If you take a stroll down YouTube you'll find that most beauty gurus have already put up their January Favorites video. So... I guess here's mine too. I'm trying to get into the habit of writing down my favorites cos I think it's a great way to share products that I think are really good without the overly long review and the need to do an intense trial on the products. Without further ado...
1. ORIGINS Clear Improvement Active charcoal mask to clear pores
Sad to say Origins has left our shores but how I wish they'd come back. This activated charcoal mask works wonders. My skin feels lighter and looks brighter after each use. Just last week my skin decided it hates me and wants to ruin my life by acting up. Uneven skin tone, little pimples here and there - the overall feel and look of my skin was tired and I truly was but I didn't need to look it. So I went into battle armed with this little gem (and the other skin care items mentioned in this post) and in 3 days my skin was back to its glowing self. I still felt tired though but no one would have guessed it (aside from the fact that I would fall asleep everytime and everywhere I would rest my head).
2. Clarisonic Mia 2
Probably the best money I ever spent. Remember the week I was talking about a while ago? (Look up) Well this was another one of my weapons. In that same week a huge zit on my chin was attempting to break through and I Clarisonic-ed the hell outta that thing. I'm proud to say me and the pimple have parted ways.
3. Snoe Snoe White Vitamin C-Rich Calamansi Whitening Detox Clay Mask
I've been into charcoal masks lately because the oiliness of my skin has reached critical levels. This was one of the first ones I tried because the Origins one I was waiting to get on a trip out of the country. It also works fine though not as remarkable as the Origins Mask. What I like about is it contains Vitamin C and if you've read my older post this specific vitamin is very good for the skin and works best when applied topically.
4. SKI-II Facial Treatment Essence
I only have the sample size (or is the travel size?) but this little bottle made my skin look flawless without makeup. It's like an imperfection blurr-er (get it?). I think this is available locally only through luxola.com.ph and will cost you a whopping Php 8,295.00 (about an arm and a leg and 1,000 hairstrands). Now I'm not saying everyone should go get a bottle because this is one of those products whose effects justify the price. It probably is because the celebrities that we look up to swear by it and I think pretty soon so will I but what I am trying to say is this is one of those products that everyone should definitely try to know if they will love it or not. It's the fountain of youth if it works for you, if not it's a huge unnecessary expense. If you're hk bound you'll find sample sizes in Sasa and the amount is substantial enough to produce an effect on your skin so you'll know if it's a good buy or a goodbye. If you're not hk bound well... leave a comment and maybe I can help you out.
5. Neutrogena Deep Clean Energizing Foaming Cleanser
This is my 2nd tube and so far one of the best cleansers I've tried. Great smell - check. Gently exfoliates - check. Rich lather - check. Removes makeup effectively - check. Doesn't dry out the skin - check. Leaves behind no oily residue - check. Like I said so far one of the best cleansers I've tried.
6. Pond's Gold Radiance Precious Youth Serum
This has been a favorite for about 3 months now. I'm really into serums and I've tried at least 3 (cos nobody really sells samples in the Philippines and it's hard to finish a bottle even with the help of my mother). I think serums should be the first line of defense against aging. They're concentrated forms of vitamins and other organic ingredients that are good for your skin and they're made with really thin consistencies so they're absorbed faster and more completely than other forms of skin care. Now this one doesn't do much for pimples or scars but it excels in brightening the face and making you look well-rested. Everyone's been asking my mom what she does to her face ever since she started using this serum. Skin looks happy and radiant and glowing.
7. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder
Me = Really Oily Skin. I apply this with a duo fibre brush because it can look caky when applied with a dense brush. This works. I am telling you it works. If you've got oily skin, you need this in your life. If and when I win the lottery I will buy 10,000 units of this and give it to all the oily skinned girls I know. Can't say enough about it. Basta. It works.
8. MAC Pro Longwear Foundation SPF 10 in NC35
The SPF isn't really life changing but boy does this stay on. When paired with the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder they stay on the whole day. I still get a little oily, yes, but the color stays on.
9. The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzing Powder
I use this to sexy up my face. It glides on real smooth almost like a cream product. The color is excellent because it's very neutral - no orange or red undertones. It's almost like a taupe, I think. It can get powdery if you swirl or tap your brush in too hard but it does last a long time. This specific one I've had for 5 months now and I've still got about 70% left.
10. Hy-Touch Personal Flushable Wipes
This costs a little more than what I'm used to paying for wipes but I got it anyway cos it's biodegradable and I'm all for going green. If you're reading this, I urge you to buy these wipes. Let's all make smart decisions in everything we purchase. If we buy these wipes, we'll produce less waste and help the company earn more so they can make more biodegradable merchandise.
11. NBS pencil case
I always carry lots of pens with me so I had a dream pencil case. And this was it. And I'm glad I found it. Bow.
