Skincare Review: Health and Beauty Aztec Secret - Indian Healing Clay

If I'd only have one thing to describe this mud mask - it would be Cult Fave. You can tell by how almost all Healthy Options branches are always out of stock. Good thing a friend of mine got a hold of the product and sells in smaller quantities (50g). By experience, the 50g one lasts up to 2-months worth of use and is ideal if you want to check its compatibility with your skin first.

This mask is made of calcium bentonite clay - a very powerful clay derived from volcanic ash. This has been used for years and years for different detoxification purposes. On top of its detoxifying abilities, calcium bentonite clay is also said to have numerous minerals that could be beneficial to the human body. 

Product Description:

100% natural calcium bentonite clay. World's most powerful facial. Deep pore cleansing! Feel your face pulsate! Facials, acne, bodywraps, clay baths, foot soaks, chilled clay for knee packs and insect bites! Enjoy the benefits of clay in your own home. Beautify & refresh. Sun dried. No fragrances. No animal testing. No animal products. No additives.

Current skin condition

Before trying the product, my skin is a little bit rough to the touch with lots of dry patches mostly around the cheek area. I also have some pimple scars as well as active ones mostly around my jaw. My skin is acne prone hence the wild black and whiteheads around my nose.

How I prepped my skin for the mask

1. Make-Up Remover - I normally double cleanse even on days when I wear minimal make-up. Used my favorite coconut oil remover to strip my face off the gunk I have collected for the day.
2. Wash - Washed my face with a gentle cleanser. 
3. Exfoliate - Exfoliated using my conjac sponge.

How I prepped the mud mask

  

For perhaps the most researched and important part of the mask - preparation! 

1. Measure desired amount of the clay. In my case, 1 tablespoon is more than enough.
2. Measure same amount of either water or Apple Cider Vinegar.
3. Mix until consistency is pasty.

Some reminders in prepping the mixture

• Use a non-metal bowl and spoon in mixture preparation.
• If you are new to mud masking or has sensitive skin, you may opt for water for a milder mixture.
• On the other hand, if you've already mastered mud masking or you feel that your skin needs the extra benefits, by all means use Apple Cider Vinegar.

Application & Removal

• Just like any normal mud mask - apply the mask all over your face avoiding lips and eye area.
• For normal-dry skin, let the mask stay for 5-10 minutes.
• For oilier, less-sensitive skin types, mud may stay up to 15-20 minutes.
• Remember that it is best to remove the product while still a little bit damp and not completely flaky-dry.
• Gently wash the mask off with the use of warm water. NEVER RUB THE PRODUCT OFF VIGOROUSLY. Let the water melt the product off before rubbing gently and in small circular motion.
• Pat your face dry with a clean towel
• The mask could be drying so it is best to apply your favorite heavy moisturizer immediately.

Effects and other observations

• The "pulsating" feeling claimed by the product is very similar to a tingling, slightly itchy sensation. The kind of feeling that makes you think your skin is being deeply cleansed.
• Redness is very visible right after removing the product.
• Leaves the skin squeaky-clean, but with that fresh glow.

Pros

1. Easy to prepare
2. This product can last you a long time depending on use, value for money!
3. Effective and true to its claims
4. Minimally processed which means product contains very minimal chemicals

Cons

1. Limited stores carry the product
2. Always out of stock due to high demand

The Verdict

I love, love, love this product!

My face instantly felt fresh and clean. I have noticed that impurities were greatly minimized. It also controlled my impending pimples. 2 days after use, I feel confident to go bare face to work. My face looked like I has BB Cream on the whole time!

If you are looking for an effective, affordable, easy to use and relatively safe product - this one may be your bet!

Skincare Review: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

At this time, I would be guessing most of us have heard of or seen Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate somewhere. Chances are, you have read a blogger rave about it or you have seen ads all over social media. Boy this product is well-advertised!

Because I am impulsive like that, I went on and paid a little lot more than what I usually would to get my hands on this baby and see if it was indeed worthy of all the hype.

I rushed to the stores, got myself a combination of the Midnight Concentrate and the Daily Reviving Concentrate and regretted the purchase for a short while. The Midnight Recovery Concentrate sets me back at Php3,969 for a 50ml jumbo bottle. The Daily Reviving Concentrate easily cost me Php2,895 for a 30ml bottle. Nearly commended myself for the courage I took against the hefty price tags but hey, better than botox 15 years down the road, I think. Also, these goodies came with a limited edition Kate Moss-designed pouch for a minimum spend of Php6,000. Makes the deal a little better I guess?

I purchased these babies at the Kiehl's Greenbelt Flagship store and the attendants were more than accommodating. They walked me through their new products, had me try the calendula facial wash and toner (which I instantly fell in love with) and gave out very specific instructions to maximizing the benefits of my serums.

Let me take a moment and admit that it was not love at first try with the Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Although I followed the suggested instructions - wash face, tone, get 2-3 drops of the serum, warm them in my fingertips and lightly press all over my face, I was a little bit disappointed to not be able to recognize immediate results. But, having splurged on the product, I was not really ready to let go of all my hopes... And then the magic happened. 

It was around my second week of use when I started appreciating the serum. A bit of a disclaimer though, this is not your one-product-five-effects kind of thing. It holds true to what it says in the packaging - A replenishing elixir of Pure Essential Oils and Distilled Botanicals to visibly restore the appearance of skin by the morning. I find that what it mainly does is to hydrate and calm your skin to prepare it for overnight rejuvenation. Straight and simple. Another plus would be the very calming scent which sort of sets my mood for some serious Z's.

Pros:

• Instant hydration.
• Light consistency that won't leave you feeling greasy while you sleep.
• A clearer complexion in the morning.

Cons:

• I did not necessarily get bothered by the scent but if you are sensitive to gingery-smelling stuff, you might want to pass.
• Price is just waaaaaay up there! But then again, value for money.

If you ask me, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate works the way it was made for. Like I said, the price tag could be a bit of a problem but for a giant bottle full of the concentrate that really packs a punch and would only expire 18 months after opening the seals, this easily passes as my holy grail. Plus the fact that it just really takes 3 drops for the entire face, I say it is quite a steal.

If hesitant, their stores can be generous to give you samples or you always opt for the smaller bottle.

Have a nice time loving your skin more! :)

UPDATED: The Face Shop's Watery Tint

Anyone who knows me would know that I have the palest of skins and lips. Combine that with scarce brows and I'm sure to get so many "are you sick?" remarks. This is the exact reason why I thank heavens for the creators of lip and cheek tints. At least I have a chance at looking a little normal without looking overly done.

Liptints, as convenient as they are though, have many cons. Color selection, inconvenient containers, overly-drying formulas and the list goes on. This is the exact reason why I am on a constant search for the best possible tint I could get my hands on. 

I managed to get my hands on this new lip tint from The Face Shop though, when I was in Nuvali. I was desperately fighting off my urges not to buy their mixing serums which costs so much. I eventually won over the urges but just as I was about to step out the store, this lip tint caught my attention.

It was waaaaay chaper than the item I was eyeing on and I was meaning to buy a new lip tint anyway so I gave it a go. For less than Php300, I think it was not that bad.

I believe it comes in six shades, I got the Cherry Red one as I have pigmented lips and I fear the lighter ones cannot cover much. It has a doe foot applicator which sets it apart from its "roll on" type competitors. Less finger stains for me! At first swatch, I was really impressed. It dried up fast and was transfer and "scrub" proof. I loved it! It also stained my lips well, although the color payoff is a little different on my lips. I was expecting dark red and it registered a little "fuchsia" on me. 

My lips before and after application

This product has enough staying power to last you several hours without needing retouch. Of course, just like any other tints, it fades of a little bit after eating (which honestly, was anticipated).

Pros:

• Pigmented
• Doe foot applicator
• Accessible

Cons:

• Pricier compared to other lip tint brands
• Applicator picks up too much product
• I hate the flimsy packaging, apparently, the product spills out (and stains your entire make up bag)
• I figured this is not as long wearing as you would want it to be, re-application needed

Warning: When used as a cheek tint, one MUST be very careful and use little amounts as this product is highly pigmented. I suggest applying lightly first and building it up from there. 

All in all, I can say this product was worth the price and highly recommended.

Product Comparison: Nature Republic's Aloe Vera Gel vs The Face Shop's Aloe Vera Gel

I have a confession to make, I am a skin care junkie. In fact, I feel like have taken it too far applying too much products as I can onto my face up to a point where I feel so chemical dependent. Until I discovered the magic that is aloe vera gel. In the past year, I was able to try 2 products from 2 different brands which I will be comparing side by side by both price and effectivity.

First up is The Face Shop’s Jeju Aloe 99%

This product was gifted to me several months ago. This actually jump-started my fascination with all things Aloe Vera. I use is as a moisturizer for day and night. To be honest, I was not impressed as this product felt like it was not doing anything for me. I tried researching on the “correct” way of using it if there was any. I chanced upon vlogger Kris Lumagui’s blog in which she indicates using aloe vera gel as a sleeping pack works wonders. I tried applying a thick layer onto my face at night and let it dry while I sleep and used it for months and months. I’ll be very blunt - even when used that way, I saw no changes. Compared to its Nature Republic counterpart, it’s formula is milder and watery. However, I have observed that this product grew my brows out faster than it would have been on its own. That sold it for me. After all, kilay is indeed life.

Product available at any The Face Shop store, priced at Php for 300ml. Not bad, not bad at all.

Next is Nature Republic’s Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel

I must admit this was one of the products “the youtube beauty gurus made me buy”. I have heard rave reviews right and left, and even when I was a bit hesitant because of my initial experience with The Face Shop’s Aloe Vera Gel, I gave it a go. I could not be any happier I did. I used it the same way I’ve used my other gel. I would apply a thick layer of the product onto my face after toning at night. It came quite as a surprise to see a very sheer film of the product when I wake up in the morning but I don’t mind if that means I’d wake up to a clearer, fresher looking skin. The hype is real, folks!!! The only downside to it is the stinging sensation when applied at the sides of my nose (the most sensitive and problematic part of my face, really). Again, I am not complaining as it did worked wonders for me.

Product available at any Nature Republic Store/Kiosk, priced at Php for 300ml.

All in all, I would say Nature Republic wins this round as far as hydration and clearing is concerned while The Face Shop actually did a good job at growing back my nonexistent lashes. Honestly love both equally, but for different purposes!

My Recent Aloe Vera Addiction

Aloe Vera will always be associated to memories of my grandmother. Growing up, she would often ask me to cut up a "leaf" from her Aloe Vera plant. I always used to think that was the secret to her great cooking until the day I saw her lathering the plant onto the roots of her hair. Turns out this magical plant has the capacity to support hair growth. Nevertheless, I thought I wouldn't really need it for anything anytime soon. So I shoved it under the bed and reserved the knowledge for when I start aging and losing my hair (which I honestly wish would never happen because I have the thinnest hair).

Recently though, I caught the Aloe hype when K-beauty started introducing Aloe Vera gels in the market. The first ones introduced were in big, green tubs. It wasn't long enough before they came in different varieties, formulas and packaging. To be honest it took me a while to join the bandwagon of Aloe Vera Gel lovers. I just thought a gel indicating 99% aloe vera would not really do much for my since it is not "chemical-y". Until I was gifted with a tub last year.

Fast forward to several products later, I am glad to report that I have never been in a strong relationship as much as I am with my Aloe products. Below is a rundown of some of the Aloe products I use:

Nature Republic's Herb Aloe Cleansing Foam

This facial wash, I am glad to say, is very much straight up with none of the BS. As it promises, it leaves your skin clean and smooth without draining your skin of all the moisture. I guarantee you won’t feel any tight, stinging feeling after using it. It lathers pretty well too. The only downside to it is the material used for the squeeze tube as it could have been sturdier. Otherwise, this facial foam is perfect for everyday use.

Available at any Nature Republic store/Kiosk and retails at around Php250.

Aloe Derma Natural’s Super Hydration Booster

I bought this item, TBH, out of sheer curiosity with what it is and what it does. I remember browsing through a small stand of Aloe Derma Natural’s products looking for a mild toner when this caught my eye. What got me drawn was that it indicates 99.8% Organic Aloe Vera Juice. Organic. Aloe Vera. Juice. I’m sold. I did not necessarily fall in love with it the first tries though. It felt as though is was not doing anything. Until I discovered using it without cotton pads. I use it just as I would use a toner, except that I apply it with bare hands. By doing so, you’d immediately feel that it is more than just fluid. Its this hydrating, slightly thick water that works wonders, especially when paired with other aloe vera products. Honestly, I do not have much cons aside from the price. For a toner, I believe Php200+++ is a bit steep. Also, Aloe Derma Natural is a little inaccessible and quite hard to find in local stores. Otherwise, it does its job perfectly well.

Available at any Aloe Derma Natural Stall, mine was bought at Makati Med’s for Php200+++.

Aloe Vera Gel

Now, this is where things get a little complicated because I have tried 2 brands and I feel as if I need another post just to compare them both. I have tried The Face Shop’s Jeju 99% Aloe and Nature Republic’s Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel. Basically, I use Aloe Vera Gel as sleeping pack or daytime moisturizer. On several occasions I have tried using them as lotion or brow thickener. If you are interested with both brand’s comparison, I have posted a side by side comparison for both products here. 

With every Aloe product springing out of nowhere and a larger following, I believe the trend is here to stay and I could not be any happier I caught the bug. This unassuming plant really has done wonders for my skin. Join the club and see for yourself!

Mommy Fleur Day 2017

Disclaimer: I brought my camera and 2 smartphones. Ironically, I did not have much photos. Ganun ako ka-enjoy, mga bes. I, the shutterbug, forgot to take photos. *pats self in the back sarcastically*

Whenever asked if there is one blog I enjoy checking everyday, my default answer would always be Mommy Fleur. For the most part this is where I get my daily dose of positivity and empowerment. Mommy Fleur is like my Justine Bieber and although it's really no-brainer if you're an avid reader, here are just 3 of the many reasons why:

1. Mommy Fleur has a way of creating a personal connection with her readers virtually. Super power niya yan, beshies. Being a good writer is just half of her abilities, the other (and perhaps better) half is that she is such a story teller. It is such a special thing when she only accounts her day to day life but you find joy in the fact that somewhere, someone is going through what you are going through. The reassurance you get for whenever she writes about the "fails" and the "struggles" of a normal woman is incomparable. 

2. Her positivity and energy is contagious. You know when one gets those days where you just dislike how you look or how you weigh? Or those days when you just want to not go to work, stay home, hide under the sheets and pretend to be a carrot? I get those days. Maybe more often than I would've wanted to. And you know, she gets those too. But she attacks all of them with her inspiring positivity. She presses on with this "that's what you have?" attitude and kicks the bad thoughts right up in the arse. So on those days when I feel like I just want to plant myself in soil, I visit Mommy Fleur's blog and get a dose of her jovial thoughts and optimism. This way I get affirmed that bad days occur but you still get to decide how to approach them.

3. Her recommendations are fool-proof. Like when she raved about K-Palette's lasting eyebrow pen here. Or that time when she blogged about Virgin Beach Resort here. I actually went ahead and bought myself the brow pen and never looked back (at my sparse and problematic kilay). Mommy Fleur has impeccable taste - on food, products, places and people. For that - she was able to build a spotless credibility for herself overtime. Hence, I bank and vouch on this.

I chanced upon Mommy Fleur's blog several years ago when I was looking for blogs that discussed depression and being a working mother. I have been a silent reader since then. I cannot remember a time when I failed to check for updates every single day (except for some trips to reception-deprived places). I've had my fair share of panic when she went MIA for sometime and went back saying she almost lost her blog, shed a few tears here and there for friends who left for good, wanted to figure out who Janis Baez is, and felt a sense of hope for that time when she wrote about the good parks in Canada and how it would be nice to have them here one day.

Can you now imagine me getting her invitation to the Mommy Fleur Day 2017? I basically squealed, teared up, jumped frantically, pinched, slapped and punched myself. I could not believe my eyes. I have never been lucky at getting picked for anything. Raffles, lottery, what-have-yous. As in maalat na maalat any swerte sa akin. The last thing I would've imagined was getting invited. I tried and lodged my name on the comment section of her blog and forgot about it intentionally. I managed my expectations so the heartbreak would be muted. And voila! I was invited. 

Fast forward to the January 17. I briefly went to the powder room to check on myself first. I wanted to buy myself time to think kung uuwi nalang ako as I would often veer away from social gatherings like these. Wala akong kilala. I just wanted to really meet Mommy Fleur. BUUUUT, when I entered the clubhouse, Mommy Fleur was right there. She grabbed me at bineso pa ako. It felt like she was a long-time friend. I told her I was rather shy as I did not know anyone and being her usual bubbly self, she responded with an "Ano ka ba, lahat kayo hindi magkakakilala!" and quickly lead me to a table with other guests. She made sure everybody felt comfortable and she willingly took pictures with everyone. Ang nice lang talaga niya. 

The Place

The Birchwoord Residences Clubhouse was very spacious for the gathering and the venue set-up was chic. Very Mommy Fleur. It was actually the first time I went to Acacia Estates. Ang shala naman pala! 

The Food

Ayyyyy nakoooo. I don't even know where to start with the food. They served nuts and biscuits for appetizers. Bumabaha sila. If I remember it correctly, they served us growers peanuts, corn puffs and Ritz crackers. Appetizer palang busog na agad. Mommy Fleur did not have us wait so long to be served the main course. After playing rock-paper-scissors, she invited us to eat na. They had an appetizer table with all the wonderful things you can fill yourself with. What stood out the most was Wowa's super yummy dips. She made her Tuna and Pimiento dips. These accompanied with ritz were the bomb.


Don't get me started with the main course. Hindi sila nag serve ng madami because Mommy Fleur and Wowa's principles were "quality over quantity". Pero giiiiiirl, ang sarap talaga ng food. What stood out to me most was the spinach lasagna which was the perfect balance of flavors and the lechon. Ang sarap! Wowa also made her special fruit salad for desert. If I'd rate the food, presentation and efforts of 10 being highest, 100. 100 siguro ang ire-rate ko.

The Party Proper

The party was SUPER fun. Para lang talaga kayong friends on a get-together. Everything seemed natural lang and everybody was giddy. Perhaps because it was because it's so surreal to be with those people you only see and follow online. We had a few games. And of course bilang excited akong manalo, career talaga sa How Well Do You Know Me game. Stock knowledge lang bes! Haha. I won this really pretty scissors from Paperchic Studio for the game and some Mustella Products for the raffle:

We also had a "Kilay Session" with Ms. Eliza Santiago of momama.me. It was one insightful session as we learned more of our Kilays. Alam niyo naman, kilay is really life.

All in all, I had so much fun. Albeit my introverted-extrovert nature, I did not feel uncomfortable as everyone made sure everyone feels at home. I especially appreciate the love and support Mommy Fleur's family showed that day. Everyone was so busy on their assignments and everyone in the family was just as approachable and jolly as Mommy Fleur. Apples do not fall far from the tree nga talaga. Let me just rave about the pride I saw in Lolo Papa's eyes whenever he takes snaps of the event. Particularly of Mommy Fleur. From the way his eyes twinkled with bliss everytime he looks at our dear muther, you'd really know how proud he is of what she's become. And Wowa. Wowa has been just as warm and welcoming. She took time to roam around and talk to everybody. She even dropped by our table and made a few jokes about having her "Wowa Day" in Shangri-La. Bongga! Not to mention her youth and grace. Ang ganda lang din talaga. You know when they say if your heart is beautiful it just radiates? Si Wowa yun. Because you can really feel her sincerity, support and love towards her family.

To Mommy Fleur - Thank you for being a constant source of empowerment and inspiration. You are the epitome of positivity, humility and wit. All by which a woman needs to keep life simple and happy. May you live a long and healthy life. We love you! 

Travel: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Day Tour

Looking for a place to bring your date over the weekend? Las Casas Filipinos de Acuzar may be just right for you.Situated in Bagac, Bataan - this sprawling 400-hectare property is just a few hours drive to North from Manila.


From Wikipedia:Each house was dismantled brick by brick, numbered, transported to his property in Bagac, reassembled in the same order, and then restored. Houses were chosen based on their historicaal, cultural and architectural value. Acuzar bought houses which were in a state of neglect, from the owners, and in some cases also purchased the lot where the mansions stood. The bahay na bato(Tagalog, literally meaning stone houses) which have stone foundations on the first floor and are made of wood on the second floor(constructed thus to withstand earthquakes), were transplanted from Manila (Tondo, Binondo and Quiapo, Quezon City, Bulacan, Pampanga, La Union, the Ilocos and Cagayan.)


How much would it cost you for a day trip?
Php900.00 for a day trip may be a little steep for budget travelers like we are but the day tour fee entitles one to several amenities such as access to some of the "Casas", a guided tour, access the play/recreation room, the batis-inspired pool for one whole day.

Facade

Church still under construction

One of the many beautiful casas

The lights I chased in Las Casas

The "Casas" or houses were age-old mansions owned by some of the old-rich families all over the Philippines. Most of these houses were dilapidated and had seen minimal care from the time the owners passed. The technique of slowly dismantling the houses, moving all the original parts from where it came from to Bataan and painstakingly rebuilding it just the way it used to look sounds to me like one needs to have lots and lots of passion (and money) for houses.

I am not sure how much the overnight accommodations are but as far as I remember, they are at a price range of Php5,000.00 and up depending on the rooms and pax.


Guided Tour

The tour is included in the day trip rate. I must tell you I am impressed by their tour guides who are always knowledgeable and accommodating. They will tour you around the casas and share interesting facts about them. They will also acknowledge and answer your questions.

Maranao Houses

Window View

Sunset in Las Casas

If you've seen the Heneral Luna Movie, this place will definitely look familiar to you

Aside from the fact that this could easily pass as an easier destination for whenever you are looking for a quick escape, one can richly benefit from learning so much culture in a day. Las Casas Filipinos de Acuzar is highly recommended (if not for the extra expensive sodas) and I will definitely go back.

The guided tour lasts for around 1 hour. This includes visiting each of the houses, picture taking, little trivia quizzes here and there and lots of sweat. I don't know but it seemed to be pretty warm the day we visited and I had my fair share of sweaty underarms. Do not fret as once the tour ends, they will give you clean, wet towels so you can freshen up and rest. If the tour happens in the afternoon, they will also inform you that a cultural show will occur at 6PM. You may be able to watch it while having early dinner as they set up their dinner (or mourned) buffet by the bridge. We opted to swim.

The Food


We arrived starved by lunchtime so we immediately looked for somewhere to eat. Las Casas has several restaurants showcasing different menus from Mexican to Italian to Filipino Cuisine. We tried out Cafe Marivent for lunch. They offer lunch buffet for a very affordable price. However, the food selection is a little common and limited. Overall, I give it a 3.5/5. I was not able to take a photo of the food here or the dinner we had at La Bella Teodora but what I can tell you is that the pizza in La Bella is superb and amongst the 2, I recommend La Bella Teodora to satisfy your hunger.