Perfectly Pixi by Glamourbox

As all of you may know already, I am obsessed about curated beauty kits and boxes. To date, I got the Saladbox March, April, & May boxes, Project Vanity Universally Chic Kit, and now Glamourbox's Perfectly Pixi, a Pixi by Petra curated box. I knew right away I had to preorder when I saw the Instagram post two weeks ago. I am over the moon about the brand as I bought some of their products last month. Here's a little unboxing for you guys and I am telling you, this box is super worth it!

Here's what the box looks like. As you can see, it's in signature Pixi green. Inside is a mix of skincare and cosmetic items which I all love. 

 Here's a little card with the contents and other information.

Glossier Balm Dotcom: Universal Skin Salve

So I have been in a mini hiatus again lately. I really missed blogging for you guys! There were some work and personal issues I needed to attend to. For my comeback post, I decided to review a product that has parked in my purse ever since I got it. It's none other than Glossier's Balm Dotcom.

About Glossier

Glossier (gloss-ee-AY) started as a successful beauty blog IntotheGloss.com since 2010 and started their skincare product line just in 2014. Emily Weiss, a former fashion assistant at Vogue, is the founder and CEO of Glossier. I have watched several of her interviews and she is inspiring. She was featured in Forbes 30 under 30 in 2015 and yup, I already followed her on Instagram and Snapchat lol.

For my first Glossier product, I decided to get one of their bestsellers, the Balm Dotcom Universal Skin Salve. It's an all around balm you can use on your lips, elbows, and elsewhere that is running low on its moisture bank. I chose the Cherry variant which is part of their recent releases. My favorite thing about it is its smell. It smells like the cherry bubblegum I used to buy from a sari sari store when I was young - those red little round bubblegums. My second favorite thing is its formulation. It's non-sticky, lightweight, and really hydrating for my chapped and parched lips. The packaging is a simple yet delightful minimalist tube which I love. 

FAB & Moisturized! | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair cream has been my skin's best friend whenever it needs a moisture fix. I got this from Sephora last month and it has been residing on my purse ever since. I have been hearing good things about it and I can attest to the claims. I opted to get the tube packaging and not the jar one because of one, hygienic purposes and two, to protect the product from oxidizing and losing its properties due to heat and air exposure.

About First Aid Beauty

This company is discovered by Lilli Gordon in 2009. It offers skincare products which are dermatologist-tested, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free. 

Product Description

DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL HYDRATION AND PROTECTION WITH NO GREASY PETROLEUM

FAB Ultra Repair® Cream is a thick, rich, emollient product that hydrates deep down with exceptional penetration. With the help of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus oil and ceramides, FAB Ultra Repair® Cream provides immediate relief and visible improvement for distressed skin. FAB Antioxidant Booster is there to defend skin from free radical damage. Ultra Repair® Cream can be used all over the body and on the face. 

Featured Ingredients:

SKIN PROTECTANT: Colloidal Oatmeal

HEAL/SOOTHE: Allantoin, Eucalyptus Oil

COMBAT FREE RADICALS: FAB Antioxidant Booster

MOISTURIZE/BARRIER PROTECTION: Ceramides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Squalane, Shea Butter

Ingredients:

Colloidal Oatmeal, Water, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Squalane, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Ceramide 3

The lightweight formula with a hint of eucalyptus scent is easily absorbed and not sticky. Immediately after I apply it on my hands, I notice an added glow and pinkish healthy hue on my hands. It also becomes smooth and supple instantly. It's always on my bag so whenever I remember it, I pop it out and use it. I don't use it all over my body but I use it on my hands and legs where it gets really dry and scaly at times. I highly recommend it.

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First Aid Beauty

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Burt's Bees Natural Anti-Blemish Solutions Skincare Line | Product Focus

I am amazed with Burt’s Bees not only because of their products but also for their history and what the brand represents. This post is all about Burt's Bees Natural Anti-blemish Solutions line including the clarifying cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. This product was from the loot bag I got from Project Vanity’s 8^th Anniversary event.

Burt’s Bees History & Background

The company was started in 1984 by Maine artist Roxanne Quimby and bee farmer Burt Shavitz. It started as a store in Maine selling artistic candles made of leftover beeswax from Burt’s honeybees. Seven years into the business, Roxanne perfects a recipe found in a 19^th century farmer’s journal  for Burt’s Bees Beeswax lip balm in 1991. The brand decided to focus on health and beauty care in 1994. Since then the business became larger and went global. The brand launched several campaigns and policies such as The Greater Good & Wild Bees while winning awards on the side such as becoming #1 ImagePower Green Brands Survey – all of which aims to promote production of environment-friendly, natural, cruelty-free, and zero-waste products. Even their packaging is made of recycled materials.

The Burt's Bees Natural Anti-Blemish Solutions Line

Also known as Anti-Acne Solutions in some country, this line was launched in 2010.

Burt's Bees Anti-Blemish Solutions™, formulated with Salicylic Acid derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, penetrates pores to reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. We offer our best natural acne products including: purifying cleanser, pore scrub, clarifying toner, acne moisturizing lotion and spot treatments. Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic, our natural acne remedies promote clear, smooth and healthy-looking skin.

Though I have read that salicylic acid per se is not derived from Willow Bark. Willow Bark contains salicin which may be converted to salicylic acid when ingested but not when applied topically. I guess the products does include salicylic acid but is an ingredient separate from the Willow Bark extract.

Here are the three products included in the loot bag.

1. Anti-Blemish Purifying Daily Cleanser

Php 850 | From cleanser to clearer

Our best acne face wash is clinically proven to help cleanse away acne-causing bacteria, excess oil and impurities without overdrying or irritating skin. Salicylic Acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, penetrates pores to help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts, while Evening Primrose and Beet Root Extracts help calm acne-prone skin. The result is naturally clear and healthy looking skin.

I don’t use this daily as my skin is not acne-prone but I have used it a couple of times and I love the smell. It was citrusy and zesty with a hint of ginger and lemon grass. The product has a very low viscosity and you only need a few drops of it every use. The color reminds me of honey. It lathers into a light foam and it cleanses without stripping your skin of moisture. It did not irritate my skin. No break outs as well.

Ingredients:

Salicylic Acid (1.0%), water, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, sucrose laurate, salix nigra (willow) bark extract, coco-betaine, betaine, beta vulgaris (beet) root extractoenothera biennis (evening primrose) leaf extract, sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, glycerin, glyceryl oleate, coco-glucoside, fragrance, glucose, alcohol denat., glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, citric acid sodium chloride, phenoxyethanol

2. Anti-Blemish Clarifying Toner

Php 950 | Clean skin clarified. Formulated with skin-clarifying Witch Hazel and Lemongrass, known for its astringent properties, our best acne facial toner removes lingering traces of cleanser, dirt, oil and make-up. Our clarifying toner also has Salicylic Acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, to penetrate pores, reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. The result is naturally clear, healthy-looking skin.

I am a little iffy with this toner because it contains alcohol. I use this twice to thrice a week as an alternate for my Mario Badescu glycolic acid toner. I use this when I have to apply Tretinoin at night. I am all in for the Witch Hazel and lemongrass in this one as I believe in their astringent properties.

Ingredients: 

Salicylic Acid (1.0%), aqua (water, eau), alcohol denat., glycerin, salix nigra (willow) bark extract, parfum (fragrance), cymbopogon schoenanthus extract, equisetum hiemale extracthamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) leaf extract, humulus lupulus (hops) extract, hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) extract, glucose, sodium chloride, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, citral, geraniol, limonene, linalool

3. Anti-Blemish Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Php 1450 | Clearly moisturized. Our best moisturizer for acne is lightweight and clinically proven to help control oil and protect against blemishes without irritating your skin. Formulated with Lemongrass, Witch Hazel, Goldenseal and Hops, our daily moisturizing lotion helps calm irritation. Resulting in clear, smooth, healthy looking skin. Naturally.

I love the texture of this moisturizer. The smell strangely reminds me of almonds with a hint of lemon grass, which is pleasant for me. I love how lightweight it is. It is easily absorbed by my skin. It can be worn under makeup but it made me shine at the end of the day.

Ingredients:

Salicylic Acid (1.0%), water, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, glycerin, stearic acid, sucrose distearate, salix nigra (willow) bark extract, sucrose stearate, cymbopogon schoenanthus (lemongrass) extracthamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water, humulus lupulus (hops) extract, equisetum hiemale (horsetail) leaf extract, hydrastis canadensis (golden seal) extract, epilobium fleischeri (gravel willow) extract, lecithin chrondrus crispus (carrageenan) extract, fragrance, glucose, xanthan gum, sodium borate, sodium chloride, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and Blush Brush | Makeup Brush Hits

Amid all the makeup and skincare products I write about, I realized I have not mentioned any tool I have been grabbing for makeup application. So today I will talk about brushes, my favorite ones at least. I own several brands of brushes ranging from drug store to high end. This post will focus on my two favorite brushes from Real Techniques.

Real Techniques was launched in 2011 by sisters Samantha and Nicole Chapman. Samantha Chapman is also known as Pixiwoo in the YouTube world. I rely on my Real Techniques brushes for fuss-free application and no-streak finish. Out of all the brushes I own, these two belongs to my Holy Grail items - the Expert Face brush and the Blush brush.

The Expert Face brush is Real Techniques’ no. 1 selling brush and it is almost always sold out. I use the Expert Face brush for application and blending of my liquid foundation. I also use it to blend my concealer. The dense and firm broad brush makes foundation application, blending, and buffing a breeze. The result is comparable to an airbrush finish. This one is made up of synthetic UltraPlush bristles and promises no product build up, no streak finishes, and long lasting brush quality. This brush is a must-have and you definitely need to experience it. Beauty gurus, beginners and experts alike, swear by this brush.

The award-winning Blush brush is a tapered blush which sits right on top of the apple of my cheeks and deposits just the right amount of blush. I find it easy to build up the cheek color with this brush without overdoing it. Just make sure you use a light hand and you will achieve a high-definition, flawless finish. This brush was included in Nylon’s 2015 Beauty Hit List.

Another great thing about Real Techniques brushes is that they are cruelty-free and vegan. I am still eyeing for the Real Techniques Core Collection and I might try some Zoeva brushes next time because they're just gorgeous and I have read raves about it too. 

What are your HG makeup brushes and tools? Make sure to comment and share it down below.

Get Rid of Dead Skin Cells with Enavose 1st Line Probiotics Exfoliance Gommage

My recent Sephora haul came with a sample of this product. I have never heard of it. I researched about it and found out that it’s pretty amazing.

Awards:

Best Exfoliator – Women’s Weekly: Best Beauty Buys 2014

Best for Sensitive Skin – Harper’s Bazaar: Bazaar Beauty Awards 2012

So what exactly is Enavose 1st Line Probiotics Exfoliance Gommage? That’s a mouthful!

Gommage by definition is a type of exfoliator, a cream or gel, massaged onto face or body, which turns into specks and crumbs of product plus your dead skin cells, sloughing them off of your skin right before your eyes.

This product an exfoliator gel from the Swiss brand Enavose with gentle resurfacing action to diminish dead skin cells and promote cell renewal. The ‘Probiotic’ stands for the Bacillus Ferment probiotic, the good bacteria effective for skin renewal. It helps build the defense of skin against bacteria accumulation. Another active ingredient is the Bitter Almond Extract Acid, an AHA which is slower in penetration, thus reduces skin irritation making it perfect even for sensitive skin. The combination of ingredients and flora blend aims to provide radiance and glow to the skin.

Skin Type: Normal and Combination Skin Types

Texture: Gel

Active Ingredients

Bacillus Ferment Probiotic - Promotes skin renewal

Bitter Almond Extract - AHA 

Ecocert® Organic Edelweiss Extract - Antioxidant with high radical scavenging activity

Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract - Anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract - Calms and soothes

Cruelty-free? Yes

Paraben-free? Yes

Fragrance-free? Yes

Sorry I know this is gross but for you to have an idea how it works :)

My Thoughts

As directed, I applied it on dry face. I dotted a sufficient amount of my forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and neck. I massaged for a minute or two before rinsing. When I massaged it, specks and strands of dead skin started to appear. I massaged it for around two minutes until the product is gone and what’s left are several crumbs of dead skin. It was so gentle and it did not sting at all. My face felt smooth and soft after. I am not sure if it’s placebo but my face looked radiant after using it. My boyfriend also noticed a little glow on my face. That was only the initial use. The product can be used as much as twice weekly, no more than that. I am excited to try it again. I will use it once a week and will decide on purchasing the full size after finishing the sample.

Where to get it?

I got this sample from Sephora but upon checking, they currently don’t carry a full size just yet. I am pretty sure they will carry more Enavose products soon as they already have it on their site.

Do you like exfoliating? What exfoliators have you tried and did it work for you?

Echo Store Body Basics Mini Soaps | Into My Travel Toiletry Kit You Go

These little ones caught my attention at Echo store counter in Podium. I need some tiny bath soaps for our frequent sleepovers and occasional trips. For only P29 each, these soaps perfectly fits inside my toiletry kit. I bought three scents - Rosemary Mint, Olive, and Grapefruit. I am excited to try them all especially Grapefruit.

These soaps are VCO-infused, cruelty-free, and SLS-free. The ingredients include: VCO, refined coconut oil, aqua, sodium hydroxide, olive oil, coconut milk, natural essential oils, sodium silicate, BHT, tetrasodium EDTA.

How cute and tiny! Visit their online shop to know more about the brand and their products.

A little background on Echo Store 

ECHO Store, which stands for Environment Community Hope Organization is a home-grown brand promoting sustainable lifestyle in our country by carrying green fair trade products produced by marginalized communities around the Phlippines. It currently holds not only bath and body products, but also a market and a café. Their products are all-natural, organic, and eco-friendly. 

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Echo Store
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ECHOstore Serendra
G/F Serendra Piazza McKinley Parkway,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

ECHOstore Centris
1-F ETON Centris Walk EDSA corner Quezon Avenue
Quezon City

ECHOstore Podium
G/F, The Podium Ortigas, Mandaluyong City

theBalm The Manizer Sisters Luminizing Palette

Another palette that has been a staple on my purse is theBalm's The Manizer Sisters. It's a highlighter, bronzer, blush, and eye shadow in one! This palette can definitely multitask. Its slim and travel-friendly packaging makes it easier for me to bring this baby wherever I go. 

Tarte Bling It On Blush Palette | Review & Swatches

At last! After months of contemplating, I finally decided to get a Tarte Bling It On Amazonian Clay blush palette. I bought this as a gift from me to me. I have been lurking around online stores for almost a year and it has been a vicious cycle of looking at Tarte blush palettes, asking for the price, then resisting the urge to buy afterwards. It went like that for almost a year.