Collagen by Watsons Hydrating Facial Gel Preview

Sorry for not being able to blog for a week, i have been so busy with my new schedule.
Lots of students... isogashii, isogashii! (busy, busy)
But it's good... i have to make sure i have enough money to invest on my make-up kit anyway.

I have been using this for almost 3 months now so i guess it's high time i do a review about it. I'm sure you have seen this on the aisle of facial moisturizers in Watsons. I initially bought it because at that time my skin is feeling a little bit dry because i temporarily switched to a different soap.

Since this one has hyaluronic acid & is cheap so i thought to myself, why not? What have i got to lose?
I bought it, been using it since mid-July, & im glad that it didn't broke me out so i used it regularly. I'm glad because even if it has dimethicone, it didn't give me a bad skin reaction.

Yay!
I hope that i'll be able to overcome my problems with silicones.

This will just be a pre-review. I figured that it's better to do a pre-review then do a post later so that it'll be easier in the end.

This is what it says....

I'm sure most of you have heard of collagen. You see it in most anti-aging skin care. I think that it's better to start using collagen earlier rather than at a later age. 

Moreover, by the age of 25, collagen levels would start deflating about 1.5% each year. This is the reason why the skin gets wrinkly and nonetheless, old. -by collagencreams.org

What exactly is a collagen?
Collagen.org gave an easy definition of what it is.

Our skin is made mainly of collagen, which is a protein. More than 80% (dry weight) of our skin is made of collagen. There are three major parts to our skin: collagen, elastin, GAGs, Glycosaminoglycans. 

Collagen is a main structural protein found throughout our body. Collagen provides the strength our tissue and organs require while elastin provides the ability to stretch and recoil.

Just like what they said, it provides the strength our skin requires to keep it firm & smooth. It's like thin fibers underneath which supports the skin. Take a look at this picture. Those white strands are collagen.

pic taken from pchi-china.com

As we get expose to the sun's damaging rays, the collagen in our skin begins to degrade. That's when you start seeing those fine lines on your skin. That's why most of anti-aging creams these days have it because it enhances the production of collagen beneath the skin therefore promoting a vibrant & younger-looking skin.

But keep in mind that this doesn't work instantly,ok?
I remember reading an article before saying that you can just feel the effect of collagen creams (or most topical products) after 6 months of continued use.

What, with all the hype about collagen you can take them in several forms like as topical creams, as injectables, & also as supplements.

Now that you have an idea about the wonders of collagen, let's get to the product itself.

It's packaged in a big tub, so you have to use a spatula every time you use it. It's in gel form (as what it says).

I was expecting that this won't be heavy on the skin since it's in gel form, but it's a bit heavy & sticky. So don't get a big scoop when you use it. You can get away with just a small amount (just the amount that you'll be able to get if you dip the tip of your finger). It will go a long way! It will make it easier to be absorbed by the skin rather than slathering a think gunk on.

Just apply it how you put your regular moisturizer & wait until it sets before you add another product (if you like to layer on different products). You can either apply this as your last regimen, that is if the other products that you do use are way lighter than this.

I like that the expiration date is included at the bottom so i'll know when to ditch it.

As of now, i am liking it so far, but have not seen/feel any obvious effect. As what i said, it might take more than 6 months before i'll be able to see any results. But currently, i find it an OK product.

One thing that turned me off of it is the scent, it has this weird scent that i find a bit disturbing but it just grew on me later on that i don't pay attention to it like before, anyway, the scent will disappear later on.

I have to say that this is quite cheap!
I think i bought it for only Php 150, more or less ($3).
To think that it is already 100g, you get a big amount of product for what you pay for!
*update*
I went to Watsons today & saw that they are having a promo for this.. it's Buy one get one free for only Php 219.
^_^

PROS:

• locally available
• affordable
• has hyaluronic acid
• large amount of product (it's full to the brim)
• one tub could last you for a long time (when applying, less is more)
• really moisturizing! (best for dry skin, but i am able to use this even if i have combination skin)

CONS:

• no spf
• heavy & sticky on the skin (less is more)
• has dimethicone (silicone)
• somewhat strong scent
• packaging - have to use spatula pa!
• only available in Watsons (obviously)

I'll let you all know what i think about it once i'm finished with this tub. Currently, i'm halfway done with it!
^_~
No bad reaction so far!

Hope you all will have a great October!
This is my birth month....
I hope that this will be a lucky month for me.

Have a great week,hunnies!
Jaa ne~!
^_^

Nivea Visage Sparkling White UV Blocker Review

I have a problematic skin...
For those who have been following my blog, you know how i battle with acne & how some products break me out. Looking for products that will work on me is a very trying job because it's really a hit or miss.

I try to avoid whitening products but since i have bad blemishes due to my acne, i have to find a way to even out my skin tone. *sigh*

Acne, tantanan mo na ko! (Acne, please leave me alone!) I am already 26 but i still break out every now & then.

I have been using this ever since my skin changed from oily to combination/oily. At first i'm hesitant to do so because that was the time when i stopped using anything on my face. I fear that it would make me break out or anything, but i'm glad i took the step because my skin agrees with this!

I'm sure you have already seen this in the department stores but you might be wondering what is the difference of this as opposed to tons of products that promises to whiten, hydrate & protect the skin. So what made me give this product a try? It's mainly because of hyaluronic acid!

I'll tell you what is hyaluronic acid later, for now, you can take a look at the description at the back...

This is what the product is claiming...

What does it do?

1.      Whitening from inside and outside

White Crystallites naturally reflecting micro pigments Inner Whitening: 
White Pure Actives which regulate melanin production to support the skin’s lightening process and reduce appearance of dark spots
Soy Extract supports repair and renewal process for fairer complexion

2.      Boosts skin hydration: contains Hyaluronic Acid which instantly boosts skin’s moisture promoting a smoother, translucent yet oil-free appearance

What is Hyaluronic Acid? 

Molecules found in the connective tissue of the skin and plays an important role in maintaining volume.   With their moisture binding capacity, they plump up the skin from the inside out and make it appear smooth.

3.      Protection against sun damage and redarkening

§         advanced SPF30 PA++ UVA and UVB filter system protects  your skin against the appearance of dark spots due to sun exposure.

Sounds good,huh?

For the product itself...

An opaque bottle...
not really that good because you won't know how much product is still left. You only get to know how much only by weight. I wish it has a little clear part at the side so that i would know when is the time to buy for a new one.

Oh well, i can easy over look that since it's in an airless pump bottle that makes dispensing the product easy. It's nice if all skincare products are in a pump bottle because it's hygienic... plus the fact that this is airless so it would make the product last longer!

It's just like your usual moisturizer that is in a white fluid form... quite runny! But one pump already goes a long way! You can really feel the hydration that this product provides!

Since we are already talking about its texture, let's get to know the benefits that this product is offering. As what i said, it has Hyaluronic Acid.

Our skin produces hyaluronic acid which keeps skin moisturized & firm. Like a sponge, it attracts & binds water within the cells of the skin to reveal a supple & firm skin!

As we age, HA production lessens & our skin becomes dehydrated. As we age, the body begins to produce less HA while the environment impact of radiation, chemicals, poor nutrition continues to take its toll.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid:

• Since it is a natural substance found in skin, it is easily accepted by your skin.
• Though gentle, it is very effective in hydration –it can absorb approximately 1,000 times its own weight inside the extracellular spaces within the matrix of the skin!
• Plumps skin and enhances the volume to create that same firm yet soft & supple skin
• Maintains collagen and elastin levels
• Contains a low molecular weight to penetrate and be absorbed by the skin faster!

It's packed with all those good things for you skin, but maybe what you're thinking is that this would be heavy since it has SPF. We know how uncomfy most sunblocks are. They're heavy & sticky! But what i like about this is that this is really light on the skin! It's oil-free & water-based!

It will feel a bit "oily" at first so you have to wait for a couple of minutes for your skin to absorb it. You can see how it looks with it on. It's not really oily, i guess dewy is a better term to describe it.


It has a mild "sweet" scent. I guess that it is Nivea's signature scent, if there is such a thing because i think this is something that i have smelled at lots of times. Since i have been a Nivea user, i guess i got so familiar with it already.

I have been using this for months & i'm happy to announce that i have not experienced a bad reaction to this product. Yay! A product that my skin loves!

Honestly, i'm not sure about the skin lightening because i am using my favorite Orange Peel & L Glutathione soap together with this.

I always keep this in my bag because it has SPF 30 PA++ so this is really something that my skin needs specially when i go out!

With all the good things that you are getting from this, paying Php400 is definitely worth it!

Let's summarize it...
PROS:

• doesn't feel heavy
• has SPF30 PA++
• comes in a hygienic packaging
• locally available
• quite affordable
• can be used by different skin types

CONS:

• you won't know how much product is left

Will i buy it?
Yes! I will!
This is something that i have recommended to my friends already!

If you are looking for a light moisturizer that is not heavy on the budget, please take a look at this. This is something that i have tried & tested. It earns my seal of approval!

I am so loving Nivea products!
I have repurchased a couple of products because they are really worth keeping!

Hope you all are enjoying the week so far!
Have a great day, ladies!
Jaa ne~!
^_^

ps:

I'm having a hard time with this layout. Every time i copy paste something, i have to change the font color.
I think i have to change my layout once more. Tsk!

I hate changing layouts, but this time it is something i have to do... so don't be surprised if you see a different one later on,ok? hehe

Product sent as sample. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. Opinion shared is personal view & is no way influenced by the company.

Celeteque Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 Review

I have said before that i stopped using anything on my face because i'm afraid of breaking out. I only wash my face every now & then & try not to put anything on my face. If you are going to ask me what is the status of my skin right now, i am acne-free already but not blemish-free. 

I have lots of blemishes, sun spots, skin discoloration & worst of all, scars because of my acne. But i am still not using any heavy products to address those problems for i am still concerned that it might start my acne again.

The time when i purchased this, i feel my face becoming dry but oily. Can you imagine that?

It's dehydrated yet oily. Since i still don't want to push my luck by using any face products that has numerous benefits but might make me break out so i decided to go back to using a water-based moisturizer, which is Celeteque. That was the time when i was using Eskinol + Dalacin C to address my acne, but sadly it didn't work for me. :(

I debated if i would be buying the original water-based moisturizer or this with the SPF 15. Since it has become really hot i decided to of course opt for the one with the sun protection. By the way, you can check out my review of the classic Celeteque Moisturizer HERE if you are interested.

I'm not sure if this is still water-based though. Maybe it still is but what's important for me is that it is non-comedogenic & hypoallergenic.

Ingredients list...

I like how the expiration date is clearly seen on the tube so you would know when to ditched this.

It is in white fluid form that is easily absorbed by the skin.

I don't have much to say about this product since again, this doesn't have any claims aside from the hydration & sun protection. It didn't break me out which is good. I will not say that it is fragrance-free though because there is a scent.. it's more of a lotion scent but is not that bad & overwhelming so it's ok with me.

It does a good job in moisturizing the skin. It is quite light & non-greasy which is good especially for those who hate having that slick, heavy feeling that traditional face creams/sunblocks give you.

The sun protection that it provides is not that high though so it's just ok for home use but not enough when you go outdoors. It offers broad spectrum protection UVA/UVB protection so again, it might be enough for home protection. If you are planning for heavy sun exposure just make sure that you go for a higher SPF protection that also has broad spectrum protection.

I can't remember the exact price but as far as i remember it is sold for less than Php 150 so it's not that heavy on the budget.

I'm quite satisfied with this.


PROS:

• locally available
• cheap
• light & non-greasy
• hypoallergenic
• non-comedogenic
• easily absorbed by the skin
• expiration date is at the back of the tube so you know when to throw it

CONS:

• SPF is not enough
• might not be available internationally

Will i buy it again?

Most probably i will but since i have a lot of sun protection products to try so i won't yet. But i like how light this feels, seriously! This didn't make me perspire unlike other products so this is a keeper.

I still prefer the classic water-based moisturizer compare to this one but then this is perfect for an everyday use if you are just indoors. Compare to using a moisturizer & a separate sun protection product then this is still preferable for me. 

I hope that this monday will be good for you,honeys!

Jaa ne~!
^_^

Celeteque Moisturizer Review

This is one moisturizer that i think could easily become my favorite...that is if it only have an oil control...
This is one of the 'drugstore moisturizers' available here in the Philippines. It's very easy to spot this sitting on the selection of 'facial care' in the aisle of drugstore or even grocery.

So of course i, who is looking for a good moisturizer that won't break my bank, decided to buy this & see for myself if it's any good.

Let's talk first about the texture...
It is fluid-like with a thin consistency, but not runny, which makes it all the more easier to spread. The fact that its clear & fragrance-free made me see this if not my HG moisturizer, but a 'likable moisturizer' for me.


I like the fact that when i use this, it doesn't leave any greasiness or oiliness at all. Unlike most moisturizing creams.. that no matter how 'oil-free' & 'grease-free' they are, it still leaves a tell tale sign of it on your skin. You would actually feel this product being easily absorbed by your skin...it feels so light i can float!& the best thing is...it's not sticky! hallelujah! i have tried lots of moisturizer & it always have a stickiness on them, but this one won't leave any trace of stickiness on your face.

After i take a bath, i put this on while my skin is still damp (i stopped using toner weeks ago ever since my skin broke out) & it makes my skin feel so soft & smooth afterward...

As what i said before, i perspire a lot. That sometimes, after putting moisturizer, i can feel beads of sweat on my nose, upper lip & forehead..it's like the moisturizer is blocking & creating a barrier on my skin therefore trapping the heat, making me perspire (that's just my opinion though..hehe)...but with Celeteque, its so light that it just feels like water (it's water-based..that's why).. It gives me that cool & refreshing feeling unlike most of the moisturizers that i have tried..

Plus, if you click the pic, it is actually non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores...hypoallergenic which can be used even for people with sensitive skin....

I will definitely buy this again...although it doesn't do a fig about oil control, but for now, i think i'll be sticking to something that my skin 'likes'. Doesn't matter if i have to use oil film every now & then since i work at home...i can just wash my face often if i feel like the oil has accumulated.

I hope someone from Celeteque can read this post & might think of having another one that is formulated for oily skin...i think most filipinas have oily skin to start with...XD

For those who would just wanted to try it first & don't wanna buy the full size, you can buy the trial pack (facial wash, toner & moisturizer) for just Php 150 (approx $3.5) at any leading drugstore or malls.

Pros:

• cheap
• fragrance-free
• non-comedogenic
• light
• water-based & oil-free
• available anywhere
  

Cons:

• not good in controlling oil
  

Hope this would help you if you are thinking of buying this.

excess:
I went to Watsons today & saw that Celeteque is 'on sale'...50% off....well, im not sure about that, but that's what i saw...Anyways, even without the 50% off, this one is pretty cheap!...& Celeteque also launched a new Anti-Aging Moisturizer...I wanted to buy it but i refrained from doing so because i still have acne marks left...i would want to clear my skin before i use anything.

I think my acne marks are fading just a teeny weeny bit...i think its because of the Kojic soap...will keep you updated.

Jaa~

mini haul....

I went somewhere today & being a shopaholic, going home without buying anything just doesn't feel right. Anyway, i just brought 3 small items...

(so sorry about the resolution of the pic....i know its really bad.. T_T)

I have been meaning to try Garnier but is still a bit hesitant in trying out a new moisturizer. I don't wanna make the same mistake of buying something big but won't be able to use it, so i just brought this instead.

Currently, im using Clean & Clear Moisturizer & it works fine with me. I have tried using Pond's Moisturizer, but it just made me broke out so i swear im not gonna buy any pond's moisturizer anymore.

Im actually not after 'lightening' my skin. What im after is that it protects my skin from the sun at the same time moisturizing it. The "spot clearing" is sorta just like an additional thing. If this won't cause me to break out,then that's great. I guess i can try & buy the big one. But if it does, then at least i didnt waste tons of money just to try it out. Hmmm...I'll observe it & see if it actually works.

Anyways, I saw a small Nivea Creme & i wanted to try it, but doesn't want to buy the big container too..for fear again of not being able to use it if ever.... I know that it is suited for oily skin...but i was thinking of actually using it as a body moisturizer instead of a facial moisturizer. So i included that little tin...what i like about the little tin is the packaging...look at those adorable hearts on it... XP

I put it on my lips now (im about to fall asleep) & i feel that my lips are really moisturized. Its like it locks in the moisture. Now, i know that i have to buy another one....This one is for my lips...i'd do this nightly to achieve softer lips (i hope!)... petroleum jelly just doesn't work...then ill buy another for my feet...yep..my poor tired feet is in need of TLC....im pretty sure Nivea will help bring my feet's glory back...lol!

Then the facial wipes is just to be added to my kit because its a must to have wet wipes with me. Since i don't want big ones, so this small packet fits on my kit perfectly.