"It's only in the face of horror that you truly find your nobler selves. And you can be so noble." - Gabriel from Constantine
I have a million thoughts in my head, but a single prayer for those who have directly been affected by the storms that ravaged my country. You will rise above it like we've done thousands of times. Because we're Filipinos and if there's one word to describe us, it's "resilient."
29 September 2009
25 September 2009
Blog Identity Crisis
It was supposed to be a blog about effective but cheap beauty products because I would just about die than spend more than P300 on anything that makes me beautiful. This includes beauty and wellness products, clothes, and shoes. Okay, with shoes, my threshold is P2000 because I tried buying those cheap shoes that nearly killed off my beautiful toes and I swore never to entrust my pretty little feet on those damn cheap-o shoes!
But then again, I don't want to just write about beautiness (as my friend June might say), because that could get tiring, right? And thus that's the reason why I have those categories on top of my blog which I promise to populate in the near future.
Then I felt tired looking at this baduy image day in and day out. And tried to tune down the baduy theme. I wanted something pink and got this from The Cutest Blog:
I absolutely don't want to start with another blog because it's way too tedious. So for now, suffer with me, dear readers while I sort myself out.
23 September 2009
My First Blog Award Ever!
Lookee!! I got my first blog award ever! Krissy, my new friend whom I met online gave it to me. Isn't that nice of her. Thanks so much, Krissy! And because I was inspired by her beauty routine article. Here's mine:1. For my morning bath routine, I use Cyleina Organic soaps for my body. I have a complicated bathing routine actually because I do have ten soaps on my soap dish. Teehee! And Krissy said it's OTT. It's complicated because the cure to my keratosis pilaris (chicken skin) makes it so. I'll write about it in my next blog entry. But I use Cyleina Organic Rice Bran on those areas with keratosis pilaris, then soap my entire body with my Soap of the Day. For now, I'm reviewing Cyleina Organic Carrot & Pineapple, so that's my Soap of the Day. After I've rinsed the suds off, I apply Cyleina Organic Tomato soap on those damn keratosis pilaris. Then apply Glutamaxxx Ultima (also from Cyleina) on those areas which I want to whiten (I'll just leave you guessing what those areas are. Hihi)
If I'm going out somewhere, I use my Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea Shower Gel. That's my signature scent because I love its candyish smell. I have to be careful not to be within breathing distance from my daughter and husband, though.
2. After bathing, I slather my favorite Cyleina Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream all over my whole body, taking extra attention on those keratosis pilaris spots. If I'm going somewhere, I again use BBW Sweet Pea.No colognes or perfumes for me because they aggravate my allergic rhinitis. I do love these scents from way back:
Clinique Happy
Body Shop's Moonflower (which sadly was phased out.)
3. Then comes moisturizing. I'm using Olay Total Effects for my moisturizer right now. That's enough if I don't have somewhere to go to. But if I have to go out, then I put on just a tiny amount of Ecorre BB cream to give my skin that dewy finish. Then on goes lip gloss. I don't like lipstick much because they're too drying for me. Right now, I'm just using Nivea Lip Care Star Fruits in Strawberry. No makeup or foundation. Those are for special, special occasions.
If I do put on make-up, I just put on some Elianto Glitter Blusher in 02 Dusty Rose. I think this is the wrong color though because I've discovered that I have a warm undertone. I should be getting a peachy shade. I don't have eyeshadow yet and I'm eyeing Bare Naturals Mineral Makeup. For lipstick, I mostly love nude/natural shades. For night time, I go for Avon Gold Lipstick in Natural. For day time, I use Clinique in Creamy Nude.
3. At night time, I choose relaxing Cyleina Organic soaps, such as Cyleina Organic Green Tea soap or Cyleina Organic Grapeseed Extract soap. After applying the Cyleina Organic Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream in Chocolate, I put on my night moisturizer. For now, it's Silka Papaya Night Whitening Cream or the St. Ives Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer. If I'm not feeling lazy, I also apply this yummy Cyleina Organic Peruvian Cacao Solid Body Butter on my elbows, knees, and feet. If I put this on, I feel like I'm freshly baked and ready to eat. LOL! But it does make my rough spots disappear.
All this I'm doing because I'm working from home and have all the time in the world. (At least, I make it that way.) So now, I'm giving this Beautiful Blogger award to Joybeth!
18 September 2009
This Provincial Life!
Nothing beats living in the province. You have all the fresh air that you'll ever need, for instance, and sometimes, you can even see fireflies hovering around an undisturbed bush, a phenomenon I only saw once when I was waiting for a UP-Pantranco jeep. In the province, you can let your guard down, just a little, and never worry whether or not the person beside you is a pervert or a snatcher. (Although, of course, crime still happens here once in a while.) People here are kinder, more relaxed, and there are instances when you can actually be alone and think pretty little thoughts without a car honking at you.
However, life in the province does have its downside. It's way too relaxed for me. I'm the kind of girl who when attending this meditation workshop found her mind go on overdrive when the speaker said, "Close your eyes. Free your mind out of any thoughts." I miss the vibrant life that the city offers. You can feel it the moment your car reaches Balintawak and you're greeted by screaming after screaming billboard. I notice how my husband switches into city driving mode. He's more aggressive as he maneuvers the car in between buses and jeeps; unconsciously, my heart quickens alongside him and starts to beat in time with the city noise.
I sincerely believe that I am a city girl at heart. I love what the city offers. I miss eating out and discovering quaint little restaurants with my husband. I miss its convenience. Here in the province, I couldn't even find a decent pack of Prokids diapers that's NOT manufactured in 2007. Finding nonfat yogurt is as rare as winning the Lotto twice and beef is only available on Fridays.
But I guess, I was specifically placed here because I have a compulsion to buy everything I see that's pretty. My husband cured me of buying signature brands and now, I never buy clothes that cost over P300. And that's something you can actually do here in the province. I draw the line with pretty shoes, though. But I ease the guilt somewhat by buying them on sale. Lately, I've lost my drive in adding to my shoe collection because I don't have anywhere to go to except for the occasional party which is as rare as finding nonfat yogurt here in Guimba. Besides, the only parties I go to are those that you don't even have to dress up for. *Sigh*
Thank God for SCTEX. Now, Manila is within reach in two hours. Yay! And so I get my shopping fix during those instances when my hubby's willing to drive me. Or content myself to what Cabanatuan has to offer. Still, here's another reason for me not to whine that I don't live in the city.
When I was a university instructor, I commuted two hours a day everyday. I rode two jeeps before I reach the university or if I'm lucky, I get to ride the infamous Vizcaya liner. One day, I was riding a bus when a little boy started crying. He was with his dad. People started getting concerned when the crying won't let up. So an old lady asked the little boy's father what's the matter. The little boy said he was hungry. Everyone started offering him a piece of candy, a bag of chips but the boy refused to get them. Why? Because he said he wanted rice! Everyone started smiling and saying what a good boy he was and the librarian from our university ( a good friend) said, "Here, take my lunch. Do you want fried bananas?" And so, the little boy happily munched on my colleague's lunch with the father profusely thanking her.
Could you imagine if that situation happened in the city? I think if that happened in the city, people would do their best to ignore the crying child. I know, because that's exactly what I would do, too. I've probably practiced averting my eyes in every direction to make it easier for me to ignore a situation which made me uncomfortable. No one would ask why he's crying and I'm not sure if someone would even offer him food. I bet the father won't let his child touch anybody else's lunch for that matter (Goodness knows where it was prepared! Could it be drug-laced?) When you're in the city, you're blanketed with suspicion because you want to protect yourself from the evil elements that lurk in every corner.
So, whenever I curse the grocery store or the drug store here in Guimba, who don't have their stock of Olay Total Effects, I think about this heartwarming tale of my commuting days and comfort myself, that yes, I do love this provincial life with all its inconveniences. Besides, Manila is just two hours away. All I need to do is learn how to drive...or ride the Fermina bus.
However, life in the province does have its downside. It's way too relaxed for me. I'm the kind of girl who when attending this meditation workshop found her mind go on overdrive when the speaker said, "Close your eyes. Free your mind out of any thoughts." I miss the vibrant life that the city offers. You can feel it the moment your car reaches Balintawak and you're greeted by screaming after screaming billboard. I notice how my husband switches into city driving mode. He's more aggressive as he maneuvers the car in between buses and jeeps; unconsciously, my heart quickens alongside him and starts to beat in time with the city noise.
I sincerely believe that I am a city girl at heart. I love what the city offers. I miss eating out and discovering quaint little restaurants with my husband. I miss its convenience. Here in the province, I couldn't even find a decent pack of Prokids diapers that's NOT manufactured in 2007. Finding nonfat yogurt is as rare as winning the Lotto twice and beef is only available on Fridays.
But I guess, I was specifically placed here because I have a compulsion to buy everything I see that's pretty. My husband cured me of buying signature brands and now, I never buy clothes that cost over P300. And that's something you can actually do here in the province. I draw the line with pretty shoes, though. But I ease the guilt somewhat by buying them on sale. Lately, I've lost my drive in adding to my shoe collection because I don't have anywhere to go to except for the occasional party which is as rare as finding nonfat yogurt here in Guimba. Besides, the only parties I go to are those that you don't even have to dress up for. *Sigh*
Thank God for SCTEX. Now, Manila is within reach in two hours. Yay! And so I get my shopping fix during those instances when my hubby's willing to drive me. Or content myself to what Cabanatuan has to offer. Still, here's another reason for me not to whine that I don't live in the city.
When I was a university instructor, I commuted two hours a day everyday. I rode two jeeps before I reach the university or if I'm lucky, I get to ride the infamous Vizcaya liner. One day, I was riding a bus when a little boy started crying. He was with his dad. People started getting concerned when the crying won't let up. So an old lady asked the little boy's father what's the matter. The little boy said he was hungry. Everyone started offering him a piece of candy, a bag of chips but the boy refused to get them. Why? Because he said he wanted rice! Everyone started smiling and saying what a good boy he was and the librarian from our university ( a good friend) said, "Here, take my lunch. Do you want fried bananas?" And so, the little boy happily munched on my colleague's lunch with the father profusely thanking her.
Could you imagine if that situation happened in the city? I think if that happened in the city, people would do their best to ignore the crying child. I know, because that's exactly what I would do, too. I've probably practiced averting my eyes in every direction to make it easier for me to ignore a situation which made me uncomfortable. No one would ask why he's crying and I'm not sure if someone would even offer him food. I bet the father won't let his child touch anybody else's lunch for that matter (Goodness knows where it was prepared! Could it be drug-laced?) When you're in the city, you're blanketed with suspicion because you want to protect yourself from the evil elements that lurk in every corner.
So, whenever I curse the grocery store or the drug store here in Guimba, who don't have their stock of Olay Total Effects, I think about this heartwarming tale of my commuting days and comfort myself, that yes, I do love this provincial life with all its inconveniences. Besides, Manila is just two hours away. All I need to do is learn how to drive...or ride the Fermina bus.
17 September 2009
I Lurvey Cyleina Organic Green Tea Soap
I've been under the weather since last Sunday. My throat hurts and I had fever. I missed my daily bathing ritual. So, the moment the fever was gone, I'm back in the bathroom. I used the Cyleina Organic Green Tea soap again. I highly recommend this soap when you're feeling stressed out. You'll be awash with a sense of well-being that no other soap will give you ever. I felt like all my aches and pains were gone after I stepped out of the bathroom. The Cyleina Organic Green Tea is slowly beginning to be one of my favorites. Now, it sits in my soap dish, along with my Cyleina Organic Tomato soap and Cyleina Placenta soap. I'll give you a review of the Cyleina Placenta soap after I'm done with all my Odesk assignments because it did wonders to my face. This is going to be a quick post because I'm going to be very busy today, playing secretary to my hubby. *wink*
06 September 2009
Goodbye Sparcky!
Having a husband who's obsessed about cars will certainly rub off on you. Although I haven't learned how to drive yet and I still can't identify a car model make and year even if my life depended on it, I've learned to love them like family. This morning, the first ever car that we officially owned was sold. It's a '94 Honda hatchback sporting a Lamborghini orange body. It's a car that screams, "Look at me!" It has a sexy roar that made people turn around to look. I loved being on the passenger side of this car. I loved the snug fit of the Recaro seats. I named her Sparcky, because her body sparkles when sunlight caresses her. Sadly, two months before we bought her, I got pregnant. And we've realized that a 2-door is not the best car for a baby. So we bought a sedate 4-door sedan that could hold a baby's car seat athe the back. Next to the taupe sedan which looks like a decent middle-aged executive, Sparcky is a socy colegiala. And does she behave like one!
When the rain pours, we're in eternal fear that her lowered body won't protect her engine from the water. I could actually hear her say, "Eeeewww, puddles!!" whenever it rains. The slightest humps were unforgiving to her underside and she refused to climb even a 15-degree inclined driveway. But we loved her just the same. Before I got pregnant, we went everywhere with her. She best loved it when she's cruising the NLEX on her way to SM Pampanga where she gets to greet her fellow hatchbacks. And it was obvious that she outshone them all.
After my daughter's birth, we didn't use her as much. She sat prettily on the garage, reserved for those occasions when we didn't have to go long distances and provided it didn't rain. She's made for the city, after all. And so we had to say goodbye to her because having two cars is a luxury we couldn't afford right now. But I still remember how I felt like a star, standing next to her or riding shotgun. I sincerely hope her next owner will love her as we have loved her and may she serve them well. Goodbye, Sparcky! And thank you for adding beauty to my life.
The New Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon Soap
Our sense of smell is more important than we think. According to this article, our sense of smell triggers emotional events. And a light bulb suddenly lit up. So that's the reason why every time I use my Cyleina soaps, it's always associated with another experience.
If the Cyleina Organic Green Tea soap evoked memories of nomihodai (all-you-can drink) in Japan and Earl Grey tea, the new Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap stirred up memories of my lunches at McDonald's in Philcoa with my college friends and how I learned how to eat apple pie without burning my tongue and flattening the pie into a messy pulp.
Never adventurous with food and being the probinsiyana I was, I first tasted McDonald's apple pie when I was a freshman in UP. I ordered apple pie because all my friends ordered it. When I bit I bit into it, I felt excruciating pain both on my tongue and my fingers. That damn apple pie was as hot as hell! And so, JM, my Iska friend, taught me the basics of eating apple pie.
She taught me how to hold it gingerly and how to bite into the fold, instead of where the two ends meet. In this way, I won't crush the apple pie and won't spill hot apple pie filling all over the place.
This funny memory was what came into my mind when I started lathering up Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap. This is the latest of Cyleina Organic's holiday offering. Forgive me if I don't have a photograph of it here. I was so excited to try it out that I failed to take a picture. Let my words suffice for now, while I wait for my next batch.
The new Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap has a nice pink hue with brown bits which makes it the prettiest soap in the Cyleina line so far. Now, some of my Girltalker-Cyleina fans say that the Triple Citrus is the prettiest, but I haven't seen it yet. Besides, pink and brown (or anything pink and black) is a great combination. The soap created a nice bubbly lather which I think is very important to soaps. I applied it on my face for two weeks to see what its effects are.
What does apple or cinnamon do to your skin? According to my research, apples contain malic acid, which is a natural alpha hydroxy acid. Alpha hydroxy acids are mainly exfoliants. AHA also increases blood circulation, which is good to the skin. Studies say that an increase in blood flow to the skin will help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, cinnamon, according to Cosmetic Cop, has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Since I'm in my early thirties, I don't have to worry about wrinkles yet. I do have some fine lines along my eyes, the result of rubbing my eyes often. What I mainly wanted to find out was whether or not the new Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap can replace my Cyleina Organic Tomato soap to minimize the raised bumps of my keratosis pilaris or chicken skin. I also applied it on my face because I do have some minor bumps in there. These are not pimples, but perhaps some type of milia. (I still have to ask my dermatologist about this.)
Two weeks after and using up one-fourth of the soap, here's my take on this new product. The scent is definitely like McDonald's apple pie, but unlike the other mild scents, this one had a slightly artificial note on it. Although some fellow Cyleina lovers who were test driving it liked the scent, I didn't like it that much. As for its powers of minimizing the bumps on my arms, it wasn't as effective as the Cyleina Organic Tomato soap.
Since my skin is very dry, the new Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap stripped my face of the oils, making it rough and aggravating those tiny bumps. So far, I've yet to see a Cyleina Organic soap that will work wonders on my face. I've tried Black Pearl, Papaya Goat's Milk, and Lavender and all of them were too drying.I'm sitting beside my brother-in-law's girlfriend right now and I envy her slightly pinkish, almost Korean-like complexion, thanks to Kojic and Black Pearl. I am not giving up yet... I know out there lies my HG soap for my face. I just have to be more patient in finding it.
So although I won't be using the Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap for anything else except for cleansing, it's a wonderful addition to the Cyleina Organic soap line. Besides, it will also make a wonderful holiday gift for my friends. I hope the other Cyleina soap lovers can share their experience with this new variant of Cyleina Organic soaps. Don't hesitate to share with me your thoughts about Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap. Just send me a message and I'll gladly post it here.
If the Cyleina Organic Green Tea soap evoked memories of nomihodai (all-you-can drink) in Japan and Earl Grey tea, the new Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap stirred up memories of my lunches at McDonald's in Philcoa with my college friends and how I learned how to eat apple pie without burning my tongue and flattening the pie into a messy pulp.
Never adventurous with food and being the probinsiyana I was, I first tasted McDonald's apple pie when I was a freshman in UP. I ordered apple pie because all my friends ordered it. When I bit I bit into it, I felt excruciating pain both on my tongue and my fingers. That damn apple pie was as hot as hell! And so, JM, my Iska friend, taught me the basics of eating apple pie.
She taught me how to hold it gingerly and how to bite into the fold, instead of where the two ends meet. In this way, I won't crush the apple pie and won't spill hot apple pie filling all over the place.
This funny memory was what came into my mind when I started lathering up Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap. This is the latest of Cyleina Organic's holiday offering. Forgive me if I don't have a photograph of it here. I was so excited to try it out that I failed to take a picture. Let my words suffice for now, while I wait for my next batch.
The new Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap has a nice pink hue with brown bits which makes it the prettiest soap in the Cyleina line so far. Now, some of my Girltalker-Cyleina fans say that the Triple Citrus is the prettiest, but I haven't seen it yet. Besides, pink and brown (or anything pink and black) is a great combination. The soap created a nice bubbly lather which I think is very important to soaps. I applied it on my face for two weeks to see what its effects are.
What does apple or cinnamon do to your skin? According to my research, apples contain malic acid, which is a natural alpha hydroxy acid. Alpha hydroxy acids are mainly exfoliants. AHA also increases blood circulation, which is good to the skin. Studies say that an increase in blood flow to the skin will help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, cinnamon, according to Cosmetic Cop, has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Since I'm in my early thirties, I don't have to worry about wrinkles yet. I do have some fine lines along my eyes, the result of rubbing my eyes often. What I mainly wanted to find out was whether or not the new Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap can replace my Cyleina Organic Tomato soap to minimize the raised bumps of my keratosis pilaris or chicken skin. I also applied it on my face because I do have some minor bumps in there. These are not pimples, but perhaps some type of milia. (I still have to ask my dermatologist about this.)
Two weeks after and using up one-fourth of the soap, here's my take on this new product. The scent is definitely like McDonald's apple pie, but unlike the other mild scents, this one had a slightly artificial note on it. Although some fellow Cyleina lovers who were test driving it liked the scent, I didn't like it that much. As for its powers of minimizing the bumps on my arms, it wasn't as effective as the Cyleina Organic Tomato soap.
Since my skin is very dry, the new Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap stripped my face of the oils, making it rough and aggravating those tiny bumps. So far, I've yet to see a Cyleina Organic soap that will work wonders on my face. I've tried Black Pearl, Papaya Goat's Milk, and Lavender and all of them were too drying.I'm sitting beside my brother-in-law's girlfriend right now and I envy her slightly pinkish, almost Korean-like complexion, thanks to Kojic and Black Pearl. I am not giving up yet... I know out there lies my HG soap for my face. I just have to be more patient in finding it.
So although I won't be using the Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap for anything else except for cleansing, it's a wonderful addition to the Cyleina Organic soap line. Besides, it will also make a wonderful holiday gift for my friends. I hope the other Cyleina soap lovers can share their experience with this new variant of Cyleina Organic soaps. Don't hesitate to share with me your thoughts about Cyleina Organic Apple Cinnamon soap. Just send me a message and I'll gladly post it here.
02 September 2009
Of Husbands and Exfoliating Soaps
I found this hilarious blog about a distraught husband of a handmade soap maker. It echoed my husband's sentiment exactly. If Mr. Guimba can write as astutely as The Meatist, then he'd be writing these words exactly. You're guaranteed a good laugh!
My husband. the forever skeptic, hasn't been sold in on my addiction to organic soaps. He tried the Cyleina black pearl soap for two weeks and then, he stopped. Could I help it if his skin is impervious to any soap I've asked him to try? I've given up giving him Cyleina soaps because he always has complaints. Men!
Unfortunately, no matter how much I love these products, it's not the cure-all for all skin types. You have to try them and see which ones will work well with your skin. My husband has oily, acne-prone skin. He's tried tomato and broke out into cystic pimples. He's tried anti-acne and Gluta-maxxx Ultima, but I think it's the salicylic components that he's allergic to. (Let me just say that there are three non-organic soaps that are being manufactured by Cyleina, but these are not featured in any of their websites.) After that, he gave up. Nakakasira ng business ang hubby ko. Hehe.
Nevertheless, I have had so many positive responses with the soaps that I'm convinced you just have to keep trying. I myself is a living testimony of how good they are. There are some that I don't like. There are others I can't live without. So there.
My husband. the forever skeptic, hasn't been sold in on my addiction to organic soaps. He tried the Cyleina black pearl soap for two weeks and then, he stopped. Could I help it if his skin is impervious to any soap I've asked him to try? I've given up giving him Cyleina soaps because he always has complaints. Men!
Unfortunately, no matter how much I love these products, it's not the cure-all for all skin types. You have to try them and see which ones will work well with your skin. My husband has oily, acne-prone skin. He's tried tomato and broke out into cystic pimples. He's tried anti-acne and Gluta-maxxx Ultima, but I think it's the salicylic components that he's allergic to. (Let me just say that there are three non-organic soaps that are being manufactured by Cyleina, but these are not featured in any of their websites.) After that, he gave up. Nakakasira ng business ang hubby ko. Hehe.
Nevertheless, I have had so many positive responses with the soaps that I'm convinced you just have to keep trying. I myself is a living testimony of how good they are. There are some that I don't like. There are others I can't live without. So there.
New Cyleina Organic Green Tea Soap
I've never been much of a fan of green tea. My first encounter with them was back in Japan, when I went to a Japanese tea ceremony and was surprised when I was handed tea that made me suspicious. It turned out to be matcha with a thick consistency. Of course I had no other choice but to drink it. I felt like I was drinking mud. Aside from that unpleasant part, it was a peaceful ritual that left me with a sense of well-being and a bitter aftertaste.
I know that green tea is packed with antioxidants. That's why the Japanese look eternally youthful and they enjoy a long, healthy life sans the cancer and the heart disease. Green tea is filled with polyphenols which purportedly shield you from these dreaded diseases. It's also an aid in weight loss. However, no amount of research and health benefits can convince me to ingest this bitter concoction. Unless it comes in a bottle that says C2.
The only green tea cosmetic product that I've tried was the one from Watson's, which I had to buy because in my clumsiness, I accidentally knocked off this huge bottle of Green Tea Cream Body Wash and damaged the spout. The sales person looked so distraught that I had to buy it. I was sure that if I didn't, the amount will be deducted from her pay. I tried the body wash, but I felt like I grabbed a hunk of grass and rubbed it on my body. I felt like a Neanderthal in a cave. I couldn't take the leafy smell even when I used it as a handwash, so I gave it to my little girl's nanny instead. I knew she was eyeing that untouched body wash for weeks. That's why I didn't feel enthusiastic when I was given a huge complimentary bar from the newest addition to the Cyleina Organic Soap line. Miss Leigh is really generous with her freebies, bless her good heart, because the Cyleina Organic Green Tea soap was huge!
Cylein
a's Organic Green Tea soap looks unpretentious. The sample I got had an earthy hue and it looked like the art deco stones I see everywhere in new houses here in NE. I've taken a picture of it here sporting the new sophisticated labels of the Cyleina products. It had speckles which I think are ground green tea leaves. The label says that this soap is made from saponified organic vegetable oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and green tea. When I took a whiff of the soap, it smelled refreshing. And curiosity got the best of me. I cut a chunk of this huge bar (thanks, Miss Leigh!) and used them in the shower.
Cyleina's Organic Green Tea soap does have a refreshing smell. It reminds you of a blissful morning in a forest. In fact, I felt like I was back in high school, hiking with my high school buddies. It lathered well on my hands, but watch out for the speckles! They can be rather rough on your skin. After my shower, I felt that I have finally taken my cup of green tea without complaint. I felt like I've just bathed from a spring. It's like going to tranquil Japan all over again.
However, I've realized how important my moisturizers were when two hours after I came out of the bath, my skin had this thin white film on it. My skin tends to be on the dry side, so I need my moisturizers like water. So perhaps, this is better for those with oily skin. Watch out for my blog post about the two types of lotion from Cyleina Organic which is my Holy Grail as far as lotions go.
My verdict: The Cyleina Organic Green Tea soap is definitely an addition to my bath routine. I'm using it as a night soap to help me unwind. So if I cannot drink green tea, then I'll have my skin do the work instead.
I know that green tea is packed with antioxidants. That's why the Japanese look eternally youthful and they enjoy a long, healthy life sans the cancer and the heart disease. Green tea is filled with polyphenols which purportedly shield you from these dreaded diseases. It's also an aid in weight loss. However, no amount of research and health benefits can convince me to ingest this bitter concoction. Unless it comes in a bottle that says C2.
The only green tea cosmetic product that I've tried was the one from Watson's, which I had to buy because in my clumsiness, I accidentally knocked off this huge bottle of Green Tea Cream Body Wash and damaged the spout. The sales person looked so distraught that I had to buy it. I was sure that if I didn't, the amount will be deducted from her pay. I tried the body wash, but I felt like I grabbed a hunk of grass and rubbed it on my body. I felt like a Neanderthal in a cave. I couldn't take the leafy smell even when I used it as a handwash, so I gave it to my little girl's nanny instead. I knew she was eyeing that untouched body wash for weeks. That's why I didn't feel enthusiastic when I was given a huge complimentary bar from the newest addition to the Cyleina Organic Soap line. Miss Leigh is really generous with her freebies, bless her good heart, because the Cyleina Organic Green Tea soap was huge!
Cylein
a's Organic Green Tea soap looks unpretentious. The sample I got had an earthy hue and it looked like the art deco stones I see everywhere in new houses here in NE. I've taken a picture of it here sporting the new sophisticated labels of the Cyleina products. It had speckles which I think are ground green tea leaves. The label says that this soap is made from saponified organic vegetable oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and green tea. When I took a whiff of the soap, it smelled refreshing. And curiosity got the best of me. I cut a chunk of this huge bar (thanks, Miss Leigh!) and used them in the shower.Cyleina's Organic Green Tea soap does have a refreshing smell. It reminds you of a blissful morning in a forest. In fact, I felt like I was back in high school, hiking with my high school buddies. It lathered well on my hands, but watch out for the speckles! They can be rather rough on your skin. After my shower, I felt that I have finally taken my cup of green tea without complaint. I felt like I've just bathed from a spring. It's like going to tranquil Japan all over again.
However, I've realized how important my moisturizers were when two hours after I came out of the bath, my skin had this thin white film on it. My skin tends to be on the dry side, so I need my moisturizers like water. So perhaps, this is better for those with oily skin. Watch out for my blog post about the two types of lotion from Cyleina Organic which is my Holy Grail as far as lotions go.
My verdict: The Cyleina Organic Green Tea soap is definitely an addition to my bath routine. I'm using it as a night soap to help me unwind. So if I cannot drink green tea, then I'll have my skin do the work instead.
01 September 2009
The Battle of the Peruvians
Looking at the title of this blog post, it sounds like an article about a WWF match. But I'm going to talk to you about this wonderful organic whipped body butter cream from my favorite skin line, Cyleina Organic
, the Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream. You might think, "Why is Miss Guimba always blogging about Cyleina?" It's because I have discovered this really great product and I want to share it with all of you beauty junkies. I tried this awesome product way before it got a sophisticated look and when it only had an original scent. Now, it sports a real sophisticated gold embossed label and has two exciting scents, chocolate and vanilla & milk.
I thought I found my Holy Grail of lotions with the Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea lotion, but after I got complaints from my hubby and daughter about its too strong scent, I had to find a lotion with a milder one. Unfortunately, the BBW Sweet Pea triggers my daughter's allergic rhinitis. So even if its my signature scent for nights out, it has to be replaced.
Anyhoo, enter the Peruvians. The Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream by Cyleina Organics is made from peruvian cacao, beeswax, and shea butter. Peruvian cacao is the most complex substance in the world. It's ORAC value is 40 times that of blueberries. The ORAC value is the amount of antioxidants in a substance. As you might well know, antioxidants battle free radicals that cause aging in our skin. The Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream is the cream version of Cyleina's Peruvian Cacao Solid Body Butter which I think is the Ultimate Moisturizer. However, since I live in a hot and humid place, I'd
rather not have skin that makes me a human version of fly paper. I do love the solid body butter as a massage bar, but we're getting off-topic.
The whipped butter cream has two versions: the chocolate and the vanilla and milk. I've taken a picture of them here. A newly opened chocolate one and a much-loved vanilla and milk tub. You'll see how I love these products by how they look.
Round 1: Looks and Scents
The chocolate version is my first love. It's has a white creamy texture. If you stick your nose near the tub, you'll be welcomed with a whiff of dark chocolate, almost cocoa scent. If you're a chocolate addict, you'll love the chocolate peruvian. On the other hand, the vanilla & milk version of the Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream is slightly brownish in color with the same texture as the chocolate one. The moment you open the tub, a strong vanilla scent will waft to your nostrils. Now, I'd just like to let you know that I was never a fan of the vanilla scent. Cyleina's Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream completely cured me of this aversion to vanilla. The vanilla scent sticks longer than the chocolate, but since I'm going for a scent that doesn't earn me a glare from my husband, then chocolate wins! But let me tell you that my daughter doesn't start sneezing when she smells the vanilla & milk peruvian. So it's a draw.
Round 2: Body Absorption Rate
The label makes this review sound so scientific, right? But for all of you who are wearing moisturizers in the Philippines, this is a major concern. There are so many moisturizers in the market that don't have the perfect balance between high moisturizing properties and absorption capabilities. One might be an excellent moisturizer, but leave so much grease that you'd think you've just participated in a wrestling match with someone in oil . Some may be lighter on the skin, but fail in the moisturizing side.
Let me start with the chocolate peruvian. It does take some time for the body to absorb the cream. You have to smoothen it until your skin absorbs it. The vanilla & milk version is better at the skin absorption game. Just apply once and your skin drinks up its creamy goodness. It's also more moisturizing than the chocolate version, so the winner of round 2 is the vanilla & milk.
I'm still using my chocolate Cyleina Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream, but if I had to make the choice, I'd go for the Vanilla & Milk version. It has this heavenly vanilla scent that makes you feel like you've just had chiffon cake freshly baked from the oven. The Vanilla & Milk Peruvian will moisturize any dry skin, leaving it soft and smooth. I couldn't believe how smooth my skin was that I'd spend time just running my hand over it. My husband attests to it. He couldn't keep touching my skin and saying, "Ang kinis mo na!" So grab your Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream now and slather this luxurious cream after every bath.
, the Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream. You might think, "Why is Miss Guimba always blogging about Cyleina?" It's because I have discovered this really great product and I want to share it with all of you beauty junkies. I tried this awesome product way before it got a sophisticated look and when it only had an original scent. Now, it sports a real sophisticated gold embossed label and has two exciting scents, chocolate and vanilla & milk.I thought I found my Holy Grail of lotions with the Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea lotion, but after I got complaints from my hubby and daughter about its too strong scent, I had to find a lotion with a milder one. Unfortunately, the BBW Sweet Pea triggers my daughter's allergic rhinitis. So even if its my signature scent for nights out, it has to be replaced.
Anyhoo, enter the Peruvians. The Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream by Cyleina Organics is made from peruvian cacao, beeswax, and shea butter. Peruvian cacao is the most complex substance in the world. It's ORAC value is 40 times that of blueberries. The ORAC value is the amount of antioxidants in a substance. As you might well know, antioxidants battle free radicals that cause aging in our skin. The Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream is the cream version of Cyleina's Peruvian Cacao Solid Body Butter which I think is the Ultimate Moisturizer. However, since I live in a hot and humid place, I'd
rather not have skin that makes me a human version of fly paper. I do love the solid body butter as a massage bar, but we're getting off-topic.The whipped butter cream has two versions: the chocolate and the vanilla and milk. I've taken a picture of them here. A newly opened chocolate one and a much-loved vanilla and milk tub. You'll see how I love these products by how they look.
Round 1: Looks and Scents
The chocolate version is my first love. It's has a white creamy texture. If you stick your nose near the tub, you'll be welcomed with a whiff of dark chocolate, almost cocoa scent. If you're a chocolate addict, you'll love the chocolate peruvian. On the other hand, the vanilla & milk version of the Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream is slightly brownish in color with the same texture as the chocolate one. The moment you open the tub, a strong vanilla scent will waft to your nostrils. Now, I'd just like to let you know that I was never a fan of the vanilla scent. Cyleina's Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream completely cured me of this aversion to vanilla. The vanilla scent sticks longer than the chocolate, but since I'm going for a scent that doesn't earn me a glare from my husband, then chocolate wins! But let me tell you that my daughter doesn't start sneezing when she smells the vanilla & milk peruvian. So it's a draw.
Round 2: Body Absorption Rate
The label makes this review sound so scientific, right? But for all of you who are wearing moisturizers in the Philippines, this is a major concern. There are so many moisturizers in the market that don't have the perfect balance between high moisturizing properties and absorption capabilities. One might be an excellent moisturizer, but leave so much grease that you'd think you've just participated in a wrestling match with someone in oil . Some may be lighter on the skin, but fail in the moisturizing side.
Let me start with the chocolate peruvian. It does take some time for the body to absorb the cream. You have to smoothen it until your skin absorbs it. The vanilla & milk version is better at the skin absorption game. Just apply once and your skin drinks up its creamy goodness. It's also more moisturizing than the chocolate version, so the winner of round 2 is the vanilla & milk.
I'm still using my chocolate Cyleina Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream, but if I had to make the choice, I'd go for the Vanilla & Milk version. It has this heavenly vanilla scent that makes you feel like you've just had chiffon cake freshly baked from the oven. The Vanilla & Milk Peruvian will moisturize any dry skin, leaving it soft and smooth. I couldn't believe how smooth my skin was that I'd spend time just running my hand over it. My husband attests to it. He couldn't keep touching my skin and saying, "Ang kinis mo na!" So grab your Peruvian Cacao Whipped Butter Cream now and slather this luxurious cream after every bath.
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