From Manila with Love: organic

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Eating healthily, consuming mostly vegetables and seafood, reading labels and steering clear of processed food has been an easy enough switch for me since my whole family made the change as a whole. I do indulge in the occasional bag of chip and (rare) artificially flavored drink (when I do I just take a glass at most). But switching to organic and natural based skincare products can be a challenge. I know it was for me (still struggling a little) regarding underarm deodorants.

But when you realize how much toxins are in those heavily advertised fragrant shampoos and feminine washes you wouldn't think twice about switching too.

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Think about it, those chemicals (mostly carcinogenic*) present in your shampoo, deodorant, cleanser, body wash, intimate wash etc. seep into the pores of your skin and whilst you don't get sick instantaneously and you might argue that some of these do get washed-out by our sweat and pee, there will be remnants. These remnants build-up over time and accumulate to a more alarming level.

Further reading : http://naturalhealthcarestore.com/researchskinabsorbs.htm

CHANGING TO AN ALL-NATURAL AND/OR NATURAL-BASED REGIMEN...MOSTLY

I'm proud to say that most of my skincare is either organic and/or natural/natural-based. I still do use some that aren't "hippy-flower-earth-child-approved" only because they're what works for me currently and it's hard on my sensitive skin if I change up everything all at once.

ORGANIC, ALL-NATURAL, FAIR-TRADE, HALAL AND CRUELTY-FREE FILIPINO BRAND

One of the brands that I've been patronizing this year has released new limited edition products and they've kindly sent me some to try out!

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INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The shampoo is very runny and yes doesn't lather up, like the "traditional" ones but this fact is true for most organic/natural shampoos. It smells refreshingly zesty though.

The conditioner on the other hand doesn't have the slip silicone-based conditioners have so don't expect it to be "hagod-like" and silky-smooth.

Despite those things I like them because my scalp still gets a thorough cleansing especially from all the other hair care products I've used on it days prior. I haven't physically seen a big difference but just knowing that these are organic and natural (plus I haven't had any bad reactions) and that I'm lessening the toxins my body absorbs puts me in a mindful and introspective place.

Household names of mosquito creams typically contain DEET an effective insect repellant as well as a solvent than can dissolve plastic, spandex and nail polish. It can also cause birth defects, which is why infants aren't advised to use mosquito repellants on their body.

Further reading : http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/hiking/deet3.htm

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Don't forget your vaginas! Very happy that the Blossom intimate spray (here) now has a wash counterpart in Bloom. ❤

I quite like the new additions. I'm slowly but surely progressing towards all natural everything and these are a pretty good start. Maybe they'll add toothpaste next? Maybe some cosmetics?

If you have questions about the brand and their products just go to their Facebook page or use their website's contact form here!

xx,
CJ

PS. Would you switch to all-natural skincare and makeup? I don't know if I can make the switch with makeup tbh. I like makeup too much in general.

*carcinogenic - any substance or agent that tends to produce a cancer.

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/nayangu
Website : http://www.nayangu.com/

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.

It was about three years ago, give or take, when we were introduced to the "wonder" oil after the Maracuja phenomena —the Argan oil. Seemingly out of nowhere this oil became the highly "lemmed" beauty elixir that promised a myriad of things from the understandable moisturization to a remedy for skin allergies etc etc etc.

WHAT IS ARGAN OIL?

Argan Oil is one of the rarest oils in the world. It's a plant oil produced from nut kernels of argan trees which only grow in Morocco. The oil can be ingested and applied topically (which is how it's popularly used today).

After my moment with a falsely marketed "100% pure" argan oil (review here) I started using a 100% legitimate argan oil and my facial routine to be honest has never been the same again. Whilst I was using that particular argan oil, I still searched for other options available in the Philippines.

There are a number of brands all claiming authenticity, most of them found in online shops but I haven't found any that personally rung my feminist heart as much as Wellspring of Morocco has.

KNOWN BENEFITS

Heals and repairs acne marks, dark spots, cracked heels, dry skin and elbows.
Heals skin allergies such as psoriasis, eczema, and skin asthma.
Maintains skin elasticity which prevents stretch marks during pregnancy.
Prevents scalp problems such as dandruff, dry hair and hair loss.
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles (anti-aging).

ABOUT WELLSPRING OF MOROCCO ARGAN OIL

Wellspring of Morocco Argan Oil comes from the argan oil cooperatives in Essaouira region in southwestern Morocco. Their argan oil is extracted from argan nuts through traditional means by tribes of Berber women.

Every purchase made contributes to a worthy cause and consumers indirectly take part in the fair-trade movement by supporting and empowering the women cooperatives and tribes that produce the argan oil.

Apparently extracting the oils is extremely labor intensive. It can take up to eight hours for one woman to crush enough nuts for one liter of oil. Being as labor intensive as it is, these women do it proudly and confidently as this provides them the social and economic freedom they wouldn't have otherwise.

Medina, Essaouira - Image via travelchannel.com

Not only that, Wellspring of Morocco Argan Oil is also sourced directly from traditional, government - authorized, Ecocert and USDA organic certified Argan oil cooperatives in Essaouira Morocco.

EXPERIENCE | SCENT | TEXTURE

Argan oil according to discerning beauty articles, is supposed to smell "nutty" or "popcorn-ey" which rings true for this particular brand. It's thin, watery and clear. It doesn't have that yellow-tinge some oils have.

I use it as my night moisturizer and sometimes as my day moisturizer. It feels light on the skin and hasn't given me any problems when used under makeup or mixed with makeup. I'll gladly continue using argan oil or facial oils for that matter as a healthier more natural and organic alternative to chemical-based moisturizers.

This 10 ml starter bottle retails for Php 280 and I've had this bottle for a little over three weeks. I'm currently down to half. My usual amount is three to four drops so I'm sure after a month I'll be out of it. If you limit yourself to two drops nightly (skip during the day) I'm sure this will last a lot longer.

If want to get into facial oils or want to try out argan oil, this 10 ml noncommittal bottle is a good start. Oily or acne-prone skin need not be alarmed with putting oil on the face as these are supposed to help soothe the skin. For the record I have sensitive skin with dry patches and mild rosacea and I've had no problems with it.

Have you tried argan oil? What other facial oils have you tried?

xx,
CJ

PS. My friend who owns/sells this contacted me if I wanted to give it a try. Naturally I said yes! They also have 30 ml bottles for Php 800.
PPS. Make sure the Argan oil you buy comes in a tinted bottle. Argan oil shouldn't be exposed to light as it changes its composition. Comparing to my other argan, that one didn't come in a tinted bottle so I have to make sure it's always in a dimly-lit area in my room. As for other comparisons, they both smell and perform the same to me.

EDIT: Argan oil CAN come in un-tinted bottles, so people can see the golden colour of the oil. Argan oil that come in untinted bottles are supposedly of higher quality so it's deemed ok for light to pass through them but just to be safe, choose the tinted ones. They're usually in amber or blue bottles.

Bottom line it can come in clear or colored bottles but it should be glass (more eco-friendly and plastic also disturbs/changes the property of the oil). Wellspring of Morocco comes in a blue glass bottle just for branding consistency. :)

PPPS. For GOT fans, the series filmed some (or most) of their scenes in Morocco. Cool eh?

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