Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm Haul

It doesn't get any more natural and unprocessed than this. Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm has been around for at least thirty years now producing honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly and beeswax; further creating other natural handmade bee products like soap, shampoo, candles and more for affordable prices. By visiting their farm you can see how simple and honest their philosophy is, behind the store I witnessed three ladies sitting by the window making and packaging their soaps. All receipts were hand written and they only accept cash. They even limit their Virgin Honey to one per customer!

I recommend giving them a visit and even booking a tour on their website, which I now regret not doing. My family and other family friends were in Tagaytay for vacation so it was a spontaneous trip to the farm. Although if you are interested in purchasing some of their products and won't be able to make it to Tagaytay, you may also order online and have it shipped to Manila.

I have only tried the lip balm so far and I'm really liking it, it's similar to Burt's Bees but I like this one better. We were so overwhelmed with all the products that we ended up hoarding (this doesn't include the pasalubong we bought) but for once we weren't guilty because of the affordability. 

Virgin Honey 420 g PHP 345

"Propolis is better for coughs, colds, flu, fevers, asthma and boosting immune system."

Honeymilk / Royal Jelly Cleanser & Moisturizer PHP 80

"Made from beemilk or royal jelly, honey, beeswax, propolis, & natural flower, herb and seed oils. Can be used as a make up remover or moisturizer."

Green Tea Honey Propolis Liquid Soap PHP 70

"Calming hand soap with green tea oil."

Honeymilk / Royal Jelly Lotion PHP 120

"Made from beemilk or royal jelly, honey, beeswax, propolis, & natural flower, herb and seed oils. Quenches dry and scaly skin to make it supple and smooth. Excellent for cold climates, and for alleviation of dry rashes."

Healing Massage Oil PHP 155

"An aromatic blend of essential oils of herbs, flowers, fruit and nut oils with honey and bee propolis. Our massage oils do not leave a sticky feeling."

Honey & Propolis Shampoo (big) PHP 150

"Made from honey for conditioning and hair growth; propolis for scalp infections, dandruff, falling and graying hair; and natural oils like palm kernel, castor and coconut oil for a gentle cleanse."

Honey Face Scrub PHP 140

"Made from virgin honey, beeswax, oatmeal, pollen, and royal jelly. Good for cleansing, moisturizing and softening."

Cinnamon Soap PHP 60

"Good for eczema, ringworm, pimples and all types of skin infections. Stimulates blood circulation to ease muscular pains, powerful skin cleanser and excellent stain remover."

Lavender Soap PHP 65

"Soothes and relaxes tired muscles, calms away stress, exhaustion, fatigue, and nervous tention. Promotes restful sleep."

Sandalwood Soap PHP 60

"Beeswax, honey and propolis with sandalwood oil that is soothing, healing and relaxing."

Propolis Feminine Wash PHP 45

"Proppolis gold is anti fungal, antibacterial and antiviral action."

Honey & Propolis Throat Spray PHP 80

"Breath freshener, bacteriostatic throat and mouth spray. Prevents colds, coughs, even fever / flu, if taken immediately after feeling an itchy throat. Made form virgin honey, propolis gold, and peppermint / spearmint oils."

Propolis Ointment (big) PHP 175

"For skin irritations and infections. Good for relief of persistent skin rashes, skin itches, insect bites, infected wounds and burns, and acne. Made from propolis gold and beeswax in an olive oil base. Scented with eucalyptus oil for its added anti-microbial effect."

Honey Mint Beeswax & Propolis Lip Balm (pot) PHP 65

Honey Mint Beeswax & Propolis Lip Balm (stick) PHP 65

"Made from refined beeswax, propolis gold, virgin honey and a medley of fruit oils."

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm

Website: http://www.ilogmaria.com/

Address: 47 Aguinaldo Highway, Lalaan 1, Muncipality of Silang

Email: info@ilogmaria.com

*Operating Hours: 8 pm to 5 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays (closed on Mondays and some holidays)

November '13 Favorites

Everything included in my November Favorites are fairly new except for my Fairydrops Platinum Waterproof Mascara, which was a rediscovery of mine. The reason why I put off using it is cause the wand holds too much product and fiber, making my lashes too dramatic and clumpy looking for everyday. I was getting fed up because literally all mascaras are lousy when it comes to holding a curl on my eyelashes, I recently started using this again but this time wiping off the extra product on a tissue and I don't think I can be without this again. It's everything I want in a mascara; it does a good job with separating, elongating and most importantly holding a curl on my lashes. Even though I love this mascara it's a pain to remove. My Bioderma wasn't cutting it so it was about time to add a cleansing oil to my night time regimen - I went with Muji's Cleansing Oil for Sensitive Skin. It's been saving me time in the bathroom and is way more gentle than rubbing my eyes off with Bioderma.

Continuing the eye trend in this post, I've been really minimalist (or you can say lazy) when it comes to eyeshadow. Most days I just smooth MAC's Paint Pot in the shade Groundwork all over my lid and that's that, looks like I put a lot more effort than I actually did. I've tried a few different kinds of dry shampoos and the Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is by far number one on my list. It absorbs oil the best and I need fewer sprays compared to when using other dry shampoos I own. For some odd reason my hands have been dehydrated lately. My go to hand cream of the moment is the Soap & Glory Hand Food; it was made to live in a bag, smells like marshmallows and keeps my dry palms at bay. Okay I'll be honest, it's all about the scent. Even if I had buttery soft hands I won't stop slathering this on!

Another thing I've been loving in the bathroom is Colgate's Slim Soft Toothbrush with Charcoal Bristles, super random I know! It has bristles that are thinner towards the top that leaves my teeth feeling spotless and they're extremely gentle, hands down the best toothbrush ever. The last random thing I've been using nonstop this month is my new Type Wreath Mug from Fab Manila. It'll make a great Christmas present to any tea or coffee drinker, and the best part is it's only 150 pesos! 

What were your favorites during November?

October '13 Favorites

This October I've included a few more steps into my skincare routine that I've really been enjoying so let's kick things off with those bits first! I've been on the look out for a good toner for awhile now and I think I may have found the one - Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion. It leaves my skin feeling so refreshed and clean but not tight or too stripping at all. The next product is something I have never been consistent with since I was a kid and that's sunblock. I haven't realized the importance of sunblock until recently and figured it was about time to incorporate that into my skincare. I wanted something affordable and at the same time performs well so when I saw Vivianna from Vivianna Does Makeup recommend the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ in one of her YouTube videos, it went straight to my list and I've been loving it. It's exactly what it claims to be on the bottle; ultra sheer, dry touch, ultra light, and moisturizing too. The last for skincare is the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil and I've been indulging my skin with a few drops of this every night since I got it.

Out of all the beauty products I bought in Singapore I think the Smashbox Photo Matte Anti-Shine is the best and also my top favorite for the month of October. I have combination skin and living in a tropical country makes me oily throughout the day to the point that I have to blot every once in awhile and carry a powder with me at all times. Ever since I started using this I find that I don't need to blot at all, at the most only once a day. Mind you, this was tested in Singapore's heat with me walking around Orchard Road all day from the moment I left the hotel before lunch time and got back around 10 pm. My primer's partner in crime from keeping my face shine free all day is Make Up Forever's HD Powder. Smashbox for my t-zone and Make Up Forever lightly dusted at the rest of my face.

Aside from using NYX Blush in Taupe as a bronzer I've been loving sweeping this all over my eye lids even more this month. In every eye makeup look I wore this month, Taupe was there. For lips I've been reaching out for my Topshop Lips in Beehive the most, a pretty everyday color. If my nails weren't bare, I was wearing Topshop Nails in Tidal.

What were your favorites last month?

Travel Skincare Bag

Morning Routine

Apivita Cleansing Milk for Normal/Dry Skin with Honey & Orange

A good morning cleanser (or second cleanser at night) since it doesn't remove makeup. I still prefer my Apivita 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk over this because it helps remove my makeup and smells even better.

Lush Tea Tree Water

My dermatologist recommends using a more gentle toner for the mornings. I just dispensed the toner into a 30 ml Muji spray bottle and I was good to go.

Kiehl's Line-Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate

A product that I don't particularly like but will finish up, and also my only eye treatment at the moment. Plus it's travel friendly!

Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer

I can't get enough of this moisturizer and its scent! I would most definitely repurchase this again and again.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+

(not included in the photo)

Everyone needs SPF especially when traveling to a sunny country. The weather forecast predicted cloudy weather but it was anything but so I slathered this all over my face before putting on makeup and heading out to Orchard Road. 

Evening Routine

Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil

Traveling's the perfect time to use up those samples hiding at the back of your closet. I had a couple of Shu Uemura samples stashed away that my friend generously gave me and I was particularly excited about the cleansing oils. I've been meaning to purchase a cleansing oil but still haven't figured out what brand to go with yet. I'm leaning towards the Shu Uemura ones just because I've enjoyed using it and it dissolved my waterproof mascara like a dream.

Bioderma Sensibio H20

While I used my Shu Uemura samples for my eye makeup, I opted for Bioderma for the rest of my face.

Apivita Cleansing Milk for Normal/Dry Skin with Honey & Orange

My second cleanser of choice since it wouldn't be practical to bring a separate morning and evening cleanser anyway.

Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion

I'm loving this toner and it will actually make an appearance in my October Favorites post real soon! The container though isn't suitable for traveling since it comes in a flip top squirt bottle (if you know what I mean) so I transferred some of the product to a 30 ml flip top Muji bottle. 

Kiehl's Line-Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate

Again, it's not my favorite but it's there and it's already in travel size!

Origins Make a Difference Plus+

I didn't not like it but four nights of using this wasn't long enough to leave an impression on me. 

Treatments

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

The only blemish busting product I decided to bring along with me in case a few popped up. 

Rosehip Plus Skin Boost Roll On

I had a facial a few days before leaving for Singapore and was suffering from some hyper pigmentation afterwards and relied on this to get rid of the scars faster. 

Bioderma Sensibio Mask

My face usually gets dehydrated and bothered during plane rides so this was my mask of choice to redeem moisture and soothe my skin.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I brought this along with me in case my skin needed a quick pick me up.

Last but not least, some cotton pads for my toner and Bioderma.

If you can recommend to me any good cleansing oils, that would be great!

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm HKD 165

Nothing irritates me more than chapped or peeling lips - it can get painful, it ain't cute and looks horrible underneath lipstick. I try my best to keep my lips healthy and plump by using a lip balm during the day, at night and even overnight. My pick for an overnight lip balm is the Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm by Nuxe, another product I purchased in Sasa in Hong Kong.

The texture is as thick and smooth as a balm gets and a tiny amount goes a long way. It's heavy, as if it was made for cold weather conditions or for overnight use - how I prefer to use it. Concentrated with ingredients like honey, shea butter and grapefruit essence; it's a gem that nourishes, repairs, soothes and protects the lips. The morning after I apply this, I wake up with soft and supple puckers. For the day time here in rain-or-shine Manila, I go for a lip balm with a lighter consistency preferably with a tint, my favorite's Apivita's Lip Care with Black Currant. 

It comes in a compact little frosted glass pot that contains 15 g of the balm. It also smells of lemons and kind of reminds of key lime pie. The original price in Sasa retails for HKD 165 but I got lucky since it was on sale for HKD 132, which is about 733 pesos. It comes in stick form, too!

Have you tried this by Nuxe? What's your lip balm of choice for overnight?

Apivita 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk + Lip Care with Black Currant

Apivita 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk for Face and Eyes with Chamomile and Honey HKD 180 (around PHP 1,004)

Apivita Lip Care with Black Currant HKD 60 (around PHP 334)

I don't think I've ever bought a beauty product from a brand I've never heard of, 'til the day I bought these goodies from Apivita. The hotel I stayed in Hong Kong was connected to a huge mall, which I used to my advantage, trotting around and exploring until closing time every night. I passed by the store countless times while on my way to Origins or CitySuper and was intrigued by it, but it was when I saw the word "natural" that pushed me to take a peek.

I came in and left with a total of three products in my paper bag. Trust me, I'm usually indecisive and hesitant about purchasing products but for Apivita it was easy peasy, even if I've never heard of the brand. First it was the words stating that all products are "natural" "mineral oil free" "silicone free" and "propylene glycol free" that reeled me in, then the packaging, then the fact that the brand is Greek, then the scents, and the rest was history.

I was on the search for a new cleanser because my trusty ol' Cetaphil ran out, so I turned to an old St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Gel Cleanser and it made my face dry and tight, which resulted to me getting more oily in my t-zone and breaking out more. I went with the full sized version of the 3 in 1 and a sample size of the Cleansing Milk with Honey and Orange, which I haven't opened yet because I'm saving it for when I travel. 

The 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk scent is lovely too, it has that typical clean, soothing and warm 'newly washed sheets' smell...if ya know what I mean. (I wouldn't blame you if you don't, I'm horrible with describing scents.) I noticed a huge difference in my skin the first time I used it, after weeks of using a gel cleanser that sucked the moisture out of my face. In just one use it aided my skin back to life, it felt clean without being stripped of oils. Despite how gentle it is (I've gotten this in my eyes many times but it doesn't sting) it still has the power to remove makeup well. I use this as my second cleanse, my first being Bioderma. This is also said to have 99% natural ingredients - almond and olive oils to remove dirt and makeup, honey to moisturize, propolis for antioxidant protection, and lavender to soothe. They also replace water with organic green tea infusion! And of course, it's dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested.

Next up is the Lip Care with Black Currant, which gives the most color out of all the Lip Cares. It may look dark from the bullet but the color is sheer and subtle enough that it just looks like I'm wearing a lip balm without color. It smells delicious, it's super moisturizing, and I like the packaging. It's my favorite lip balm (I use Nuxe for overnight) as of now that I've been neglecting my Lucas Papaw. Olive oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado oil, castor oil, and jojoba esters to moisturize. While black currant oil and vitamin e help protect environmental toxins and prevents irritations. Too bad it doesn't contain SPF though!

What do you think about Apivita?

Apivita

Website: http://www.apivita.com/

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer HKD 265 (around PHP 1,470)

It seems that for the past couple of months I've been all about skincare, reading never ending skincare blog posts on products I know can't get my hands on and adding more and more to my wishlist. Well, about two weeks ago I went on a short trip to Hong Kong to visit family together with my prepared list of raved skincare and makeup bits by bloggers that I religiously follow.

Origins is a skincare brand I've been dying to try for awhile now, so when I went out of the country I took the chance to finally try a few things from them to see what the hype is all about. I decided on two of one of the most loved items from the American brand: the Drink-Up Intensive Mask and the GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer, since I needed a daytime moisturizer that would work well with the Philippines' humidity. 

It was love at first whiff. I take one deep inhale in the adorable orange tub and the burst of citrus wakes me up. The scent of oranges and consistency is refreshing and perfect for groggy mornings, since it's a lightweight gel that feels cool on the skin. My skin drinks it up quickly too so I don't have to wait long before following with my makeup routine, plus it isn't sticky nor heavy. I suffer from combination/oily skin and I can say that using this has helped with that issue, since it's oil free.

I'm in love with this stuff, it's as if it was tailor made for someone like me who lives in a tropical country with dull and combination/oily skin. Ingredients like panax ginseng and coffee beans are the ones responsible for boosting my skin's hydration levels. This cream's properties are also said to create a healthy and vibrant glow, now I can't tell if it made a difference in that department just yet - but I'll report back! If that works, then that's just an added bonus for me.

What product do you use as a daytime moisturizer? Have you tried anything from Origins?

Origins

Website: http://www.origins.com/index.tmpl

HK Haul: Sasa, Origins, Topshop, Apivita & more

Max Factor Wild Shadow Pencil in Caramel Rage | Bourjois New Healthy Mix Foundation in Vanilla | Caudalie Beauty Elixir | Avene Thermal Spring Water | Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm | Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask | Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer | Apivita 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk for Face & Eyes | Apivita Cleansing Milk for Normal/Dry Skin | Apivita Lip Care with Black Currant | Topshop BB Cream in Light | Topshop Lips in Beehive | Topshop Nails in Prim and Proper | Topshop Nails in Tidal | American Apparel Glow in the Dark Nail Polish in Moon | Benefit Rockateur Blush | Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne

Sorry for the lack of posts lately! Last week was chaotic with my finals then I went to Hong Kong for a few days with my family. I'm back now though and I'll be back to posting regularly again! So for now, I just thought I'd share with you some of the beauty things I picked up during my trip. Two products are back-ups, the Avene Water and the Caudalie Beauty Elixir since they're both cheaper in Hong Kong. Other than those two, I haven't tried anything else so I'm excited to see if some live up to the hype and what I'll think of the products I purchased without researching beforehand.

Have you tried any of these products yet?

Hera Aquabolic Moisturizing Emulsion For Normal & Dry Skin

Hera Aquabolic Moisturizing Emulsion For Normal & Dry Skin ₩ 42000 (around PHP 1,650)

First off, how gorgeous is the packaging of this? The emulsion comes in a luxurious glass bottle that sits prettily together with my other everyday skincare products, but a pain to bring when traveling. Another thing I like about the dispenser is that it pumps out the exact amount needed to cover my entire face.

It has a slightly runny cream-gel consistency that allows me to slather it onto my face smoothly and evenly. I personally prefer to use this as my nighttime moisturizer since it takes longer (about 10 - 15 minutes) for the skin to fully absorb this product, compared to other moisturizers in the market. During the ten to fifteen minutes it can feel a bit (for the lack of a better word) sticky, and heading out in a tropical country with a sticky face is just downright uncomfortable for me. I'm also usually in a rush in the mornings and I like to wait for my moisturizer to sink in before applying my makeup.

It's helped hydrate my face without making it more oily than it already is, plus it leaves my skin feeling plump and soft. It also leaves a really nice floral scent that I can't get enough of. A little goes a long way with this emulsion, I've used this for several months now and I'm nowhere near halfway! Unfortunately, Hera products aren't sold here in the Philippines, I picked this up during my trip to Seoul awhile back.

Have you tried anything from Hera?

Lush Tea Tree Water

Lush Tea Tree Water (250 g) PHP 575

I'm always on the look out for skincare products that claim to help blemish-prone and oily/combination skin. Lush's Tea Tree Water's been getting lots of love from bloggers and vloggers, but what really convinced me to go out and buy it is when I read one of Elle Fowler's posts on her new blog Dreaming in Blush. 

It was recently that I discovered that the reason behind the spots on the sides of my face (temples and upper cheeks) was because of my pillow case. From that day on I would lay a small towel on top of my pillow case, use it for two nights (one side per night), then change - the bumps and spots on the sides of my face started to subside after a few days. Elle Fowler mentioned in her post that aside from using the Lush Tea Tree Water on her face, she also uses it to spritz on her pillow case before bed. I thought it was genius and that was all it took for me to purchase it!

 Most acne busting toners are usually abrasive and contains alcohol, but this is gentle on the skin and isn't drying. Its main ingredient is tea tree oil which many people use as a natural remedy for acne. I include this in my morning and evening skincare routine when I notice that I'm starting to break out, by spraying this directly to a cotton pad then applying it all over my face. For times when I use this throughout the day to freshen up I just simply spritz some directly to my face. Then every night, I spritz some of the toner to the towel I lay on top of my pillow to help the spots and also to prevent it. It isn't too strong either to use everyday for my combination skin, although it might be for people with sensitive skin.

It has a light herbal scent that fades after awhile. I don't know why but I love the simple packaging; it comes in a sleek, all black recycled bottle. Keep in mind to check out the 'best before' date on the bottle before deciding between the 250g or 100g bottle, consider if you'll be able to finish it up before then. My mom and I picked up the bigger one since we're planning on sharing it. As for repurchasing I'm not really sure yet, maybe just the smaller size to use for my pillow at night.

Have you tried the Tea Tree Water from Lush, or any product with tea tree as the main ingredient?

Lush

Website: http://www.lushusa.com/

Kiehl's Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate

Kiehl's Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate PHP 2,550

I was desperately on the search for an eye cream that was gonna help lighten my dark circles, which is my biggest under eye concern. I went into Kiehl's and told the sales lady what I was on the search for and she introduced me to this tiny sample size looking tube. I read the description on the packaging and I was sold, I trusted her opinion and Kiehls' reputation and purchased it on a whim, despite it's steep price and without doing any research beforehand. Now that I own it and have used it for a couple of weeks - I really wish I read reviews first!

The actual product has a slightly greasy texture and takes awhile to sink in, it's light enough for the day but I prefer to use this during the nighttime. It also has a warming effect upon contact with the skin that I quite like. From the few weeks that I've used this, I've noticed that my dark circles have improved a bit. As for the fine-lines, I haven't noticed any difference yet. Most of my fine-lines are near my lower lash line, but I try to avoid applying the product too near my eyes because it irritates it and makes it itchy, so perhaps that's why? Another thing that I've noticed is that if I stop using it for a bit, my dark circles rise from the dead so unfortunately, I don't think the brightening effects are permanent.

I do like it and will continue to use it, but I admit I expected more from this product and that I don't think it's worth the money. I doubt that I'll be repurchasing this again, but instead continue my search for a cheaper eye cream that will work better for me. Sorry Kiehl's!

Any eye cream recommendations for dark circles?

Kiehl's

Website: http://www.kiehls.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiehlsmanila

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiehlsManila

July '13 Favorites

This month's favorites are short but sweet. I was sick for the most of July which resulted to weekends staying in at home and I just wasn't feeling my best and my usually positive self for the most part of this month. Although I still managed to choose a couple of things that I've been consistently using and discovered & loved within July.

For skincare, I've been really loving both my Avene Thermal Spring Water that I've owned for several months now (and used ever since) and my Kiehl's Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate (phew) that I've just recently purchased. I spray the Thermal Spring Water all over my face, day and night, after I cleanse, I just find this a really refreshing way to hydrate my skin. As for the Kiehl's Concentrate, it's sort of a love-hate relationship. I've noticed that my dark circles have slightly lightened, though it didn't help me in the fine-lines department that it suggests it would, at all. 

I've owned Vichy's Dermablend Corrective Foundation for awhile but would only use it for occasions when I wanted a heavy coverage. Though recently I've been using this during the daytime too, but in tiny dollops. A little goes a long way for the day! Dior's Rosy Glow is my favorite and go-to blush of the month, and lives in my bag. You achieve a beautiful, natural looking flush when you use this and I love how it has a mirror and a really good quality brush that makes reapplying hassle-free.

Me without some color on my finger nails would be an odd sight to see, but unfortunately there's a price for everything including pretty looking fingertips: brittle, unhealthy, flaky nails. The Sally Hansen Continuous Treatment Strength has fixed that issue (the top layer of my nails would peel off) and have made them super healthy. My favorite nail polish as of late is Essie's Absolutely Shore! Check out my review here. 

A new favorite drink that I just discovered, Namyang Crushed Peach Juice from Tous les Jours. Plus a necklace from H&M that I've been wearing a lot!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your favorites for July?

Bioderma Limited Edition Din-Dong

I wasn't particularly looking for Bioderma during my last trip to Hong Kong until I saw this, since it's available in Manila anyway from Digital Traincase. This limited edition Bioderma set originally retails for $389 HK dollars but was on sale for $228 HK dollars in Mannings (around 1,600 pesos). I don't know who the character Din-Dong was but she's (or he's) pretty cute, plus the 500 ml Bioderma has a pump bottle which makes things easier.

This set really only has two kinds of Bioderma products, both from the Sensibio line, which is the line targeted for sensitive skin. I don't particularly have sensitive skin but since the deal was really good, I thought I'd buy it anyway. One of the products included in this set, also the most popular, is Bioderma's micellar water. If you do not know what micellar water is it's basically a cleansing solution that people use to remove their makeup, especially makeup artists on the job, since it requires no rinsing. Bioderma has two versions for their micellar water or "H2O Micelle Solution", Sensibio (sensitive skin) and Sebium (oily/combination skin). The other product in this set is the Bioderma Sensibio Mask or mask for sensitive skin.

What's inside the set?
500 ml pump bottle of Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution
Travel-size Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution
Travel-size 15 ml Bioderma Sensibio Mask
A plastic case of cotton pads

500 ml Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Soultion
Since I have my Bioderma Sebium (oily/combination skin) H2O micelle solution stored in my bathroom for when I remove my makeup at night, this baby has a special spot in my vanity, beside a container filled with some cotton pads and cotton buds. I keep this one there for when I make some mistakes with my makeup and other things, also cause it has a cuter packaging than my Sebium one and has a pump bottle. I honestly don't really see a difference in the Sebium and Sensibio versions of the H2O micelle solution.

Aside from my waterproof mascara, this micellar water removes my makeup flawlessly, without irritating my skin and my eyes during the few times it's accidentally gotten in there. Sometimes in the morning when I rub my eyes, the area underneath my lower lashes get dark from the left over mascara that didn't come off. When it comes to waterproof mascara, you might have to go through cleaning it twice to make sure it's completely gone. After removing my makeup with this micellar water, I always follow up with a cleanser (I've lately been using Cetaphil).

This particular 500 ml Bioderma Sensibio H2O comes in a pump bottle, which the lazy people (including me) will love, since all you have to do is take a cotton pad and press down. The squirt is pretty strong so I have to fold my cotton pad in half, or else the product will squirt through.

Travel-size Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution
This is so convenient to own! It's perfect for traveling, sleepovers and to keep in your toiletry bag if you hit the gym after school or work.

Travel-size Bioderma Sensibio Mask
I've applied this mask about three times already since I got it and I've enjoyed every use. It's very gentle on the skin and is definitely not a deep-clean mask, but it does what it says on the tube, moisturizes and soothes. It's one of those really quick pick-me-up masks that leave the face fresh, smooth and feeling good. The consistency is also very light, much similar to a moisturizer. I'd definitely repurchase this!

Some really good quality cotton pads.

What's your favorite product from Bioderma? Do you use micellar waters too?

Bioderma

Website: http://www.bioderma.com/en/home.html

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Avène Thermal Spring Water

Avene Thermal Spring Water
around PHP 800 for 150 ml

A couple of months ago, Mercury Drug brought in a new brand to the Philippines. A French skincare brand that has become popular from the healing powers of the water from a thermal spring in Avene, France. Avene thermal spring water is known for its soothing properties to treat skin diseases - up to now, the brand continues to use this water as their key ingredient in most of their products.

I've never tried anything from Avene before and I thought it would be appropriate for me to try out their Thermal Spring Water first. I specifically bought this to use as my hydrating toner, every morning and night after cleansing. So far I've been really enjoying using this product up! I love the convenience of an aerosol spray and I gotta say it's become my favorite step in my skincare routine. I have noticed that my skin's become softer and that the redness in my face slightly decreased but honestly, I can't tell if it's done anything else. It's only been a month since I incorporated this into my skincare so I think it might be too early to tell. Another thing about this product is that you wont see results overnight, just keep using it and you'll see and feel the difference. One thing's for sure though, it's been a joy to use and I already love this product enough that I'd buy it again the moment I run out. 

As I mentioned earlier, this is an all around product that can be used in other areas aside from the face. The brand insists that this could be used for after shaving, diaper rash, after makeup removal, post surgery, during travel, after sports activities, damaged skin, redness of the face, after hair removal, sunburns, and more. This is available in three sizes: 300 ml, 150 ml and 50 ml.

Do you own anything from Avene?

Avene Philippines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvenePhilippines
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AvenePH
Locations: Selected branches of Mercury Drug only.
Glorietta, Trinoma, Shangrila Mall, Alabang Zapotec, Alabang Madrigal, Shoppesville, Rockwell, Ortigas Drive Thru, Annapolis Park, Market Market, Katipunan, San Antonio , Robinsons Galleria, Magnolia, Global City, Aseana, Business Park, Cash and Carry Mall

Avene USA
Website: http://www.aveneusa.com/

Mercury Drug
Website: https://www.mercurydrug.com/index.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercurydrugpage

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