your skin? Is that even safe?

Well, that's the catchy hashtag from Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum. They explained that when you apply the serum in your skin the more it stings means that your skin is badly damaged by external factors. And the longer you use the serum the lesser it stings as it repairs the damage(s) in your skin.


Of course, that again, piqued my curiosity. Late last year, I was in desperate need of a good serum that will help the tight feeling in my face and neck area. I read that oil-based serums doesn't just combat dryness but acne as well. These are my two major skin problems aside from very dull skin (of course, because of dryness). With all the good brands that carry great oil-based serums, both my brain and heart *lol* brought me to this product.

Claims: 
Improves skin health and minimizes pore problems. Recommended to people whose skin is starting to have small wrinkles, multiple skin troubles, dry skin, and loosening pores.

Ingredients:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrogenated palm oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Argania spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Aminobutyric acid, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata Extract, Sodium chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine

Price: PhP 640.00 (approx. US$ 12) but got it on sale: PhP416.00 (approx. US$ 8)

Country of Origin: Korea 



When I opened my box carrying this product, the smell reeks out in the box— a very strong citrus(y) smell. It's not that bad but it's my first time to encounter a product that has a very strong smell, that the whole box smelled as if it's full of lemons and other citrus fruits. I even read a review where she puts the bottle inside her bag just to make her bag smell fruity.



The Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum is made with basically plant oils and fruit extract. You can actually see that the oil separates from the water extract. The first ingredient is Aloe leaf extract which will give you a great relief if you have a sensitive skin—aloe vera is known to calming ingredient to sensitive skin. 


You have to mix the product well to make sure that the oil will mix with the water. You just have to be quick because they separate quite quick. When applying the serum, you have to put and rub the product in your palms, and pat it gently in your face. I read in some forums that oil serums are best applied in gentle patting motion than rubbing. This will increase the absorption rate of the serum in your skin.

It takes time for the Fresh Herb Origin Serum to be absorbed in your skin. After patting, I usually let it absorbed for about 2-5 minutes before applying my moisturizer. The texture is actually oily but it sinks well in the skin. I think the aloe vera water and other plant extracts helped the absorption of the oil.

As for the painful application, well it did sting in some parts of my skin where there's a lot of acne and dryness but it's tolerable. Not sure how the others measured the pain, but as far as I know I have high tolerance when it comes to pain. It did sting for at least a week in some areas, and still stings everytime I do skin damaging activities like staying out in the sun for quite long or driving all day (aircon and sun combo). 

But what I noticed was the improvement in my skin texture; it's more fine and the pores around my nose and cheeks are smaller (can still see but better). My foundation also looks more natural and soft, and stays well, no dry patches or whatsoever. Also, I can pop my whiteheads easier now. I remember during my first week of use of this serum, while washing my face, I noticed that my face is so smooth and soft. Like what the Japanese call the "mochi skin". If you had tried glycolic peel before, you know how soft your skin is after it peels, that's the exact softness I felt. It will also leave a dewy look on your skin even when you put your daily foundation on, unless you're using a full coverage, matte foundation.

As for my acne, I still get hormonal acne or if I eat something that I'm allergic at. So this product won't shoo away your pimples, but it will actually help in improving your skin condition.

Overall, I really love this serum. I'm about to finish my current bottle and planning to get a second one. If you have skin problems or planning to get your first serum, I can totally recommend Natural Pacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum. Aside from the natural ingredients, it's affordable and it works!

What's your favorite oil-based serum? ♥♥♥

It's now the peak of cold season here in Manila. Well, maybe not as cold as the winter, autumn, or spring weathers in 4 season countries, but if you grew up in a tropical country and experiencing a 25 degrees or less weather is seriously heaven! We joke a lot about our 2 season weather which is hot and hotter.

Cold weather also means drier skin. I'm experiencing my usual skin dilemma which is dry and itchy skin, but a lot worse now. Before, moisturizing lotions and body butters works okay during seasons like these, but for some reason my skin has become more drier now (maybe age became a huge factor). That's why I decided to try body oil and found The Beauty Bakery's All-Purpose Chocolate Oil Mist.



Claims: All-purpose body oil mist absorbs instantly yet leaves a seductive sheen that protects the outer layer of your skin. It contains a generous amount of Cocoa butter and Coconut oil for efficient skin hydration.

Active Ingredients: Cocoa butter, Coconut oil, Seaweed Extract

Size: 200g

Price: Php 499.00 (approx. US$ 10), got it on sale P380.00 (approx. US$ 7)

Where to buy: BeautyMnl



First thing: It smells like vanilla and chocolate, I love it!! I love vanilla scents and I can't stop smelling the bottle when I received the package and I can't stop sniffing my hand when I tried it.


The product is in a glass bottle and plastic spray and spray cover. I just got sad when the spray died after a few pumps. :( So I have to transfer the product in a different bottle.



 The consistency is just like any other body oil products and also takes time for your skin to absorb the product. The smell is amazing. I can't emphasize how I love the smell and that I keep on smelling my skin. The scent stays on your skin but it's not overpowering nor it will irritate your senses. It's just faint and sweet.

As for my skin dryness, it didn't made my skin plump or moist after using it for sometime and still looks rough. But it did help alleviate the scaling, itchiness, and the very tight skin feeling. And though my skin doesn't look (and feel) smooth, I noticed that it has a faint glow. I'm really crossing my fingers that this product will somehow make my dry skin go away in the long run. I'm not actually expecting drastic changes in a short span of time since this is a natural product; as natural products takes time to see the effect compared to chemical based products.
 
Another thing to love is that The Beauty Bakery is a homegrown brand (100% Philippine brand). I love our local brands that makes quality products and sources their raw materials locally. It's a win for everyone.



And since the sprayer died, I used my old Skin Inc serum bottles which has a dropper and I find that it's easier to use this way. And since the bottle is small (only 5ml), I was able to experiment by adding jojoba oil and noticed that the scent became less prominent and the absorption became slightly faster. I'm planning to add sunflower oil next time.

What's your favorite body oil?

This product caught my eye while checking out beauty products in drugstores in Tokyo. I searched it online and found that it was a cult favorite and a must buy when you visit Japan. I instantly bought two tubes without hesitation and even I have no idea if it will work on me or not.

And yes, it did not disappoint me.



Claims:
This face wash featuring AHA and an enzyme-massage effect removes not only impurities deep inside of the pores, but also makeup. Featuring a moisturizing ingredient which washes freshly without dehydrating. 

Ingredients:
Water, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Polyethylene, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Palmitic Acid, Glycol Distearate, Lauric Acid, Disodium Lauryl Iminodiacetate, Sodium Peg-4 Cocamide Sulfate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Juice, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Papain, Polyquaternium-51, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Juice, Etidronic Acid, Peg-75 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Dextrin Lauramide Dea, Malic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Edta, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Fragrance

Size: 120g

Price: PhP400++ locally (around US$11)

This is one of the few Japanese products that has around 50% of its ingredients are natural. Unlike Korean products, most of the Japanese beauty products I encountered are usually 75%-100% made from chemicals and alcohol. And it's really hard to buy products in Japanese drugstores because they don't have English translations so you have to trust your instincts. 


And like most Japanese skincare products, the Cleansing Research AHA Wash Cleansing has a very mild to faint scent. This foam wash actually smells like apple though not a real apple but the apples you smell in perfumes and other fragrances (I hope you imagined what I meant). It's not bad actually.



I learned recently that the Cleansing Research AHA Wash Cleansing has 2 variants: the scrub ones (with microbeads) and the regular foam one. I got the one with microbeads (if you want the regular variant, I think the cover is much lighter than this one). 

The beads are really fine and small, you won't actually feel it much when you massage it in your face, it's not abrasive unless you have a very sensitive skin.



And just like any Japanese cleansers, you have to create a foam before spreading it your face. I usually rub my fingers together and create a little foam and apply it in light circular motion.

For it's cleaning power, it removes the traces of make-up and oil and gives you that clean feeling: squeaky clean but not too tight. Though I still recommend using cleansing water/oil/wipes before washing your face just to make sure you'll sleep with zero makeup residue on your face.



I finally understand why Cleansing Research AHA Wash Cleansing became a Japanese cult favorite, it works. As I mentioned in my previous posts that my skin is dehydrated, oily, sensitive, and acne prone, and this didn't give a weird reaction in my skin. In fact, I think it really helped my cleansing game a lot and it helped my acne problem a bit.

Though if you have dry patches on your skin, this won't help removing your patches and using an exfoliating product that works on your skin is still the best solution. I think the microbeads only removes make-up residues, excess oil, and dirt but not actually works as a scrub and remove dead skin cells.

What's you favorite cult favorite cleanser?

If you live in the tropics (like me), you probably have a coconut related stuff in your home: cooking oil, dip, dessert, fresh coco juice, coco beauty oil made by your grandma, bunot (coco shell used to make your wooden floor super shiny), and the list goes on. That’s why I really got curious when I saw Scinic Coconut Cleansing Water while browsing shelves in the department store.



Claims:


Size: 500ml
Price: PhP 580 (roughly US$ 12)

It is tightly sealed with a plastic/silicone in the pump so the product won’t spill and also guarantees you that the product is unopened and unused.