When Organic Just Won't Do: 9 days of OGX Hair Products Review

Let me share with you my hair story:

 Since I was a child I had short hair. It was because my hair was very thin, frizzy and "buhaghag". In high school I only had long hair during my first year but couldn't keep it up so I had to cut it really really short. I would call it my "tomboy" days. It was only in my senior year did I learn about the relaxing hair treatment that would straighten my hair. This started all the hair treatments I did to my hair until last year when I got pregnant.

With all the hair treatments I did with my hair, I had damaged hair. Complete with all the split ends, dryness and hair fall. I have tried a lot of hair products until I decided to stop treating my hair with chemicals. I have not undergone my hair to any chemical treatment yet since I became pregnant and I think my hair's thanking me for it now.

So since I subscribed to the May BDJ Box, I found a new hair product that I tried which is the OGX Hair Products. Inside the BDJ Box are three variants which includes Argan Oil of Morocco, Biotin and Collagen, and Keratin Oil.

OGX Hair products included in the May BDJ Box

Here's a little description of the hair products from their official site:

argan oil of morocco

This rare formula has a centuries-old history of providing natural vitamin E and antioxidants while renewing your hair’s cell structure, sealing in shine, and creating lush softness.Safe For Color-Treated Hair • Safe For All Hair Types 

Sachets of Argan oil of Morocco shampoo and conditioner

biotin & collagen

A high performance blend of powerful ProVitamin B7 biotin infuses nutrients into every strand, while plumping collagen adds volume and dimension, and hydrolyzed wheat proteins strengthen, for thicker, fuller, healthier looking hair.

Shampoo and Conditioner

keratin oil

Indulge in rich, fortifying keratin proteins that reinforce each strand, increasing elasticity to resist breakage caused by brushing and styling, while argan oil conditions and smoothes creating a luminescent shine. Strands are strengthened from within and nourished throughout for longer, stronger hair.

Safe For Color-Treated Hair • Safe For All Hair Types

Shampoo and Conditioner

So after 9 days of trying all these variants, here's my review on the following shampoo and conditioner. Each variant has 3 samples included in the box, each variant for three days. Here's the summary of my experience with OGX shampoo.

My favorite of all the variants is Biotin and Collagen because it made my hair soft and smelling fragrant as well. It also made my frizzy hair a little tamed. It also has the most number of stars for its tangle-free effect on my hair. 

All the variants had amazing scents and it smelled great even the whole day. I loved the Keratin Oil's scent the best because it smelled like royalty for me. hihi!:) The lather of all the variants was great because it was really foamy both shampoo and conditioner. I love anything foamy!:) It also made my hair soft but it was not the softness I would want my hair to be. 

Sadly, for the non drying and tangle-free effect of the products I did not get the results I wanted. My hair type is really sensitive and dries up easily I really need a product that would address that. OGX shampoo and conditioner was not able to make my hair not dry and without tangles. I felt that the products were a lot oilier than the usual products I use making my hair feel heavy and damp. As with the tangles, it was a lot harder for me to comb my hair because of the heaviness of the product. So unfortunately OGX did not do my hair good.

Will I repurchase again, maybe not. It's because of my hair type and hair problems that did not really suit their products. If I would repurchase I would try the other variants, who knows I might finally find my match!:)

Have you tried any OGX hair products? Please share with me your experience as well. 

Look Beautiful Naturally with FREE samples from Ellana Minerals

I have known Ellana minerals because of beauty bloggers I follow like Gen-zel of Genzel Kisses, Yette Cruz of Yettezkie's Doodles and Julia Arenas of Bless My Bag. I guess there are a lot of other beauty bloggers who uses the product and I was so fortunate to be able to get some of their free samples.

What is Ellana Minerals Cosmetics? (from their official site) 

Ellana is a Philippine brand and among the first to offer mineral makeup in the country. The name Ellana means "light" or "bright" in Greek origin. The company promises quality products for reasonable prices, accurate delivery and on time, and a wide range of products for different skin tones. 

Upon learning that it's a Pinoy product I was amazed and eager to give it a try. Cause it will not only be good for me, it will also be good for the country. Filipinos helping Filipinos right? Ellana Minerals offers a free sample of their products to individuals who would like it. The sample includes their range of foundation and finishing powders.

According to Ellana Minerals brochure: Loose mineral powder Foundation and concealer delivers superior coverage, effectively hiding dark spots, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and other imperfection making the skin instantly flawless. It has Allantoin and Vitamin E for cell regeneration and moisturizing, Titanimu Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and Kaolin Clay to provide natural sun protection and the long-lasting coverage, Vitamin C to help skin from environmental damage and Fragrance-free, Paraben-free and Chemical Dye Free. 

Below are the items included in their free samples. 

The sample includes:

1. 10 pcs of Intensive Blend Foundations

2. 6 pcs Finishing Powders

3.1 pc Sheer Velvet

4. 5 pcs Concealer Foundations 

In total, its 22 pcs of free samples! Isn't that great? You can try out which color suits you well and you can even let your family and friends try it as well. 

Here is a more detail of what you'll get in the sample:

Loose Mineral Foundation Cafe Breve

Loose Mineral Foundation French Vanilla Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Hazelnut Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Caramel Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Macchiato

Loose Mineral Foundation Chai Tea Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Almond Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Cinnamon Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Cafe Mocha

Loose Mineral Foundation Toffee Mocha

Sheer Velvet High Definition Powder

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Translucent Espresso con Panna

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Translucent Almond Coffee Cream

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Translucent Pumpkin Pie Latte

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Oil Absorbing Espresso con Panna

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Oil Absorbing Almond Coffee Cream

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Oil Absorbing Pumpkin Pie Latte

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Awake

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Revive

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Radiant

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Smile

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Cheer

Wondering how you can get your own free samples from Ellana, just go to their site: www.ellanaminerals.com and click on the Free Samples button and you're good to go. You will only need to pay Php115.00 for the delivery cost and you'll get 22 pcs of Ellana Mineral cosmetics. You will be surprised at how fast the delivery is because I got mine a day after I paid the delivery. You have a lot of payment options so it's really hassle-free.

For easier access you can click here to get your free samples: http://ellana.com.ph/freebies.html

For more information on their products, check them out in their social media accounts:

Official Site: www.ellanaminerals.com

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/ellanaminerals

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellanaminerals

Instagram: http://instagram.com/ellanaminerals

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+EllanaCosmetics

Get your free samples now and let look beautifully natural together with Ellana Minerals!:) 

As Light as the Sun with Kojie-San Skin Lightening Soap

I have been intrigue ever since I've heard and seen Kojie San soaps in the supermarket and drugstores. So finally, one day when I ran out of soap I thought of buying the promo of the soap that is 3 soap for only Php79.00 (I think!) I thought it was about time I gave it a try cause my mom and a high school friend said it actually works.

I was obsessed with getting whiter skin when I was in high school to college so I have tried a lot of whitening soaps. It was only recently, specifically when I gave birth to my son, that I did not want to obsess about it anymore but just target a fair and smooth complexion. Having read that Kojie San offers lightening instead of whitening sold me the idea to try it.

What is Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap?(from their official site)
Made from a combination of Kojic acid, which reduces the formation of melanin, and high-grade virgin coconut oil which deeply moisturizes the skin. Kojie San is the first and original kojic acid soap in the Philippines. 

But first, what is a Kojic?
From http://blog.skintrium.com/lightening-benefits-of-kojic-acid/, Kojic is an all-natural compound found in fungi sort of like mushrooms. It works as it prevents/stops the production of melanin. The Melanin is the substance that gives our skin pigments, the more of it the darker it gets. 

How to use?
Use the soap regularly on your face and body. For me I only used it in my body as I have another product specifically for my face. It is also better to leave it on the skin for a while to let the product work.

I have used Kojie San Lightening Soap for 1 month now and I'll be sharing with you my experience with it. My apologies, my photos are limited due to some technical difficulties (in short, virus infecting my camera).

Kojie San out of the packaging

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT?

Packaging

Kojie san soaps have a very simple brand design but what I like about it is that they have boxes that contains two to three soaps in one. I also like that it still has a plastic covering on it. 

Scent

I super LOVE the scent. It smells like Melon and papaya and everything nice. It also leaves on the skin after use which makes me feel sweet too!;)

Effect

The skin feels really soft and smooth. 

Some of the dry parts of my body like elbows and heel, actually was moisturized even on the first wash. 

WHAT'S NOT SO GREAT?

It melts easily. The thinness of soap made it melt too fast for me. 

I'm not really sure that it made my skin lighten. I think with continued use better effects can be produced. 

I'm not quite sure if the price is worth the length of its capacity to melt. 

MY FINAL VERDICT

 So after a month of using this product I'd say I have a love-hate relationship with it. I love that it's all natural and the scent is really lovely but is kinda disappointed by the melting part. Though I'm a bit dissatisfied with it

I would probably purchase another one because of the scent and the moisturizing effect in did on my skin. The softness and smoothness it brought was really amazing even my husband noticed it. On the lightening part though, I'm not really sure it had an effect on me but with continued use it would probably produce better results. 

So if you're feeling curios about the scent and the softness, why not give it a try. 

Hit me back with your review too!:) 

For more information you can visit them in their:

Official FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/KojiesanPH

Official Website: www.kojiesan.com

Starting Kid's Early with Metrobank Fun Savers Club

I believe in savings and putting money on the bank. Since I was a grade school student I would save coins until I have opened a passbook when I started working. Now that I am a mom I would like to pass it on to my children just like how my Mom did to me.

So I opened up my son's savings account in Metrobank's Fun Savers club today! Weeh! I'm feeling so happy for my little one hihi!:)

Here are the requirements for opening up a Fun Savers Club account for your kids: 

1. Original and photocopy of birth certificate

2. Original and photocopy of marriage contract
3. Original and photocopy of a government issued ID

3. An initial deposit of Php500.00

It's that easy and simple. You will also receive your passbook on the same day. And do you know what else is great about opening up an account?

You can get a Personal Accident Certificate of Insurance for maintaining an amount of Php4,000.00 on your child's account. It has death and disablement benefits for the parent or guardian and the beneficiary will be the child. Great right?! But wait there's more, your kid can also get an educational benefit of Php50,000 included in the insurance. See how little the investment but big the benefits are?

And by the way, the account also comes with a freebie of an insulated lunch bag. I'm very happy with it because it would be very useful for us as my baby's gonna need baon already.

You can also avail of discounts and freebies for partner merchants of Fun Savers Club. For more information on the different partners click here: Partner Merchants

Another feature of the Fun Savers Club is the FSC GC. So what is it? The FSC GC is a gift check that can be purchased by anyone (depositors, non-depositors, individuals and corporate entities) in any Metrobank branch for only Php500.00 only. It is intended to initially fund a new FSC account or to add funds to an existing FSC account. It can be given in special occasion or just about anytime. It's a perfect gift for kids below 18 years of age.

:There are excellent advantages to the FSC GC:•        It’s easy to purchase.  This value-for-money gift alternative does away with documents and other requirements, making it a breeze to purchase for any child with a Fun Savers Club account. •        It’s affordable.  At only P500 per GC,  it’s far less pricy than other popular gifts like video games or gadgets.•        It’s a gift that keeps on giving.  Not only does it increase in value as it earns interest, but it also comes with many fun surprises like freebies, discounts, insurance and educational benefits to club members•        It’s a gift that lasts.  Unlike toys that can be broken or lost, this gift is meant to stay put, grow, and leave a lasting impression on young minds, teaching them the value of saving money.•        It’s a gift that will always be used as intended. Every purchase of a FSC GC automatically translates into money in the bank, just as the giver intended it to be. 

So, calling all parents out there, start saving up for your children and teach them the value of money early on. It's like hitting two birds at once, with saving money for them and making them financially intelligent. 

For other inquiries or information, go to the your nearest bank.
You can also check their official site here: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/personal_product.asp

Discolure: Not a sponsored post. 

A Secret worth telling: Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub

I've always been a fan of body scrubs. Ever since I was a teenager I would always pamper myself with my mom to a body scrub in spas. After my mom's spa card expired, I would use body scrubs at home cause I love the effect it does to my body and skin. I often use body scrubs to relax myself and especially before and after the summertime. Being in the shower and doing body scrub is actually one of my me-times and I truly feel rejuvenated after. I also make sure to scrub before going to the beach or pool because the exfoliating effect can prevent sun blotches in my skin due to sun exposure. It is equally important to use it after the summer time in order to help the skin feel renewed and bring its usual glow after being exposed to the sun.

According to 3fatchicks, there are Five Benefits of Body scrubs. These are for skin glow, exfoliating, increasing flow of circulation, relaxation and my favorite of all is improve the look of aging and cellulite. Read on in their site for more information about the benefits of body scrubs.

So what's the secret I'm telling? It's the Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub is a beauty treatment inspired by the most luxurius Javanese ritual called Lulur.

Lulur is a ritual that was was originally intended for the bride-to-be in order to beautify, smoothen, and whiten her skin before her wedding day. It originated from the royal palaces of Java, Indonesia and products inspired by this traditional treatment are still used by Indonesian women today.

 The benefits of Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub:

• It gently exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells to soften the skin and give it a radiant glow.

• Frequent usage reduces skin pigmentation and evens out skin tone by getting rid of dark patches especially in areas prone to darkening such as the elbows, knees, armpits and the area between the thighs.

• It contains Vitamin E and Green Tea extract, powerful antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals to keep it healthy and young-looking.

• It also contains Squalene and Olive Oil that help maintain moisture in your skin.

 

Now, we Filipinas can expereience it as well. So how to use it? very Simple. Just scrub all throughout your body before showering paying more attention to areas prone to darkening.

My Verdict?

I have nothing but praises to this product because its not only effective its also worth every cent. It was my first time to buy and I was really impressed by the amount of product in its container. It was FULL, it even has excess on the cover. I also like the scent as its not so strong but it leaves a fresh scent on my skin. You can even feel the results as soon as you get out of the shower. The skin feels smoother and it lightens the complexion as well. I use this once a week, during Sundays (an off from all my roles *wink) and make sure I take my time.

So if you love body scrubs or would like to try one, I would definitely recommend Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Scrub. There are other variants that can fit your liking. If you'd also like to try these products in the spa, there's Asian Secrets Whitening Spa as well. Haven't tried it yet, but would like to try it one of these days.

For more information or update, like them on facebook: Asian Secrets FB Page

A Father's Day Treat on Solaire Resort

Want to surprise your dad this coming Father's day? 

 

Then Solaire Resort is the answer! Avail of the discount voucher until June 15, 2014 and dine with your dad and family from June 15 to July 31, 2014. Call 888.8888 for bookings and reservation. Enjoy!

Solaire Resort is located at Entertainment City, (near SM Mall of Asia)
For more information and updates, check their fb page here: Solaire Resort FB Page

TMART Haul: Concealer/Corrector and Pressed Powder/Contouring Pallete

I love online stores! Im a fan becuase I like that I can purchase online and not be in crowded places like the malls or tiangges. So I am always on the look out for online stores. I have discovered Tmart.com because I was looking for makeup palletes. Upon discovring this site I looked for reviews if it was legit or not because of its free shipping worldwide. I got good reviews and bad ones as well but I read more positive feedbacks so I decided to go through my purchase. I bough a concealer and contour pallete. I paid through Paypal and it was really a smooth transaction.

Then I got email confirmation of my order and payment and was asked to wait 45 days for my orders to be shipped. Of course, I had my doubts on whether I will receive my orders because of some of the feedback I've read about it.

 

Luckily, my orders came but I had to pick it up in the postal office. I only paid Php50.00 for the postal fee.

 15 Color Professional Makeup Camouflage Concealer Pallete Php 196.70

Wonderful Shading Powder with 4 colors Php299.00


So generally I would say it was a smooth transaction although it was a long wait. The postal fee of Php50.00 isn't bad as well, right? Its a lot cheaper than paying for the shipping fee abroad.

So more products for me to try, and I promise to make a review about it too!

Have you tried ordering in Tmart? What did you purchase?

My First Giveaway Win: AskmeWhats Dove Giveaway

Last May 26, I received an email from Ms. Nikki Tiu of Askmewhats.com saying that I won one of her giveaways. It was for Dove's I Think Im Beautiful Campaign and the sole mechanic of the giveaway was

To help spread #RealBeauty please comment below your name and email address and share to us the compliments you get from friends that makes you feel beautiful!  Please feel free to share this blog post to your friends on your social media accounts and don't forget to hashtag #RealBeauty #IamBeautiful #RealBeautywithAMW

Here's the link if you want to read more about it:
http://www.askmewhats.com/2014/04/i-think-im-beautiful.html#more

And here is my winning answer: (hihi)

I joined the giveaway not only because I LOVE DOVE products but also because the topic really is important to me. I feel there are so many women out there that needs to be affirmed of their beauty. I even wrote a blogpost dedicated for this. You may click the link if you'd want to read it:
It was only last weekend was I able to see my prizes and everything was amazing. Thank you, Ms. Nikki! I love the products and your blog too!:)

Here are my prizes: 

DOVE Gift pack from AskMeWhats Giveaway


Dove Beauty Moisture Body Wash


Dove Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser


Dove Whitening Deodorant - Original (2pcs)


Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair 

So for a giveaway its really love in a box. Again, thank you Ms. Nikki and Dove for all these products.

Do you want to take the 7 day Dove challenge?
Just visit their facebook page and get your free Dove deodorant sample.

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/DovePH