Review: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

It was not long ago when Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay trended in the Philippines. I am guessing that they had better popularity after the this particular indian clay brand was featured in Jessica Soho.

What is it? 

• AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY is bentonite clay from Death Valley, California, where it is sun- dried for up to six months in temperatures that sometimes reach 134 degrees. 
• Deep pore cleaning with 100% natural calcium bentonite clay 
• Does not contain: Additives, fragrances, animal products 
• Important Note: Do not leave clay mask on skin longer than 5-10 mins for delicate skin; this will prevent redness/drying Important 
• Note 2: Please read and follow all manufacturer directions before using. Slight redness of the skin is normal and will disappear in about 30 minutes after use. 
• Use for acne and blemishes. Use it once per week. Credits to link.

Packaging

Aztec Indian Clay has a plastic tub which comes in 2 sizes. I don't feel like digging in with the tub, what you see is what you get here. The other size is twice as bigger than this one. The most often partner of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is the Apple Cider Vinegar. The ratio is 1:1 usually and its 3 tablespoon of clay mask powder against 3 tablespoon of vinegar but the vinegar can be replaced with water if you have highly sensitive skin.

Experience
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with the help of ACV or Apple Cider Vinegar can be effective on acne as well as spots it left. A bit of advised in case you've missed it above, please check your sensitivity with the vinegar first, do a patch test on a small area of your skin first. Then if you are using a peeling product, may it be a toner or cream refrain from using this product until you have 3-5 days rest with the peeling product as there might be adverse reactions with the vinegar.

I also want to commend those who've been using the apple cider in their daily routine because it smells terrible! I believe in mind over but believe me the scent is pungent.

Here is the Aztec Healing clay in action with the Apple Cider Vinegar

A bit of kitty time, I think he doesn't like the vinegar scent too as he keeps on pulling away!

Drying up it cracks and my face felt like it was stretched/ pulled or is this what they mean by pulsate on the label? I let this on for 10 minutes and I've washed it off with water. While washing my face it felt very smooth, clean and refreshed. But when I looked in the mirror I've seen that my pores tightened however my face turned red! I was scared at first and I quickly put on Aloe vera gel to ease the redness. It didn't go away though.

This is where reading of labels come in handy, at the bottom of the back of the tub it says: “Slight redness of the skin is normal and will disappear in about 30 minutes.” There you go, highlighted and underlined for us to remember always. The acne I have seemed to have calmed a bit after usage of the face mask however I got a new one the next day which is pretty ironic. I am pretty sensitive to organic products so maybe it was a slight purging because it didn't happen the next time I've used it.

How much and where to buy?
P800 per tub which you can buy in trial sizes online or in Healthy Options. For the apple cider vinegar I recommend Braggs which is available in Puregold and leading supermarkets nationwide.

What I love

• Cheap as there is a lot of product in 1 tub, it can last forever.
• Face feels refreshed after washing off the product
• Pores were tightened
• Soft and smooth skin
• Calmed my acne

What I don't

• Pungent smell of the vinegar
• Redness of the face after washing off 
• Purging

Will I repurchase? 
I still have a lot right now, maybe not yet.

Overall~ 
This s worth a try, Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay does work in getting smoother and softer skin. I am not really convinced with the acne part though. I will have to use this for 2-3 months at most perhaps. I also can't get over with vinegar smell, I will try water next time. Ja!~


  *I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc.please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated
 

Doxycline Hyclate For Acne Treatment - My Derma Experience

I started having acne when I was in high school, gone are the days of good skin days but it became worst when I started working. It seems nothing is working anymore especially when I started my graveyard shifts and active hormones on some time of the month. If you have an Intellicare card chances are you can use this to get a no expense visit to a dermatologist. (What me?!) I have always thought that dermatologist consultations are expensive but here I am getting it for free with a health card. Basically this is paid by the company and whatever prescribed will not be free anymore. So I finally decided to go and get a checkup.

Doxycline Hyclate For Acne Treatment 

I must say I get severe acne on my face occasionally but it doesn't stop there because I also get it on my back, chest and arms. I was really confused why I get it, it just won't stop. I can use topical treatments but since the acne is all over my dermatologist has prescribed an antibiotic and here comes Doxycline hyclate. This drug is a generic name for an antibiotic which is commonly prescribed to people with inflamed acne. Since the acne is everywhere then it might be good to treat it internally. She also mentioned a more potent drug which I can try if this one doesn't work. That other one is said to limit a person from giving birth for 3 years as it can bring harm to the offspring. I was also told to stay away from the sun and to always use sunblock as I will be photosensitive.

So I got a prescription for 100mg Doxycline hyclate and an anti-acne soap. Price ranges from P48-80 per capsule. I won't dig in much around the acne soap as its too drying for my face, I've only use it for my body.

What is it? 
Doxycline Hyclate is also used for other purpose, I've read its an anti-bacteria type of drugs but I am also aware of various side effects, but the scariest one I've read is: Teen Claims Acne Medication Doxycycline Left Her "Nearly Blind".

Doxycline Hyclate For Acne Treatment - My Experience
I almost immediately felt the effect of Doxycline Hyclate. My acne went from severe to drying state in just 1 week. It seemed like I'm a new person! I was even able to use kojic soap on my face which I can't use before as I keep on breaking out from it. I only used Celeteque matte sunblock which goes white and matte. I've stopped using tretinoin products so my skin started to brighten and whiten. When treating pimples with tretinoin I had to choose between clear skin and fair skin. With Doxycline I am hitting 2 birds with one stone. However one bad effect I noticed is that I lost my appetite to eat, I am pretty thin to start with so this is a sad side effect for me.

One time I suddenly felt like its really hard to breathe and it went on for a week or so. I thought I was dying or I have some sort of heart problem but it turned out that its actually heartburn/ acid reflux. When taking doxycline I am not allowed to lie down at least 1 hour after taking it with a full meal. I wasn't probably listening when the dermatologist told me that, my bad.

Like I said I work in graveyard shifts so I don't really mind the photos sensitivity part of this drug however things changed as this all happened in summer and we have a beach family get away. I just can't turn my back on a fun holiday. I slathered on a lot of sunblock and went on the beach. I stayed like 2-4 hours at most and here is what happened:

I have never turned this golden brown before. Yikes.

I was wearing shorts so my legs and face also darkended. Many of my colleagues at work noticed that I tanned. As you can see I have blue hair at the moment so it's bizaar because my color doesn't go with my skin tone. That is how it goes for me! So for the first time after a while I've used kojic soap on my face. If you've read my older entries kojic soap breaks me out but not this time. It seemed like I am a new person, no breakouts!

Things are going nicely until I stop using it.

I missed a week of going back to the dermatologist for around one week and a half and the silly me thought that there might be an over the counter drug in place for it. I am being very honest with you guys, I took another drug without a prescription and its Lactoferin. It's an anti acne over the counter drug but it did not worked on me.

I broke out like crazy. Cystic acne on my face, I am in a panic mode, I knew I needed to go back to the dermatologist.

I was prescribed to go on a full 2 months of Doxycline hyclate again and my clear is as smooth as ever again.

The drug may or may not work on you, but taking oral pills especially for acne can be big gamble. I must say go to a dermatologist who can really assess your skin condition. Even public hospitals have them or if you have a health card like me you may use it for this purpose.

So how long will I take Doxycline Hyclate?
Guess what? I stopped using it already. I actually missed another appointment with the dermatologist *I'm truly sorry*. Remember when I told you I can already use kojic soap on my face? Well after the time I stopped taking Doxycline I quickly broke out because of it.

Indeed its a very bad breakout, my skin has always been very sensitive but now my skin if healing itself, I'm not sure if I should go back to the dermatologist or not because I don't want to be dependent on the drug forever but hey, I might just go back one of these days, who knows?


  *I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc.please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated
 

Review: Karadium Real Cushion Foundation

Ever since I've tried BB cushions I've started to look for new brands to try. However cushions are a bit on the pricier side compared to tube types so I really had to check first if its worthy of the price. This is important especially if you plan on using a cushion for everyday. Today I'll share my review of Karadium Real Cushion Foundation in Shade 21. I found this cushion trending (yet again!) In facebook. I got to see what the hype is about.

What is it? 
Karadium Real Cushion Foundation says:
Blends in naturally onto the skin, giving it a fresh cover and luminous shine. Cushion-type foundation for creating a smooth and transparent complexion. Air-Light Film Forming System helps it to be applied smoothly and lightly, providing a natural adhesion and coverage.

Packaging
Sturdy thick white plastic case. Plain white cushion cover with silver Karadium on top. It has a simple, clean and a mirror. Its very compact and it even has a twist lock feature to ensure that the product inside won't dry right away. One complaint about the logo because it is easily rubbed off.

I really like that it came inside a silver box so its like a grand expensive gift. You'll be amazed that it even includes a refill in a cute mini tube.

Experience
This cushion is more of color correcting because it doesn't have much coverage. It does leave my face highly moisturized and glowing once it blends but sadly at the end of the day it ends up oily looking oily. It doesn't offer too much coverage. The only difference it gave is brightening up my complexion. It is only available in 2 shades which is 21 and 23. I recommend getting 21 if you are acidic.

On the days where its too hot I tend to get whiteheads especially when I use this.

How much and where to buy?
P550 from The Make Up Hub in Shopee. They also have a kiosk in Pop store Trinoma.

What I love
Lasts long
Okay scent
Moisturizing
Doesn't accentuate patchy skin
Glowing effect
Whitens and brightens my skin
Hides my pores
Comes with a refill
Economic
Affordable

What I don't
Oils up
Breaks me out

Will I repurchase? 
Its not for my skin type so no. 

Overall~ 
Karadium Real Cushion Foundation is a good cushion but it just doesn't suit our hot Philippine weather. My best bet will still be a matte foundation or bb cream.

I'm using Karadium Real Cushion Foundation, Etude House Brow liner and Sophie Martin Magic Pink Blush

  *I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc.please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated
 

Review: Pax Moly Jeju 100% Snail Soothing Gel

The first snail gel cream I tried was from Mizon. That is way way back before.I have loved the effect on me because it minimizes pores but somehow my fave seller stopped selling it. Why does all girls go gaga (gaga means crazy) with Snail infused products?

Snail mucin is known to be an anti aging ingredient which is proven to be effective by people in the old times. Then there comes Pax Moly Jeju 100% Snail Soothing Gel.

What is it?
PAX MOLY JEJU 100% SNAIL SOOTHING GEL~

Formulated with natural originated extracts our snail gel's mild texture provides hydration & nourish to the skin. Snail mucus contains mucin, alantoin, collagen, elastin and it helps to make skin healthy.

Benefits:

🐌Anti-aging

🐌Anti-wrinkles

🐌Anti-oxidants to help delay aging

🐌Anti-microbial

🐌Helps rejuvenate skin

🐌Lightens scars

🐌Exfoliates dead skin cells

🐌Lessens the appearance of stretchmarks

How to use: Apply often as desired

Size: 300g

👉🏼Snail 🐌 emits mucin to protect their body and is good for human skin. Snail mucus contains MUCIN, ALANTOIN, COLLAGEN, ELASTIN and it helps to make skin healthy.

•This miraculous moisturizer helps support nourishing, brighten a tired complexion, and protect skin against environmental aggressors. 

•It renews the appearance of skin's surface, revealing an incredibly smooth, uniform texture, while keeping skin hydrated all day long!

✔️BEST IDEAL FOR CLEARING PORES to refine the complexion!

✔️Ideal to use for whole body including face, arms, legs, and hair.

•Your skin will be packed solid with full hydration 

•Snail Soothing Gel 100 instantly absorbed into skin to leave it supple, vitality and hydration without any greasy residue.

•Can be use by blending with other cosmetics like lotion to boost up hydration effect on skin!

Packaging
This is in a plastic tub similar to the Aloe vera variant. Again its sturdy and big for the price I paid for.

Experience
I am really excited to try this out. It has a sweet fresh scent which I like. When applied you will feel refreshed but might be a little bit sticky until the gel is absorbed. I use the Pax Moly Snail gel on my face and body as moisturizer. It does result to a glassy look especially if you pile it on and your face gets even hydrated.

How much and where to buy?
P250 for 300g at www.shopee.ph/minahree

What I love
Anti aging/ anti wrinkle properties
Its 100% snail mucus!
Little to no alcohol content
Nourishes and brightens skin
Leaves skin supple without oily residue
It doesn't sting
Sweet fresh scent
Cool and soothing
No heavy feeling once absorbed
Skin is truly hydrated
Multipurpose can be used from head to toe
Didn't break me out
Affordable

What I don't
Can be a bit sticky when first applied

Will I repurchase? 
Yes I interchangeably use Aloe Vera Gel and this one.

Overall~ 
I am happy that Pax Moly Jeju 100% Snail Soothing Gel did not disappoint with its skin benefits. Once again this product is proven to be effective. I wanna try the Tomato Soothing Gel.



  *I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc.please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated
 

My Hair Essentials for April 2018

Its a rainy Monday afternoon peeps! Nice and cold perfect to take a break from the hot summer. For today I thought of sharing the new hair essential products I use for the start of April. Although I have bleached hair I only kept basic hair products because I don't really put in too much time into preparation daily and I believe too much product makes my hair sticky.

My Hair Essentials for April 2018
So here are my current hair buddies this April! I also used hair spa products and overnight virgin coconut oil for added moisture.

Dove Hair Therapy Intense Repair Shampoo
Cleanses well and lathers well as well. However its not really the perfect shampoo for bleached hair. I am looking for a sulfate free shampoo.

Cream Silk Fresh Hydration Hair Reborn Conditioner
I was sold with the word 'limited edition!' So far it lives to its 24 hours fresh scent.

Bremod Color Conditioner
I got ashy brown hair thanks to this product

Pax Moly Organic Argan Silky Fortifying Hair Oil
An in depth review coming up soon. This makes combing and ironing so much easier!

Okay so that sums up our post for today. Here is a playlist of KZ Tandingan's breath taking performances .

  *I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc.please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated
 

Review: April Skin Magic Snow Cushion 2.0

After I finished my April Skin Snow Fixing Cushion I thought of trying April Skin Magic Snow Cushion 2.0 for a change. My friend swears by it so I ended up buying one. This item is actually one of the best seller of several korean items shop because it was trending. This product just got to be the first item to be reviewed because April just started. April is the beginning of spring when new life begins.

What is it? 
April Skin Magic Snow Cushion 2.0 says:
Foundation in mochi cushion format from original Magic Snow Cushion with more glamorous and luxurious packaging. Infused with 45% water based to provide moisturizing coverage. Long lasting Magic Snow cushion gives a smooth flawless and velvety complexion.

[Net wt 15g]

SPF 50+/ PA +++ 

High Coverage

Made in Korea 

Back view

Close up

Packaging
April Skin Magic Snow Cushion 2.0 is in a sossy glamorous matte black case packaging. The Magic snow has a sponge type of cushion while the fixing cushion offers mesh. To tell you the truth I like the mesh type better because as far as I know the sponge type tends to dry faster.

I commend the idea of cushion in general because it does work and its convenient. I like that I tend to use just the right amount of product each and everytime.

There is a cute mirror and a puff inside.

Not flimsy!

Experience
On my first swatch there was no 'wow' factor. It comes with light to medium coverage. There is a very minimal makeup scent on this foundation which I don't really mind.

Swatched

Blended out

I have combination skin and I've used it on a regular day alone with no primer and concealer underneath. April Skin Magic Snow 2.0 gives a dewy natural healthy finish but it somehow felt heavy and sticky. My hair sticks on my face whenever I use this alone so I made sure to set it with powder. Given its medium coverage, concealer is also a must for dark and red spots.

I am a bit disappointed on the longevity though because after a long day I can't barely see the foundation I've used. Reapplication is needed because it doesn't last long.

One good point is the flawless and bright finish it gives. It softens the look of my pores and doesn't accentuate any dryness. It also contains SPF 50+/ PA +++ which means protection from harmful UV rays. This is good thing especially its summer however due to the high SPF, be warned that there is white cast on flash photography. Make sure to also wash your face and double cleanse if possible, not doing so may break you out (well I did).

How much and where to buy?
P1,249at Beauty MNL

What I love

• Intense hydration
• Made skin glowing
• Flawless skin 
• Natural healthy skin finish
• Minimal scent 
• Soft look on pores 
• Matte black glamorous cushion
• Evens out my skin
• Natural ingredients used
• SPF 50+/ PA +++

What I don't

• Leaves white cast on flash photography
• Not enough coverage for dark marks or red spots
• Sticky when not set with powder
• Product dries faster because of the sponge type cushion

Will I repurchase? 
I honestly might repurchase April Skin Fixing Cushion or Karadium Cushion.

Overall~ 
I really don't know why they call this cushion 2.0. April Skin Magic Snow Cushion 2.0 is a downgrade version of the Fixing Cushion, I actually like the latter better. I am finishing this up and will try other brands or buy the Fixing Cushion.

April Skin Magic Cushion 2.0 in action

Any questions? Let me know in the comments! I might try to be active in Intagram, do follow me at @kvchien and I've thought of changing my theme into white.

  *I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc.please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated
 

Review: Bremod Color Care Conditioner in Red

Now that I am back to blonde I want to make the most out of it by adding hair colors! However my hair has been brittle after bleaching again. I needed something that won't strip out moisture from the hair. That means no more hydrogen peroxide or harmful elements, but could that be possible? Introducing one of my new discoveries, Bremod Color Care Conditioner.

What is it? 

Bremod Color Conditioner

3 Perfect Effect: Repair the damaged hair! Strong hair roots! Lock color!
[150g]

How to use: Bremod Color Conditioner help seal in beautiful colour and add intense shine. Simply replace your regular conditioner with Bremod Color Conditioner

Available in 4 shades: red, brown, yellow and purple

Packaging
Sturdy plastic tube like most of the color conditioners. There is a safety foil upon opening and it has a flip cover cap. I was amazed with how big the product is.

Experience
 I've bought the red one with the hopes of getting a rose gold type of hue. I have decided to lightly massage the color directly to my hair hoping that I can a light pinkish color (cross fingers!) I did a swatch by getting a little part of my hair colored but in just 5 seconds my hair was completely colored with red! I've washed it off righ away and then tadah. Red hotness. Lol.

On my next attempt I've decided to somehow lessen the potency of the color by mixing Bremod Color Care Conditioner with a part of cream conditioner. I proceeded with applying it on the ends then since I am not so sure if it will be pink or still red I left the top blonde. However I still ended up with red ends!

Here is the end result:

I appreciate how user friendly it is becayse although the color washes off after shampoo, it doesn't transfer on the towels, clothes or sheets. I also tried to use it along with my shampoo to further dilute the color and I achieved the light pink rose gold shade I like which was later on ended up with orangey shade below:

How much and where to buy?
I got mine for P150.

What I love

• No harmful ingredients
• Didn't dry my hair
• Added extra shine
• Affordable
• A little goes a long way
• Doesn't easily transfer 
• Not very messy
• Potent formula
• Vibrant hair color
• Long lasting because it stays for 2 weeks
• Works not just on bleached hair but even on light colored hair

What I don't

• Limited colors
• Not easily accessible

Will I repurchase? 
Yes but one tube can last real long!

Overall~ 
Bremod Color Care Conditioner is a great alternative to color chalks, powders or waxes in terms of temporary colors. Next time I will try the brown or purple!


  *I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc.please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated