Supplement Review: Solgar Zinc Picolinate 22mg

Do you have a weak immune system by nature? What do you do to manage your health? Can supplements really help to boost our body's defenses? I do not believe in minerals and vitamins before. Because we can easily obtain our dietary requirements from food with no preservatives or additives. However, I developed adult asthma by the age of 30 and I became vulnerable to bacterial and viral diseases. I was on a course of oral steroids and antibiotics and was prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid as maintenance medication. The endless cycle of sickness and treatment prompted me to seek ways on how to boost my immune system. I tried different brands of multivitamins, from high end to generic, which only gave me unpleasant side effects. Until I found Revicon Forte and Fern C. Taken once a day, these two supplements gave me the energy and the protection that I need. Still, I needed something more. Even if I double dose on Fern C, it did not prevent me from easily acquiring cough and colds from people around me. So after what seems like an endless search over the net for supplements and immune boosters, I stumbled upon the mineral "Zinc." According to what I have read, zinc is a vital mineral that serves lots of functions in the body and the immune system. Its most bioavailable form is zinc picolinate. I searched again. And I researched all the brands of zinc picolinate in the market. I clicked one- Solgar Zinc Picolinate. After reading some reviews on the product, I went to Healthy Options to try it myself and to verify its effectiveness.

A bottle contains 100 tablets and costs Php 615.00. Last year, I only bought this for Php 595.00.
It comes in a small non-coated tablet form.

I first tried this in January 2016 without much expectation because I was disappointed a lot of times with supplements that don't deliver. I take this once a day after meal because I have a hyperacidic stomach. I noticed that on the first week of using it, I did not get any cough or colds which I usually get from people whom I share a ride with or in the office. On the third month comes the exciting part. We went to Japan on a very cold season in which the temperature is 4 degrees Celsius. We get up early and sleep late and walk around a lot to explore everything. I brought my zinc picolinate and I did not get sick nor catch colds during our 7 day-trip. But that did not stop there.

I ran out of this in April 2016. I did not buy another bottle immediately because it was a bit expensive for me. Guess what? I got a sick after a week of not taking it. I was continuing Revicon and Fern C so I am sure that lack of zinc caused my immune system to be compromised. I bought another bottle of this and after a week, I recovered from illness. And from that time on, I make sure not to miss a dose. I recommended it to my sickly friends and family members, and it really made a difference in their lives.

DESCRIPTION:

Zinc promotes healthy skin and supports normal taste and vision. It exerts antioxidant activity and can support a healthy immune system. This formulation provides premium quality zinc as zinc picolinate.

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement for adults, take one tablet daily, preferably with a meal or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Pros:

• It is very effective in boosting my immune system. I do not get sick as much as I did before especially with our changing weather.
• One tablet a day is all you need for maintenance. I take this at night before bedtime.
• It is suitable for vegans. Non-GMO, Gluten, Wheat, and Dairy-free.
• You get what you pay for, a premium supplement which will last for three months.
• It did not break me out. A lot of supplements do. In fact, it helped control and heal occasional pimples and oiliness.

Cons:

• It can cause gastric upset at times so I take it before bedtime.
• It is only available at Healthy Options stores nationwide.
• A bit expensive for a lot of consumers.
• There are times when it is a bit difficult to swallow especially if your mouth or throat is dry.

TIP: Do not take this with milk or any supplement containing Calcium. Calcium hinders Zinc absorption. Take this alone or before bedtime. DO NOT EVER take this with coffee or after coffee. I tried it once and my stomach hurt really bad.

My Verdict:

I give this a 5/5. I have never found a supplement that works as better as this one. I can't be without it. I will continue to purchase. I highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought this product with my own money and tried it firsthand before making a review. However, it may work for some but not for others. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

Retinol-X Starter Kit

Fond of trying out new skincare products? They say that we shouldn't fix what ain't broken. However, girls like me aren't that fortunate given the type of skin that I have. Mine is a combination of oily, sensitive, and prone to acne and blemishes. Once I found the right product, I try to stay loyal to that brand but what always happens is either it becomes too expensive to maintain or it is discontinued. So the search is never ending. My latest find is the Retinol X Starter Kit which I bought from Beauty Bar.

I bought this at Beauty Bar for Php 1,950.00. I saved Php 542.50 compared to buying in individual full-sized container.

The starter kit includes a 7.5g of Retinol-X Anti-Aging Eyelift, 60ml Anti-Aging Cleanser, and 20mL Anti-Aging Moisturizer.

DESCRIPTION:

Step 1. Cleanse. Anti-Aging Cleanser. Encapsulated with micro beads, this luxurious cleanser lathers and foams and is gentle enough to use daily. The micro beads delicately dissolve to provide the long-term benefits of Retinol with the deep hydration of Vitamin E. Used daily, it prepares and optimizes your skin for your retinol-X Anti-Aging Regimen.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Triethanolamine, Tcopherol Acetate, Mannitol, Cellulose, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium PCA, Chamomile Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mica, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Triethyl Citrate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Ultramarines (CI770077).

Step 2. Repair. Anti-Aging Eye-Lift. Formulated with Retinol and Peptides, this potent serum targets the delicate eye-area tissue to tighten, smooth, and restore. The De-Puff Massaging Applicator with specially contoured smooth-as-silk tip won't drag or pull as it massages away puffiness. Gently apply around crow's feet, fine lines, wrinkles, and under the eye area working from the inner to the outer corners. 

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/ Dicaprate, Glycerin, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester, C10-C18 Triglycerides, Sodium Hyaluronate, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Echinacea Purpurea extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diacetyl Boldine, Malachite, Lycium Barbarum Fruit extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Retinyl Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dimethicone, Synthetic Sapphire, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco Glucoside, Steareth-2, Octyldodecyl Behenate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glucose.   

Step 3. Hydrate. Anti-Aging Moisturizer. It combines the time-tested results of Retinol with algae and mineral extracts, collagen boosters and muscle inhibitors to give your skin the ultimate anti-aging treatment. After cleansing, apply to face and neck. Allow to completely absorb before applying makeup. For best results, apply twice daily.

Ingredients: Water, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-100 Stearate, Oat Kernal Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tripleurospermum Maritimum Extract, Cetyl Ester, Nylon 12, Silica, Ethoxydiglycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-C30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.

Pros:

• The Anti-Aging Eye-Lift lives up to its promise. I've been using this since March this year and it's very effective that's why I was convinced to try the other products in the line. I noticed a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness.

• The Anti-Aging Moisturizer is non-greasy and is easily absorbed. The scent reminds me of VMV Hypoallergenics Primary Brilliance Cream but this one is non-sticky. It also leaves a semi-matte finish.

• The Anti-Aging Cleanser has a subtle scent and the microbeads melt on the skin. It also foams and lathers and doesn't leave my skin dry and taut.

• The starter kit is travel-friendly and more economical than buying all three products in full sizes. You can save as much as Php 500 pesos.

Cons:

• The starter kit is only available in Beauty Bar stores nationwide.
• It is more expensive than other retinol-based products.
• The Anti-Aging moisturizer broke me out after 4 nights of using it. Probably because of the wheat protein in the ingredients.
• Retinol is not on the top of the ingredient list. By this, I assume that the amount of Retinol isn't sufficient to produce much results.

My Verdict:

I will rate each product individually as they work differently on my skin. I give the Anti-Aging Eye-Lift Cream a 5/5 because it is the best eye cream that I have tried. It made a dramatic difference on my eyes after using it nightly for months. It is also less expensive than my previous eye cream from Burt's Bees which also works but I cannot maintain beacause of the hefty price tag. For the Anti-Aging Moisturizer, I give it a 3/5. I love how it makes my face smooth and soft to the touch but I hate that it broke me out in only four nights. Finally, I give the Anti-Aging Cleanser a 3/5. It doesn't make my face dry but it isn't as effective and inexpensive as my current cleanser from Derma E. I can recommend this to people with aging and dry skin but not so much to people with acne-prone skin. I will repurchase the eye cream over and over again but not the cleanser and moisturizer.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought these products with my own money and tried each one firsthand before sharing my thoughts and experience. Everybodys skin is different. This may work for some and not for others. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

 
 

Nail Salon Review: My Dashing Diva Pedixperience at Glorietta 2

Dashing Diva is a nail salon popularly known for their good nail products and services. I've been to dozens of nail salons in the past but I have never tried a foot spa or pedicure in this place. I am very meticulous when choosing where to get my pedicure because my toenails are weak and the skin around them is thin and prone to bleeding. I even got infected toenails thrice because of carelessness and I had to undergo surgery to remove the ingrown nail. After the third surgery, I already abstained from pedicures of any kind and I only cut my toenails straight across. Three years have passed and I still ignore nail salons that I happen to pass by. But just yesterday, while I was buying something at Beauty Bar, the fancy pink color and nice ambiance of Dashing Diva caught my attention. Initially, I only intended to know the services offered as well as the pricelist. But the curious cat got to me again. Realizing how tired my feet were yesterday, I chose to avail the Spoiled Diva Pedicure. Is it worth all the hype? Read more to find out...

The place is cozy and organized.

There is a designated area for all their nail polishes for ease of access.

I saw this on the reception area and I really appreciate it that they prioritize their client's feet and nail welfare, hehe...

Warning: The succeeding pictures may disgust you. Not for the faint of stomach....hehe...

(Please excuse my man-like foot) First, the nail technician (Nancy) applied Dashing Diva's signature cuticle remover which appears like a clear syrup followed by their own cuticle eraser which reminds me of a foot lotion in a tube. She then massaged these on my toenails before she started cleaning them. (Sorry, I wasn't allowed to take pictures of their own products).

After the initial cleaning of my toenails, she then put a callus softener on a cling wrap and wrapped it around my foot for easy scrubbing.

She then continued to clean my toenails while letting the solution soak in.

I was impressed by how light-handed Nancy was. I did not feel any pain at all but I could see that she has removed all the dirt and dead skin on and under my nails.

I wasn't able to take a picture but after she was done with the cleaning, she removed the cling wrap and scrubbed my feet with the "sander" as what they call it. It wasn't like the normal callus remover I've seen in other nail salons. It looks more like a round laundry brush with handle on top but instead of bristles, it uses a detachable and disposable "pumice-like" thing that gently removes all the dead skin and callus under the foot. She then applied a salt-like scrub on my legs and used a vibrating massager which reminded me of a clarisonic brush. Finally, she rinsed my feet and legs with warm water and applied cuticle oil on my toenails. 

After the foot scrub, she gently massaged my feet and legs. It felt good!

I then chose this gel nail polish, Sage Scarf, out of all the swatches. She applied a base coat, three coats of this polish, and finished off with a top coat.

This one really amazed me. They have a drying station too! This is where you put your feet under the rounded counter table and boy, I was surprised to feel the air coming out and blowing on my feet. It was like putting my hand under a dryer!

My Verdict:

I give this nail salon a 5 out of 5. The place, the technician, and the service were all good. Price is also fair enough. They even have combo packages if you want to avail a manicure and pedicure service for a much lower price. I highly recommend it to people who are looking forward to pampering their tired hands and feet without the pain but with the comfort that they truly deserve.

Pinkies Collections Make Up Remover Wipes

Oily-skinned gals like me are fond of wearing waterproof eyeliners, mascara, and even foundation. But not removing them properly can present numerous problems, such as dull skin, racoon eyes, and acne. It can also aggravate existing pimples. I'm not one to wear powder or foundation, but I love to wear eyeliners and mascaras. I have very oily eyelids but I hate to use primers. Most of those that I tried only irritated my sensitive eyes. One time, I bought a very waterproof mascara from Maybelline that my MAC Eye Make-up remover cannot totally remove even with repeated rubbing so I continued on my quest to find the best make-up remover and here's what I found: Pinkies Collections Make Up Remover Wipes by James Cooper. Now, off to my review. 

Each tub contains 100 wipes and I bought it for Php 399 at SM Department Store SM BF.

Ingredients: Aqua, Borneol, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Trehalose, Peg-400, Sodium Lauryl Glycol Carboxylate, Rosa Rugosa Flower Oil.

The tub comes with a cute plastic forcep to avoid contamination when getting each cotton wipe.




In this picture, I applied the K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Liquid Eyeliner topped with the K-Palette 24H Real Lasting Eye Pencil and a bit of concealer.



Here's what I got with two gentle swipes on one eye. I still use the other side to wipe my other eye.



Voila! No more traces of eye makeup!




I am now ready to wash my face with my favorite cleanser!

Pros:

• It easily removes stubborn and waterproof makeup.
• Inexpensive and easily available.
• It is travel-friendly.
• The packaging is simple and hygienic.
• It did not cause breakouts.
• Easy and ready to use.
• One tub will last for a long time.

Cons:

• Some wipes are too saturated that the liquid gets into my eyes and sting. So what I do is to squeeze or press the wipes a little to remove excess liquid.

My Verdict:

I give this one a 4/5. It is an effective makeup remover and does the job without the fuss. This one is worth mentioning but I haven't read or heard this one from the blogs that I follow. So it was a good thing that a saleslady tried it on me and I was sold by its ability to remove waterproof mascara. I highly recommend it to makeup junkies who are always on the go. I will repurchase when I run out.

Disclaimer: This review is based on my experience and not a paid one. I bought this product with my own money and have tried it for at least a month before making a review. Everybodys skin is different. There are products that I love which might not work for some. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo 24H Real Lasting Liquid Eyeliner in Brown Black

Are you a fan of eyeliners? If you're to ask me, I certainly am. I started applying eyeliners in high school which I borrowed from my Mom. I love it when I wake up the next day and there are still faint traces of black liner on my lashline making my usual boring eyes pop out in a natural way. That was way back in high school. But as an adult, I find it hard to stick to one eyeliner brand due to my sensitive eyes and oily eyelids. I have tried expensive and cheap ones but I am always disappointed. Not until a Japanese brand, K-Palette, was introduced in the Philippines. I have tried some of their products like the eyeliner pencil, mascara, and concealer but only one achieved a holy grail status, their lasting liquid eyeliner. So, without further ado, here's my review: 

I bought this in Watsons for Php 795.00.

Their new formulation now includes Panthenol, Japanese Green Gentian,and Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1. 

Ingredients:

Water, Acrylates/ Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer, Ammonium Acrylates/Methylstyrene Styrene Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, Swertia Japonica Extract, Panthenol, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Beheneth-30, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Sorbitan Laurate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Sorbitan Trioleate, Sucrose Palmitate, Aminimethyl Propanol, Simethicone, Glycerin, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Carbon Black, Iron Oxides, Titanium/Titanium Dioxide.

What It Claims:

• Long keep formula. Tough against water, sebum, and sweat.
• More pigmented color. Even more vivid than a permanent marker.
• Fine brush for easy application.
• Easy wash off. Washable with just warm water.

The fine brush tip makes application with fine lines easier.

I tried to rub it off with water, and it stayed put.

Two swipes give you a deep brown color, not as dark as I thought.

On my eyes:

The first picture shows my bare eyes. The second and third pictures show the eyeliner applied on my eyelids under different lighting conditions. However, the third picture more closely resembles the actual color of the eyeliner.

Pros:

• The brown black color is the best color IMHO for daily use.
• No smudge, no racoon eyes. Just well-defined lines.
• The formula is good for sensitive eyes like mine.
• I have oily eyelids and I don't use any primer or powder but the color stayed put all day.
• It can easily be removed by soap and water.
• Available in Watsons and Beauty Bar stores.

Cons:

• It is much more expensive compared to other liquid liner brands. I bought this for Php 795.00.
• People with unsteady hands might have a difficult time using this because of the fine tip.
• It can dry easily if left uncovered for a long time.
• The fine tipped brush can easily lose its shape if not properly covered.
• If you are a fan of the winged-eyeliner, the winged-tip may not stay put if you accidentally rub it.

My Verdict:

I give this a 4/5. This eyeliner has achieved a holy grail status in my makeup stash. I could have given it a perfect 5 if not for the hefty price tag. I highly recommend it to fellow oil-skinned gals who want a natural daily cat's eye look without the fuss.

Disclaimer: This review is based on my experience and not a paid one. I bought the product with my own money and tried it firsthand before making a review. Everybodys skin is different. There are products that I love which might not work for some. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

Farmstay Escargot Intensive Eye Cream

It is said that eyes are the windows to our soul. But how do we maintain its youthful look without the crow's feet, dark circles, and eyebags? This is where eye creams come into play. We apply moisturisers on our face yet we neglect the sensitive areas near the eyes. I am not much into moisturisers but I always make it a habit to slather on eye creams. Just recently, I ran out of my favorite eye cream, which is the Retinol X Anti-aging Eyelift, and I checked all Beauty Bar branches but it is out of stock (sighs)...Anyway, I looked for an alternative everywhere and searched the net for recommendations until I came across this eye cream. 

ESCARGOT, meaning edible snail, is the star in this Intensive Eye Cream from Farmstay. The slime or mucus secreted by these little mollusks is said to contain a potent combination of elastin, proteins, anti-microbials, copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid, which are known to battle acne, fade scars and pigmentation, and plump the skin, among others.But is it worth the hype, especially when we apply it under our eyes?

I bought this at Metro Market, Market for Php 690.

Unboxing!

The jar is gold in color, fancy and sleek! But heavy, too.

Apart from the jar cover, there is also an extra plastic lid to prevent spillage.

Description:

Functional cosmetic which improves wrinkles. It contains the edible snail extract from clean region, and it gives minimum stimulus on a tender eye rim. Also, it gives tension on skin, prevents it from dryness, and keeps it moist and light.

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Microcrystalline Wax, Polysorbate 60, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sorbitansesquioleate, Lillum Tigrinum Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Propylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, CI 19140, CI 15985, Snail Secretion Filtrate(300mg), Fragrance.

How to Use:

Take it with a small amount. In addition, you put several dots and absorb. (This was written in the box). Confusing, right? So what I do is to take an ample amount once (no double dipping to avoid contamination) using my ring finger and tap gently under my eyes and on my eyelids. I only use this before bedtime.

Pros:

• The consistency is like a gel but in cream form. It leaves a cool sensation upon application.
• The cream is easily absorbed and does not sting my sensitive eyes.
• Eye puffiness and tiredness is diminished despite only a few hours of sleep.
• The 50g cream may last for a long time if used nightly.
• Inexpensive compared to other night creams.

Cons:

• It is not travel-friendly. The jar is heavy and bulky.
• It is not readily available. I've only seen this in Market, Market and BeautyMnl.
• It could blur your vision and sting a little if you apply too much.

My Verdict:

I give this one a 4/5 because of the consistency, price, and packaging. I haven't seen much effect because I've been using it for only two nights. I will give an update once I reach my one month target. 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought this product with my own money and tried it firsthand before sharing my thoughts and experience. Everybodys skin is different. This may work for some and not for others. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

Farmstay Grape Stem Cell Whitening Ample

Hello dear readers! Here is another review from me, this time, from a Korean brand called Farmstay. I bought this product last May through BeautyMnl because of all the raves I have read over the internet and from fellow bloggers. I also want to lighten post inflammatory marks left by a recent bout with adult acne. 

My order was neatly packed and arrived the next day. I paid Php 690 plus the shipping fee.

                                                                                                                                                                               

How my right cheek looks like after a month of religiously using the ampoule. Some have lightened but some are still reddish.

The effects are gradual so consistency is key. I have more marks on my left cheek than on my right. I have yet to see the full whitening effect of the ampoule.

What It Claims: 

Due to highly-enriched texture, it softly applies on the skin and grape callus extract and whitening ingredient, Niacinamide, organizes the skin texture, provides an elastic and moisturising solution to manage the time of the skin ages and to make healthier skin.

Pros: 

• You get more than what you pay for. The bottle is heavy and full and may last for three to four months with everyday use.
• The bottle is a dark-colored glass with a matching glass dropper. This will prevent the contents from undergoing oxidation so as not to lose potency.
• It has a milky and watery consistency and leaves the skin smooth and soft upon absorption.
• It did not break me out.
• The scent is mild and reminds me of fresh grapes. This is good for people who are sensitive to strong scents.
• My skin looks bright when I wake up.
• It can be used alone or in combination with a night cream for added effect.
• I can use it under my eyes and on top of my lids and it doesn't sting.

Cons:

• Effect is gradual so consistency is key. 
• I only use this at night 'cause I observed that I get small whiteheads when I use this in the morning.
• It is always out of stock. 
• Available only in selected Ayala malls and online stores.

My Verdict: 

I give this a 4/5. I may repurchase when I run out of this but as of now, I am still on the hunt for a night cream or serum which is much more effective and works faster.

I will continue to finish the contents of my first bottle and will give an update. Ciao!


Update as of July 14, 2017:

As of today, I already finished my bottle of whitening ampoule until the last drop. It really helped in making my skin brighter upon waking up and also made the pimple marks appear lighter. But it also gave me whiteheads when used at daytime especially when I sweat a lot. However, if your main concerns are acne marks and dull skin, I can recommend this.It also works for the under eyes.




Disclaimer: This review is based on my experience and not a paid one. I bought the products with my own money and tried each product for at least a month before making a review. Everybodys skin is different. There are products that I love which might not work for some. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

Aloe Vera Gel Brands Review (Mumuso, Farmstay, Nature Republic)

Hello everyone! Given our hot and humid weather, body gels and moisturisers are on demand. Personally, I am not a fan of sticky and greasy lotions that leave sticky films or residues on skin. I also have sensitive skin so I am wary of using skincare products with lots of harmful chemicals. However, the skincare junkie in me itches to try out new skincare products all the time, one after the other, hoping that these might work on me. Aloe Vera Gels are now selling like pancakes and of all the brands in the market today, I have tried these three, Mumuso, Nature Republic, and Farmstay. I have finished one tub of each so here's my review.

Mumuso Moisturising Aloe Vera Gel 92%

I bought this 300mL tub for Php 99.00 at Mumuso, Market, Market branch.

Ingredients: Deionized water, Glycerol, Propanediol, Aloe Vera, Trehalose, Xanthan Gum, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Allantoin, Methylisothiazolinone.

Pros:

• It did not irritate my sensitive skin. I apply this immediately after bath while skin is still damp. I use it all over my body but not on my face.
• You get more than what you pay for with its 300mL tub.
• It contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin.
• It is easily absorbed and leaves a matte and non-sticky finish.
• It has a refreshing effect.
• It is very cheap and effective.
• The scent is mild and dissipates quickly. It reminds me of cucumber.
• It has the least ingredients, the lesser the better. 
• It soothes my eczema when I have flare-ups.

Cons:

• It is always out of stock.  

My Verdict: 

I give it a 5/5. It is the cheapest one that I can find and also works for me. I already hoarded when I saw that Mumuso re-stocked on this. :-)

Farmstay Aloe Vera Moisture Soothing Gel 100%

The first products that I've tried from this brand are the Snail Gel and the Grape Stem Cell Whitening Ample. That time, I bought the snail one instead because the aloe was out of stock. So when I chanced upon this on the shelf and while my favorite Mumuso was still out of stock, I decided to try this.

I bought this at Market, Market Department Store for Php 290.00.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polysorbate 80, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Pros:

• Free of parabens, mineral oil, benzophenone, and artificial color
• Just like Mumuso, this one has a mild scent which I like.
• Can be bought online and in selected department stores in Ayala malls.
• It is easily absorbed and feels light on the skin.
• It has the lightest consistency among the three aloe gels maybe because of the alcohol content.

Cons:

• It is the most expensive among the three aloe gels that I have tried.
• It contains witch hazel extract which I think I have sensitivity to, so I don't use this often as it makes my skin itchy at times.
• It contains added fragrance.
• Aloe Vera Gel wasn't the first ingredient in the list so why put 100%? Maybe they are pertaining to the 100% natural aloe vera that was used in the product? This one confuses me...

My Verdict: 

I give this a 4/5. I will only buy this if I run out of Mumuso Aloe Gel.

Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92%

I bought this at Landmark, Makati for Php 245.00




Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (92%), Alcohol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Polyglutamic Acid, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Parfum, Disodium EDTA.

Pros:

• Aloe Gel is the first ingredient in the list, so I assume that it has the most amount of Aloe Vera compared to Mumuso and Farmstay.
• It is readily available in malls and online.
• It has a cooling effect after application mainly due to the spearmint content.
• It also has sodium hyaluronate to moisturize the skin.

Cons:

• It irritated my sensitive skin. I developed itchy patches on my skinfold (left arm) and behind the knee.
• It has the strongest fragrance among the three.
• It has the longest drying time and there is still a sticky feeling after a few minutes.

My Verdict: 

I give it a 2/5. Although there are a lot of raves on this brand of Aloe Gel, every skin is different. Maybe I am not "hiyang" on this one or perhaps there is an ingredient/s that triggered my eczema.


Update as of July 17, 2017:

I already finished my third tub of Mumuso Aloe Gel. I tried using it on my hair instead of my usual conditioner because I have read in a blog that it also works on her hair. Sadly, it made my hair stiff and dry after rinsing it with water. But all in all, it works best for me as a whole body moisturiser. I will keep repurchasing.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought these products with my own money and tried each one for at least a month before sharing my thoughts and experience. Everybodys skin is different. This may work for some and not for others. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.