My Take on Cosmo Skin Advanced Whitening & Nourishing Collagen Hand & Body Cream

Their claim:

CosmoSkin Collagen Hand and Body Cream is a proven effective formula that has been developed specifically for the special needs of ageing skin.It intensively regenerate and nourishes the skin. It reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, Stimulates the production of the skins natural collagen and it effectively whitens the skin.

Ingredients Highlights:

• Marine Collagen = has antioxidant properties that have been used in skin-care products to prevent or even repair the damage caused by environmental factors, such as UV rays and low humidity, as well as damage associated with the aging process.
• Arbutin = reduces pigmentation in the skin and has been used as a skin-lightening agent since the 1960s. Currently arbutin is combined with other active ingredients in skin-care regimens to treat dark patches from sun exposure, freckles, liver spots and age spots.
• Vitamin C = provides a skin-rejuvenating effect by improving collagen synthesis in the skin that slows down with aging, as well as limiting skin damage from free radicals.

Other ingredients:

Aqua, Paraffinum Liquidum, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Monostearate, Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Perfume, Methylparaben Propylparaben

Packaging:

my empty bottle

It's a plastic container. I love that the opening is located at the bottom. For creams such as this, a bottom opening is very convenient for product with thicker texture such as cream because it's easier to squeeze out without really pouring out more than what I need. Even with an opaque body, I can be sure that all the content will be emptied due to the opening's position.

How I used it:

For more than 3 weeks, I applied the product liberally all over my body. I used it twice daily, morning and evening after taking a bath; with the exception of Wednesday and Sunday evening. I also used this on my hands every after washing. 

Effect on me:

There's a greasy feel when applied. However, it won't last long; probably, 2 to 3 hours after applying.
I found that the product helped reduce the visibility of fine lines.   I saw this on my hands.  As whitening, it did leave a temporary whiteness on my skin after I used it; probably, because of the color residue (white) and the product's texture. I also noticed that my skin was getting quite fair after 3 weeks of using it.
This product also would moisturize my skin for more or less 12 hours so I won't need to re-apply. I also won't suggest of re-applying it without washing first. It's a cream so expect greasiness if you do so. Lastly, I hate the smell. It's like a medical oitnment.  :-(

Verdict on their claim:

reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles = It did live up to its promise, in my case.

Whitens skin = slight

*I will recommend this product to those whose skin already shows wrinkles. Other whitening products causes skin to dry thus contributing to the aging of skin. This is a good combination if you want to achieve both; safe from wrinkle formation while it whitens your skin. However, it does not have UV protection so I'm suggesting a different lotion or cream with UV protection in the morning and this one at night. With it greasy feel, it is better to use it at night, when the weather isn't too hot.

Price:

Php 149.00 at any Watcons branch. Cheap? Compared to other lotion, this 200ml product might be cheap. However, it won't spread easily, unlike lotion, a single squeeze will only cover a little portion of your skin. In effect, you will use more of this product to cover your entire body.

Rate:

Packaging = 10/10

Price = 9/10

Rate on their claim:

anti-aging = 8/10

whitening = 8/10

My Take on Ponds Oil Solution Pore Conditioning Toner

 

my empty container

Their claim: 

You can't neglect the condition of pores to have beautiful skin up close.  Cares for pores to give you a fresh, oil free look that is smooth and refined up close.

Ingredient Highlights:

•   Zinc Minerals and Royal Jelly Extracts = It deeply cleans pores and removes excess oil trapped deep inside the pores for fresh, oil free looking skin.
•   Pore Tightening Essence = It conditions pores for smooth, refined skin.

Other ingredients:

Water, Alcohol Denat, Sodium Lactate, Benzophenone-4, PEG-12, Dimethicone, Dipotassium, Glycyrrhizinate, Perfume, Manthol, Dissodium EDTA, Lactic Acid

How I used it:

After washing my face, I used a cotton ball and put a little amount of product on it.  I just made sure that the cotton was wet enough, but not soaked, to cover my entire face and neck.  A 100ml lasts for 18-20 days if I use it twice daily, with the exception of Wednesday and Sunday evening.

Effect on me:

I don't see a dramatic effect except that I was satisfied that the product got rid of oil and dirt not removed by just washing my face.  I love the minty feel it brought to my skin, I felt so refresh.  Since it has this minty feel, I was quite sure it kind of helped minimize the size of my pores.  The effect also didn't last long.  After an hour or so, I saw oil forming on the tip of my nose.

One thing I noticed about this product, it somehow didn't go along with my facial creams.  It seemed that it pushed away the creams while I was applying it.  I don't know.  Instead of the skin absorbing the creams, this toner kinda glided it away.  

Verdict on their claim:

oil free skin - won't last long

tightens pore - not obvious

freshens skin - no doubt that it cools my skin.  I felt somehow that it tightens my skin.

Packaging:

The container is made of plastic.  On top is an apparatus that pops open when pulled.  I don't advise this for travelers.  It sure will spill out some, if not all, products unless the part that can be opened will be sealed by a scotch tape.

Price:

Php 85.00.  This is super cheap.  I love it!  :-)

Rate:

Packaging = 4/10

Price =  10/10

Rate on their claim:

smooth skin = 3/10

minimize pores = 5/10

refreshes = 9/10

cleanse = 8/10

oil free = 7/10

My Take On Ponds Gold Radiance Set

used for 3 months except the eye cream (far left) which until now is not yet empty

Products I used:

1.      Ponds Gold Radiance Precious Youth Serum

2.      Ponds Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream

3.      Ponds Gold Radiance Youthful Glow Day Cream

4.      Ponds Gold Radiance Youthful Night Repair Moisturizer

Product/s I skipped:

1.      Ponds Gold Radiance Revealed Facial Foam

·       I didn't use this particular product because the whole set itself is already expensive.  I'm out of budget.  Since I was so eager to use the products, I chose not to buy the 'not so necessary' piece and that is the facial foam.  As an alternative, I use Dove soap over this facial foam.

2.      Ponds Gold Radiance Double Action  Radiant Eyes

·         I haven't seen this product anywhere near my place.  Actually, I just saw this on Ponds website.  I want to try this though but it'll wait for awhile.  I'm planning to use another eye cream January of next year.  What I have right now, which is still not empty, is the Ponds Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream.

Other products used:

For the third quarter of the year, my facial care routine includes Dove Pink Soap and Ponds Oil Solution Pore ConditioningToner.  For finishing touches, I would apply Johnson's loose powder when at home or Ponds Pressed Powder when going out.

Over-all verdict to their claim:

anti-aging = The set does not really help with wrinkles although I noticed that it, somehow, stopped its build-up.  It does really good in fading age spots.  My pores also appeared to be smaller compared to using other creams.

radiance/glow = Truly, it lived up to its promise of radiance and glow.  What it takes to achieve such radiance are most likely the products' ingredients which are gold, Vitamin B3, and CLA.  However, the color residue of the product, which is yellow, I'm sure also adds the glowy effect.  

Price for everything:

For the temporary glow it gives, anti-aging result, and the length of usage (3 months), I can say that the price is quite expensive.  The price tag might be what it should be since there are REAL gold microparticles in the product.  Considering the result, however, a Php 2,000.00 ++ price tag is quite expensive for the set.

*Although quite expensive, I will still recommend this set for those who want to achieve a natural glow.  The products, when used alone or used one-by-one, can stand alone.  They are, absolutely, a good base for make-up.

My Take on Ponds Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream

used for 3 months

Their Claim:

Hate those saggy eye circles? PONDS Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream refreshes tired eyes while diminishing puffiness and dark circles. Enriched with 99% real gold microparticles, Vitamin B3 and CLA, it soothes and smoothens the area around your eyes for a brighter, younger look.

Ingredients: (Click for the same ingredients' descriptions.)

How I used it:

I started using the product from July 17 of this year. Until now, I'm still using it and I think there's still a lot left. I am using it morning and night except on Wednesday evening and Sunday evening. After I applied serum all over my face, I smoothed the eye cream, not just below my eyes (as the instruction goes), but also above them. I'm particular in putting the product on the outer side of both my eyes. Then I tap that part with my finger to warm the product.

Effect on me:

This is my first time to use an eye cream. I haven't quite considered it until lately because I'm already alarmed at the rate of which fine lines appear, most especially, at my eye area. I would say that this product does not really help on eliminating those fine lines BUT I think it stopped its rapid increase.

It didn't help much on my dark circles. I just gave birth and since I'm taking care of my newborn, naturally, I lack sleep. Lack of sleep means dark circles. This is supposedly the best time to challenge the product. However, it didn't do much in eliminating those dark circles. Even if I use pressed powder after using it, the dark circle is still quite visible.

Verdict on their claim:

soothes and smoothens the area around the eyes – Since it has a lighter consistency, it really does soothe the area. At my age of 33, when the area around the eye dries up easily, this eye cream really helps to somehow fade its dullness.

Refreshes tired eyes – I didn't feel it.

Diminish puffiness – I say that with constant use, the puffiness below my eyes continues to decrease in size.

Diminish dark circles – I don't think the product help much.

Packaging:

when opened

The product comes in a bottle with a gold nozzle. It does really looks chic and quite handy at that. The container is just perfect for traveling. Problems encountered with this kind of container, please click.

Price:

Php for 699.00. This isn't a reasonable price considering its minimal effect in diminishing dark circles.

Rate:

Pakaging - 7/10

Price – 4/10

Rate for their Claim:

diminish puffiness – 8/10

diminish dark circles – 6/10

refreshes tired eyes – 7/10

soothes and smoothens the area around the eyes – 9/10

My Take on Ponds Gold Radiance Youthful Day Cream

Their claim:

Need a moisturizer that protects your skin as you go about your day? The day-cream works deep within your skin to re-energize the lost radiance of aging cells. Infused with 99% real gold particles, it's proven to improve dullness and protect your skin against UV rays.

Ingredients:

Gold = A natural mineral that boost cell renewal and gives your skin an instant glow.

How I used it:

After I apply serum on my face and eye cream, I'll wait for about 5 minutes so my skin can fully absorb the serum first. Sometimes, I used it after my toner if I'm in a hurry.

Effect on me:

I used the product from July 17 to October 28.  

my used Ponds Gold Radiance Youthful Day Cream (cracked cover)

The promise of glow, although temporary, was really there. I must say this makes me prettier with its instant effect compared to other day cream. So far, this is my most favorite day cream.

Verdict on their claim:

I would say that the effect is only temporary. It's like applying foundation and once I washed it, it's all gone. Although it's a cream that helps hydrate my skin, it's just it; no more, no less.

Packaging:

I like how handy the container is. It comes in a cylindrical container with a press apparatus on top where the product comes out. I had a problem though in getting a few amount of the product from its container. Pressing didn't come smooth. I had to press it three times before I can get a little amount. Either something has stuck up or the straw inside was not on its proper position. I wouldn't know since the whole thing is not transparent. The product was boxed and sealed before it was bought, how would I know if there's a problem. And how will I know if the product is already empty. I won't unless I break it.  As for me, I took the top part but it was very difficult.  It's like opening an authentic perfume.  Below is the phto of what happened to the container after I removed the top part.  I was quite surprised that there still a considerable amount left.

Price:

Php 890 for a 50g. For the natural glow, I would say, the price is a bit expensive.

Rate:

Packaging = 5/10

Price = 7/10

Rate for their claim:

improve dullness = 6/10

protect from UV rays = 7/10

anti-aging = 6/10

glow = 10/10

My Take on Ponds Gold Radiance Youthful Night Repair Moisturiser

my empty jar of Ponds Gold Radiance Youthful Night Repair Moisturiser

Their claim:

 "At night, when skin renewal hits its peak, use Youthful Night Repair, a rich formula infused with 99% real gold micro-particles, Vitamin B3 & CLA. It regenerates your skin’s radiance while you sleep, so you wake up to revitalized skin in the morning."

Ingredients:

1. Gold = A natural mineral that boosts cell renewal and gives your skin an instant glow.
2. Vitamin B3 = Increase production of ceramides and fatty acids, two key components of your skin's outer protective barrier. "As that barrier is strengthened, skin is better able to keep moisture in and irritants out—making B3 a great ingredient if your complexion is dry or sensitive," says Leslie S. Baumann, MD, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute. It inhibits the transfer of pigment to skin cells, minimizing dark spots.
3. CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) = helps skin retain moisture by boosting ceramide synthesis in skin cells; this fortifies the skin barrier and helps to retain moisture in the skin.  CLA is a natural ingredient that allows for skin renewal without harsh chemicals or treatments. It allows you to treat all three layers of the skin to create healthy skin from deep down.

How I used it:

At night, after I washed my my face, I applied my toner first.  Then, I applied the Youthful Night Repair Moisturizer liberally on my face and neck.  I used the product from July 17 to Oct. 28, skipping Wednesdays and Sundays.

Effect on me:

I loved the feel of it during night time.  Some night moisturizers are really greasy.  Although, there's a tinge of greasiness, it doesn't look oily.  In fact, wearing it gave me more dewy effect rather than greasy look.  I even used it when I went out at night.  It was an "emergency" gimmick. With a pressed powder on top of it, plus the little gold particles, I was pretty sure it looked amazing on my face.  

Also, after I washed my face the next day, my skin, even if I was using Dove soap, my face wouldn't dry at all.  My pores appeared to be tighter and I could even get out of the house without applying anything at all. :-)

Verdict on their claim:

regenerates skin radiance while sleeping (revitalized skin the next morning) = Surely, the dullness the previous day were gone at a rate of 80%.

Packaging:

The jar looks classy although the heaviness of the whole thing is not on the content but on the jar.  Travelling, it is definitely spill-proof and I'm quite adamant that the bottle itself is robust enough not to break when inside travelling bags.  Hopefully, Ponds will come up with packet size for this product. The jar consumes so much space on beauty kits.

Price: 

Php 799.00 for  50g.  I find the product quite pricey considering the effect can be achieved by much cheaper night moisturizers.

Rate:

Packaging: 6/10

Price 6/10

Rate for their claim:

skin revitalized the next morning: 9/10

visibility of pores the next morning: 8/10

visibility of fine lines: 6/10

glow: 9/10

My Take on Ponds Gold Radiance Precious Youth Serum

Disclaimer: My first to time to write a review for a beauty product.

Their claim:

“As your skin ages, it may lose its fresh, youthful glow. Use Precious Youth Serum, enriched with 99% real gold microparticles, AHA, Retinol & Vitamin B3, to even out skin tone, reduce age spots and boost your skin’s youthful radiance.

Special Ingredient – Gold (A natural mineral that boosts cell renewal and gives your skin an instant glow.)”

my empty bottle of Ponds Gold Radiance Precious Youth Serum 30ml

How I used it:

I finished the product for 3 months and a half (mid June to November 4), using it only on my face every morning. I skipped applying serum on my neck as moisturizers and creams, which were less expensive, will do. I applied it after toning and 5 minutes before I used my day cream. After I even out the products on my face, I place my palm, especially on parts where wrinkles usually appear, to warm the product. I usually did this for about 5 to 10 seconds. I did this mostly on parts where wrinkles usually appear.

Effect on me:

Since I previously used the Gold Radiance set of Ponds with the exception of serum, I, somehow, notice the difference. Including it in my morning routine, my face became more supple. Although the product didn't claim that it reduces wrinkles, I noticed that it, somehow, slowed down its progress. It also helped reduced the age spot, located on my left cheek, faster. My pores appeared to be at its smallest, better that using the set without it. Since I am very particular with pores, because I have large pores, I absolutely loved how it made them appear smaller.

I also tried using it alone without the day cream. Although my face didn't have that much glow effect compared to using it with the day cream, it still left my skin hydrated all throughout the day.

Packaging:

It comes in a trasparent bottle with dropper. It really looks expensive. The gold particles is really visible. I love how it looks but it needs to be turned upside down if the dropper could no longer reach the serum. When in a hurry and the bottle is almost empty, dubbing is the surest but messy way to get a little amount. Travel wise, it is spill-safe.

Price:

One bottle cost Php 800.00. It's cheaper compared to other serums I see on the net. For me, its already expensive. Although it doesn't show dramatic effect, the price tag is just right for a three month use.

Rate:

Packaging 7/10

Price 9/10

Review

-glow (if used alone) 8/10

-skin tone 6/10

-age spots 7/10

-pore appearance (just my claim) 8/10

-wrinkles (just my claim) 5/10

5 Sundays Beauty Routine

Every Sunday, I am pampering myself.  I feel that I just owe it to myself to check what I have to check to stay fresh-looking and presentable.  Since there are 5 weeks in a month, I worked out a schedule to meet my "stay presentable" look, which I always do every Sunday, to look fresh for the rest of the week. 

I find this 5 weekly routine helpful as I maintain my look.  So here's how my 5 Sundays in a month goes:

1st Sunday:

• ·         bleach upperlip hair
• ·         have a brazilian wax service or just simply shave
• ·         hair treatment
• ·         pluck unwanted eyebrow
• ·         pluck unwanted underarm hair, wax remaining hard to pull unwanted underarm hair, pul-out ingrown hair
• ·         remove unwanted leg hair using an epilator
• ·         trim nose hair using a special kind of scissor
• ·         cut fingernails and toe nails
• ·         shave unwanted hairs found in fingers and toes

2nd Sunday

• ·         get a massage service either a home service massage or go to a spa.  My favorite is Swedish massage.
• ·         cut nails
• ·         shave unwanted hairs found in fingers and toes

3rd Sunday

• ·         facial
• ·         cut fingernails and toe nails
• ·         shave unwanted hairs found in fingers and toes

4th Sunday

• ·         foot spa
• ·         cut fingernails and toe nails
• ·         shave unwanted hairs found in fingers and toes

5th Sunday

• ·         manicure & pedicure
• ·         shave unwanted hairs found in fingers and toes

Daily Facial Care

Since college, I followed the ultimate three-steps in taking good care of my skin.  Although I already have fine lines at the age of 33, I notice that I still have a better skin texture, despite having a fair complexion, than most of the younger women I know.  It is acknowledged that fairer skin acquire fine lines earlier than those with darker complexion. 

Having a youthful glow despite my age, I can only give credit to my early practice of this 3 popular step daily facial routine; cleanse, tone, and moisturize.  Doing this routine, I have my own rules.  Stubborn at that, I usually go for the experience rather than listen to every beauty product critic.  If I'm not satisfied with one product, I stop.  With this, I fashioned the way I do this 3 steps.

In cleaning my face, the product should NOT be soap-free and when I said NOT, I want to create a thick lather when I wash my face.  It doesn't necessarily be squeaky clean.  Some soaps or cleanser still have that moisturizing feel after being used.  Again, I want the FEEL of being clean.  I'm not saying that soap-free cleansers can't clean, I just have to have the feel.  You know, being brought up with creating bubbles before rinsing, I used to follow that idea.

In choosing toners, I go for those that refreshes my skin and when I say, refreshes, I should feel it.  Okay, some say a no-no to toners with alcohol content as it dries your face.  But what can I do?  I just need to feel that my skin is cleaned-up more.  I just need to feel that the my pores really tightened.  And lastly, I want that coolness feel when applying toner.  After all, I'm going to use a cream or moisturizer after.

For creams, facial lotions, or moisturizers, as long as I feel a little bit of grease.  Admit it, no matter how these products claimed they aren't sticky or greasy, at some point, they are.  It only varies with their lightness and heaviness. 

Currently, I added a routine to this 3 steps.  I'm now using a serum.  I applied it after I use toner.  I wait for 5 minutes then I apply the moisturizers.

I also plan of adding another routine which is the eye cream.  Yes, I still haven't used an eye cream at this age and I admit, I must use it now to slow the appearance of fine lines.  I'm also seeing crows feet under my eyes.  I guess, it's time.

For the next blog, I'm going to post the products I am currently using.  These products are not necessarily my favorite.  I'm going to write a review for every product I use.  Again, the review is about my experience.  See you on my next blog.

4 Seasons of Vanity

I was not into beauty products when I was young, probably, when I reached 18 years old.  However, I already knew then that I have this obsessive compulsive behavior since I was little.  Everything I did, and still do, was numbered like taking a bath, combing my hair, brushing my teeth, etc.  Yes, you read it right.  They're numbered.

I will give you an example.  I forgot how I came up with # 11.  Until now, when I'm taking a bath using a tabo, I must scoop 11 tabo of water upon rinsing or I must massage 11x to create a lather.  Well, that's about it.  If I didn't do it, I'd surely feel uneasy the whole day so before I waste my day thinking I started it with a wrong number, I just gave in to my OC behavior.  It doesn't harm me anyway.  So, that's how I go about my beauty regimen.

Giving in to my OC behavior, I have this so-called 4 seasons of vanity.  Surely, we have 12 months in a year and as the title goes, I divided it into 4 making it 3 months per season.  That would be January-March, April-June, July-September, and voila, October-December.  In the Philippines, we experience different temperature in these season.  To me, it doesn't matter if the coldest season ends in early March or rainy season begins in June.  I just follow these 4 seasons of vanity in changing my products which means I use the same product for 3 months and that's it. 

For January to March, which I consider as the coldest months, I use anti-aging products.  From April to June, of course, the hottest as it is summer in our country, I use products that are refreshing to my skin.  I hate thick moisturizers, creams, and lotions, as they feel very greasy during this season.  For the rainy season, which falls every July to September on my list, I use products that gives me youthful glow.  Rainy season feels gloomy and I, somehow, wants to brighten up my appearance.  And for the last season, the Christmas, when parties are everywhere, I use whitening products.  This is the season I exfoliate my skin and use the most wanted products of our fellowmen.

I follow the above regimen, of not using a single product for over three months, so my skin will not get used to it.  Sometimes, we can't get the best of a single product when we constantly use it.  I just feel that our skin should also have time to rest to certain ingredients in order for it to be effective the next time we use it.