Roxy[speak]

I first tried using cleansing oils when I tried using Etude House’s Real Art Moisture Cleansing Oil trial and I was really impressed. Usually it takes a lot of time taking off my makeup, wiping and several rounds of washing but cleansing oils are like magic. I immediately fell in love and decided to jump on to oil cleansers fanatic bandwagon.

I stumbled upon Aritaum Fair Smile Fermentation Cleansing Oil from eBay seller bhappywithme. And since this cleanser is Allure Korea Best of Beauty 2013’s Best Cleansing Oil, I decided to get the 120ml size to try it.

This review is waaaay long overdue, my stash is almost empty.

Packaging is a pink transparent plastic (but rather sturdy) with minimal design. It appeals to me as both elegant and cute. I think the bigger size got a pump for better product dispensing. Most texts are in Korean except for the brand, I just call it Aritaum Oil Cleanser and had to google the name for this post. Ha!

Ingredients
C12-15 alkyl benzoate, pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, caprylic/capric triglycerides, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate, triethylhexanoin, PEG-8 isostearate, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, isopropyl palmitate, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, Gossypium herbaceum (cotton) extract, Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract, monascus/rice ferment, Saccharomyces/barley seed ferment filtrate, Glycine max (soybean) seed extract, isostearic acid, butylene glycol, water, fragrance

Fragrance is very subtle, baby powder-ish with a hint of mild flower. It’s very pleasant that I realized the Etude House Oil Cleanser smelled way to ugly compared to this. And even though the label includes “Fermentation” it doesn’t smell anything awful or scary. It’s 100% goodness.

When applied, it’s consistency is almost water, not too oily thick. I use it directly (massaging oil to my face) or use a flat cotton when cleansing the eye area. And a little product goes a long way. I let it stay on my face for a couple of minutes, then I either I wash it with warm water, where it completely washes of in just a few water splashes. But when I am too tired, I just proceed cleansing with my toner, both way works well and feels great on the skin.

Rating: This one is a 5 out of 5 stars!

Would I repurchase? Hell yeah! It’s just a challenge to find this brand here in the Philippines. But I am also eyeing Banila Co’s Clean It Zero for its high praises and cult following.

Have you tried Oil Cleansers too? What brand do you like best? Please do share and comment below.

I love anything that smells like Melon. When I saw A'peiu (a Korean brand) released a hand cream that smells like sweet melon at a super low price, I ordered one immediately. Most of the best BB creams in my book is from Missha and I just found out recently that A'peiu is their sister company. Here's my take on the product...

The Packaging
Packaging is a standard tube like most lotions and hand creams in yellow green. It has a small drawn logo of sweet melon that will somewhat give you the illusion that the product is edible.

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The tube comes in 60ml, easy to squeeze and gives off just the right amount (unlike some other hand creams with gigantic holes).

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The smell from the tube reminds me the Korean "Melona" ice cream in Melon that I've always adored. I was half-surprised that the lotion is not green.:)

The scent
All my hopes had crumbled the moment I've applied the hand cream. The nice melon scent right off the tube was replaced by an annoying scent that is too artificial with a hint of cheap plastic. In 2 seconds, the yummy scent in my mind was replaced by a horrible stench that made me rub the cream off my hands. It was a bit heartbreaking.

The texture and quality
Texture is just fine, as most hand creams are. It's easily absorbed on the skin and doesn't leave a "too greasy" feel. You can put apply it in your hands and type on your computer the next minute.

Overall Verdict
For me a hand cream's selling factor is the scent, and the Sweet Melon Hand Cream failed on that aspect. Texture and quality is not as bad, but I don't like this products on my hands. I am giving it a 1 out of 5 score and will never repurchase. Really A'pieu? I'm sure you can do better.

This product is for people who are not too sensitive about scents and just looking for a fruit-scented hand cream for daily use for a very low price. I got mine on sale of Php 90 from ebay.ph.

For work at home moms like me, Paypal fees can be such a pain. Paypal charges are very steep and costly, specially if your transactions are very often (like every week). For example, if you earn $100.00 for your services, $4.70 will be deducted upfront and the recipient will only receive $95.30 (ughh). You can calculate how much they charge on incoming money here.

They charge on both incoming money (payments) and outgoing money (withdrawals). Plus, there's also a minimal discrepancy during dollar to peso conversion...so there goes our hard-earned money, chipped off bit by bit. This post discusses a few techniques to save a few peso when dealing with Paypal.

It is a known fact that Paypal charges a fee when a withdrawal transaction is made. If I'm not mistaken a Php 50 per transaction (or a dollar) is charged. The only exception is if the withdrawal amounts to Php 7000 peso and up, that fee is waived.

Tip 1: Ensure your Paypal withdrawal transactions to at least Php 7000.00 and up.

Sadly, the local banks have additional fees on their end too. I've been using The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) for the longest time now and they charge Php 200 for every Paypal withdrawal.

I haven't tried Banco de Oro (BDO), but I've read they charges a bit higher charge of Php 250 on every Paypal withdrawal to a BDO bank account.

Paypal Help mentions that "local bank charges may apply", but these rates are commonly not published, specially on the local banks' pages.

Tip 2: Apply a Unionbank Savings Account, they do not charge Paypal Withdrawals.

Yes! I just recently used my Unionbank for my Paypal transactions...and was very relieved to find out they do not charge a fee on withdrawal transactions. Surprisingly, my money went in quite fast (compared to my BPI experience). From Paypal on a Wednesday morning, to my Unionbank on Friday early morning. I'm hooked!

I think it's also the same with Unionbank EON cards, except with EON, you have a limit of $100 for every transaction. For more information on Unionbank-Paypal transactions, they've put up a handy dandy guide.

Tip 3: Avoid using your credit card or debit card to withdraw from Paypal.

A whopping $5 per withdrawal is charged when sending your money to your credit card or debit card. Plus, the transaction takes a longer turn around time..it'll take at least 5 - 7 days for the money to be credited. Personally, I don't see any benefit in this, since credit cards have also additional fees to add to ones finances.

How about you? What local banks do you use to transact with Paypal? Do share your experience. :)

What is the Military Diet?

The Military Diet is a 3-day diet program that if strictly followed, you will lose up to 10 pounds per week without strenuous exercise. The food combination in the menu is designed to kick start your metabolism and lose weight fast. Ideally, the military diet is 3 days on and 4 days off, and you can extend it as long as you want.

The best thing about this diet, is that all things in the menu can be easily found in the kitchen. All you have to do is follow the menu strictly per meal or only eat the allowable alternatives. Another thing, this diet allows you to eat ice cream! :)

I am still on the quest of losing the extra weight I gained during my pregnancy and I believe to have the drive and determination to take on the challenge.

Day 1: Breakfast

Grapefruit
1 Slice of Toast
2 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter
1 cup Coffee (with caffeine, no sugar, no cream)

Day 1: Lunch

1/2 Cup of Tuna
1 Slice of Toast
1 cup Coffee or Tea (with caffeine)

Day 1: Dinner

3 ounces of any type of meat (mine is chicken)
1 cup of green beans
1/2 banana
1 small apple
1 cup of vanilla ice cream

Yes! Heavenly cup of Vanilla Ice cream.

Day 2: Breakfast

1 egg (cooked any way you want, mine is scrambled)

1 slice of toast
1/2 banana

Day 2: Lunch

2 slices of cheese

1 egg (hardboiled or cooked any way you want)

5 saltine crackers

Day 2: Dinner

2 hot dogs (without bun)

1 cup of broccoli
1/2 cup of carrots
1/2 banana
1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream

This is my favorite course!

Day 3: Breakfast

5 saltine crackers

1 slice of cheddar cheese
1 small apple

Day 3: Lunch

1 hard boiled egg (or cooked however you like)

1 slice of toast

For me this is the poorest meal, I still felt hungry after eating lunch.

Day 3: Dinner

1 hard boiled egg (or cooked however you like)

1 slice of toast

At least there's still ice cream. :)

Alternatives:

For Grapefruit - the only substitute for the grapefruit is 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Do not substitute orange or any other fruit.

For toast - instead of a slice of bread you can eat 1/2 cup of whole grain cereal, or 1/2 high protein bar, or 1/4 cup of yogurt

For peanut butter - same amount of almond butter, pumpkin butter. Although I never seem to find any of these in most Philippine grocery.

For coffee - you can drink tea. Don't use alternative sugars (ex. splenda, etc. )
For cheese - you can use same amount of cottage cheese or ham

For egg - you can substitute the egg with a cup of milk or one chicken wing

For ice cream - 1 cup of fruit flavored yogurt or apple juice. But who would want to replace the ice cream anyway?

And the results....drumroll please!!!

The conclusion: I lost 2 lbs and 2 inches on the tummy in just 3 days. Visible fat-loss on the neck and upper arms. Mind you, that's zero exercise for the past 3 days (except for mommy chores). Not much I'd say, but I'm betting repeating the regimen after 4 days and I think being consistent for months will show more promising results.

The hardest part is Day 3, since you will really get the grueling temptation to grab a cracker or two (and I'm glad I've surpassed that test). So yes, I'd say it is effective and will continue to repeat the diet plan next week, but with an hour of running or jogging.

For a more detailed info about the military diet, you can view the official website here.

Lately, I've been very interested with Thailand products because of the recent popularity here in the Philippines. And recently, I've been going out a lot without sunscreen, my skin seems to be a wee bit sunkissed. So to replenish and rescue my darkened skin, I decided the join the community of whitening product-holics. The prices are not so bad, so I decided to purchase some of the thailand product craze.
Note: I'm currently testing them, so I'll update this post as soon as my testing phase has been completed.

Here are the products I bought.

Gluta Pure Soap by Wink White

Gluta Wink White Lotion

And Gluta with Berry by Skinista

And with lots of knock offs around, I made sure I got the authentic products. I got mine from Asian Vanity Shop.

Gluta Pure Soap by Wink White

Full of vitamins E, B3, and C.

Easily be absorbed onto the skin.
Contains mixture of goat's milk, rice milk, and rice bran oil which help to brighten and smoothen skin effectively.
Natural exfoliation that reveals new and whiter skin.

What I Like:

Minimal Scent (for me it smells like oatmeal)

It whitens my skin. (Although I have used it for a few times only, I can already see the effect)

Cute Art and Packaging.

Not easily available. (needs to purchased online)

What I Don't Like:

Melts easily. (make sure to keep it dry in a soap dish)

Dries my skin a bit. (but just put lotion after bath)

Wink White soaps have other variants too. I'll probably try them later too.

Gluta Wink White Lotion

It has SPF 60 to protect skin to harmful sunrays

Whitens skin naturally and nourishes the skin

It has vitamin E to helps skin discoloration and Vitamin C to strengthen smooth skin

Gluta wink has no mercury

What I Like:

Smells like bubblegum (yum!)

Feels very smooth after completely applied.

Whitening promise (will confirm if true).

Cute art and packaging.

What I Don't Like:

Very very sticky (feels like applying toothpaste)

A bit pricey (one bottle is only 300 ml)

Gluta with Berry by Skinista

Gluta with Berry (All in one) contains the following:

Glutathione *Reduced form 6500mg

Berry & Grape seed Extract 2000mg
Co Q10 800mg
Collagen tri peptide 500mg
Vit C 500mg
Alpha lipoic acid 200mg

Freeze-dried placenta extract 50mg

Benefits:

- Master Antioxidant

- Gives pinkish, glowing youthful face and body skin

- No side effects

- Used by mostly Korean, Japanese and Korean models

- Aura skin both face and body.

- Smoothens, rejuvenates skin.

- Skin has more elastin, firmed.

- Noticeable to the people around you.

- Tightens pores

- Clears scars, dark spots, and acne.

- FDA Approved

Directions:

Take 1 tablet a day at bedtime with warm water to optimize the uptake.

Feedback:

I'll update this post after completing the bottle.

Honestly, I'm no real make-up expert. I'm just some junkie that likes to try out new cosmetics whenever I'm tempted by a product. And with the Korean hype actively invading the countries, all of a sudden Korean make up shops started sprouting in the malls like mushrooms.

One of them that has caught my attention dearly, is Skinfood's Peach Sake Serum.

Packaged with a woody looking cap, and a white bottle, you'll really think it's a Sake (Japanese Wine) container.

Contrary to the name, the Peach Sake Serum doesn't give any alcohol stench. It's all the peachy goodness in a non sticky cream. It feels like watery and easily absorbed by the skin. No sticky feeling at all! And after enjoying the very yummy peachy scent, you'll start feeling the pores tightening and gives your face an easy lift.

I use this product as a make up base, or a light moisturizer during the day. I'm so in love with the peach scent, I usually apply it on the face whenever I want to smell something refreshing.

Available in all branches of Skinfood, I'm definitely recommending this good stuff in a bottle.

Will I buy this product again? Yes yes yes!

Score: 5 of 5

This moisturizer does the job! I initially bought the 15 ml size to try it out. It has a gel-like texture that's very easy to apply on the face and neck, and does not leave any sticky feeling.

I really love how it smells, very minimal and clean fresh scent that leaves a slightly cool feeling after applied. So those who are really sensitive with products that are highly-scented, this gel-creme will definitely won't mess up with your nose.

But the best part about Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is how it leaves your skin smooth, soft and supple the next morning (I usually apply it at night). It's a little pricey, but the claim "thirst relief" was really justified. This product is perfect to those who have neglected moisturizing their skins for a while, this is a rescue-kit in a mini glass bottle. After just a few use, your skin will be refreshed.

Will I buy this product again? Yes, I highly recommend this product, and next time I'm getting this, I'll stock up and get the 50 ml instead.

Score: 5 of 5

The Tokyo Love Soap is one of the most raved beauty soap in the Internet. It has claims of smoothening the face, body and the intimate areas. Ohhh yes, it promises to make the grim areas a little brighter and kind-of little less hairier. Interesting!

The formula says it can make the skin tone even, it got chamomile extract to freshen the skin and protect it from undesirable odors and plant placenta to treat sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. Pictures of dark-before and ultra-wow-after in even just one wash. Astonishing!

So I decided to join the commotion.

There was also a rumor of fake soaps, so I decided to get one from a legit seller, to reduce the chance of error and maximum the chance of getting the potential effect. The soap price ranges from Php 700 to Php 900 based on type. It's pretty steep! Please note, I only got the regular Tokyo Love Soap mini which is supposed to be the mini version of the original, so this review does not cover the rest of the TLS variations.

And the verdict....drumroll please.

The rosey scent is next to nothing, it's almost fragrant-free. You have to rub the soap a little more just to get the discrete bubbles coming. The texture is nice and clean, I really like the fact that the soap is simply round and white. But overall, it feels just like an ordinary soap. Not that smooth and not that silky, and not that very flattering for the price.

And if used in the intimate areas, well...again....it's just soap. After 5-6 days of attempting to feel/achieve it claims, I decided to toss the expensive round little thingy and use a different feminine wash. Slow clap.

I'm not sure if you have to use it more than twice a day successively until the soap completely disappears before the effects will show. But I'll update this post someday once I decided to do that.

Would I repurchase?
Hell, no.

Would I recommend this to a friend?
If I hate that friend and want her to spend so much, yes. *evil grin* This is the most overrated soap in the market.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

Review: Aritaum Fair Smile Fermentation Cleansing Oil

Review: Apeiu Sweet Melon Hand Cream

Techniques to Cut Costs when Withdrawing via Paypal

The Military Diet Review

Thailand Products Review

Review: Skinfood Peach Sake Pore Serum Review

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Review: The Tokyo Love Soap

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