HANNA

Laneige White Dew Skin Refiner

Bought for: P1210/120 ml

Bought from: Althea Korea

CLAIMS

PERFORMANCE

Laneige White Dew Skin Refiner has three star ingredients same as other products under the White Dew range. These are Trehalose (a moisturizing agent that binds water to the skin, preventing evaporation to keep it hydrated for longer), Saururus Chinensis Extract (effectively brightens the skin and reduces dark spots) and Phyto Sugar Water (moisturizes the skin and brightens it for a radiant complexion).

Incorporating it to my regular skin care, I noticed that my skin has cleared up significantly. Also, my skin has become more balanced and supple with regular use. This is one heck of a hydrating toner that truly hydrates the skin from within without triggering excess sebum production. Despite the bi-polar weather (I meant the intense heat and staying in an air-conditioned room during work hours), my skin doesn't feel dry and taut. In fact, I started getting compliments from colleagues that my skin look bright and clear as if I have something on when all I have is a lip tint and a baby powder.

At one point in our lives, there comes a time when an unavoidable incident truly leave scars behind. Chos! In my case, I suffered a lot of scars from my last year's chicken pox infection and it took me months, like legit, to finally lighten them up. Yes, just slightly lighten as they are still evident in my skin up until now. It just needs proper skincare and the right products to make them look better. Just like what other people believe in, using Sebo De Macho to heal the wounds is the best option so here comes me...following the must-be tradition without any faith at first, just hoping for the best.

Just a little background, Sebo De Macho is made from mutton's tallow (sheep fat) and it sounded gross thinking you are actually slathering fats and grease in your face. I didn't know that when I started but I'm glad I learned it just recently as I am now immune to the greasy texture.

Apollo Sebo De Macho was the cheapest SDM brand I saw when I did a quick visit to the supermarket. I bought it for less than P50 for a small tub with 25g of cream inside. I hate myself for saying this but I actually thought...a product as cheap as this, would it really work? I admit I was being judgmental and I'm truly sorry but I was proven wrong in the end anyway. It does work, at least for me!

I'm quite impressed with the shelf life of about 3 years and about the convenience of the size and container. I can easily carry it with me anywhere whenever I wanted to reapply. Not as hygienic as you have to constantly dip your fingers in but who cares? Just make sure to always use clean hands to avoid contamination.

Sebo De Macho is white and greasy in texture and is also heavy to use as an overall cream for the face, at least in the perspective of someone who has super oily skin. For this matter, I don't think it's great as base for makeup, though would work well as a moisturizer for dry patches. I personally prefer to use it only on target areas so as not to look like I just fried something on my face. Scent is not that great so if you have real sensitive noses, I'm not so sure how you're gonna handle this.

I've collated three photos from my phone so I can show you how the scars looked like. Correction, year should be 2018, my bad! There are still deep scars left but I'm happy that despite the texture, the pigmentation has faded so significantly. Others would say chicken pox scars naturally heals overtime but I truly believe that Sebo De Macho did a huge part in terms of lightening. I had chicken pox scars all over my body which I failed to use SDM on and I regret not doing this before as they are still obvious to date and it has been over a year! Now, you be the judge.

Overall, I'm really grateful and happy that I listened to my parents. At first, I was thinking of going to the derma for a consultation and I even thought of resorting to microdermabrasion but I was so happy I did not spend more than P50 for scar lightening. So yes, Sebo De Macho works in removing fresh scars (and only works on fresh scars)! Now I know why it has been a staple in the Filipino household. Let me know your scar stories! Happy blogging!

Innisfree No Sebum Blur Primer

Bought for: P635 (25ml)

Bought from: Innisfree

I'm doing makeup for years now and I think the secret to a perfect canvas (aside from good skin) is a good makeup primer. They are a lot of primers now in the market and of all the formulas being sold, I like the blurring/mattifying ones because oily skin and large pores is why. We have it in our genes and I couldn't think of anyone in my father's side who didn't go through the hard puberty stage. Anyway, a good primer also improves the skin's texture so you better choose them carefully. I'm glad I have found this primer from Innisfree which is what I have been loving lately.

PACKAGING

Product comes in a small, easy-squeeze tube container that's very travel-friendly.I like pointed nozzles like this as they allow for precise dispensing. It also comes in a cardboard box with sufficient product information such as claims/benefits, directions, ingredient list as well as the expiry date.

SCENT, TEXTURE AND EASE OF APPLICATION

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

I am so far liking Innisfree No Sebum Blur Primer as it does its job in mattifying and blurring the skin. It lessen the appearance of pores and blemishes for a perfect canvas. I also notice that I oil up  less whenever I am using it and that makeup stays for an additional hour or two, definitely longer than without any primers on.

This is one of the cheapest primers out there and you'll think it's even cheaper because a little goes a long way. If you are looking for a primer that blurs pores and imperfection instantly, go for this product! It won't disappoint.

Laneige White Dew Milky Cleanser

Bought for: P1094 (150ml)

Bought from: Althea Korea

In my last Althea Korea haul, I featured several Laneige products just because they are simply awesome. Believe me, in my next shopping trip to the website, I'll make sure to include another Laneige product. Anyway, here's a quick review on this White Dew Milky Cleanser which is part of Laneige White Dew Range.

CLAIMS

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Mist

Bought for: P910/150 ml

Bought from: Althea Korea

CLAIMS

Natural Derma Project Cica Bio-Placenta Cream

Bought for: Free | SRP: P1,950

From: Charis Shop

CLAIMS

Natural Derma Project Cica Bio-Placenta Cream helps in skin rejuvenation and scar healing effects. It also boosts cell vitalization and strengthens the skin's immunity. With its potent ingredients, it can soothe skin troubles and redness and also increases skin's vitality. It also works to hydrate skin, ease skin troubles, acne and scars.

This also claims to the the perfect product if your concern is uneven skin because of scars and sensitive skin that often gets acne.

INGREDIENTS

This product has Bio-Placenta (main ingredient) that uses extracts from plants and their components are close to Human Placenta. It boosts skin cell growth to fight aging, improves skin elasticity and softens out scars and redness. Another active ingredient is the very famous Centella Asiatica Extract from Madagascar that heals scars, appeases scar marks and is known to be an anti-wrinkle ingredient. It is the main ingredient of Cica creams known for its excellent healing effect.

Another ingredient that is found in this cream is Bio-Water which is a special ingredient of Natural Derma Project, made to resemble body fluid and provides natural skin moisturization. It contains amino acid, protein, phospholipid, ceramide, oleic acid, acetyl glutamin and other skin-friendly components.

DIRECTIONS, INGREDIENTS, CAUTIONS

PACKAGING

The product is well-packed, comes with a cardboard box that's loaded with information about the product. Inside is a jar with a silver cap. It looks very simple but also sits very nicely on the vanity area. It comes with a plastic inner seal  and a spatula for sanitary purposes. I appreciate this because I don't need to dip my fingers over and over and I don't have to worry about it being contaminated. Just to be sure though, make sure you use clean fingers.

SCENT, TEXTURE AND EASE OF APPLICATION

It has a subtle herbal scent that I don't find off-putting at all. The cream looks shiny and watery from the inside so I kind of expected that it will be suitable for oily skin. At first glance, it reminds me of Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb because of the watery texture though the latter is only ever so slightly tinted. Both are formulated to be thin, almost gel-like in consistency. Also, both are almost on the same price point.

You'll know the difference in consistency upon application. The NDP has a thinner consistency but leaves a shinier, more moisturized layer. If you have drier skin, you'll find this product more suitable for you. I have oily skin so despite the gel cream texture, I find it a little heavy and warming, hence, more oil and sweat during the day.

PERFORMANCE

This is definitely a hydrating cream and the combination of Bio-Placenta, Centella Asiatica Extract and Bio-Water are effective to soothe and moisturize the skin to prevent early signs of aging. I'm sure you know that the more hydrated you are, the more it would take for your skin to age. I like that this cream does its job in repairing the skin as I see the improvement after just two weeks of use. My blemishes and pimple scars are lightened, redness subsided and I would also credit it to other products I use this cream with. The good thing is that this product complements my skincare and doesn't trigger any allergic reactions. Also, I noticed that whenever I use this, my pimples are healed faster and they dry up easier.

After more than a month of use, my skin has really softened and brightened so if you are really looking for a maintenance cream that boosts skin rejuvenation and repair troubles, you might want to give this a try. I'm still contemplating whether or not to repurchase because of the price point that I couldn't justify. This product is not that miraculous for me to splurge almost P2000 for a single tub. And there are other creams that are as effective and can be availed at a fraction of this product's price. If you have the budget though, go and have fun!

If this product interests you, you can purchase this in my Charis Shop for a discounted price! Happy blogging!