Review: Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

How’s your summer girls? Are you loving it? Well as for me I want to get busy thus I’m currently making my list of ‘must-do’ this vacation. *wink*

My blog has been so prone to hackers lately so if you still get the Attack page’ then that is a boohoo for me. I submitted a request for a review of my website, hopefully it’s already clean now, I did my best to delete the hacker files and restore my site! I was so hopeless when I can’t log-in my dashboard. My only tool is Google and the results it gives, even my hosting can’t help me. :(

I might try to post a quick how to next time on steps I did to recover my blog. I am sad on how foolish people can be. They hack websites just for the mere fun of it. I hope there are not much of broken links as I just reinstalled wordpress again.

Anyway so since my blog is back online (although other pips can’t access it yet due to the warning page) I will post a review of my old favorite: Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner.

Noticed how I added the heart in above photo? Haha… I’m just playing around with our photo editor here. XD

Ingredients: (since it was not fully visible in the shot)
All Natural Witch Hazel, containing natural grain alcohol 14% and Witch Hazel Extract

I am fond of using whitening soaps, unfortunately my face became dry after prolong usage. I can’t use alcohol toners as because it will also contribute to dryness (yes I’m talking about you Eskinol!) So I needed an alternative, something gentle that will keep my skin clean and moisturized. Let me clear that I have enlarged pores, but it’s not really my main concern when I was looking for a new toner. After a long day my usual routine of taking off my make-up:

1. About 5-10 minutes facial massage of Pure Beauty Perfect Cleansing Liquid to remove all traces of make-up.
2. Wash off the oil and dirt with Moisturizing Collagen Soap.
   
3. With a cotton ball moistened with Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Toner I am sure that my face is squeaky clean.

Did Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner stayed true to it’s promise?

• Refines pores -With continuous use it might work but do not expect drastic changes. I have enlarged pores so I can see whether a product does tighten pores or not. Hmm… is that a good thing? Lol. At least I’ll know if something is not working, haha.

* ” Witch Hazel is high in tannins. Tannins are found in any natural astringent because of their ability to tighten, dry and harden tissues.”
So as per my research, i can also be used for insect bites, chicken pox etc because it can soothe itchiness. Click here to learn 15 ways of using Witch Hazel.

• Removes and controls oil -Yes it does remove oiliness and keeps my skin’s moisture. Which is a good thing. I notice that I don’t need to frequently use blotting paper anymore.
  

• Soothes Irritation -When I first used Dickinson’s Witch Hazel toner my skin is irritated due to dryness. It indeed helped reduced itchiness. I also used Physiogel cream along with this toner.

Where to buy?

Healthy Options for P79/ 2 oz. bottle, very affordable. It’s their travel size,which is cute compared to it’s original size which is a really big bottle.

PROS

• Cheap!
• Effectively cleans despite being non-drying.
• Refreshes my skin. So perfect for summer!
• Accessible product, any SM malls with Healthy Options.

CONS

• Sometimes I don’t like the smell. though it really depends on my mood. LOL.. The scent of this toner is like chesnuts.

Will I repurchase?

Yes, this is an HG material. I still look forward into trying out Hada Lobo but for now Dickinson’s Witch Hazel toner is enough. I am more than loving this product, I might get the astringent version of this too, Soooo excited!

Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Before anything else I want to say sorry to those who have seen the 'hacked' message of Op-Israel. Err...this has been the 3rd time that my blog was hacked and getting it back online is such a big pain.

I just researched and did what I can do. In the positive side I am learning, but not enough reason to get more hacks in the future! I wonder what I can do to secure my website?

Okay so I'll stop blabbering now. Today I'll review my personal favorite- Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque!

I already emptied my tube of Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque even before I publish this, so imagine how long did it take for me to give a review? XD

This tube is big and it took me months to finish, I do not even apply this daily (...and don't! because it can dry out your skin!) The tube is perfect in dispensing the product, just the right amount every time. I apply this mask after a long tiring day, this mask simply makes me feel relaxed, the scent is like Double Mint chewing gum or toothpaste, so refreshing. I think it can even be your perfect summer buddy. I also use this as a spot treatment for pimples. I usually have occasional breakouts when my period is getting near or whenever I feel a bit lazy to remove my make-up (I know this is a big sin! OMY. Don't do this!)

Make sure that you wash your face before using the product. Spread it heavily and evenly to your face (or your neck too if you prefer) make sure that there is enough clay on every part of your face. You will feel that you are ready to wash off the mask when it's already dry. I always sneeze when I have this on because I can inhale it's powder form. LOL. My skin looks fresh and feels clean after washing the mask off. Sometimes I needed to double wash to fully remove every trace of mask on my face.

Okay so above is the ingredients of Queen Helene. Others are scared about methylparaben so I searched and found out that there is nothing to worry about:

"Advocates of organic and natural foods and cosmetics have expressed concerns over the use of parabens in consumer products for years, but there is little evidence to warrant it. While it is true that methylparaben is readily absorbed through the skin as well as in the intestinal tract, it is converted back into para-hydroxybenzoic acid and quickly excreted through urine. In fact, the only negative side effects that have been documented are contact dermatitis and skin sensitivity, both occurring with rare frequency and only in reaction to very high concentrations of test material." -Read more here

Did Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque stayed true to it's promise?

Helps dry up acne pimples
YES! Like what I've said I use this as spot treatment and it does help in minimizing my pimples after about 2-3 applications. I use this hand in hand with my bleaching cream which is also a drying agent for acne. Works like magic.

Rinse away blackheads
Yes and No. It does significantly lessen the appearance of blackheads but it's still there.

Shrink enlarged pores
Yes and No. I have enlarged pores as for your reference. I do notice that my pores seems less noticeable after washing out the product but after a while it gets back to normal.

Where to buy?
Healthy Options for about Php329 per 226.8g/ 8 oz. tube.

PROS:

• Cheap because there is so much product inside the tube!
• Works like magic especially in being a spot treatment for pimples.
• Refreshing and perfect for summer!

CONS:

• Nothing! :D

Will I repurchase?

Yes! I don't expect this mask to work on pores nor blackheads. For me, the product works the way that it should. I love, love, love this mask. This is the cheapest clay mask I've used so far and I have no complains or whatsoever.

When I first bought this mask I was so excited that I asked everybody at home (my family! XD) to try out the product too. To end this post, here is my pretty mom who says BOO! Teehee~ :))

Review: Etta's Compact Skin Whitening Powder

This post is long overdue. But anyway, since whitening is still all the rage now and I still can't find a review about Etta's then I'll publish this. :P

So what is Etta's?
Etta's Compact Skin Whitening Powder (also called Etta's bleaching powder) is:

A pre-mixed compact of skin beauty aids in a single white dry powder form. The effective skin whitening for dark skin or areas of dark skin - sunburn, thus preventing the formation of freckles, birthmarks, pimples and blackheads, prickly heat that gives baby skin results. No pre-washing needed. Economical and easy to apply.

I have high hopes with Etta's Bleaching Powder because of the raves I see in girltalk. How good can this powder really be? I gave in and ordered my Etta's online. It was not easily available in stores before. I also bought Etta's Mixing Solution for the mix sold separately. It is mentioned that we can use milk in place of the mixing solution though. Etta's Mixing Solution is 10 V Hydrogen Peroxide which can also used to lighten/bleach hair.

The product:

The bleaching powder is a finely milled plain white powder. It has no scent and the texture is the same with flour. One box contains 112 grams of product divided to 2 separate bags.

How to prepare?

1. Put (1 tablespoon for face/ 4 tablespoon for body) Etta's powder in a bowl.
2. Mix powder with the Hydrogen Peroxide until ice cream appearance is produced.
3. Apply on desired area. Wait until it dries and wash with plenty of water.
4. Apply moisturizer/ lotion after.

Recommended Schedule of Application for best results:

• Once for 7 consecutive days
  
• Twice for 1 week
  
• Once for 1 week
• Twice for 1 month
• Then once a month regularly

*This regimen works the same as White Henna and Soap Chips which is also quite popular way to body bleach.*

Results?
Upon application you will feel your skin tighten, somehow itchy but do not fret as this is normal. I used Etta's Bleaching Powder hoping that it will even out my skin tone. However I didn't noticed any changes. I followed the schedule as hard as I can but I still didn't seen effects.

PROS

• Cheap whitening regimen. It's only P180/ box and P30 for the Mixing Solution both available in Mercury Drug stores nationwide.

CONS

• Messy routine and not for busy people. You can't walk around when you use this product as the powder will fly around and you'll leave white mess on your floor.
• No ingredient list for the bleaching powder.

Final Verdict:
Despite the fact that I didn't noticed any effect, I still think that this product is still promising. Hydrogen Peroxide alone is already a wonder product. I am quite fair so I assume that bleaching powder is not enough to even out my skin tone. I will ask my sister to try this, who knows? It might work on her. After all, a lot of people already swears by this product. The effect of Etta's Bleaching powder varies so you need to try it out yourself to see if it works for you. *wink*

I'm curious to know what whitening regimen do you have now sisses?

Review: Mestiza Complete Herbal Soap

Hi sweeties don't you just love the heat? :) Wait haha, who am I kidding? Summer is fast approaching and the scorching heat is already killing meh~ Today I will review Mestiza, a soap raved by Donna of My Lucid Intervals this review made me buy the soap. Hoho~

Okay so this is the soap box. Kindly click if you would like to read the details :)

REVIEW:
Mestiza Herbal Soap is quite intriguing because of its contents: Papaya, Carrot, Banana, Calamansi and Virgin Coconut Oil. Only the good!

It's like a complete package already as it claims to do more than whitening our skin. This soap is unscented which is super fine with me. It helped me lessen my breakouts (take note the word 'lessen'). Using this soap  made me feel squeaky clean. It made my skin a bit dry, but nothing a moisturizer and lotion can't fix though! *winks*

Mestiza soap however didn't whiten my skin. Maybe it will take a few more bars. I have the feeling that it does whiten and effects will be gradual as long as you use the soap.

How much?

Less than P50 (can't remember the exact price) for 120 grams of product. It is worth it, plus the soap doesn't melt easily!

Will I repurchase?

I already have a long list of soaps I want to try so repurchasing this might take a long time but I might opt for Mestiza Herbal Soap once I feel the need for a safe herbal bath soap.

Girl's Day comeback: Expectation

(Top left -Minah, Top right -Hyeri, Bottom left -Sojin, Bottom right -Yura)

First and foremost I must say I am so proud of my girls! Girl's Day has been one of my top fandom (next to UKISS). Girl's Day has just made their comeback with 'Expectation' which is far from what I expect! (How ironic huh?)

I am so used to Girl's Day's aegyo concept and I must say their Don't Forget Me song before was not far behind their image which explains why 'Expectation' is a big change for their fans like me. Honestly I was thinking how similar the teaser was to Sistar's Alone but when they have finally released the full music video I was in awe, it was totally different! Everything from the music, costumes and the choreography is just perfect! I do hope they receive more love and support now. They deserve it!

I was kinda sad how Minah changed a lot (no aegyo this time) but I think it's for the better. I guess what my sister told me is true, maybe Girl's Day's management simply waited for Hyeri to reach her right age to do something sexy. Their hair is simply glam and it suits the MV. Minah is back to black and now SHORT hair. Yes everybody, Minah has short hair now (I'll miss her bangs too). Sojin looks stunning with her red hair, anyway Sojin looks good in any hair color! Yura is the center of the MV. She is so feminine with her curly locks. Our maknae on the other Hyeri looked fierce with her pony tail. Because of the concept our girls has also changed their make-up style, their thick eyeliners and red lips simply screams "SEXY!"

In terms of the dance I admit the booby step is kinda shocking, same with the open legs step however it looks great with the song so I'm fine with it. I hope the choreography won't change on the next music shows and they will consistently wear pants instead of shorts. The top is revealing enough already IMO. Let me just comment on how much I love Girl's Day using their suspenders in their choreo, it's so unique! :D

Girls Day was also given a chance to have an intro (double perf!) in their first music show yesterday which is oh-so-awesome!

Let us spread the love fellow Daisies and support Girl's day!

Expectation MV -Girl's Day


'Expectation' MV Making