Virgin Coconut Oil or VCO is one of the most underrated, best kept beauty secrets, at least in this country. Case in point: it is damn hard trying to restock on this amazing find, and I live in the tropics where coconut trees can easily line the streets. This to me translates to small, irrelevant local demand for VCO. Thus leading producers to ship the white crystalline goodness elsewhere in the world where people are willing to pay. (This economics lecture leads to somewhere relevant, I promise)
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Makeup and Skincare
Makeup and Skincare
Review: ZA True White Plus Two-Way Foundation in Limited Edition Naho Ogawa Case
Posted on December 1, 2013
Flashback 90s: I remember being young, bright-eyed and financially paralyzed, and seeing the spunky commercials of ZA playing over and over in MTV. I wanted a piece of that blue-and-yellow striped powder compact toted by Karen Mok, though I had no idea how to pat it on my round cheeks. By the time I knew how, ZA was no longer in Philippine cosmetic counters, only glimpsed in Sasa in that odd trip to Macau or Hong Kong.
Fast forward 2013: ZA has ditched the retro colors in place of pink, white and silver — classic colors to capture the attentions of any girl. They have also been bought by Japanese giant Shiseido — a surefire way to capture my attention. So when my trusty Shiseido Sheer Mattifying powder foundation hit pan, I trotted on to the cheerful ZA store in Landmark. The thrift trip did not disappoint.
Naho Ogawa’s limited edition 2013 ZA compact case, featuring lots of girly stuff.
I <3 promos. I imagined my eyes must have twinkled at the SA’s mention of a promo. That day, they offered the compact case (usually sold separately, albeit cheaply, for P300++) free with the purchase of two powder refills. Supposed plus: it came in a limited edition design of Naho Ogawa. Naho who? Yeah, I said that too. Her resume on the box said she creates t-shirt designs for Anna Sui, which explains the whimsical drawings on the ZA compact case. The pink version was too teeny-boppy for me. Thank goodness it also came in green.
Minor disappointment: I came with my mind set on ZA’s famed Perfect Fit powder foundation. But alas, ’tis sold out, so the SA offered me the True White powder foundation instead. I’m a disbeliever of whitening care of make up, so the P200 premium for the True White (each refill cost P545) over Perfect Fit’s P300+ price was a bit of a turn off.
ZA True White Two-Way Foundation promises you many things.
ZA versus Shiseido. It is a bit unfair to compare. Shiseido is a high end brand to begin with, but for those looking for a similar feel for less, ZA (much like its sister Majolica Majorca) did the job well. Patted with the sponge over moisturizer or CC cream gives fuller coverage. Dusted lightly with a brush over BB cream or liquid foundation sets the make up. Since it is a powder foundation, I set with a spray toner (Human Nature Balancing Toner is the current favorite) to prevent caking. For my oily skin, coverage lasted a good 5-8 hours needing only an oil blotting sheet. But I did notice the powder separates a bit in the forehead area, thereby needing touch ups and re-blending.
ZA True White Plus Two-Way Foundation ingredient list
ZA does not claim to be an organic brand, as can be confirmed from True White foundation’s ingredient list. I am no expert in the long term effects of this cocktail of chemicals, but suffice it to say that I experienced no breakouts or allergies. Also, double cleansing at the end of the day is always non negotiable to ensure I’ve washed it all off.
The verdict. I can say nothing definitive about the claimed whitening properties, having used the product for only over a month now and also having no desire for whitening. Is it a perfect substitute for a Shiseido compact? No. Is it a good dupe. Yes. ZA’s version had the mandatory fine-milled powder to ensure good skin fit without the heavy feeling, in a good formula that risks neither allergy nor break outs. For all of those things, ZA moves up my recommended and repurchase list.
Miss: Avene Skin Recovery Cream
I saw first Avene products behind locked Mercury Drug glass cabinets during the time of my fascination with French brands like Clarins and Estee Lauder. Like those two, Avene had an acclaimed name, a cult following and a steep price. So I approached the brand with caution, but apparently I wasn’t careful enough. Specific sin of omission: not reading the label.
I admit I gave in a little late to the magic of serums. Well, late at least in the beauty industry timeline where serums are pegged to be that miracle formula that repairs and brightens skin, and overall, stalls its aging. The marketing blurb these days is not even to start using serums as early as age 25, but to start investing on one in your 20s. Simply, to start as soon as you can afford it.
Obviously I am not one to condemn this, having spent a dominant chunk of my disposable income on skin care and cosmetics. Besides, I can testify that serums are hyped for good reason. They are concentrated versions of the different promises your creams give you, thus seeping into the skin deeper and delivering more obvious and lasting results. The quandary then, if finding the serum worth the price tag (and they can get hefty).
I humbly provide below my personal list of the best and the meh of serums.
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum. I’ve always been intrigued by the organic, cruelty-free brand offered in Beauty Bar, and even more so when it launched Alicia Silverstone as brand ambassador (she’s Cher and Batgirl, you guys!). But then this particular serum hit 50% off in Taste Central, and I knew it was a sign. Made with organic juice base (not water), this serum is packed with antioxidants and vitamins to nourish the skin (think organic aloe, Vitamin C, CoQ10) and salicylic acid to slough off zits, blemishes and clogged pores. My sister can attest to how only a few days of using this cleared her spotty face. We use it over zits and spots and on the nose to rid off blackheads before massaging on moisturizer. Pimples die a quick natural death without the harshness of drugstore zit creams that usually leave dark spots. Totes a winner. Never buying anything with benzoyl peroxide ever again. Originally P1,675. Only P838 in Taste Central. Also available in Beauty Bar.
Estee Lauder New Advanced Night Repair
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II. This serum had the most scientific marketing blurb of all. Usually, this is a turn off to me because it seems like a marketing ploy of these big companies to bombard customers with statistics and techie beauty jargons to just scare them into buying. But a good word from Caroline Hirons was enough to push me to at least try a sample. And let me just tell you: that bit about ANR2 having captured the science of sleep? No kidding. Whatever is in this tiny powerful bottle definitely hydrates and softens, evens out skin tone and lets you wake up to plump, happy skin. Only the red drooping eyes would show proof that you had a long night. Definitely one of those beauty investments with a hefty price tag, but if you can afford it, buy it. About P3,000 for 30ml and P5,000 for 50ml in Rustans.
Clarins Lotus Facial Rebalancing Oil
Clarins Lotus Facial Rebalancing Oil. I wanted to love this, I really did. Having a perpetually oily face, I was iffy with facial oils, but enough reading and research was enough to convince me to at least try a sample of this from the not-very-friendly lady at the Clarins counter (Powerplant Rockwell branch. Yeah, not coming back to you). Boasting of 100% pure plant extracts, I was expecting miracles from this. So I guess this was a classic case of expectations over reality. The oil had a strong but relaxing scent that flits off in moments. You are left with a non-greasy moisturizing oil that you massage gently all over the face. The Clarins lady does not recommend nightly use because although non-sticky, the oil is rich and oily skin needs to slowly acclimate to it. I experienced the expected little itty bitty zits in the first week. I kept going and they eventually disappeared. But were my pores tighter? Not so much. Skin rebalanced as promised? Erm. Not very sure. I would probably purchase someday, just to give it a chance to redeem itself. About P2,500+ at Rustans.
Venus and Mars Total Potion Serum
Venus and Mars Naturals Total Potion. This was my very first attempt at a serum, used during my very first attempt to go 100% organic in my skincare. That did not go very well. Oily and acnaic skin seems to need a good ol’ hashing of gentle yet effective chemicals in the mix with the organic natural options. Anyway, Total Potion is one of the product staples in the proudly Philippine-made organic brand Venus and Mars, and is pegged to be as effective as the more costly international brands. Now I feel this product is a meh only because I was using it at a time when my skin was rebelling against me and the rest of the V&M anti-acne line were too gentle to win the war. But the serum is really meant to be a “multifunctional power serum” and “youth potion” with its straightforward cocktail of Vitamin C, E and Collagen, and for this the skin does feel plumped up and nourished. Will probably give it another go now that my skin is more behaved. Only P585 at the brand’s website, at Mod Lei spa and through your friendly V&M sellers.
I have a short list of serums I want to try soon. If you’ve used any of the following, I’d be happy to know how it went for you:
MyChelle Serious Hyaluronic Firming Serum and Clear Skin Serum
Human Nature Overnight Elixir
Derm E Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Photo credits to owners.
If you found this helpful at all, maybe share a coffee?
Makeup is said to be only the second frontier. The initial and absolute goal should be to have healthy glowing skin, and the billion dollar skin care industry has a lot to say about that. I’ve tried more than enough in my lifetime and while I have listed a few of my favorite Japanese makeup finds, their skin care counterpart deserves their own list.
Juju Cosmetics Aqua Moist Vitamin C Toner – a mouthful, but worth the shippinh and the effort.
1. Juju Cosmetics Aqua Moist Vitamin C Toner. According to Sasa.com, this is really what the product is called. A mouthful, I know. It is a lotion and not really a toner, meaning it is soft and easily absorbed by the skin, not abrasive like the usual alcohol-based potions. Important thing lost in translation: Japan’s cult hit is a brightener and not a whitener. And that is why you will love it. Virtually colorless and odorless, it spreads on the skin like cool water on a hot summer day. It will not give you skin as pale as a geisha, but through consistent use, it lightens dark spots and even fights a bit with freckles. And oh yes, your face will be soft as a baby’s bottom you cannot help but touch it. A reasonable find at $17.
Bifesta Cleansing Water offered in different variants to suit your need – AgeCare, Bright Up, Sebum and Moist.
2. Bifesta Cleansing Water. Dubbed the number 1 water-based cleanser in Japan (everything seems to be number 1 out there, doesn’t it?), I first saw the Bifesta brand on a magazine ad. So yes, that works too. And so does strategic product placement in malls. I walked past this bottle a few times in SM (sold at about P400) before I finally gave in and bought it. Since it is a cleansing water, it gives no oily residue the way Shu Uemura‘s celebrated cleansing oils do. And for someone plagued with oily skin like me, that (plus the cheaper price) is where it tips the scale. Smells and feels fresh, Bifesta clears away all makeup including your eyeliner and mascara with only 2 pumps. Downside: the pump likes to spill stuff, so make sure your flat cotton catches it all nicely. This product is best for girls who are so tired they fall asleep mid-skin care ritual. I swipe this on my face and get the makeup off as soon as I step in the room. And even if I fall asleep without washing my face, I don’t get breakouts. Don’t make a habit of that though.
Cure Natural Aqua Gel promises and delivers gently exfoliated skin in a snap.
3. Cure Natural Aqua Gel exfoliator. Another best-seller, Cure is a physical exfoliator, basically requiring the user to pump out a small drop of the product, apply the clear gel on the skin, and move it around the area gently. White beads – removed dead skin cells – come off, and as promised, leaves the skin softer and clearer. The after effects also make the skin the perfect canvas for makeup, and helps it absorb toners and moisturizer better. This product claims to be preservative-free, artificial fragrance-free, mineral oil-free and coloring-free. Don’t ask me how they managed that, but it probably helps that the product is 90% water. The price may seem a bit steep at P1,500 for 250ml, but since you only need to use it once, maybe twice a week, it will last a lifetime. Or maybe just a good 3-4 months, to be realistic.
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Like all lists you will find in this blog, this is in no means exhaustive, but more of the tried-and-tested, and here-to-stay variety. Japan is the land of both the rising sun and the poreless beauties, and definitely has more (expensive) skin care loot out there for the taking. Stay tuned.
Product Directory:
Bifesta products are available in Watsons, Landmark and SM Department stores. Aqua Moist is available through Sasa.com or your friendly neighborhood online reseller. Cure is exclusively distributed by Beauty Bar. Photo credits to their owners.
Healthy Living Makeup and Skincare
Review: Favorite Things from Venus and Mars
Posted on July 21, 2013So far I have raved (and ranted a wee little bit) about Human Heart Nature and Snoe Beauty – two new and exciting local beauty brands that are making waves here and abroad as well as owning a very significant share of my wallet. The third brand in my book is Venus and Mars or simply V&M, a name that has long been a bazaar fave and cult hit to consumers looking for organic, good quality yet affordable skin care. Founded on emu oil, the “miracle oil”, V&M has since expanded to mineral cosmetics and even an organic spa. I list below my top 3 can’t-live-withouts:
1. Pure Fully Refined 100% Emu oil. It all begins and ends with this. Dubbed the miracle oil, emu oil is said to be ” the ONLY natural oil that is closest to the human skin components, thus it has the ability to cure almost any type of skin ailment, and is also the fastest penetrating oil.” This is essentially the base for most V&M products, but can also be used alone as what they call an “active.” Personally, this worked for me as the cure to stubborn dark crooks and crannies (think elbows, lip corners, sides of the nose, etc), itches and insect bites. My first test for this oil was to apply it modestly on an old childhood scar I have on my finger, earned when I so smartly tried opening a small bag of Peewee with a kitchen knife. In less than a week, the scar was noticeably fading that I had to immediately stop using the oil. For sentimental reasons, I actually want to keep that scar. Sells at P475 for a 30ml bottle and P755 for 50ml. A little bit goes a long way so even the smaller bottle lasts eternity.
2. Bare It All (BIA) emu cream. This one is my absolute favorite. To call it a lotion is too primal. This multi-tasker is the answer to cracked heels, post wax/shave chicken skin on legs and underarms, and even fatigued limbs when used as a massage cream. I always get the minty version. It’s the only thing that can make me turn down the air condition during the sultry summer days. Try the 100g tub for P285 or be generous with the 300g one at P695. Since it’s all natural, you won’t ever feel like you’re slathering yourself with mineral oil and cosmetic perfume – because you aren’t – without getting any lasting moisture. I know you know what I mean, Marks and Spenser, Bath and Body and Victoria’s Secret. I’ve turn up my nose on you since I fell in love with my BIA.
3. Smooch Lip detox. One swipe and I knew it was love. I met this lip balm wonder when I was brokenhearted from so many failed lip balms, both the organic and chemical-happy kind. The soothing mix of peppermint and emu oil hit the spot, and it was good bye, chapped lips. Itty bitty qualm: the tube melts if the temperature rises, and the container could be a LOT sturdier. Competitive with other organic brands at P205 and available in minty or regular. From my BIA preference above, you know I like my puckers smothered in peppermint too, so I enjoy the minty version.
V&M sells their skin care and organic make up line exclusively through direct dealers and bazaars, through their spanking new website, online shopping hubs Zalora and the Mall, and through their organic spa Mod Lei. Hoarding is a legitimate sport for V&M fans. You are highly encouraged to join.
