Review: Garnier Lightening Peel Off Mask (Light)

I've been ultra busy these days, please forgive me...

My plate is full of writing, formatting, proofreading, editing-but that's for my regular job. My blogging activities do mirror my duties at work-but a gal has to prioritize. My past post here was all about thoughts, you can see the way I write and voice out my rants and raves- so unlike blogging... But....

I have decided to try my hand (or head) at another review.  The Garnier Lightening Peel Off Mask was innocently just sitting in a layer of my drawer organizer, and I decided to give it a spin. This is one of the surprise goodies the sweet Jannie shared with me. You see, I ran out of facial scrubs and badly needed to exfoliate, my skin was showing the signs of dreary, hyperpigmentation again, and so- I decided that Garnier and I should have a pretty good time. Initially, my brother announced interest on it but I said, what the heck, there's enough for the both of us.

 

Squeeze a little of the yellow and lemon-scented susbtance on the clean face and let it dry for a few minutes until it feels stiff. You can see that my forehead is flooded with the signs of stress, and it is shiny with a thin layer of the mask.

After a few minutes of waiting, the mask can already be peeled off, just like a second skin to reveal.... 

There are two ways to go about it, either you trust your fingers so much to do the peeling, or you enlist the help of a cleansing or cleaning facial sponge and do it slowly with lukewarm water to peel it all off. I just enjoyed ridiculing myself in front of the mirror with my own hands. Besides, it smelled fun! (Alright, that was weird of me to say.)

Is this face selfie-worthy already? You should know by now that I am not used to the term selfie, nor am I really a fan of taking selfies. But to each his own!

Pros

• Fresh, citrusy scent 
• Gentle on the skin
• Quick drying
• Easy to peel
• Deep cleansing and exfoliating 
• Good for two uses
• Reduces oil and sebum
• Non-irritating

Cons 

• No immediate lightening effects observed 
• Needs at least two uses to achieve intended brightening effect 

 Do you enjoy authentic Japanese beauty products? There's only a few days left to join my Wawaza Giveaway! 

Do stay tuned because I have prepared a huge October giveaway for you guys! Mwah! Clues: Did you know that apart from Cancer Awareness Month, October is the month of Fiesta Pilar Celebrations among Zamboanguenos? That's just something for you to look forward to here at Raisie Speaks...

Product Spotlight: San San Nail Polish in Perfectly Pink

 

Even before the urban warfare started here, I got the chance to pick up new nail polishes from HBC in the city thanks to my ever constant shopping companion who understands my need to be girly girly. Apart from the Rosy Blush that I picked up earlier, I also got these two shades of additional nail polishes in Perfectly Pink and Seal Brown.

One thing that I really like about the San San nail polishes from HBC is that they are long-lasting and don't chip that easily. Let me elaborate later on. But why Perfectly Pink and Seal Brown? For one, I wanted to see how subtle of a pink the shade will look on my nails, and for the latter, I am a huge sucker for anything dark brown. Really, let me show you a collection of all my browns later, ok?

 

I find that you can get really good value for these 12ml bottles, because at Php 37 each they sure can last long with a decent amount of topcoat for protection.

Perfectly Pink is too frosty for me, but I think this will do for the outdoors or during travels and trips to the beach. It is super feminine, but I find it too attractive to be worn to the office. But I am keeping this shade with me just in case, especially for weekend trips with friends and loved ones.

Don't forget to join my Wawaza Authentic Japanese Products giveaway, this is your chance to do so, it is extra special, don't let it slip you by!

Review: HBC's San San Rosy Blush Cheek Blusher

Some time ago, I chucked out my old Human Nature blush because I already used it up and abused it in good measure back when I was still a practicing journalist for print and television. Now that I have another desk job as a technical writer, I have time to get ready in the morning and motivate myself at the vanity before I head on out the door.

A few weeks ago, I picked up the San San Rosy Blush at the HBC branch in town and got if for a really affordable price of only Php 102 or $2.55. Such a steal, I know, I know. Does blush have its benefits? Why do women treat this as a beauty essential? Let's face it, blushers offer that healthy, rosy glow, it's just a matter of choosing which blush type and color that goes with your skin tone. In order to avoid looking too pale, blushers make you look like you have been sun kissed, and alive, not to mention it also contours your face and cheeks.

I've been using it to work lately (please just allow a girl to play with a hint of color) and here are my two cents on it.

Pros

• I was quite hesitant about the gold specks on it, but I don't see any speckles on my cheeks after application. 
• Simple, blue case packaging
• Easy swipes
•  Subtle, rosy, healthy blush 
• Absolutely affordable!
• Stays on for long hours, from morning, lunch until coffee break 

Cons

• No mirror in the packaging
• Applicator brush is too small

Overall, I think it gives just the right subtle blush and it is really appropriate for work, not to mention, it is affordable, even students can readily reach for it. Also, just in case I run out, I can just head on to the nearest HBC branch and get another one. 

I have another HBC San San product I want to review before I head on to the skin care series posts. Hmm, maybe I can do that next. Have a good weekend everybody! Join my Wawaza giveaway if you are feeling lucky!  

Wawaza Authentic Japanese Beauty Products Review + Giveaway

I don't even know where to start. For the past eight days, life here in mi ciudad has been on a standstill. I am lucky though that I live far from all the action and the happenings, but there is still the fear and concern since my family is in the pueblo. So much has happened already, and to add to the hurt, some people do not really understand what is going on and keep making negative comments about our city and people as if we have control and make it seem as if it is our fault that this has happened to us. I just wish some people were more sensitive to our situation.

Thus, the silence here.  But, in times of challenges and trials, there will be people who will stand up. And there will be people full of hope.

To distract myself, I am going to introduce to you a luxurious shop that specializes in authentic Japanese beauty products which have been used by geishas and even celebrities have been patronizing them. Enter, Wawaza Authentic Japanese products. I have been lucky to be chosen by Ms Hanako Mori for being able to review their products. When I say luxurious, I daresay even the Hollywood A-listers like Victoria and David Beckham have been using them.

You can head on to Wawaza to check their site and see if there is something that you might like. 

Cool, you are back? Now, let's talk about the products that I have received.

This is the skin secret of celebrities. I have tried it once and have been using it regularly ever since. (Gotta love Wawaza for this!) This is Uguisu No Fun or Nightingale Droppings Powder. Don't be quick to dismiss this product because this has been the beauty secret of many geishas for hundreds of years!

Uguisu No Fun is rich in natural guanine that contains high amounts of pearl essence for that porcelain-like Japanese clear skin. It also helps to prevent aging. 

Benefits:

• Restores damaged skin due to sun exposure and premature aging
•  Whitens skin
• Deeply cleans pores

Pros

•  I like that it leaves the skin instantly soft and smooth. It is a good and gentle scrub that also evens out the skin tone.
• You can tell that it contains pure guanine, no artificial fillers whatsoever 
• Fully organic and hygienic 
• Very versatile, you can use it as facial wash or mask

Cons

• Some people might not get used to the aroma of guanine

Now you can tell how meticulous the Japanese are when it comes to their skin. You see, Wawaza also sent me the Lady Butterfly Blotting Paper to try out. I am no stranger to blotting paper, but this is one of the more traditional formulations. It is made of first grade Abaca hemp paper with traditional techniques in Kanazawa, Japan.

Pros

• Compact, you can carry it anywhere
• For all skin types
• It is transparent and with a single texture so you can see how much of the paper you have already "blotched"
• Does not remove foundation powder or bases
• Fully organic

Cons

•  Needs careful handling or else it might rip before you use it up

 

 

Now time for the giveaway. I am also including 2 bottles each of the other products that was sent over by Wawaza to you my readers. You can also get to try out the  Bijn Japanese Rice Bran Facial and Body Oil and Aya Japanese Camellia Hair and Body Oil thanks to the additional samples sent over by the shop.

 

This is the loot that is up for grabs, thanks to Wawaza, you can experience luxurious pampering for your skin right at your own home just the way geishas and Japanese actors did years ago.

The giveaway ends on October 5, anybody in the Philippines with a serviceable shipping address can join. Be sure to enter the correct details, alright? Good luck!

Entry-Form

Review: Pevonia Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream

 Introducing......

The new way to exfoliating!

Alright I will cut out the tv commercial voice.

It's the weekend so I am feeling carefree, but also I am giving in to one comment by a certain France who asked for a review on the Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream which I got from Sample Room.

Before you go on, please (you have been warned) remember that it is not my intention to scare you, I hate to give you nightmares before Halloween, and I hate to lose readers because my scary face.... (Oh please I am humiliated as well) but here goes...

The sample size is only 6 ml, and it is worth 80 points in Sample Room. For me, it is only good for a single use. 

"Experience the cutting-edge technology of this cream’s unique enzymes entrapment. Enzymo-Sphérides® Peeling Cream offers encapsulated enzymes in micro-sphérides for maximum activity upon contact with your skin. Pineapple and Papaya enzymes eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells, sebum, and toxins as you work this cream into your skin and gain a bright, smooth complexion."

Benefits

• Easy and immediate deep surface cleansing
• Removes dead cells, impurities, and clogging
• Brightens the complexion
• Increases absorption & results from home care products
• Leaves the skin refreshed, soft, and glowing

Key Ingredients

• Pineapple Enzymes (Sphérides)
• Papaya Enzymes (Sphérides)
• Gingko
• Calendula
• Chamomile

 

It took two applications of the cream, so that's two layers you see there on my face, I think I didn't put enough or 6ml of the product is just not enough for my round face hehe.  I already used up the entire sample in one use and didn't even get the nice layering mask effect that I wanted! I think it is also because of my blending technique which I automatically did as if it were moisturizer.

Up close you can see how gritty it becomes and it becomes stiff and flaky. Again, not enough of the product to have even layering. I used up the whole sample already, but I could feel the tightening and firming effects on the pores already. It has to stay on for two minutes.

I used a gentle sponge cloth to clean it up and washed off with lukewarm water just to be sure that no more cream was left on my face.

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 Immediate effects:

• I felt my skin become soft and smooth even when the mask was on
• Pores tightened a little
• I looked like a pale zombie for a couple of minutes

But now I am reborn! Yeah!

So what skin care ritual did you do this weekend? Are you ready to face the week ahead?

I might do another mask ritual next weekend and you can watch out for my post about it only here at Raisie Speaks, a lot of masks are coming my way because I ran out of facial scrubs hihihi.

I have collaborated with other ZC bloggers to give you another giveaway and you can join here.

To know more, you can visit the direct link to Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream or also find out more products from Pevonia Organic Skincare Philippines.

Beauty Review: Colour Collection Vitamin E Sheer Lipstick in Pinkish Nude by Tupperware

I finally found the lipstick shade and brand that goes well with my skin tone! I even took a formal application photo wearing the shade and it turned out well for me. I was in search of a barely-there shade and I finally met my match! I also found it in Sample Room of all places! The good thing about it is that even if the lipstick itself cost only Php 330, I didn't pay for a full size sample and just paid for the shipping fee along with a perfume sample of Thierry Mugler's Alien.

"Keep your lips healthy and kissable with Colour Collections's Vitamin E Lipsticks, a range of lipsticks that are formulated with Vitamin E, making your lips still look moisturized and supple even long after the color wears off. It also has sunscreen that protects your lips from the harmful UV rays of the sun."

About The Company 

Most people know the brand Tupperware to be associated with durable kitchen and home containers made of plastic and the like, but not a lot of people are aware of their cosmetics line. Tupperware Brands has a cosmetic line and has allowed Sample Room members to try out their bestselling, glamorous lipsticks with Vitamin E. It is known to speed up cell regeneration and retain natural moisture content of the lips. 

Price 

For a 4g lipstick sample that is already full-sized, it costs Php 330, but since I got it from Sample Room, it's only 85 points for members and the only expense is the provincial shipping fee of Php130. 

About The Product

There are three types to choose from: satin, sheer and matte. Because I am on the lookout for wearable, barely-there shades, I chose the Pinkish Nude in Sheer finish but I am curious to try the Red Wine Satin finish next. It promises sheer texture, and is loaded with Vitamin E to maintain smooth, sensuous and vibrant lips and also a glamorous finish. 

Who Is It For?

This shade is for those who are:

• On the lookout for affordable lipsticks
• Fond of sheer finish lipsticks and pinkish shades
• Looking for wearable, barely-there, everyday shades for conservative environments

Pros

I like that it offers:

• Moisturizing effects, it is very sheer and has gloss-like appearance on the lips
• Very lightweight, as if there is no lip color whatsoever
• Subtle pink shade most of all, it goes well with my skin tone!
• Affordable for most women
• No drying after-effects which means chapped lips! 

Cons

I don't like that:

• The packaging is bulky, it would have been better if it came in a slimmer stick
• It is available only through Tupperware dealers 
• Totally wears off after drinking water, must be due to its sheer finish

The Verdict

As I have said, I found my match and it seems like this will be my no-brainer, everyday go-to shade. Now I wonder if the Red Wine Satin lipstick is just as good...

Are you feeling lucky? Do you think you can bring home a Paperback copy of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children here. 

On Fragrances: Alien by Thierry Mugler

This is my latest mini haul from Sample Room. 

I will be reviewing both of them though, but first let me take on the perfume sample. Here I have Alien by Thierry Mugler Eau de Parfum and Colour Collection Vitamin E Sheer Lipstick in Pinkish Nude. 

What could possibly be so out of this world for such a fragrance like Alien? Is there something worth noting about this scent from Thierry Mugler that could bring a collision of universes, supernovas and just about anything mutual from creatures of other planets? 

The Left Hand of Darkness finally got to me! (Ok, corny private joke gone wrong here...) 

"Alien is more than a simple fragrance. It is a strange, different and unique fragrance that diffuses a sensation of fulfillment. It creates a sort of olfactory impact that awakens positive emotions within us. As if appeared from another world, it transforms us by revealing our inner beauty. More than  a fragrance of seduction, it is an elixir of positive power!"

Pros

• At first whiff, I thought that the first notes were pleasant, it has an oriental, exotic appeal which is something similar to Celine's Oriental Summer
• The packaging has my attention, both the box and bottle in gold and purple looks elegant and something coming from an advanced-even elegant planet (Could it be Winter? Ursula Le Guin's Left Hand of Darkness anyone?)
• No shimmer, just pure fragrance 

Cons

• The body is overpowering, it is too strong and then the tail just stops short, it comes out strong in the middle and then ends with meh...
• It is more of a hot scent than a cold scent, but I think this makes it a plus for an evening perfume because it is too overpowering in the daytime
• The bottle has no stopper to regulate the flow of perfume, so that means wasted fragrance. (But does that count for a sample bottle?) 

I am somewhere in the middle with this fragrance. It could be great maybe for evening affairs, but until then, I think I could share it with someone who would be really interested, like my Mom. But for some who might be interested in oriental, evening and warm fragrances, you can get full sized versions and even gift sets from 99 Perfume and save money from the usually jacked-up prices in malls and boutiques. 99 Perfume carries many signature fragrances and have the varieties that you are looking for as well.

 

Now, feast your eyes on the galaxy and yes, you are allowed to imagine just what it would be like to be among aliens, perhaps on a cold planet like Winter. Let me retreat to my fantasies of Le Guin, alright?

Are you feeling lucky? You can join my paperback giveaway which is open to all Philippine residents here. Will you bring home a copy of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children? 

Beauty Review: Kleenex New Generation Oil Blotter

I would just like to share something really cool with you all. This is really helpful especially if you have oily skin like me or are prone to shine all day long, as a plus you even get a really kikay cutie oil absorbing paper. I am talking about the Kleenex New Generation Oil Blotter. Yes, that's right, it is Kleenex!

It's been a constant in my bag since I bought it from the supermarket last week, and it's done a good job of freshening up my oily face during break times especially when there is time to spare at lunch hour.

About the Company

Who does not use the name Kleenex when referring to tissue paper? Kleenex is a global brand known for sanitary tissues and it is recognized the world over. For 89 years and counting, it has become a staple among homes and even offices in over 150 countries while still maintaining the need for comfort, softness, cleanliness and gentle products. 

At first the company started manufacturing the cold cream towel and it has been innovated to offer softness that is uniquely exceptional. Over the years, many benefits and features have been added as it tries its best to provide quality products to its consumers. 

I just can't help myself. Here are just some funny quotes related to the brand:

"Girl please, I can remove 90% of your beauty with a Kleenex"-Anonymous

Blair Waldorf: A hot lifeguard is like Kleenex! Use once and throw away. You could ask for better rebound. -Gossip Girl Quotes

"Men should be like Kleenex, soft, strong and disposable" -Cher 

More Kleenex Quotes here

Packaging

Now back to the Oil Blotter, it comes in a small, handy box that looks like a compact mirror, and it can easily be mistaken as a mini makeup palette. The girly combination of violet, white and hints of pink is just too cute... It is uber dainty and feminine, and the print at the back of the blotting paper is super attractive and  it feels soft to the touch.

Pros

• I like that it is affordable, it is readily available in leading supermarkets and beauty shops and it sells for only SRP Php 94.75 so if you need to, you can always stock up just in case you run out
• It removes oil effectively, keeping shine free face
• You can use it anytime, anywhere, and it eliminates the need to wash your face regularly in order just to keep looking fresh
• It is compact and lightweight, does not add weight to bags or purses
• It is safe to use for all skin types

Cons

• It has only 50 sheets, and it is not enough for me. I can pull up to three or more in a day because I am usually exposed to pollution and other harmful elements
• It is too small, and again, I pull more than just two in a single use 

Front and back of the blotting paper 

This is what it looks like when it is already blotted -for disposal! 

And that is what I look like after I have used the blotting paper... 

My apologies that is overtime night when I decided to test the blotting paper so please excuse the eyebags! =p 

Verdict

Even with the pros and cons already enumerated, the question still stands if I will buy or restock. The answer is yes, because the pros overweight the cons. The New Generation Oil Blotter can be a good, compact freshener for my face in a long day's work. 

I find it very convenient and it might serve me well this season, knowing that there are still a remainder of summer days ahead.