From Manila with Love: Ponds

january_2016_empties_skincare_beauty_frommanilawithlove_1

Trash time!
Here are what I've used up the past few months.

Avalon Organics Hydrating Toner 207 ml

Hypo-allergenic for sensitive skin and contains organic ingredients.
No synthetic fragrances, phthalates, harsh sulfates, lauryl / laureth sulfate and parabens.
100% Vegetarian ingredients, certified organic.
Not tested on animals.

Thoughts : It's a good toner. I didn't get any breakouts so I know it's good for my sensitive skin and that's what I most like about it apart from the good ingredients and the points I mentioned above. Already finished two bottles of this.

Pantene Pro-V 3 Minute Miracle 70ml

Has dimethicones and alcohol (bummer)

Thoughts : BUT it stays true to the claim. Within 3 minutes my hair is significantly softer and more manageable during the wash and after drying. I already have a backup in the shower.

Cathy Valencia Papaya Triple Whitening Soap 135g

Has SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), Sodium Hydroxide, "Perfume Water", FD & C Yellow #6, Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Alkalide Capain, Cerecin and Papain, Vitamin E & A ( in order of what was written in the box)

Thoughts : I got it at this event. It's nothing special. Didn't notice anything with my skin. Not harsh on the body and leaves it clean-feeling though. I won't be repurchasing.

Aura 100% Pure Argan Oil 70ml

100% pure cold-pressed Argan Oil

Thoughts : Great argan oil. I mean it's essentially the same as the other pure Argan oils that I've tried. But I do like the glass bottle and gold cap, it feels so luxe and looks great in a vanity. It's also in a pump dispenser which is great. It's cheap too! For something pure I mean. I think it's around Php 1000 + for a bottle. The only con I can think of is that it's in a clear bottle, as I've mentioned here Argan Oil keeps better if it's in a tinted bottle. Already in my list under things I can repurchase.

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Pond's Flawless White BB+ Beige Spf 30 PA++ 25g

Has a lot of chemicals and other ingredients that I don't really approve of like fragrance. I don't even want to mention all of them.

Thoughts : Sheer buildable to Light. Smooth and easy to apply. Light on the skin with a natural finish. Doesn't last long unless used with a primer and set with a good powder. Has a scent to it that I don't like - a little strong in my opinion. Recommend for people who're only looking for a light tinted-sunscreen / tinted-moisturizer type of everyday base. Got it in my Pond's Exclusive BDJ box. Will not be repurchasing.

Aloe Derma 99% Organic Aloe Gel 45g

Organic
99% Aloe Vera Gel

Thoughts : Pricey for 45g compared to other brands (Etude, Tony Moly) but those have other ingredients to it and preservatives this one is purely organic and 99% Aloe. Works well as a light moisturizer and it didn't break me out. Perfect moisturizer under makeup! Also got this in another BDJ box.

Dove Oxygen Nourishment Shampoo and Conditioner

Has SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
Contains fragrance
"Oxygen-infused"

Thoughts : Pretty decent. Didn't make my chemically damaged hair soft and manageable as with other shampoos I've tried but it didn't make it worse. The clear blue gel infused with what I assume are oxygen bubbles are interesting though. The conditioner is okay as well. Also received this in a BDJ box,

What skincare or haircare have you finished lately?

xx,

From Manila with Love Empties and Reviews 1

Yes another post of what I sifted through my magical box of trash. Read on to see what I dug up, what I liked and what I didn't care for.

From Manila with Love Empties and Reviews 2

Ziaja - Jasmine Micellar Water - 200ml - Php 295

It's not one of those makeup - removal ones like Bioderma and Garnier. It's more of a toner (to my initial dismay) and it's a pretty mild, alcohol-free one. I purchased the "dry, mature skin" variant because I knew it would be extra moisturizing. Case in point one of its ingredients is Hyaluronic acid along with Sweet Almond Oil, Castor Oil and Pro Vitamin B5 known "firmers" and skin "plumpers".

Hyaluronic Acid - Improves the appearance of fine lines and helps retain moisture.
Sweet Almond Oil - Has Vitamin E for repairing collagen and Vitamin A for reducing acne flare-ups.
Castor Oil - Helps in disinfecting open wounds because of antimicrobial properties and penetrates deep into the fine lines.
Pro Vitamin B5 - Most noted for its ability to perform as a humectant — a water-binding substance that attracts and retains water.

Further reading :
http://www.livestrong.com/article/32305-skin-benefits-pro-vitamin-b5/
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/sweet-almond-oil-benefits/
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-castor-oil/
http://www.youbeauty.com/beauty/hyaluronic-acid/
https://bettermindbodysoul.com/sweet-almond-oil-benefits
https://alwayshealthyliving.com/benefits-of-hyaluronic-acid-for-skin/

Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Facial Scrub 100g - Php 120

After all the marketing hype I finally got to try the famous Lulur facial scrub via a BDJ box.

Originating from Java, Indonesia, the Lulur scrub was traditionally a ritual used by bride-to-be's to smoothen and whiten their skin before their wedding day.

Verdict : It was okay. No apparent whitening effect in my opinion but the scrub was fine and subtle so it was perfect for everyday. It also didn't lather like other facial washes which I prefer. One thing I didn't like was that it had plastic micro beads (polyethylene). I avoid those as much as I can but was too late with this one. I figuratively smacked myself in the face when I finished the tube and decided to nonchalantly read the back for the ingredients.

Further reading on micro beads/plastic in the ocean and in our food:
http://www.theoceancleanup.com/?gclid=CO_hmvimqMgCFUMrjgodNoEAHQ
http://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/doneer/ja-ik-steun-de-psf/?gclid=CJyE-fimqMgCFYEqjgodW9gJHg

Ziaja Eye Cream 15 ml - Php 150

I liked it as evidenced by the mauling of the tube. It's lightweight and creamy. I think it's a good eye cream for people in their early 20s. Full review here.

Lip Ice SPF 15 Lip Balm - ~Php 100

This soothed my cracked dry lips. I already have a backup. I like that it has spf. I haven't seen a lot of lip balms that have spf.

From Manila with Love Empties and Reviews 3

Pond's Dewy Rose Gel 50 g - Php 399

It's a light moisturizing gel in a pretty frosted glass tub. I thoroughly enjoyed using this one. Mainly for the fact that it was the only one in their line that didn't break me out. Read my full review here.

From Manila with Love Empties and Reviews 4

From Manila with Love Empties and Reviews 5

Kojie San Cleanser + Toner 100 ml - ~Php 70 +

Despite having Ethyl Alcohol as the second ingredient it was surprisingly mild and dare I say moisturizing even, which I can attribute to the third and fourth ingredient - Sodium Lactate and Glycerin (both have hydrating properties). This didn't break me out and it left my skin feeling clean, smooth and a little cool because of the menthol. It also has Ginseng extract, Castor Oil and Rosehip Extract.

Moringa-O Malunggay Herbal Facial Toner 100ml

Alcohol-free, dermatologist-tested and made for dry and sensitive skin? Sign me up please. I purchased this because of the aforementioned claims and because it contained natural ingredients.

It supposedly helps in minimizing pores and reduces pimples, but I like it because it's not harsh, I never had any adverse reactions and it leaves my skin supple. I've repurchased this twice already. Even if it had fragrance like the Kojie San it's one of those toners that don't leave the skin "thirsty" unlike Eskinol and the like. #noshade

Further reading :
http://www.skinstore.com/sodium-lactate.aspx
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-moringa-plant/

From Manila with Love Empties and Reviews 6

Zenutrients Witch Hazel Toner 100ml - ~ Php 200 +

I grew little bumps all over my face similar to pimples just devoid of any pus or redness. It wasn't harsh on the skin and didn't leave it stripped of moisture. I just had an allergic reaction to the Witch Hazel. I was hoping it was just the Dickinson's Witch Hazel I tried long ago that I was allergic to. Too bad eh?

Snoe Snoe White Whitening Detox Clay Mask 40g - Php 200 - 350

Okay okay, I bought this because of the cute tin packaging and the artisan-esque design but at the time I was in need of a new mask to try. And a detox clay mask with Calamansi that helps eliminate deep-seated dirt and AHA's which help in drying up pimples, sounded convincing.

I wouldn't exactly say this was bad. It just didn't do enough to have a noticeable difference in my skin's texture and appearance. Apart from that, it dried up too fast. The gray clay turned "gummy" and doughy over time so it was hard to spread evenly on the face. No bueno.

From Manila with Love Empties and Reviews 7

Etude House Oh My Lash Serum ~ Php 200

It didn't do anything. Period. Full review here.

From Manila with Love Empties and Reviews 8

Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Hair and Body Glaze - 50 ml - Php 299

Ugh. I always get sucked in by their packaging but most things I've tried from Snoe's body/skincare line always left a lot to be desired.

The scent reminded me of cooking oil with a tinge of their "Vanilla Bean and Butterscotch". It felt like regular dry oil on my hair and body. It wasn't particularly moisturizing too. Their packaging maybe one of the cutest ones out there (punny too!) but I just can't get on with their formulas.

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter - 226 g - $46

It's a thick mousse-y body butter that melts onto the skin leaving it soft and hydrated. It's more of a night time moisturizer because of its richness. But avoid using this in the summer or whenever it's hot. It tends to be a little sticky and the smell can get a little cloying because of the heat.

From Manila with Love Empties and Reviews 9

Divinia Tinted UV Base Spf 30 Pa ++ 30 ml - ~ Php 200

It's a very watery tinted sunscreen that you have to shake to mix the pigment up. The shade was a little light and a little neutral but it was passable on my skin tone (MUFE 123) and worked well as an everyday base + spf. The finish was natural; A sort of demi-matte (I have dry/sensitive skin) boasting sheer - light coverage. I'd probably repurchase if I see it again. But I much prefer the un-tinted one in a blue tube.

BDJbox is a monthly subscription box service with boxes reserved up to months in advance. Among all the subscription boxes in the Philippines, this one I personally think has more traction. I scoured reviews and gathered that they have great customer service and work with great brands.

For this March, BDJbox works exclusively with Ponds a very prominent and well-known brand in the Philippines.

I'm definitely not a ponds girl. I've tried most of their products before when I was still a teenager - dealing with hormonal changes - and they never seemed to work. If anything else, they worsened my condition as well as dampened my fragile teenage self-esteem. Sob...sob...sniffle.

But for the sake of science and to give Ponds another chance, I've tried all the skincare (started March 10) and have some interesting thoughts about each one.

Pond's Pearl Cleansing Gel (100g / Php155)

Touted to be perfect for sensitive skin because its non-drying and has its milder ingredients.

Thoughts :The only other gel cleanser I've tried is ZA's and Pond's lathers quite well compared. I do agree that it's mild and leaves my skin soft after rinsing but I feel like it leaves a light film of soap still. It however has a very distinct and strong rose-scent as with most products in this line.

Top 3 Ingredients : Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Glycerin.

Pond's Flawless White Ultra Luminous Serum (30ml / Php480)

Has VA0-B3 helps in blocking skin pigmentation and helps renew skin with Genactiv that interrupts melanin (skin pigmentation) cycles. Both are meant to reduce dark spots and discoloration and in 7 days.

Thoughts: I really like this. The consistency is kinda similar to dry oil and dries to a matte finish. It's very light on the face and leaves it as I said matte and also smooth.

Top 3 Ingredients : Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin and Water

Pond's Flawless White Re-Brightening Night Cream (50g / Php340)

Genactiv is the prominent selling point here again, which helps repair skin damage, and lightens and evens out dark spots.

Thoughts : It's very emollient, and significantly heavier compared to the Rose gel. The first time I used it I got a steroid-induced pea size amount and it was more than enough to cover my face and my neck generously.

Pond's Flawless White Dewy Rose Gel (50g / Php399)

Infused with Rose Lumiere serum made from Alpine rose extract which helps lock in moisture and reduce dullness.

Thoughts : Korean skincare and Neutrogena aren't new to the technology that is gel moisturizers and Pond's is the latest one to join their ranks with the introduction of their own gel-based moisturizer.

The second you open the jar, you're hit with the fragrance. It's light on the skin, absorbs quite easily, and again left my face silky smooth.

Top 3 ingredients : Water, Glycerin and Dimethicone. Ah that explains the smoothness.

Pond's Flawless White BB Cream (25g / Php299)

Has SPF 30 PA++ it's also enriched with Genactiv.

Thoughts : I haven't tried this yet, but from the reviews I've read the light one is pink-based and suitable for NW25 skin and lighter while the beige is suitable for NC35 skin and darker.

OVER-ALL

I love the tub designs on the Rose gel and Night cream. Yes, they're glass-bottomed and not ideal for travel but they do look very elegant on the dresser.

The serum and the Rose gel are my top bets for this line. The cleanser is nice and gentle too. BUT I broke out two days after I started with my new regimen. And the only things I changed are my cleanser, day and night moisturizer and serum. So I have a little investigating to do. I'm currently just using the cleanser and will try to add on the others slowly.

For a Php580 box, it's worth more than what you pay for. You do the math...

...seriously I can't be bothered, you do it.

Thank you to BDJ and Ponds for sending me this box with full-sized products (hello!) and giving me the opportunity try out your exclusive box this March.

xx,

PS. If you're iffy about Rose scents or fragrances in skincare in general, I don't think you'll like this. It's very very fragrant.

PPS. I'm bummed that dark morena or mulato skin isn't more celebrated in the beauty industry, especially the skincare department. It's a work in progress but giant industries like Pond's should use more dark-skinned models for their products other than their whitening line.

Not against whitening in general, to each their own. But do you get my drift? I do hope this helps in lightening my pimple marks and discoloration (I thought that sunblock was only for the beach/pool when I was young) Haha anobateh.

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