GIGA Tea Tree Oil Review

Hi Guys! I may have been absent from blogging but what have not been absent from my life are my zits.  Oh shouldn't I have been left alone by these buggers years ago?  Blame it on the genes.

I have tried many as in many acne treatments.  My latest acne treatment foray is the Tea Tree Oil from GIGA.  The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil has been buzzing the beauty industry for years now.  I tried GIGA Tea Tree Oil as it was a cheaper alternative.  The derma I consulted last week also advised me to steer clear of my usual first aid for acne - salicylic acid.  She said my skin was thinning as evident in the peeling and reddening.

GIGA Tea Tree Oil

It says on the bottle that this is not a cosmetic.   Errrr, I use this on my zits

The bottle has a stopper that prevents the oil from spilling.

Tea Tree Oil is said to have anti bacterial and antiseptic properties.  These characteristics make tea tree oil a good remedy for acne and blemishes.

How I use it.

Acne Remedy - I put 3 drops of this oil on a teeny tiny piece of cotton.  I then leave it and press it on my zits.  Please note that this imparts a very strong scent.  Some may find the camphor scent overpowering.  Not me since I love  tea tree scent.  It also has a bit of heating effect alleviating the itch that I usually get from fresh zits. I leave the cotton the zit for about 30 minutes. I just make sure to soak it really well so it does not fall off my face.

I put 2 to 3 drops of this on a cotton. I then put the cotton on top of my zits and apply sheer pressure on it to allow the product to seep through the cotton.

Body Wash - I also pour 3 drops of this on my washcloth mixed with liquid soap or body wash.  This gives me that tingly feeling that's perfect for this scorching summer.

Facial Wash - After lathering soap in my hands, I put 2 drops of this then wash my face. I just make sure to close my eyes while washing as it would sting once it gets in your eyes.

Holy Grail Verdict:

Effectiveness: 3/5.  It does not totally dry my zits.  However, it flattens them just a teeny bit.  I find that flattening the zits relieves me of the itch from fresh blemishes.

Availability: 3/5.  This is available in all Giga and Sesou outlets. To those wondering, GIGA stands for God Is Good Always :-)

Price: 5/5.  This small bottle costs around 150 Php.

What's your experience with tea tree oils?

Customer Is Always RIght

Do you believe in the adage that "the customer is always right"?  I do. Even if the customer is not always right, you find ways of communicating to him in the most effective manner possible.  I am in an industry wherein we put premium to how we conduct business and transactions with customers in the most pleasing way possible.   I try my best to live fully to what the capacity of my job asks me to do.  Hence, I also expect the same when I become the customer.

Photo nicked from Google

Just earlier, I went to a derma place in Guadalupe and saw a dermatologist there.  I was being bombarded (what's new right?) by these pesky attention grabbin zits on my face.  My ever trusted dermawas too far and inconvenient for me to see.  I also thought that this might be a good opportunity to see a more accessible skin clinic.  Oh well, I was in for some disappointments!

1) Derma asked me to do away with my mirror and not to watch her in the mirror while she pricks and extracts my zits - MAJOR BUMMER! Watching myself being pricked lessens the pain from the extraction.  It helps me anticipate the pain of the pricking.  I told her it helps me deal with the pain, but she did not budge.  I could not walk away right then and there?

2) Derma was hinting that I may not have seen by a duly capable professional because of the state of my face - Hellow?! Assumptive much? I'm just nearing my period  that's why I have those lovely zits on my face.  She even asked, "is she a derma or a facialist?"  I did not like the insinuation of that question.

3) She did not listen to me - I told her that the reason my face was swollen after pricking was that I have urticaria.  Don't be scared, it's a skin condition wherein the skin reacts by swelling or forming weird patches when triggered by almost anything.  Extreme heat, stress, lack of sleep etc.  She said, "you just have sensitized skin due to the salicylic acid you're applying".  I'm the patient, and I've dealt with my urticaria for almos 3 years now.  I should know.

4)  She did not use gloves - I would have expected for her to wear gloves you know. Perhaps it's a personal thing?

5)  Extraction was not thorough - She was not able to extract the pus from my cystic zits.  She had to resort to injecting them with medication.  She said my skin was so sensitized that she did not want to aggravate it more by pricking? I did not want to argue anymore.  Honestly, my derma would have been able to extract even the deepest of all blackheads and zits.

Long story short? I did not enjoy my experience with her.  Will I see her again? Yes, only if I don't have the time to go to my original derma.  This is going to be very likely since my work demands are crazy! The service of my originial derma coupled with her impeccable skills in skin management is one in a millioin.  I have yet to find someone else who is more skilled and patient in extracting every zit, blackhead and whitehead on my face.

Beat The Summer Heat with Bench Bratsplash

It's sweltering hot these day's, don't you agree? 10 mins of stepping out of the shower and your forehead is already trickled by beads of perspiration.   Even though I hail from Subic, I'm not really a fan of going to the beaches and frying myself.  I have quite sensitive skin and the seawater does not agree with me.

So how do I refresh myself this scorching summer?  I indulge in long baths, drink lots of water and douse myself in one of my favorite summer scents.  Bench Bratsplash.

Bench Bratsplash Strawberry Shake

I alternate this with my Bath and Body Twisted Peppermint cologne.  The good thing about Bench is that it really smells like strawberries and really gives that fresh summery appeal.  It may not smell like a sophisticated brand, but it gives me that young vibe.  The best part about this is that it brings me a sense of nostalgia as this was also what I used to wear in Highschool.  It also reminds me of my niece because I share this cologne with her

This body spritz reminds me so much of my niece!

As with any other Bench merchandise, this is very affordable yet has good quality.  Its staying power is about 2-3 hours.  I love that when I spray it, the scent really lingers.  I like how it smells like strawberry shake.  Another good thing about this is that it does not  emit that car freshener scent.  This cologne comes in 2 sizes.  I always get the 50 ml one as it fits nicely in my bag.

Please note that I only use this when I'm at home and not during travel because I find the scent to be quite strong.  Nonetheless, this is still a good everyday body spritz.

Beauty Holy Grail Verdict:

Price: 5/5 This retails for about 80 Php, how can you complain?
Availability: 5/5 Available at all Bench outlets
Scent: 4/5 This lasts for 2 to 3 hours.  I like its fresh scent


I'll definitely buy this again.  How about you, what's your secret to having a fresh summer?

Lost and Found - BDJ Beauty Social Loot Bag

Last Sunday, March 24, 2013, Belle De Jour Box held its first ever Beauty Social at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.  I got to score fabulous items and meet cool people like fellow bloggers, beauty enthusiasts and experts!

I kept on gushing to my BF how happy I am during these events.  I feel like I'm in my element heeheh.  Makeup, Fashion and Beauty are my stress relievers and energizers.  I was excited and ecstatic during this event as the day was really jam packed with activities.  

Here I am working the Pink Carpet! Love love love! 

Pose Galore! Do I look like I need to pee?

Good thing Genzel saw me as I am naturally shy to chat up with my seatmates hehehe.

I chatted up Joey of SadakoBear about hair.  Would you believe this lady is already 42 years old?  We're curl buddies!  

I got a free make over from Shiseido

Quick and Free Nail Art

Free Upper Lip Threading - It was my first time and it hurt

I will unabashedly say that one of the reasons I go to events (hehehe I get to score invites na!) is because I'd love to try different products.  There is almost always a loot bag during these events!  And I must say that BDJ Beauty Social loot bag was brimming with goodies!

Loot Bag Includes: Women's Health Magazine, Physiogel Items, Revlon Custom Eyes Mascara, Fashbook  Pouch, L''oreal Shampoo and Conditioner Sachets, Pantene Sachets.  There were also free services like: Free Make Over from Shiseido, Upper Lip Threading from the Browhaus.  My photo was also taken by a professional during the event.   The Leg Love Stockings and Goody Hair Piece were items I scored for asking questions during the talks.

Imagine my horror when I lost my loot bag.  I alighted the taxi on my way to Subic ( I go home every weekend) when I realized that my loot bag was gone.  I could still see the cab but because of the hard rain, I was not able to run after it anymore.  Panic was the first emotion that hit me, then the justification that I would not probably use any of the items in the loot bag anyway.  Here are actually the things I realized from that eexperience:

• It pays to pay attention to the plate number and operator of the cab you'll be riding - My BF has always been mindful of these things.  It was a good thing he was able to note the plate number and remember the body color of the cab. 

• I am willing to fork around 1800 Php for a pressed powder - The moment i realized my loot bag was gone, I made the resolve to compensate for that by indulging in Shiseido powder.  I felt that the purchase can be justified since I just lost something.  Crazy I know.  Update:  As it turns out, I  was not resolved enough to spend that much on a make up.  I ended up buying the drugstore sister brand of Shiseido: Majolica Majorca.

• Good Karma happens - My BF once found a celphone inside a cab and he returned it rightfully to its owner.  His good karma rubbed off on me.

• I have good intuition - I was sad and panicked when I learned that I lost my loot.  However, I knew that I would retrieve it.  I just knew it. 

• My faith in humanity has been restored - EMP cab operators and drivers, I salute you!  Thank you for keeping my loot bag safe.  

• Before alighting the cab, check and see if you have left any of your belongings inside -Duh, this goes without saying but apparently, I have not been consistent

• I'm a hoarder - I'm not really sure if I'd be able to use all the things given to me, but I still felt sad about almost losing them just because.

Indeed, it was a whirlwind of emotions for me that day!  It was a long and tiring day for me but I'm still glad it ended well.

See you at the first BDJ Box Beauty Social on March 24!

I’m counting down the days to the first ever BDJ Box Beauty Social at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium on March 24!





BDJ Box is a beauty product discovery subscription service for women. Brought to you by the makers of the Belle de Jour Power Planner, BDJ Box aims to help every Filipina unbox her own beauty. For P480 a month, subscribers receive a mass-customized box with at least 5-6 of the best beauty products delivered to their doorstep.

I’m psyched to try each and every activity booth at the Beauty Social!



The BDJ Box Beauty Social is open to everyone but only pre-registered girls will be allowed to participate in the talks, get a loot bag and have their picture taken by the pro photographer. Slots will be given on a first come first served basis.

To pre-register for any of the talks, simply email hazel@belledejourpowerplanner.com the following:
Subject: BDJ Box Beauty Social
Name:
Mobile Number:
Your answer to the question: What's your "I honestly can't live without it" beauty product?
Top 3 choices for talks

For more details check out their Facebook Page: facebook.com/bdjbox

To get your very own BDJ Box, visit their website: www.bdjbox.com

Be Happy. Stay Pretty. See you at the BDJ Box Beauty Social!

Baguio Get Away

It's summer once again.  I vowed to myself last year that I would get that much coveted bikini body this summer.  I'd love to spend summer in the beach! Sadly laziness and bad food choices got in the way.  Suffice to say that I'm still the flabby old me.

Oh well, this summer, I'm dreaming of going back to Baguio - the summer capital of the Philippines.  I  went there last month and it was amazing.  I was told by the cab driver that 17 degrees is already warm for their weather there.  It used to be much lower he said.  Hell, that would have been freezing cold for me already!

Good thing about Baguio is that the cost of living there is more inexpensive.  You can already eat out and have a nice meal at 200 Php.  Cab fare starts at 30 Php.  We stayed in one of the transient homes there for 300 Php a night.  Trust me, if you're living in the city, that's already cheap.  I also like the laidback lifestyle most people seem to have there.

The cold weather is also a great ehem excuse to go all out in your boots and bomber jackets with fur!

Without further ado, let me present to you the things I did and places I visited when I was there!

Kodak Moment in Minesview Park

I was not picking strawberries, I was merely resting my weary legs from all the walking:)

La Trinidad Strawberry Farm

Little John's Restaurant in Camp John Hay boasts of a floor to ceiling window that overlooks the lush greeneries!

I'm missing this beef kebab from Little John.  Little John is a quaint restaurant located at the heart of Camp John Hay. A plate this filling is less than 200 Php.

Botanical Garden

You can rest and lie in the grass without looking weird while listening to local bands for free in Camp John Hay

No wheels? No problem! Rent a horse for about 350 Php to go around  Minesview Park.

Tips:

• Stay in transient houses instead of in hotels.  You're in Baguio for a vacation not hibernation anyway.  You should spend most of your time there sight seeing and not sleeping.
• Take the jeep instead of cabs to save on your commute money
• Wear comfy footwear!
• Wear warm clothes.  Pack in your jackets.  If you're planning to be in a dress, wear tights underneath to warm up your legs.
• Bring your favorite moisturizer and lip balm to combat the dryness from the cold air.
• If you have data plan in your phones, you can get around just by using Google Map!
• Get used to seeing signs plastered around the city saying "Clean C.R." (I swear, this seems to be tagline of the city). They charge 5 Php per use.
• If you're going to ride the boat in Burnham Park, pay someone to paddle it for you.  I tried maneuvering the paddle and it was hard!
• The Night Market Ukay Ukay by Burnham Park is jampacked with people.  Make sure to shop around and haggle!

I was really able to enjoy my stay in Baguio. We were there for 4 days 3 nights.  The cold weather was really awesome and I'm sure a lot of people are going there in this sweltering heat of the metro.  If my work were ever to relocate there, I'd be the first to sign up!

How about you, what's your dream summer destination?

Snoe Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder - Split End Mender Treatment Oil

Hola Chicas! It's no secret that I'm a big Snoe fan.   I've always raved about their Amazing Hair Heroes Line.  I've blogged how my HG hair combination happens to be their Hair Heroes Intense and Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder.  I am glad to know that Snoe just recently came up with another ahhmazing hair product.

Let me present to you - Snoe Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder Split Mender Treatment Oil.  Whew, that was quite a mouthful! Snoe claims to treat split ends with this oil.  Hmmm...

Snoe Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder Split End Mender Treatment Oil

The pump comes with a protective cap.  I love that the liquid does not  leak easily.

Consistency is quite thick but it does not leave a  heavy feeling on the hair.

Split ends are caused by mechanical, chemical and thermal stress.  There is really no cure for them because once your hair has split, it's already broken.  The most that a product can do is to seal the ends and prevent future ones from happening.  However, no product can really reverse the damage.

On to our review.  I'd like to believe that I do not have any split ends.  My major problem is falling hair as in from the roots.  But for the ends, they are pretty much intact.

I bought this oil mainly because I love how the Invisible Wonder shampoo smells.  I swear, it smells so much like Fudgee Bar Buko Pandan hahaha.

Yummy! Smells like Buko Pandan!

I use this product after washing my hair.  I apply two pumps of this to my damp hair after every wash.  Even if this is an oil treatment, it does not leave an oily slick to my hair.  I also love how my frizzy ends seem to tame when I apply this.  It does not dry my hair faster either.  The scent only lingers for about 15 minutes which is such a bummer since that's the reason I bought this in the first place.  However, the trade off is that it leaves my very stubborn hair soft .  Even withi this oil in my hair, I am still able to abide by my every-other-day hair washing.  It does not make it limp at all.

Holy Grail Verdict:

Effectiveness: 4/5
Price:  3/5 299 Php
Availability: 3/5  Available at all Snoe stores
Packaging: 5/5

How about you, what's your hair regimen?