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New Year, New Skincare

Before the first month of 2016 ends, I'd just like to share my new skincare things that I'm currently using.

3w Clinic Flower Effect Extra set! Such a pretty set, all pink and frosted glass 💕 

I bought this from a local store for PHP 500.00 (crazy right?! - down from PHP 1,900) during their holiday sale. Last December I finished my moisturizer and was on the lookout for something new. 

The set included two huge bottles of toner and emulsion, a big pot of cream. 

Included also in the box are these two smaller bottles of both the toner and emulsion, the size of which is perfect for travel.

The two frosted bottles are huge, heavy and so cute! Currently, I use this during the nighttime after a refreshing bath. Very moisturizing but not heavy. Leaves a light film in the morning.

Another skincare I just recently bought is the Charmzone Albatross Quick Sun SPF50 PA +++ (100 ml) which retailed for PHP 850 - but got at 50% off!!!! I love it. Its a new sunscreen for me, the brand and application style.

Its an aerosol type sunscreen which I've always wanted to try but feared that it's just not as effective as lotion- or cream-types. And 2x as expensive as my regular tube of sunscreen, too! 

Surprised to find it very light to hold though this is an aluminium can. I tried it out earlier and I am impressed at the no-mess application and zero-grease formulation. Perfect for the recent hot, humid days where you just can't deal with feeling sticky on top of being sweaty.

So that's it for January 2016! I'll try to provide a more in-depth review of how I like the two skincare products⭐️

3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50 PA+++

Sunblocks and sunscreens are a staple in my everyday wear. I stopped wearing those bb creams or any kind of foundation ever since I decided to stick to a really good sunblock. Basically, I only started to rely on sunblock when I finally found my favorite high-SPF product that didn't leave a white cast or make me oil up so bad after trying so many products.

It was only 2 years ago when I discovered the Kose Suncut Essence UV Protect Milk SPF50 PA+++ and my love for wearing sunblock began. Ever since then, I stopped using bb creams since they only really gave me max SPF35 and I don't like that with most bb creams its hard find a good shade that lasts.

Unfortunately, buying this exclusively online and internationally is taking a toll on my pockets. I buy my Kose Suncut from Sasa.com twice a year, and I usually get the "USD$70 purchase for free shipping". And even if the Kose only costs a little under P250.00, getting it here is such a pain. I'm looking into trying brands that I can source out locally

2 weeks ago I was at Eastwood to attend the Chocolate Festival and I chanced upon this bazaar that sold Korean skincare and makeup products. And I saw this!

I was immediately intrigued and the lovely Korean lady (the owner, I guess) helped me test it out along with various cosmetics that she tried to make me buy hahaha she was so cute, like a mama-uljzzang!

How I usually know if it's good enough a product to check out:

> Availability and accessibility of product: The seller is a Korean woman that wants to setup shop here in Manila and she seemed to have a lot of 3W Sunblock! She was even surprised that I knew 3W, since she tried selling it out but nobody wanted it as much, since most buyers only know the popular Korean brands that have set up flagship shops here in the Philippines. She told me she used 3W as well!

> Check for the right ingredients and product claims: Immediately I checked for SPF, PA, UVA and UVB and it's a yes, yes, yes, yes! Since using Kose with its SPF 50 PA+++ I can't settle for less anymore. Whenever I wear SPF 30 I kinda always felt like it wasn't enough of a protection, especially when I go out midday. The ingredients seemed to be in Korean, though.

> Test the product if it's something you want to put on daily and for skin suitability: I was able to get a hold of their testers, and I was very wary since  at first I saw it was a cream type, and for two years I was used to water type sunblocks that don't feel heavy at all. But when I tried to spread it out, I was very happy to note that this was incredibly easy to spread and seemed more watery than it first belied. I tested it on a patch of my inner arm and my neck as well and experienced no weird thing after 5 mins which is enough for me.

So far, after 2 weeks of using the product, the only thing I regret is not buying another tube. I use it religiously whether I'm going to work or going for a quick trip to the supermarket.

PROs:

• Keeps skin protected and moisturized
• No scent at all
• Easy to use and to spread on the face
• Cream type but more milky and watery
• Maybe a good makeup base for those of you looking for high SPF makeup base
• VERY AFFORDABLE: PHP190.00 (USD4.00)
• Lasts for 8 HOURS! (I tested indoors, a/c room)
• Lasts for 4.5 HOURS! (running around, commuting)
• Available locally in independent shops

CONs:

• Slightly dewy finish (need to powder sometimes?)
• Not buildable (if you're looking for that, this one does not pile up, since it's watery)

Squeeze out a good amount of sunblock from the tube

Try to spread it out

Spread it out thinner all over the skin

Voila! No white cast

Has a slightly dewy finish that I like (so I don't look like I have dry skin) but my face is oily so I have to set with powder maybe? But not as much of a big deal, yaaay!

My new favorite sunblock as of today until we can have Kose here locally!
Thank you for reading~

Keep safe and warm!