Saturday, April 26, 2014

Such a Sucker for Cute Socks

Ever since stepping into college life, I became quite fond of cute socks. Recently I started attending Zumba classes at Dance Station so I added a few more pairs to my collection.



The first two socks I bought from CNA, a Korean accessory store. This is what it looks like on my feet.




And in rubber shoes!



I'm hoping to collect more soon!

-Aly

Mum's Birthday Celebration at Mesa Restaurant

Last March 5 my family and I went to Mesa Restaurant to celebrate my mother's birthday. Before we dined on delicious food, mum insisted on taking a couple of pictures.

























As you can see we were all happy to spend some quality time with each other especially the birthday celebrant. 

On to the mouth watering dishes they served us...


 Tawilis with Mango and Bagoong, Baked Tahong with Cheese, Green Mango Shake, Fresh Dalandan Juice and Grape Shake

 Baby Squids in Olive Oil

 Bam-I

Chicken BBQ with Honey & Patis

Sinigang na Baboy sa Bayabas at Pina


Everything was so scrumptious! Their appettizers, various viands and fruit drinks were bursting with flavor! I can say that we will definitely come back for more!

For dessert, we surprised mum with a chocolate flavored cake from Red Ribbon




Of course, this post won't end without an OOTD shot so here's what I wore during that night.


 [top: Green Hills | skirt: Landmark | shoes: SM Department Store]






Hope you liked my outfit!

-Aly

Friday, February 21, 2014

Snoe Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder Split-end Mender Treatment Oil Review

I know, I know, I'm totally obsessed with Snoe. In my defense though they sell really good products in the market and they're local. Who can say no to that? Well, hello again! I'm back with another review from Snoe's Hair Heroes Line. This time I'm going to talk about the Invisible Wonder Split-end Mender Treatment Oil. Whew! That was a mouthful!


                Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder Split-end Mender Treatment Oil
                                                                    1.69 fl. oz /50ml
                                                                           (P 499)

What it claims:

Description

Snoe
Hair Heroes
Invisible Wonder
Split End Mender Treatment Oil
Macadamia Nut & Avocado Oil
Fight for your right for gorgeous hair!
Snoe Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder is a super strength split end mender treatment oil that will moisturize and restore the strength of hair without weighing it down. It gently restores the integrity of hair fibers to make dry and damaged hair look and feel wonderful. This treatment oil smoothens ruffled cuticles and unwinds tangles to prevent breakage.
Directions
Warm a few drops in the palms of your hands and distribute evenly throughout clean, towel-dried hair, concentrating on the ends. Comb through, style and have a gorgeous day!
For best results, use in conjunction with any of your favorite Snoe Hair Heroes conditioners.

Warning: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Discontinue use if signs of irritation occur. Store at room temperature.
Ingredients List
Macadamia Nut Oil- helps prevent hair breakage by penetrating the scalp and hair follicles to improve hair strength and elasticity. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin compounds, it helps eliminate frizz by coating the hair shaft with nourishment.
Avocado Oil- contains high levels of vitamin A, D, and E that will benefit chemically processed& mistreatedhair. It is proven to work at the cellular level to protect and strengthen hair.
Cyclopentaxilosane (and) Dimethiconol, MenthaViridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Isopropyl Myristate
Verdict:

I bought this because I needed a split-end sealer whenever I trim my hair at home. I am quite dismayed that this did not do anything for my split-ends. The Invisible Wonder Split-end Remedy Treatment Oil has a lovely scent though, reminiscent of macadamia nuts and pandan. Although it was not able to mend the ends of my hair it made my locks easier to comb, soft and shiny.

You might be interested to know that I got this for only P399 but when I checked out Snoe's website the price was a hundred pesos higher. This makes a good hair serum specially if you are keen on the scent.

-Aly

Snoe Hair Heroes Intense Argan 5-in-1 Cleansing Conditioner Review

Since I have been neglecting the blog for a looong time I decided to do another review on Snoe products. Today I am going to talk about their famous Hair Heroes Line. I have been reading a lot about this fast growing local beauty brand in Candy and Cosmopolitan Magazines. Naturally, I was intrigued and wanted to find out more about the products that they offer. I especially wanted to get my hands on one of their Hair Heroes after reading about it in Cosmopolitan. At first I was aiming to get the Amplify variant of their Cleansing Conditioners since that one is specially designed for thinning hair. And no, my hair is not falling out. It's just that I was born with naturally fine hair, which I got from my mother. I was hoping that this could thicken up my locks somehow. When I went to their kiosk in Landmark Trinoma I found myself debating on whether I should buy a bottle of Hair Heroes Cleansing Conditioner in Amplify, Super Fresh, Intense Argan or Extreme. So you see my dilemma here... I asked my Mum for advice and she said that I should try the Intense Argan variant. The sales lady told us that it is their best seller and she also informed us that this is the product Snoe is most famous for. On to the review...


                                 Hair Heroes Intense Argan 5-in-1 Cleansing Conditioner
8.45 fl. oz./ 250ml
(P 599)

What it claims:

Description

Snoe
Hair Heroes Intense
“To save you from a bad hair day”
With Morrocan Argan Oil
5-in-1
Cleansing Conditioner
Rinse-OutConditioner
Deep-Moisture Hair Mask
Leave-On Detangler
Shaving Cream
Your hair is your crowning glory.
Lavish your hair with Snoe revolutionary 5-in-1 Hair Heroes with Morrocan ArganOil. This INTENSE CLEANSING CONDITIONER replaces shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, leave-on, detangler and even shaving cream! Created for all hair types, it will add moisture without weighing hair down. It cleanses hair without stripping or robbing it of its natural nutrients and oils. It has excellent conditioning and revitalizing ingredients to keep your hair looking beautiful!
Directions
How to use as a cleansing conditioner:
Rinse your hair thoroughly with water and massage Snoe Hair Heroes Intense Cleansing Conditioner liberally into your hair. Start from the crown working toward the ends, adding small amounts of water to help distribute the product evenly. Using a wide-toothed comb, comb through your hair for up to 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
You may also use Snoe Hair Heroes Intense Cleansing Conditioner as anafter-shampoo Conditioner, as a Deep-MoistureHair Mask (leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing out), as a Leave–On Detangler (apply before styling), or a Shaving Cream.

Warnings: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes--should contact occur, flush thoroughly with water. Discontinue use if rashes or irritation appear. Keep out of reach of children. If ingested, get medical help or contact a poison control center .
Ingredients List
Argan Oil – Protects hair from split ends, providing wonderful shine to dull hair. Helps prevent damage due to styling,by improving elasticity. It will also help reduce hair loss due to breakage.
Wheat Protein – Moisturizes every strand.
Milk Protein – Helps protect dry and damaged hair.
Moringa Extract – Provides protection against environmental stress. It helps strengthen hair fibers.
Indian Senna – Helps improve the hair surface, rendering softer and more vibrant hair. It aids in maintaining colored hair.
Cucumber Extract – Helps maintain a healthy scalp.
Deionized Water, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane,Dimethicone/Vinyl DimethiconeCrosspolymer, Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, CucumisSativus (Cucumber) Extract, Cocoamide MEA, ArganiaSpinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Dimethicone, Water, Glycerin,MoringaPterygosperma Seed Extract, Water, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Menthol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance
Verdict:

This smells strongly of coconut. I have to admit that at first the scent was a bit overwhelming but gradually I became more accustomed to it. This hair product is a Cleansing Conditioner, Rinse-OutConditioner, Deep-Moisture Hair Mask, Leave-On, Detangler and Shaving Cream all in one bottle! I tried it first as a detangler and a leave-on and sad to say it did not live up to my expectations. Instead of removing the tangles from my hair it actually made my locks a bit uncombable. Next, I tried it as a cleansing conditioner and that by far is it's best purpose. It doesn't create lather but once I washed it out, my mane felt like silk! This is my current go-to shampoo/conditioner whenever I take second baths within the day, usually after Zumba. Plus the fact that it cleanses hair without stripping off the nutrients is a great bonus as well. Lastly I also tried this product as a shaving cream for my underarms and I can say that I was pretty happy with the results. I didn't have any cuts or knicks on my armpits and I was able to shave at ease. I have yet to try Snoe's Hair Heroes Intense Argan as a deep-moisture mask but I will update you guys as soon as I do!

So excited to try out the other variants of Snoe's Hair Heroes Cleansing Conditioners! I have my eyes set on the Amplify one next...

-Aly

Monday, February 17, 2014

Snoe Christmas Sale Beauty Bundle 1 Review

Hi guys! I know it's been a while since I did any reviews. Being a Psychology Major, I hardly have time to blog. This was really a busy busy week for me. With all the papers I had to write and coupled by the fact that I also needed to study for my Midterms I am just happy that the days have passed by in a blur. Anyway I hope you'll enjoy reading about Snoe Products. Before my review here's a little background information about this local beauty brand...

About

Provides every woman with the tools she needs to be fine, fun and fabulous. The fastest growing retail beauty brand!
Mission
     Snoe will reflect the diverse trends of its consumers as a leader in the local cosmetics industry through innovative and provocative beauty products.

As a represented Filipino Brand, we will establish ourselves as a global beauty brand through its commitment to beauty, youth and innovation

We at Snoe will dedicate ourselves in understanding the value of health and beauty and we passionately pursue to serve our consumers daily beauty needs. 

We will continue to create new products to exceed customer expectations through our devotion.


To learn more about Snoe, visit: https://www.facebook.com/SnoeBeauty


Last December I went to Snoe's Kiosk in Robinsons Galleria to purchase one of their Beauty Bundles. Here's what I got.


Snoe Beauty Bundle # 1

Inside this goody bag are the following items:
  • Body Ritual Recipes Honey Bath Syrup in Passion Fruit Parfait
  • Body Ritual Recipes Whipped Body Frosting in Passion Fruit Parfait
  • Body Ritual Recipes Scrumptious Body Spritz in Passion Fruit Parfait
  • Oh My Wash! Intimate Wash in The Beauty Queen
  • Snoe White Body Softener Extra Strength Whitening Glutathione
  • Snoe White Maximum Strength Moringa Milk Whitening Scrub
Product Reviews:

Let's start with the sponge that came with the bundle. I was really excited to use this since it looked so soft...but when I tried it out I became very disappointed. IT WAS SO ROUGH!!! Like sandpaper on the skin. :( Although I am glad to say that this is the only item that has a  negative feedback so read on!


                  Body Ritual Recipes Honey Bath Syrup in Passion Fruit Parfait
                                                            SIZE Net Wt 3.38 fl. oz. / 100ml
                                                                         (P199)

What it claims:
Description
Have dessert while taking a shower! Bathing has never been so delightful. Snoe Honey Bath Syrups will create a lavish lather that will clean and moisturize your skin. We added anti-oxidants to quench your skin’s thirst, minus the calories.
Snoe Body Ritual Recipe Honey Bath Syrup is a luxurious body wash that will thoroughly cleanse and revitalize the skin. It is perfec for use in the shower or bath. It is uniquely formulated with walnut shells to:
  • Exfoliae away dead skin cells and other skin-dulling debris.
  • Improve skin texture and boost radiance
  • Increase hydration for plumper, more comfortable skin
  • Allow skin for improved absorption of products that follow
Directions

Squeeze a small amount of Body Ritual Recipe’s Honey Bath Syrup onto wet body, sponge/puff or massage directly onto skin. Rinse thoroughly.

Ingredients List

Deionized Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Xantan Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Carbomer, Edta, Sodium Hydroxide and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (and) Methylisothiazolinone. May contain Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 3 (CI 45430), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985) and Red 33 (CI 17200).

Featured Ingredient


Aloe Leaf Juice

The ancient Egyptians dubbed it the “plant of immortality.” It contains a plethora of antioxidant components, including flavonoids, vitamin C, beta carotene and vitamin E that can help improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated.

Verdict:

The first thing I noticed when I used this was the scent. It smelled so darn good without being too overpowering. The texture of the bath syrup is not runny but not too concentrated as well. Another thing that I observed was that the granules were not rough at all! In fact it did a good job of exfoliating my skin. You can apply this using your hands or a bath sponge/cloth.


             Body Ritual Recipes Whipped Body Frosting in Passion Fruit Parfait
                                                           SIZE Net Wt 150 grams / 5.07 fl. oz.
                                                                           (P249)

What it claims:

Description

Body Ritual Recipe 
Whipped Body Frosting

Snoe Body Ritual Recipe Whipped Body Frosting is fortified with Vitamin E to hydrate skin with moisture that lasts all day. Our non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and completely to leave skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished, making it the perfect daily moisturizer. It also contains Papaya enzyme to whiten your skin and SPF 15+ sun protection! Choose from our sweet-smelling, fresh-skin-loving fragrances that are addictive and indulgent!

Directions

Use alone or layer on with other Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Fragrances.

Ingredients List

Deionized Water, Glycerin, Water (and) Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (and) Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (and) Benzophenone – 3 (and) Phospholipids (and) 1,3-Butylene Glycol, CetylStearyl Alcohol, Stearic acid, Fragrance, Triethanolamine, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol (and) Methyl Paraben, (and) Ethyl Paraben (and) PropylParaben (and) Butyl Paraben (and) Isobutyl Paraben, Ceteareth-20, Carica Papaya Extract, Carbomer, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide and BHT.  May contain Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 3 (CI 45430), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 33 (CI 17200).

Verdict:

This lotion feels smooth and is easily absorbed by the skin. It isn't greasy and does not leave weird marks on the skin. It moisturizes without the sticky feeling. The best part about this lotion is that it has spf 20! I would still highly recommend applying sunscreen/sunblock before heading outside but at least if you put on some of this whipped body frosting you'll have protection from the harmful rays of the sun pronto.


            Body Ritual Recipes Scrumptious Body Spritz Passion Fruit Parfait
                                                           SIZE Net wt 4.90 fl oz / 145 grams
                                                                        (P299)

What it claims:

Description

Passion Fruit Parfait – The enticing fragrance of passion fruit twisted in our version of light and refreshing parfait.

Directions

Use alone or layer on with other Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Fragrances.

Ingredients List

Denatured Alcohol, Deionized Water, Fragrance, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fixative, Benzophenone– 3 and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. May contain Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 3 (CI 45430), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 33 (CI 17200).

Verdict:

What I like about this cologne is that it contains anti-oxidants. This also has moisturizers in it. The scent is light but delicious. I don't really know what passion fruits smell like but I loved the scent of this body spritz. Great for every day use!


                                  Oh My Wash! Intimate Wash The Beauty Queen
                                                           SIZE Net wt 4.90 fl. oz / 145 grams
                                                                          (P149)

What it claims:

Description

Sulfate Free. No harmful chemicals. pH balanced. Anti-bacterial. Skin protecting. Clinically tested.
Snoe Oh my WASH! Intimate wash is clinically formulated to gently and thoroughly cleanse and refresh while protecting against infection, itching, odor and irritation. It will protect while maintaining the natural pH of your most intimate parts. It is sulfate-free and contains no harmful chemicals.
Directions
Wet area. Pour small amount onto palm of hand and apply. Rinse Thoroughly. Use as often as needed.
Ingredients List

Deionized Water, DMDM Hyantion, Glucamate DOE-20, Dissolvine, Cocomido Propyl Betaine, Disodium Amphodiacetate, Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate, CDEA. Allantoin, Lactic Acid, RubusCoreanus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Polysorbate 20, Menthol Crystals, Fragrance, Color

Verdict:

I like how the product has such quirky variants of intimate wash. They have The Girl Next Door, The Supermodel, The Beauty Queen and The Movie Star. I chose this because this is their bestseller. The scent is not too strong and pleasant to the nose. It has a cooling sensation which is a bonus for me since that is what I look for whenever I purchase intimate washes. It cleanses and lathers very well and you only need a small amount every time you wash. The down side is that it has no whitening effect but that just my personal preference.


                                              Extra Strength Whitening Glutathione
                                                  SIZE Net wt 125 grams / 4.41 fl. oz.
                                                                            (P299)


What it claims:

Description

Snoe White
Body Softener
Extra Strength Whitening Glutathione
For Normal Skin
Glutathione - DNA synthesis and skin repair, antioxidant, revitalizes, reduces signs of aging, skin dullness and blemishes, evens out and whitens skin.
Indulge yourself in moisturizing softness with Snoe White Extra Strength Whitening Glutathione Body Softener. Our Silk Softness formula features hydrating moisturizers, state of the art whitening and anti-aging ingredients that replenish your skin and enhance all over smoothness. Contains vitamins C, E, B3, Arbutin, Grape seed oil and Glutathione. The result is irresistible, touchable soft translucent skin.
Directions
Apply after bath or shower or anytime, as often as necessary. Gently massage body softener into dry body areas. Allow to remain and soak in several minutes before dressing. Our thick but non-greasy formulation will be absorbed by the dry skin tissues, leaving skin soft, smooth and beautifully moisturized.
Ingredients List
Water, Glyceryl stearate, Ceterth 20, Cetereth-12, Cethyl alcohol, Steryl alcohol, PPG, Dimethicone, Xanthan gum, Sodium ascorbate (Vit. C), Tocopherol (Vit. E), Arbutin, Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Phenoxyethanol, Grape seed oil, Glutathione powder,  Triethanolamine, Stearic acid, Titanium dioxide, Glycerylmonostrearate
Verdict:
This feels like silk in a bottle! It's super soft and thick which is great for dry skin. What I don't find very appealing though is that it leaves pink streaks on the skin. This can be used as a substitute for lotion/moisturizer.


                  Snoe White Maximum Strength Moringa Milk Whitening Scrub
                                                   SIZE Net Wt 12.34 oz / 300 grams
                                                                             (P349)

What it claims:

Description

Moringa
  • Possesses the ability to filter out impurities deposited deep within the skin with an amazing detoxifying , purifying and rejuvenating action.
  • Protects skin from inflammation, pollution, wrinkles and skin disorders
  • It also helps in enhancing fairness of skin by bringing back the balance of natural skin color and tone.
  • Rich in vitamins A, D, and E.
  • Strengthens skin’s resistance to harsh elements.
  • Combats dehydrated skin while exfoliating outer layers of the epidermis.
Milk
The ultimate opulent bathing indulgence. It dates back to Cleopatra, who used milk for its rich texture and moisturizing qualities. Snoe White’s Maximum Strength Moringa& Milk Whitening Scrub uses real milk in the formulations to carry milk’s intrinsic benefits forward.
A delicious way to exfoliate, it is sure to feed your hunger for beautiful whiter skin. Pleasure your body with this appetizing body scrub fortified with Kojic Acid that is guaranteed to bring out your inner radiance and polished glow.

Directions

Apply gently to wet skin in a circular motion. Leave on for 3 minutes, and then rinse off with water.

Ingredients List

Sea Salt, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Nonfat Dry Milk, Fragrance, Kojic Acid, Cerica Papaya Extract, Fragrance, Water, Gycerine, MoringaPterygosperma Seed Extract, MalaleucaAlternifolia( Tea Tree)Leaf Oil, Blue 1, Yellow 5

Featured Ingredient

Cow's Milk



The ultimate opulent bathing indulgence. It dates back to Cleopatra, who used milk for its rich texture and moisturizing qualities. Snoe White’s Extra Strength Kojic& Milk Whitening Scrub uses real milk in the formulations to carry milk’s intrinsic benefits forward.
A delicious way to exfoliate, it is sure to feed your hunger for beautiful, whiter skin. Pleasure your body with this appetizing body scrub fortified with Kojic Acid that is guaranteed to bring out your inner radiance and polished glow.

Verdict:

Truthfully I don't really use body scrubs so this was my first time to try it. This came with a spoon inside to scoop up the product easily. I have to warn you guys that this scrub is really rough. On the bright side it does an excellent job of sloughing off dead skin. My advise is to use this product no more than once a week to exfoliate the skin. Think of it as a special treat on your free day!

Overall I can say that Snoe has made it to my fast growing list of favorite local brands. Their products are very promising and considering that these are locally made, I consider buying from them a great help to our economy. The packaging is really creative and cute. In short, what's not to love? Stay tuned for my review on their Hair Heroes Line!

Interested in buying their products? Go to: http://www.snoebeauty.com/

-Aly