Likas Papaya Soap is a local product from the Philippines. It is the pioneer product in the market that used papaya as the main whitening substance, and it is an organic soap that assures to aid in lightening the color of the skin.

Likas Papaya Soap

Papaya has been really a popular ingredient among products of its kind, and other companies have numerously attempted to imitate Likas Papaya Soap. However, it still stays to be on top when it comes to papaya whitening soap in the Philippines. It has only been recently that it also hit other Asian countries, as well as the United States and some parts in Europe. It also ensures to get rid of dark pigmentations due to acne marks, sun spots, and freckles, as well as get rid of active acne on the face.

Likas Papaya Soap contains 100% herbal and organic contents. Its primary potent ingredient is papain extract, which is one of the commonly known natural whitening ingredients. The main action of papain extract is to promote fast restoration of the skin cells. This type of natural enzyme is also efficient in the exfoliation of dead cells and renews properties on the skin.

The herbal and organic contents of Likas Papaya Soap provide the skin’s natural moisture and smooth texture. Aside from its promise of lightening the skin within two weeks of use, it also aids in fighting mild acne and gets rid of hyperpigmentation caused by acne marks. It may be used on the body and on the face, and should use regularly as an alternative of the regular body soap and facial wash. Lather the soap on the skin for about three to five minutes before rinsing it off.

The good thing about Likas Papaya Soap is it contains organic and herbal ingredients, which are not harmful to the skin. There is no hydroquinone or any artificial bleaching agent containing the soap, which is safe for everyone to use. It also has a gentle smell which is enjoyed by most people. Aside from that, it is very affordable and anyone can purchase a 135-gram of Likas Papaya Soap for just $3 to $5. It can be purchased online, and from different Filipino, Chinese and Asian specialty stores. There have also been no reports of severe side effects from this soap. But it is always safe to do a patch test to make sure there will be no allergic reactions.

If you're stressed out, and looking at pictures of underwater dogs doesn't make you feel better (seriously, how could it not?), you might want to try a nice, affordable facial mask. Let's see how the new (previously only available in single-serving packets) Freeman Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask worked for me, shall well?

 Freeman Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask

(retail: $3.99, 6 oz)

With a 4.8 out of 5 star average rating on Ulta.com, a 4.4 out of 5 average rating on Makeup Alley and an award from TotalBeauty.com under its belt, this mask has made quite the name for itself since its release. I received this product for review a while back, and I've used it about every two weeks for the past few months.

I've said in the past that products that contain clay (bentonite and kaolin) work extremely well for my oily skin, because clay really absorbs oils and has a way of , for lack of a better word, sucking the oil out from deep down in my pores. So I was happy to see that bentonite and kaolin are the 2nd and 3rd ingredients in this product. (There are also two forms of parabens in this formula, which I wanted to note in case you're trying to avoid those.)

The product itself is a beautiful teal color (hey, I'm a girl...color matters!). The texture is thick, but not difficult to spread across the skin. In fact, it's much easier to spread than other masks of this nature that I've used over the years.

No visitors for the next 20 minutes, please!

I like to keep this mask on for about 20 minutes. As with most masks, you should keep this on your skin until the mask is completely dry (depending on the temperature, this should take about 10 minutes) but I like it keep it on a little longer, until I can't move my mouth or wrinkle my nose, because I just want those clays to "suck" as much oil from my skin as possible. 

Removal is extremely easy. I hate masks that leave me at my bathroom sink for 20 minutes, trying to get the gunk out of my hairline. I don't get that from this mask one bit--it rinses easily and effortlessly, which I very much appreciate.

The fragrance is also quite pleasant and not overpowering. It has a clean, sweet, slightly aquatic scent to it.

After removal, my skin feels fresh, clean and smooth. It doesn't feel dry or tight, and I've never once thought, "Oh no, my skin is parched now" after using this product (note: I have extremely oily skin, which is even worse in the summer). Only once did I encounter a breakout after using this mask, and it was a small one. For those who don't use masks, this is not uncommon. Masks tend to "purge" the skin, bringing impurities to the surface. I've broken out many times after using other masks and I basically expect it after a "deep cleaning". So I was happy that I only broke out once after using this product, and again, it was minor (two small flare-ups on one of my cheeks).

Who might like this mask: 

Those with oily-to-very oily skin. This mask is a miracle-worker if your skin is like mine (very oily), especially now, in the dog days of summer. I don't know about you, but when it gets hot, I feel like I've got a constant layer of grime on my face. Residue from sunscreens, etc. can build up to the point where I just wish I could scrub my face raw sometimes. Thankfully, I don't have to, because this mask soaks up all that ickiness and basically "resets" my skin back to zero every time I use it.

Who might not like this mask:

If you have dry skin, or ever normal-bordering-on-dry, this mask might be too much for you, especially in the cooler months. Basically, if your skin doesn't have much oil to be absorbed in the first place, and you treasure the oil your skin does produce, I would skip this product and go for a mask that adds moisture instead. Also, those who are extremely sensitive to fragrance might want to skip this one, although I don't find the fragrance strong or overpowering (I know that some of you have to avoid fragrance altogether in your skincare, so that's why I'm adding this to the "might not like" list).

FINAL VERDICT: I see now why this product is so universally loved. For those with oily-to-very-oily skin, I think you'll be extremely pleased with how effective this product is at absorbing oils and giving your pores a good cleaning. The high clay content in this mask makes it ideal for my oily skin, and I love that, unlike other clay-based masks, it removes easily with water (no struggling at the sink). For $3.99, I think it's a great product to use in the summertime when you're feeling stressed and want to get that icky summertime "film" off your face. 

Rave Review: VMV Hypoallergenics Re-everything Face-Hand-Body Lotion

Rave Review: VMV Hypoallergenics Re-everything Face-Hand-Body Lotion

After I finished my Nivea Baby Smoothy Cream (down to the last dollop!), I wanted a moisturizer with anti-aging properties. I popped by VMV Hypoallergenics during one of their frequent sales and picked up the Re-everything Face-Hand-Body Lotion.

Cellular renewal, regeneration, microdermabrasion (unbuffered glycolic acid + kinetin growth factor), antioxidant (kinetin, green tea + rice phytic acid) + intensive hydrating glycerin anti-aging therapy for body skin. Gentle enough for use as an interim facial moisturizer when slowly increasing application frequency of Re-Everything Creams. Notably smoother, firmer, rejuvenated skin with a subtle "post-peel glow" from head to toe.

The "gentle exfoliating" part is what sold me. Lisa Eldridge advocates exfoliation and moisture as key anti-aging practices. Seeing as she's in her 40s and has great skin, I'm inclined to believe her. If the lotion's instructions are anything to go by, it's not meant to be a daily facial moisturizer, but I use it as such. I've been using it for a month and I love how it's treating my skin.

I like VMV's philosophy of taking "just what you need," hence the exclusion of the box. I trash those things anyway.

Glycolic acid is the main exfoliating agent. There seems to be a high amount of glycerin, a humectant. So not only does it help skin retain water, but it actually draws water from the environment and absorbs it into skin. Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, phytate, and kinetin are the main anti-aging ingredients. They're lower on the list, so they're not present in high concentrations, which explains why this isn't strictly marketed as an anti-aging facial moisturizer.

Always remember, if you're using a product with AHAs or salicylic acid, you need to wear sunscreen. Even indoors. I like VMV Armada Face Cover 30 and Belo Essentials SunExpert Body Shield SPF 60.

Always, always appreciate clearly labeled expiry dates. This has one that's two years from now, but I doubt that a whole year's gonna pass before I repurchase, I love it so much.

The lotion comes with a safety seal so you know it hasn't had its cherry popped. When it comes out of the tube it looks a bit grainy, but there are no actual grains in the product. It's light and unscented, so the faint acidic smell is that of the ingredients themselves.

Before: just eyebrow powder, lip balm, and pimples on. I look a bit splotchy. The after photo shows my truly bare face -- freshly cleansed, no eyebrow products, no lip balm, no moisturizer or sunscreen. I'm still a bit sallow. :p Granted, these were taken with different cameras during different times of the day, but I assure you the difference is there. I had a rash of menses-related pimples a week ago but otherwise my skin is looking the best it's been in months.

Some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation remains around my nose (consequences of blowing my schnoz too roughly) and on my cheeks (from pimplezzz). Other than that, I'm happy.

I use this on my face every other night, and after every evening bath all over my body. VMV wasn't kidding when they tell you this will give you a subtle "post-peel glow." With continuous use I noticed that my skin looked more radiant (not oily), less flaky and bumpy.

THE WRAP

Pros

• Anti-aging, exfoliating, brightening, AND moisturizing
• Unscented and hypoallergenic
• Gives you a subtle glow

Neutral

• Price

Cons

• Running out fast because I use it all the time! ^_^

The VMV Hypoallergenics Re-everything Face-Hand-Body Lotion is available in VMV boutiques and department store kiosks for Php 300 (30 ml) and Php 1,170 (185 m). Samples are available in the online store.