AMW Reviews: Crabtree & Evelyn Goatmilk Triple Milled Soap

Crabtree & Evelyn has always been a brand that's quite luxurious for my taste.  My first C&E product was an airplane gift given to me by my uncle.  I think he's flying long haul business class thus he has this cute C&E pouch with all the cute mini toiletries!  That's my one and only memory of C&E.

Well, I do have a couple of more, I visited a friend in Shanghai and she's a die hard Crabtree & Evelyn Fragrances fan, so I bought a couple, as gifts.

I never purchased from this brand, for myself.

Thanks to my Aunt for gifting me this, made me realize, it does feel great to receive Crabtree & Evelyn products for a change! *laughs*

Crabtree & Evelyn
Goatmilk

Triple Milled Soap with Milk Protein

Did you know that?
I never use anything with "Goatmilk" or "goat" whatever in my whole life, this will probably be the first, you know why?  Craziness thought, in Chinese Calendar, I was born in the year of the Goat/Sheep...so, I have this...feeling...of...protecting my herd? *laughs out loud*  If you think I'm weird, it's ok, I still love you! hahaha 

Ok, back to reviews!

The Goatmilk Triple Milled Soap comes in a huge box with 3 bars of 100g soap.  The packaging is simple yet eye catching.

Crabtree & Evelyn says ---

Our creamy skin soothing soap for sensitive skin contains goat milk extract and milk proteins in a special moisturizing vegetable base.

Benefits:

• Comforts sensitive skin
• Enriched with milk proteins
• Moisturizing

Scent: Soothing blend of fresh lavender and alpine flowers

Box of three 100g Soaps.

Ingredients:

Sodium Palmate. Sodium Palm Kernelate. Water (Aqua)(Eau). Fragrance (Parfum). Goat Milk (Lait De Chevre) Extract. Hydrolyzed Milk Protein. Sodium Chloride. Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate. Sorbitol. Glycerin. Propylene Glycol. Isopropyl Myristate. Bht. Tetrasodium Etidronate. Tetrasodium Edta. Amyl Cinnamal. Linalool. Coumarin. Geraniol. Benzyl Benzoate. Benzyl Salicylate. Methylparaben. Propylparaben. Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

AMW says ---

Pros

• moisturizing
• smells great!  Not overpowering, just right
• as compared to other moisturizing soaps, it doesn't melt as fast
• lathers quickly
• doesn't irritate my skin
  
• feels clean after using this, other soaps that are luxurious doesn't make me feel clean lol
• no oily residue
  

Cons

• pricey

Overall

Paying Php315.00 (approx $6.80) for a 100g soap is quite pricey!  Seriously, not everybody could afford that!  And I myself, even with the driest of all dry skin couldn't shell out this much for a bar of soap.  But you know what I did?  Purchased as a gift!  I guess that's the power of packaging!  I honestly couldn't shell out this much amount of money for my own skin but I don't mind spending this much to gift this to someone as it looks really luxurious and it's, in my opinion, packaged to be purchased as gift!  Maybe its just me, but the marketing strategy is working!

Is it worth it?  Well, it's not a bad product, I love the scent, I love how luxurious I feel and how non-drying it is as compared to other regular soaps.  But with all the variations out there, we can easily purchase  moisturizing soaps without spending as much.

Moral of the review?

If you have the money, go for it!

If you don't...there are a lot of "me-eh-eh-he" (goat sound inserted here) soap out there!

Tips

• always use a soap dish and keep dry when not in use
• eventhough you are using a moisturizing soap, do continue with body lotion or oil after shower
• if you really want to try this, you can purchase with a friend to save up :)
• Crabtree & Evelyn have sales or bundles every now and then, keep your eyes open and try on their products during sale period.  They can go upto 30% off :)
  

Will I repurchase?
No for myself, yes as gift.

Where to purchase and how much?

Crabtree & Evelyn stores or booths for Php950.00 (approx $21.00) = 3 bars of 100g soap

 

100g fits my hand perfectly

 

What's the most expensive soap you've tried?
I guess this will be my "most expensive soap" for the moment

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

The Unsung Hero : Rat Tail Comb

I know I've talked about the "unsung hero" in my previous post.  That got me inspired to search for more "unsung heroes" available at home or just right in front of us that we haven't taken the time of the day.  Not until I've realized giving them a minute or two will make us realize how comfortable life is with them around!

My Unsung Hero for the moment, very cheap yet very useful Rat Tail Comb! 

I don't have the packaging but I bought this for less than Php100.00 (approx $2.00) from Landmark mall.  I love it that the "rat tail" comes in metal which makes it even easier to section my hair every morning when I blowdry my hair.  I also like using this when I cut people's hair!  Yes I still do! (Thanks to those who trust me lol).  The comb side works good too!  I have used a lot of cheap combs that just doesn't feel right when you comb your hair, this comb does not tug your hair or hurt your scalp.  "PERFECT!" is all I can say.

Have you tried using the "rat tail" comb?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

For the Win: A Complete set of Kerastase Mini!

(all photos taken from HairinManila)

Now this is another contest to start the year OPEN WORLDWIDE!!!  

 

HairinManila, thank you so much for letting me know about this contest,  I seldom post about other people's contest, but when I saw the prize, I knew this is something worthwhile for the readers.  I love my Kerastase Noctogenist Serum and I've done treatments in salons that uses Kerastase treatment and they are LOVE!  What's even better for this contest?  You get the chance to try on minis on ALL available Kerastase shampoo, conditioner and masques!  What a cute way to start the year!

How to win?

Head on to HairinManila and follow instructions!

What's the best news?  This contest is OPEN TO ANYONE IN THE WORLD!!!

Goodluck!  Again, if you want some inspiration, take a look :)

Goodluck!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

For the Win: It's Time! Sun Life Financial Kulay Pinoy Daily Organizer (Contest Closed!)

Thanks to my dearest friend Teeyah, for trusting my blog to be a channel of goodwill, I love contests!  I love it when my readers have the chance to win something!  Thanks again Teeyah.

Sun Life started a financial advocacy campaign called "It's Time!" last July 2009. In this campaign, they aim to educate Filipinos on the vehicles their money can ride to a better future. They believe that a large percentage of Filipinos are still uneducated in terms of finances, savings, investments and insurance.

To win the Sun Life Financial Kulay Pinoy Daily Organizer to keep track of your financial goals this year:

• Leave on comment box "What your 2010 Financial Goal Is"
• Include your name and email address
• Contest run starting now until January 15, 2010
• 5 Winners will be announced on January 16, 2010
• Sorry, this is open to Philippine residents only

You can also get the chance to win a Rudy Project Watch by posting the same goals on the It's Time! Forum by smiling and clicking HERE

Another tip: If you want to increase your chances on winning, head on to Chronicles of Vanity and re-join the same contest!

Here's a closer look on the colorful pages, 

I seriously want one!

 

Huge space to write your daily activities

 

A monthly overview

 

I like it when organizers have tabs

OC-ness in me, sorry!  I just have to say that!

*winks*

 

Goodluck Philippine readers!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact

Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact caught my attention when my colleague (from first work ever) came at work with very clear and smooth skin.  When asked what she did, she whipped out a silver compact with a HUGE mirror.  I won't forget that day when I took a mental note to myself to purchase this for myself when I get my first paycheck. 

First, second, third and many paycheck came and I didn't have the chance to purchase this because during those times, I can easily purchase a cheaper powder foundation that works A-okay.  Funny how the universe have this magnetic field that FINALLY reunited me with a product that I've been longing to own!

Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact

my teenage years CRUSH

 

Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact says ---

This extraordinary powder formulation blends evenly with skin tone to hide imperfections for beautifully natural-looking coverage. Contains Vitamin C and Licorice Extract, plus sunscreens to help protect the skin against harmful UV rays and prevent the formation of sunspots. Immediately leaves your skin luminous and helps improve skin fairness every time you apply it. Hypo-allergenic. Fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic. Resistant to humidity, sweat and sebum (oil). Comes in Light Beige and Natural Beige shades.

Ingredients (click photo to enlarge)

AMW says ---

Pros

• dermatologist tested
  
• easy to blend
• non cakey
• I like the plastic cover that comes with the compact

• has SPF 15
• huge mirror
• does not have weird smell, there is a tiny hint of fresh scent
• does not feel heavy on face
  
• can be applied both ways for light to full coverage - wet or dry
• no allergies or skin irritations
• I've applied once in the morning and late afternoon, I find that the powder foundation is still intact
• the sponge that comes along with the product is good quality
  

Cons

• packaging!  I don't like the long compact
• applying too much can make you look "powder-y" or unnatural
• dry skinned individuals: using this without moisturizing your skin may make your skin looks flakey
  

Overall

The Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact has been around for years but I just managed to use one recently, I have used one in the past but ended up giving it to my mom as she likes it.  I'm glad I reunited with this foundation again, it's not super cheap but its not expensive either, for its price, I like it that it's dual purpose.  Can be applied both wet or dry.  I personally prefer applying powder foundation dry because I hate the hassle, but with this, probably due to my dry skin, I prefer applying this by spritzing a bit of water on my sponge to dampen then gently apply my foundation with a light hand, the effect comes out more natural.  For people who prefer the compact foundation that works yet doesn't cost too much, this works fine!  I cannot say this is the BEST powder foundation out there but this baby has a lot to say! 

Tips

from Neutrogena

• Apply with a water-moistened sponge for more complete coverage, or with dry sponge for a light matte finish.

 from AMW

• if the application turned out to be too unnatural or powdery looking, spritz your face with mist
• make sure to choose the right shade, this gives out a white cast on flash photography if you chose the wrong shade
• I personally s uggest if you plan to use this wet, use this wet ALL THE WAY or vice versa
• oilier skin may need to retouch but doesn't have to retouch many times.  
• prefer even lighter coverage?  Use a brush to apply this
• wash your sponge applicator at least once every 2 weeks, or better? once a week!
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where to purchase and how much?

At any leading beauty stores or Neutrogena counters for approx Php700.00 (approx $15.00)

A closer look on Natural Beige #21

Applied on hand

 

 Applied on skin, no base, no nothing

just pure foundation

Note: You can still see a bit of "redness" on my lip area as I applied this "dry"

either I conceal it first or apply the foundation wet for heavier coverage

It's a nice drugstore foundation that lives up to its promise of a good performance. 

Worth to try for sure!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!