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!