Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Gluta-C Underarm and Bikini Whitening Gel Review

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Are you someone who doesn’t have any sleeveless top in your wardrobe? Are you someone who has tested all of the whitening deodorants in the market? Are you someone who puts on a blazer over your dress? Are you someone who has a dark secret? I was that someone, until I discovered Gluta-C Underarm and Bikini Whitening Gel!

I was 9 years old started using tawas on my armpits because of body odour. During that time, I noticed that my underarm became whiter, but gray-ish, than the rest of my body. When I was in high school, I started using antiperspirant because I thought I was old enough to use one; and I was deceived by commercials that it would give me whiter underarms. Lo and behold!—my armpits became gray like the thunderstorm clouds! Since then, I’ve been jumping from product to product until I’ve got enough.

It is said that “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.” That’s why I started using tawas again last year. Hahahaha! Though I was happy because the shades of gray became zero, I wasn’t still satisfied because my armpits remained dark brown. Then one day, while I was shopping for toiletries, an orange box caught my attention—and it was Gluta-C Underarm and Bikini Whitening Gel.

This is what it looks like:





Gluta-C Underarm and Bikini Whitening Gel 
WHITENS dark underarms, bikini, and sensitive areas.
    • softens and smoothens skin
    • delays hair regrowth
    • gentle and mild on the skin
    • moisturizing
    • deodorizing
    • no sting feeling
    • antibacterial
    • fragrance-free

It is a non-sticky gel which glides smoothly when applied on the skin. I’ve been using this every night for almost 2 months now, and these are what I liked/disliked:

Likes:
    • mild scent
    • paraben-free
    • removed the chicken skin and made my underarms really soft in just two weeks
    • mild on the skin and no sting feeling
    • lightened my underarms 
    • does not delay hair regrowth BUT makes the hair thinner

Dislikes:
    • none


Even though my underarms is still a shade darker than my body, I finally have the confidence to show it to the public! I don’t have to worry if I have to tie or comb my hair in public restrooms, nor if I raise my hand during recitations whenever I’m wearing sleeveless tops.

I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to lighten their underarms. Just be patient because this does not work overnight. It may take 1-2 months to see the lightening effect. For those who have really dark underarms, I suggest using this twice a day. And even though this can be used for sensitive areas, I recommend doing a patch test first especially for people with sensitive skin.

Thanks for reading!

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap Review

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There are some things in life you wish you have found earlier. And there are some words you wish you have never said. We keep on doing and saying things even without proper thinking—making us even more vulnerable to pain and regrets.

Sorry for the dramatic introduction! Hahahaha! I was just recalling the day I told myself that I will never ever use Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap. Why? It’s because I’m afraid that my skin would melt (like how the zombies in Planet Terror did!) because the soap contains kojic acid! ACID!!

(From: http://www.kojiesan.com/products/classic/skin-lightening-soap

Thankfully, I’ve finally learned that kojic acid is different from the acids that I’m talking about. Hahahaha! Just kidding!

Anyway, what actually is kojic acid?

According to their website:

Kojic Acid was discovered in Japan, it is a by-product of Koji or Malted Rice used in the production of rice wine. In cosmetics, kojic acid is popularly known for its remarkable whitening effect and antioxidant properties.
(From: http://www.kojiesan.com/products/classic/skin-lightening-soap) 

Confused? Then refer to this link.

I decided to use this soap because of its popularity and the positive reviews from the users. I was also so desperate to lighten my skin. If you've read my previous post, you'll know that I've used this for six months. These are what I've liked/disliked:

Liked:
    • the fruity orangery smell
    • cheap unlike other skin lightening soaps
    • really lightened my skin
    • did not make my body broke out—it actually dried up the acne I got from my previous soap

Disliked:
    • dried my skin 
    • made my skin more prone to getting darker under the sun 
    • melted easily 
    • lightened only the topmost layer of my skin

I'm actually confused about using this soap because I've read several posts saying that this shouldn't be left too long on the skin, yet, I have never experienced any burning sensation nor allergic reaction even if I scrubbed this on my skin for more than five minutes. Well, I guess my skin is made of steel! Moreover, even though I liked this soap, I eventually stopped using this two months ago because I felt that my skin need deeper and more intense whitening. Even so, I can say that this is a good lightening soap. Just make sure you properly moisturize your skin with lotions and/or body oils. And don't forget to use sunblock!

Still, I can't recommend this to people with sensitive skin. My friend has also used this and he told me that the soap was stingy on his skin. I suggest doing a patch test first just to be sure.

So, I hope you've already decided on whether or not you should use this soap. I'm sorry if this review is not that detailed! I'm still not used to this! Hahahahaha. Anyway, thanks for visiting!

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

My Journey to Whiter Skin

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A lot of Filipinas have been ultimately dreaming of having a fair skin.  Thanks to colonial mentality and society, we were never able to let go of this desire.

As for me, I was just jealous of my mother’s skin tone. She’s working overseas and because of the climate there, she got white. Mestisa nga sabi ng matatanda.  But it was never my intention to actually whiten my skin.

I’ve only been obsessed with skin whitening products ever since I went to college. A month in UPLB gave me a really dark skin tone especially on my arms. We’ve described it as ombre. Not only that, it was the first time my face had actually darkened. That was the time when the lights for using skin whitening products went green.

For almost a year, I’ve been jumping from soap to soap, lotion to lotion, creams, salt scrubs, and sunblock. So far, this is the results:

BEFORE - Taken on December 5, 2014
AFTER - Taken on July 15, 2015
(Oops! Same bed sheets!)

I'm not that sure if this was taken under the same lighting because we've replaced the bulb and I can't remember if it was prior to the date BEFORE picture was taken. Even so, if you would carefully examine the pictures, my skin tone has really lightened. And I can tell you that because I've always been comparing my arms to my breasts (since it it the lightest part of my body) and there was a significant change in my arm skin tone. Even my elbow has whitened a lot!

These were the products that I have used:

    • Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap (discontinued)
    • Psalmstre New Placenta Soap with Goat's Milk
    • C.Y. Gabriel Special Pink Soap
    • Block & White Intensive Whitening in SPF 24 (discontinued)
    • Nivea Intensive Moisture Body Milk (discontinued)
    • A Bonne Milk Power Whitening Lotion
    • Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock in SPF 35
    • Belo Ultra Gentle Sheer Spray


I've used Kojie San soap for 6 months—starting from the day I took the BEFORE picture until May. It has lightened my skin tone but I eventually stopped because I’ve noticed that my skin needs deeper lightening and Kojie San’s effect is restricted to the top layer of my skin only.

I heard that using Kojie San soap will make your skin sensitive to the sun, so I used Block & White lotion every day. I liked this lotion because it is not greasy and has a non-sticky feel. Additionally, it lasts all day that I could still smell a hint of its fragrance even after 10 hours. However, I’m not sure about its whitening capability.

I used Nivea lotion at night together with Kojie San and Block & White to moisturize my dry skin. I loved how my skin felt really soft and smooth when using this! The only reason I’ve discontinued was I wanted to use whitening lotion. But I will switch back to this after I achieve my desired skin tone.

I switched to Psalmstre soap after learning that this was the soap my neighbour uses (she has an even fair skin). I’m just on the 2nd month of using it, and so far, I’m loving the results! I have already seen a change in my skin tone. However, it dried out my skin.

Because of the good reviews online, I started using A Bonne lotion together with Placenta soap. I like how it dries easily and gives my skin an instant glow. However, my hands feel sticky when using this. Furthermore, I’m not sure if this has helped on whitening my skin.
I still can’t give reviews on C.Y. Gabriel soap because I’ve only been using it for 4 days.

NOTE: I’ll still be posting detailed reviews on this product individually. I’ll just finish my exams first.

P.S. If you love cute things, then I recommend watching Kamisama Hajimemashita seasons 1 and 2. You will surely love it!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Hi!

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You might ask me why I started this blog. Well, I wanted to improve my English writing and speaking skills. Why? Because in the near future, I’d be taking SPCM1 and ENG10 (courses) and I’m afraid of failing! So I’m creating this blog with high hopes of mastering the English language. Good luck to me!

Just kidding! Hahahahaha!

The real reason is I wanted to share my thoughts and stories to everyone. Only a few knows that aside from Otakuzine (an anime magazine), I also read fashion and anime magazines. Yes, friends! I’m into beauty, fashion, and girly stuff. So don’t be confused if I’m wearing skirts, dresses or cute tops because that’s my other half.

Expect posts about product reviews, hauls, art tutorials, and personal stories. I hope you learn something from me in the future! Thanks for visiting!