Japanese Beauty Products from Amazon Japan 💕

Let me start by saying that by now I can say that I'm living a minimalist and frugal life. Well being minimalist and frugal does not mean that I will not purchase anything. That is my point of view. I will still make a purchase every now and then. I think the important thing is that I will not fall into hoarding again. Or I will fall into buying something I will not need immediately. Or I do not really love. But it is not yet so obvious that I am indeed already living a minimalist and frugal life because if you will take a peek at my space there are still clutter. For I am not yet done with my 'Pan Project' and 'Getting Rid An Item Per Day', it is not yet over as I do not have an ample time in my hand. And also because I simply had too much. Anyway this post is about the items I purchased from Amazon Japan and why I finally made the purchase.

Some months ago I have written a post about my morning ritual since January 2016 most of the products mentioned in that post are products I am trying to finish (Pan Project); thankfully whatever skin care from that post are finished as of this writing. But as you can see based on that post I only have one sunscreen. That was Muji Sunscreen SPF 40 I just can't remember exactly which month I finally finished it. But I did not purchase any sunscreen after that as I tried to finished off my moisturizers with SPF (I know not advisable but then as I keep on saying I have way too many stash) then finally around September when I needed a new sunscreen and moisturizer. As of moisturizers I was able to find and purchase easily from Emirates Coop and Muji but as of sunscreen I had a tough time buying one. I mean there are sunscreens in UAE market but the choices are very less as opposed to make up that I lamented how make up have become more important than skin care.

In my quest into finding the best sunscreen has led me into making an online purchase. Something I haven't done in such a long time. I read some blogs and forums that Japanese sunscreens are the best. I am not in the position to make such a claim but then I was satisfied with the Muji Sunscreen I tried so why not try another Japanese brand again? But my main reason in making an online purchase through Desert Cart is more on financial reason. A sunscreen in a physical store in UAE would cost me around 100+ while in the Desert Cart my 107AED was already for 2 tubes of sunscreen including the shipping fee. I was baffled with the prices that I immediately scanned my current skin care to see if there is anything else I need and I would purchase it online. And so from Desert Cart I found my way to Amazon Japan. If Japanese skin care products are affordable in Desert Cart oh man, they are way more affordable in Amazon Japan. But unfortunately some items in Amazon Japan cannot be delivered in the UAE which I do not understand as those products are available in Desert Cart in higher amount. That being said that on my first purchase from Amazon Japan there is no sunscreen included.

Some people swear by the Japanese Cleansing Oils. So I got myself at least 3 variants of it. All are from Kose Softymo. I know I am not using much make up and they are meant as make up remover but then I'm thinking of using it for the body was well aside from just being a make up remover. While the big bottles are called Skin Conditioner or Skin Lotion, which confuses me a little as Japanese Lotion is also known as Toner or Softener. Forgot to search about that. But I had been hearing good things about Japanese Skin Conditioner that I went ahead and purchased at least 3 variants of it. I think the beauty of Japanese Skin Care is they have too many choices that benefits the consumers. One can choose the cheapest in the market without jeopardizing the quality. Even me can't believe the prices I'm seeing at Amazon Japan. That I wonder why I didn't find it soon enough. Maybe I would not have spent hundred of dirhams at physical stores in the UAE. But then that is over and done. At least I'm thankful that I tried it now.

It came in a big box. Photos of that are in my mobile which I will be sharing some other time. I'm posting this photo to show how they arranged it inside the box and it surprised me that in spite of the simplicity of it the items came to me in good condition. It was handled with care. DHL is their courier. Let me share the photos of the products I purchased. (I'm planning to go on vacation in Japan next year so one would think why not just wait until that time to make a purchase. But then based on my last vacation 20 to 30KG of bag allowance will not be enough to purchase and bring back everything you want especially the food)

 Kose Softymo White Cleansing Oil 200ML
428 Japanese Yen

Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil 200ML

428 Japanese Yen

Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil 200ML

441 Japanese Yen

Nihonsakari Moisturizing Lotion 550ML

646 Japanese Yen

Nihonsakari Skin Lotion 550ML

628 Japanese Yen

Kikumasamune Skin Care Lotion 500ML

569 Japanese Yen

In line with my Pan Project, I'm trying to finish off my Botanics eye make up remover which is made of oil. I don't want to use it anymore but I'm still doing so just to avoid wasting it. I don't like it for the reason that it sort of sting the eye. Or sting is the right term? Like my eyes are blurry upon using it that I'm afraid I might go blind. Now surprisingly I did not feel that upon using all the three Kose Softymo Cleansing Oils. Yes upon receiving the package on the same night I tried them all. So LOVE was my initial impression. I am just not sure that I will repurchase because Japan has so many more affordable brands to choose from.

On the same night too I tried the Kikumasamune Skin Care Lotion and Nihonsakari Moisturizing Lotion. Well as of the initial impression, it was just neutral. I do not know yet if I'm going to love it or hate it. If I am going to love it soon then good for me because it is a value for money. It can be used for face and body. It is a multi purpose product. I even used it in my underarms before sleeping.

For these 6 products I only paid 265.00AED and that shipping fee is already included. If there's any update about these I'll be sharing them here soon. And lastly I almost forgot to say that what makes ordering from Amazon Japan convenient is the waiting time is not much. I made the order by November 20 and I think in the same day on Japanese time or the next day my orders has been dispatched. It was supposed to be delivered to me on November 24 but it came a day earlier. Making it only 3 working days of waiting. Wow. Just wow. Now if only I can find out the reason why some products are not allowed of shipping in UAE...

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself ~ Coco Chanel

Starbucks Ice Cream

PHOTOS credit to the owner.

Empty Bottle 78: Muji Sunscreen 🌸

I always clean my face with soap and water. No more and no less. As I was not aware how we should really take good care of our skin. But at least when I came here in the UAE I started taking care of the white heads in my nose. Meaning I'm doing everything I can do banish them. But even so I was not doing anything to protect my skin particularly my face against the sun and all the harm it could bring. I only realized I should do so when sun spots started appearing on my face. That was the time the I started buying products to reverse it. Reversing it is impossible but avoiding it to spread is possible. That's when I learn to use sunscreen.

Admittedly I was aware of the sunscreen in the past but the brand I used was too greasy on the skin that I never bother to use it again. And I did not take seriously the possibility of having sun spots in the long run not until they started appearing on my face. I am not really vain and in fact I would not mind the sun spots but just like the case of the white heads on my nose it was other people who kept on noticing the sun spots in my face. Sales Associates then would offer me all their products that promises to make the sun spots disappear like magic. Yes I tried some but that post has to wait some other time. I started using products with different purpose at the same time. Product to banish the sun spots and sun screen to protect my skin as well as avoid the sun spots to spread on my face.

One of the sunscreens I tried was Muji Sunscreen. When I started taking care of my skin I tried South Korean skin care regime and Japanese skin care regime and as end result I bought way too many. Like for sunscreen alone I tried different brands. Muji is just one of them as I am saying. I bought the Muji Sunscreen in Mirdif City Centre for only 30.00AED and what do I think about the price? Expensive as per my financial status. But then that's the cheapest the UAE market could offer. And so I took it.  Purchased it between late 2014 or early 2015. Used it for a while then kept it. Decided to finish it off on January 2016 when I slowly started my way into minimalism. But as of this writing I am not sure if Muji UAE will replenish their sunscreen any time soon. Or there will be sunscreen with higher PA.

How do I measure up the effectiveness of a sunscreen? Been using sunscreen since late 2014 but don't know yet the answer to this question. All I can say with Muji Sunscreen is it does not leave any white cast on my face which is good. It is not oily or greasy which is another good thing. Absorbs quickly by the skin and I think that's the way it should be right? It does not conflict with other products I am using. Meaning I can't feel any side effects like stinging sensation or itchy. And since I'm using sunscreen the sun spots are all good. Meaning to say whatever sun spots I have on my face are still there but at least they are not giving birth. As if it has been stopped into spreading in my face. And that's cool right? Muji Sunscreen also helps in moisturizing the skin, this alone is moisturizing enough but then when it comes to this area I don't want to rely on Muji Sunscreen alone I'm also using moisturizing cream to be 100% sure. I'm applying Muji Sunscreen first before all the other products. And if the characteristics I said were enough to say that this is a good sunscreen then maybe it is.

But then just like all the other facial products I am using I'm trying to observe if they will be able to deliver more than what the original purpose is. In my case I'm observing all the products if they will have any effect on the white heads on my nose. Luckily Muji Sunscreen does not aggravates the white heads on my nose but does not help either in preventing them. Hence I still need to use my nose strip and/or iWhite Nose Pack or any nose pack available at night. I think it is pretty fair to do this kind of experiment or observation in products for me to know which one will really have an edge over one another.

Anyhow my Muji Sunscreen lasted for about 4 months. But no plans of repurchasing right now even if it becomes available in Muji for a very simple reason that I still have too many products that I need to finish first. And I'm writing this Empty Bottle Post as part of my documenting my journey to minimalism and being frugal as well. I'm not buying any face products until such time that I finish whatever stocks I am having. And I think it is under control now unlike before. Even though I admit that I'm not too sure when I will be able to finish the items that I hoarded in the past. But I have high hopes that I'm getting there. As I was able to get rid of one small drawer from the small room where I used to keep my stash. As well as the little table that well I used also as a place to keep the other items that the closer can no longer hold. Yes there are results  no matter how minimal.

'Going back to a simpler life is not a step backwards' ~ Yvon Chouinard

Empty Bottle 77: Vitress 🌸

This post will show how I was a shallow mini hoarder to full blown hoarder for the last 2 years. Well my 77th bottle for my Pan Project is Vitress Instant Relax Cuticle Coat. Would you believe that I have a few bottles way back between 2009  to 2011?

Vitress is a Philippine brand of hair products. Vitress Hair Solution Instant Relax Cuticle Coat I would say is quite affordable (and I am comparing it with other brands available in UAE market) it used to be 9.00AED back in 2007 then after 2 years there has been a price increase but it will not cost more than 15.00AED. I wish I can remember why I have bottles of it at home. What I was thinking when I made this purchase? Sure it makes hair shiny and soft. But I can't remember wanting a hair product for that purpose. A good conditioner and having time to comb the hair can do that job.

Anyway since its already in my stash I used it just to finish it off. No I will not repurchase. Recommend? It depends. If you can still find it in the market in a very affordable price and you want a shiny hair then go for it. But my issue has always been with having buhaghag and extremely thick hair that any hair shinning products will be just useless to me. And that's all for Vitress. Have a good day!

Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. - Lao Tzu

Evening Skin Care Routine 💕

 💕 La Roche Posay Micelle Solution
 💕 La Roche Posay Physiological Soothing Toner
 💕 The Face Shop Mango Seed Oil Foam Cleanser
 💕 Muji Moist Essence Lotion
 💕 Muji Medicated Whitening Milk
 💕 Hanadomy Collagen Lotion
 💕 Skin Food Tomato Whitening Emulsion
 💕 Skin Food Peach Pore Sake Serum
 💕 Hanadomy Collagen Cream
The Face Shop Mango Seed Oil to Foam 2 in 1 cleanser is not included in the photo but I included it in the list for the reason that, I believe no matter how good the make up remover is we should never, ever skip washing our face with water and cleanser. No excuses. I can't imagine applying all those layers of skin products in our face without cleansing it with water first. It will never work, at least for me. 

'Beautiful make up starts with beautiful skin' - Shu Uemura

The Black Dress

I got this photo from Pinterest. I wish to find the same black dress. For me it looks perfect. With pockets. Yes I need all my clothes to have pockets. Sleeves that are enough to hide my bulging arms. And yes it should be below the knees. But not the shoes. I'm more of boots and sneakers. So even if I find the dress I don't know if I can pull off that look. Ahhh getting old is not fun.

Empty Bottle 76: M Chue Tofu Scrub 🌸

Another item from 2014 that I managed to finish only this year. And this is my 76th bottle in my Pan Project. M Chue Tofu Scrub is not available in physical stores across UAE and I got mine from a trusted online seller. It has been 2 years that I can't remember the name of the said seller. I got it for less than 50AED and I can't even remember why I bought it in the first place. Maybe this is one of the many brands in the market that promises to lighten the skin. And I know in myself that back in 2014 I purchased far too many. But none works for me. All were nothing but lies marketing ploy.

I only have 2 photos. One is I'm holding the bottle to show you how small it is. Sorry that as of the product review I'm pretty useless. That all I can share is this is M Chue is a brand of tofu scrub. Somewhere in the world it is available. It is from Thailand. A country where they are making tofu as skin care products. I find it expensive. Smells nice. But nothing special. I could use up one bottle in a day. I'm sorry but that's all I can share regarding this tofu scrub. Will I buy another tofu scrub if given a chance? No thanks.

At least it is just one bottle down. One item thrown away out of the house. I was able to get rid of a small table and small drawer out of the room when I started to unclutter it. I was on vacation that time. When I get back to work things slow down for me. I need to have a vacation again to be able to  do another general cleaning and major de-cluttering in the tiny room.

 

I bet most of us have experienced at some point the joys of less: college – in your dorm, traveling – in a hotel room, camping – rig up basically nothing, maybe a boat. Whatever it was for you, I bet that, among other things, this gave you a little more freedom, a little more time. - Graham Hill

La Filipina Pork Products

PHOTO from La Filipina Facebook Page. UAE is a Muslim country and yet pork products are allowed. Discovered La Filipina products by accident when I was browsing items at pork section of Al Maya in Ajman. After tasting La Filipina corned pork I'm hooked. And not yet going back to corned beef. Been eating almost all the variants of La Filipina I can buy from Al Maya well except for these 2 in the photo as they are not yet available here. As of their corned pork tried it on pasta or on pandesal 0r as ulam. Totally addictive.

Empty Bottle 75: L'occitane Jenipapo Jelly Milk Sunscreen 🌸

Hi there!

Just a quick post for today.

I just want to share that now I am in my 75th empty bottle for my Pan Project. It is my first L'occitance product. Called L'occitance Jenipapo Jelly Milk Sunscreen. Seriously though I wan this to be finish soon (Pan Project) so I can move on writing about other things. But then sadly its my own fault too why it is not yet over as I had a hoarder disease for the last 2 years. 

I have taken many photos before but I can't find them now. I have many items scattered on the floor. I also have many photos scattered in my external disks, usb sticks and memory cards. So for now only these 2 photos will do. L'occitance is a high end French brand of beauty products. But I was able to buy for a lower price from The Deal in Dubai Outlet Mall.

Forgive me for not being a perfumer hehe. I can say that I love the smell of it. Smells flowery but cannot go further to describe. Sinks in to the skin fast. And yes the Jenipapo Jelly Milk Sunscreen name fits the product perfectly. Its milk like in color. Sunscreen but not greasy on the skin. But still needed to put on some moisturizer after applying this one. That's all for today.

'A crowded space creates noise in your mind because your mind is trying to process the noise in your environment.' ~ Dub Haynes

Empty Bottle 74: VS Weightless Body Oil Verbena 🌸

Victoria's Secret

Weightless Body Oil Verbena

Price: 85.00AED per pieces

Mix and Match: 175.00AED for 3 pieces

Sale Price: 25.00AED per bottle

Made in USA
Discontinued Scent

Selling Point: Organic

Selling Point: Cruelty Free

Victoria's Secret Weightless Body Oil is part of Victoria's Secret 4 body care system introduced for 2015. Victoria's Secret Weightless Body Oil is the last step in the said skin care. First is the body scrub. Follow by rich body cream wash. Moisturize by body lotion. Lock the lotion using the weightless body oil. 

I always have a dry skin. Sometimes I feel like even body butter is not enough. Maybe our skin has its own mysterious way of coping up with whatever product we are using. So there will come a time that the body lotion that used to be compatible with your skin will no longer work the way it used to be. So we should really somehow rotate moisturizers every once in a while. People are singing praises with body oils that made me interested. But as I use it I was afraid that one day it might no longer be suitable for my skin. So in the end there are days that I'm not putting on any moisturizer to let my skin breath. And not get used too much to a product. I hope you get my drift.

Price ~ of course it is expensive for me. Anything above 30.00AED is expensive for me. But I love it. I love the scent. Even though I'm clueless about Verbena and I haven't seen one. Smells fresh. Smells flowery. Reminds me of park. It is oil but sinks in the skin immediately. I have taken many photos for those who wants to know the other details for this product. As of me I don't care much about being Organic/Paraben Free/Cruelty Free or I guess my skin is that much sensitive. That my skin can't recognize an organic skin care or not.

Pardon but there's not much more for me to say about this product. I'm writing this post as I'm keeping track of my Pan Project. This will go on at least until first quarter of 2017. Love is all I have for this product. I cannot think 0f anything negative to say about Victoria's Secret Weightless Body Oil. Even the scent I don't have any complaints. Well how can I even complain when it is my first body oil? And I don't plan on trying out another brand. I don't need and want to because of the price.

I purchased at least 3 more bottles when it was on sale last Semi Annual Sale. Which I plan to use for some experiments. First I want to make my facial wash into foaming wash. There are some DIY in Google but they are no use to me because my facial wash is ready made from the market. What I'm trying to ask Google was how to mix it with body oil and it what quantity to turn it into foam. But then I guess no one else have tried doing so hence I can't see any instructions about it.

I also want to try mixing it into body wash or body gel again good old Google is giving my blogs about DIY but my case is the same with the face wash. All my body wash and gel are ready made. I just like to try out mixing them with body oil. I'm using body scrub with loads of oil from Bath and Body Works and the end result is awesome that I don't have to use body moisturizer in the morning. So I'm thinking that maybe the same result will happen if I were to mix body wash and body oil. After all there are also body oil wash in the market like the one from L'occitane.

Last experiment that I want to do with the body oil is to create my own body scrub using unused body lotion and salt baths or those dried scrub from Thailand that you can purchase from Carrefour or any other grocery stores across the UAE. Or try to mix this oil with my current salt scrub. Time is my only issue. Maybe I will have all the time in the world if I am no longer working.

Taken photos of the back of the bottle for those who are interested. What I've said almost everything there is to say about it. What is Exclusive Cotton Moisture? Maybe they found an ingredient or procedure to make skin as soft as cotton? But I doubt this continuous 24  moisture as upon taking a shower the next day all the traces of body butter and oil will be washed off. I had to use a body scrub loaded with oils to keep my skin moisturized or reapply body butter and oil again.

I said that I don't have complaints. But they could still do something to improve the product or the bottle to be exact. You can see the how to dispense the oil based on this photo. I would prefer it to be on spray. I had to wait for one of the body mists to be empty just so I can use it for my body oil.

And that's all for my Pan Project post today. Moving on to another issue ~ I had been crazy about lip products for the last 2 years. Well I love Mac but find them so expensive. That I tried different brands which was a wrong move because in the end I spent more money instead of saving. So when I come back from vacation I decided to use all my lip products even if it meant applying a lipstick even half an hour in the office. No one will say something bad about it as after all I am a woman. But something held me back. After the said vacation I developed some wounds beside the mouth well from the outside. Google cannot pin down the exact reason for it. Using lip product was a hassle while I had it. Used lip balm until the wounds go away. And afterwards for the reason unknown to me I had it again. Not sure if it will come back again. It is not even winter here. I'm just keeping my lip balm with me all the time in case it comes back. So Pan Project with my lip products has been stagnant for around 3 weeks in total. The positive outcome for this painful experience was I fully stopped spending for lip products. For good. Sure you might see future posts for at least 80 lip products but by then they will be all just throwback series.

Few days ago I lament about how expensive the housing here in UAE that we are forced into sharing that resulted in us having a very small space. As the bigger or comfortable your place is the higher the price would be. I don't mind living in a small space but I do mind the smell upon cooking. I mentioned about buying room sprays and body mists to use to cover up the smell the cooking emits. And to use to all the linen and clothes. So the food smell will not hang to them. A few weeks back I was able to try Febreeze and I'd say out of all the air fresheners I tried in the past it is the most effective. It can overcome the food smell and not the other way around. But it is a bit expensive for the amount of 20.00AED but then again what is not expensive in this place? But then my colleague informed me the room perfume from Bath and Body Works really smell great and effective. I'm not sure which one he was talking about. So definitely I will be in line once they have their Semi Annual Sale again this December.

Empty Bottle 73: Ponds Oil Solution Pore Conditioning Toner 🌸

Hooray! 73rd bottle and counting. This is not a complete review of product. But instead just a personal blog about my current Pan Project. Been trying to finish my hoarded stuff since April 2016. As the numbers of my empty bottles grow the more I become happy. I know it is just mababaw (shallow) one. But still a little happiness indeed.

My 74th bottle is Ponds Oil Solution Pore Conditioning Toner. This is made in Philippines. I bought this from Manila Grocery in Ajman for only 6.50AED but I can't remember was it 2014 or 2015! But I managed to finish this little bottle only this year. Not because I'm not taking good care of my skin. But having too many to choose from led to this situation.

Started religiously using facial toner since 2014. But that regular thing has become a once in a blue moon thing. I still have at least 2 bottles of facial toner at home that I don't know when I will be able to finish. I know I've said it before. I've said it numerous times. I've said it basically to all the products I used. There is nothing special to this toner. This is just like all the other facial toners I used. Yes it can removes the residue of facial cleanser or make up remover. Yes it can remove any remaining traces of make up. But then it is made to function like that. So where's the special in that?

It contains Alcohol Denat. So I don't use it for the whole face as it comes too strong for me. I only use it for my nose. But not everyday. Only those days when my nose is secreting more oil than the usual. That being said I will not bother to repurchase. Actually after I'm done with the remaining 2 bottles I will stay away from facial toner. (But if I will be back in Turkey during summer then I would need one as my experience there was entirely different). That is if I will be able to manage to go back. 2016 is not yet done. Anything can still happen with the remaining days of the year. I am in the UAE and the price of oil keeps on dropping that. I can't think of any other source of income of this place. This place fall I along with the other OFW's. Scratching my head as once I am jumping from a beauty product to my OFW life.

Back of the bottle for those who are interested. But for me don't bother with it as I will be just repeating myself over and over again there is no product that can really 'clean' the pores of the nose or make it better. Seriously what do you mean by cleaning the pores anyway? Water and facial wash are enough. The only products that can unclog the pores or take away the white heads/black heads are only nose strips and nose pack. All the beauty products in the world are just using whatever marketing gimmick they can think of to make us buyers become interested.

Moving on to a different topic. I am sure almost everyone already heard the term Capsule Wardrobe. And I read a lot about it. I was interested because it seems to be aligned with my wanting to be a minimalist and frugal. But the more I read the more I'm staying away. From what I understood Capsule Wardrobe is owning a few basic clothes that said to be around 33 items but in reality it is always more than that if we have to include the clothes to wear inside the house. The underwear. The socks. The sleepwear. The swimwear. The clothes for special occasions. And this Capsule Wardrobe changes according to the season which gives impression that people doing it are Western people mostly who are experiencing 4 seasons in a year.

All the blogs I read are giving me the impression that they have money. They have a good job. And they have a huge house or can afford to have one. Because if they don't they where do they keep the clothes that currently not inclined with the season. I'm not trying to rant or be bitter. But then Capsule Wardrobe is not for people who are living in the space as small as this:

This is not my photo. I just got it online tackling about the size of houses in Hongkong. Well nobody wants to live in a cramped space. Even me. But so many of us OFW's or not don't have too many choices but to live in one. As all over the world the rent prices just keeps on getting high. People giving their opinions but sadly nothing has been done. Nothing can be done. And by the time government sort it out it may be a little too late.  I will not be around anymore by the time the normal size houses are available for all. So Capsule Wardrobe is not the answer to my problem regarding the space. Solution is totally cutting down my clothing to the lowest number as possible. And when I say clothing I'm not talking only about the clothes I'll be wearing outside. I meant all my clothing as a whole.

 

And before I forget some people who are doing Capsule Wardrobe suggesting to buy clothes that will lasts a long time (usually expensive ones) but based on my vacation and where my life is currently heading I'd rather buy the cheapest if ever I need one. One that I won't regret if I have to leave them behind. When I was in Turkey for a month I did not bring much clothes. Laundry was unexpectedly expensive. Washing the clothes at night is not advisable as to save water and electric as I was sleeping on someone's couch. Lucky for me clothes that costs 1.25AED were available. And so I purchased enough to wear for almost 2 weeks. Clothes that I left behind for someone else to wear or who knows if ever I might have a chance to visit again. If only all the countries all over the world have clothing with the same amount.

 

“Unclutter your life. Unclutter your home. We feel best when everything and everyone around us is in harmony and in balance.The peace and the beauty of your home will raise you up, and give energy to your goals.”
― Eileen Anglin

Empty Bottle 72: Secret Key 🌸

The year is about to end. And I'm sharing you my 72nd empty bottle during my Pan Project. Well my Pan Project is still very much ongoing. And I think I'm close enough in clearing out my dresser. I will decide what I will do with it once it is free from all the clutter. So my 73rd empty bottle is a Korean product called Secret Key Dragon Blood Essence. Please be warned that this is not a rigorous review of the product.

 

Let me share you what I know about Korean Skin Care Regime:

1. Make up removal

2. Cleansing of the face

3. Exfoliator

4. Toner

5. Essence and/or Emulsion

6. Ampoule/Serums

7. Sheet Mask

8. Eye cream

9. Moisturizer

10. Night Cream

Of course you don't have to put on everything on daily basis you have to listen to your skin's need. For example I don't wear make up so it will not make sense for me to use a make up remover. I can go straight to cleansing. There are times that I am too lazy to clean my face with water and facial wash then I could go straight to using toner. Exfoliator and sheet mask are not an everyday thing. You can do it once a week. Serums has many kinds so choose according to your needs. Lastly this is for the night routine. The make up removing process is already a give away though. The morning routine is almost the same just with the additional of sunscreen and of course minus the make up remover and/or toner.

2015 I was into Korean skin care regime. Meaning I purchased too many Korean skin care products. It may not be much to some of you but for someone like me it already was. Secret Key is one of the many brands in South Korea. They have too many that even a beauty aficionado will find it hard to keep track of them all. First of all Secret Key is not available in any physical stores in UAE. Second you can purchase it only thru online sellers. Quite popular is TheBBCreamGirl. Third the amount is around 57.00AED that is if haven't changed. But I got mine for free. The seller was about to go home in the Philippines so maybe she was clearing her stuff. Or maybe Essence is not her thing. Or maybe she just want me to try it out for myself since she knows I am into Korean Skin Care and purchased quite a lot from her. As of this writing I'm still struggling to finish some and I must finish them fast before they expire.

I got this around 2015. Used it for a while and kept it. That's the same old story with all the beauty products and owned since 2014. Managed to finish it before the 2016 expiration date. I don't know the counterpart of Essence in Western beauty products. You will not use cotton balls in applying essence. You just need to tap in into your face. It is lighter than a face cream or night cream. But this is thicker than toner. The best way I understood it is this is a facial moisturizer in the lightest form. And as you can see it claims to be an anti ageing and whitening. I don't believe those claims but I always end up trying anyway. Just the way I don't see dragons around but how come they were able to have a dragon blood to turn into essence.

If I put on a make up the I definitely do layering of essence, serum and facial cream. But if I did not then any of them would be just fine with me. After all they all have something in common. That is to moisturize the skin. There are times that my skin feels extremely dry then I need something tough to put on my skin. But there are days that it is not and so essence would be just fine. But even after finishing it I can't say if I love essence or not. Or will I purchase again if given a chance. As while using it there was an itch on my face. Don't know if it is because of the product itself or because it does not blend well with other products. But the itch is not for all over my face. Only with some areas. I never got around into finding the root cause. I finished it off just to avoid wasting it. And lucky for me I did not develop any rashes or bumps due to itching.

Took photos of the back of the bottle to show you but it is mostly written in Korean. Before I forgot this product sinks fast and well into the skin. And that's all for Secret Key Dragon Blood Essence. If you will scroll down below you'll see that the essence is pinkish in color. Probably to give off the impression of Dragon Blood.

Moving on to my personal story as an OFW. Yesterday I was trying to explain that sounds like ranting how expensive the houses here compared to the salary. Some of you might be wondering if I am living a hand to mouth kind of life then how on earth I was able to hoard beauty products in almost 2 years? How I was able to accumulate clothes for the years that I am here in the UAE? Well I have taken an accommodation that is a walking distance from work. In this way I don't have to spend money on taxi. Walking in UAE is something unheard of. Maybe if you want to die early due to extreme hot weather or fast cars. I go to Dubai and places with a friend who has a car again to save money. 2015 I did not go to vacation and spent my ticket money for my stash. It was so wrong of me. Whatever is happening in my life is not only because of the system but also with mistakes. And I'm trying to correct those mistakes. But sadly I can't change the system.

 

It really is just a take it or leave it situation. I'm still clueless with what I will do next. By 2017. For the mean time I just want to have a clean and free space. Work and save a little before making major decisions. It may irritate some with my whining but then writing it is my way of coping. This is my therapy.

 

The only love affair that I found hard to resist was with lipstick. I can't help myself to purchase some while I was on vacation last August. But after a month I was able to break off. Because I had to. As I don't know why I developed a super dry lips. So dry that there are wounds at the sides.

 

“When you live surrounded by clutter, it is impossible to have clarity about what you are doing in your life.”  ~ Karen Kingston

Empty Bottle 71: Lush Tea Tree Toner 🌸

As I have said, my story about skin care products: I became addicted since last quarter of 2014 and for almost 2 years I accumulated around 300 items, my make up not yet included. Only to realized later on what a waste of time and money it has been. It would have been better if somehow I am not without whiteheads on my nose and sun spots in my face but I still have them no matter what. So having those items did not change my life or my skin at all.

 

Doing Pan Project since second quarter of this year towards minimalist and frugal life. Writing down Empty Bottle Post Series to document my progress. And now I'm sharing the 71st bottle I managed to consume while I am on my Pan Project. Would you believe that before my vacation I managed to consume at least a hundred products? I'm just posting them late as I don't have much time as always. Then there was a slow down during my vacation. And when I came back from vacation I'm using moisturizers less and less.  

 

Someone on my Instagram loop said that Lush Tea Tree Water toner is good for the skin. Because it is gentle and free from harsh chemicals. Not really sure if I made this purchase in 2014 ~ if you have way too many its hard to keep track anymore. All I can remember is it is expensive for a small bottle. Tried it a few times. Kept in the dresser. Used it up when I started the Pan Project. This is just another gentle toner. It is okay to have this around but if not then it is fine. All the toners I tried are all the same. Gives the same results. It is just between a gentle one which I love and need or something strong that usually contains alcohol which is perfect for my oily nose but not for the rest of my face.

Just an  additional info about Lush. It is a brand from UK. Said to be fresh handmade cosmetics. Fresh. Handmade. That makes a difference. It is available in Dubai but not in Ajman. I am in Ajman. It is a Northern emirate next to Sharjah. Most of the brands I mentioned here are not available in Ajman. So I have to go all the way from Ajman to Dubai just to shop. That sucks.

In fairness to Lush they have a good advocate. About ingredients sorry as I am not taking a look anymore. Well as of the Lush advocate as can be see in the photo below the item I bought was made by an employee name Bryn. Imagine saving those people jobs upon supporting the brand. Basically we are supporting people whenever we buy something but what I'm trying to say is Lush have taken it far more too personal. By stating the person's name. And a photo so you can imagine what the worker looks like. As well as to remind you about it. I may not be good at work but you get what I mean. But no matter how good their advocate might be Lush simply is too expensive for me. Maybe not if I am in UK. UAE is such an expensive place. I have to always mention this piece of information to serve as a head on for my fellow kabayans planning to come here.

As I write this I only have remaining 2 bottles of toner. Thankfully. I will surely finish the two bottles before the year ends. And will try without a toner. Since I'm already using a Micelle Solution. And I have at least 3 or 4 facial wash to finish anyway. (Which reminds me I want to experiment turning them into facial foam). As I keep on writing my Empty Bottle Post Series and seeing that the items on my dresser is getting less as time goes by; there's a flutter in my heart. This may sound nothing to you but it is a big deal for me. Being able to break away from hoarding. Being able to contain myself from buying. For me that is something. That is already a success.

Sorry for those who are expecting a thorough review as this is a personal blog. I'm not a professional blogger or writer.

 

But anyway moving on to something else as you know I keep on saying that I am living in a small flat without a good ventilation. If you will ask anyone living in the UAE they will tell you how expensive the cost of the housing is. And please don't believe the Google when they say that the salary is ranging from 10,000AED or more. It is true but only for some lucky individuals. Either you are an Emarati or Western Expats. Or someone with a very good job. But for the rest of us the commoners it is not true. Methinks there are at least 80% of us the commoners in the modern time in this country. And yet we can't tell that to the real estate just so they will give us a lesser price for the housing. Sharing flat by law is not allowed but it is an open secret to all that people are doing it anyway to survive.

 

The next photos are not mine and I got them all from Google. If people will talk about tiny house or small apartment. Whatever term you want to use ~ this photo will immediately come to your mind, right? This is a 13 square meter apartment. Owned by a Western guy living in a Western country I assume. Or someone with money. Not your typical paycheck to paycheck kind of life. Looks clean and neat. Organized too. And of course there's only one person living in the this tiny apartment. I'm dreaming of having one. Only in my dream. Not trying to be bitter here. Just stating the fact.

Here's another photo. I forgot where I get this one. But the thing is even if it is a small apartment at least it has a proper appliances. Right? Look at the stove. That's cool and neat also. But you know what? Even I in the UAE can't afford a small space all by myself. That is one of the things that I had been trying so hard to explain to my family and friends who thinks life here is so good. And feels like heaven. Some parts are. But there are a lot of hardships most of the time. There are far too many that it is all I can remember. Just a few weeks ago a brother told me he wants to come here and look for a job. After knowing all the hardships I went through. Duh.

For us Asians or people who are living a hand to mouth lifestyle this is what we meant by a small house. This photo is from Hongkong. Well I'm not saying that the flat I am living in looks like this but since it is a sharing flat my space more or less is just like this. And imagine the lack of ventilation too. So when I accumulated so many things when I had a hoarder disease for almost 2 years those items immediately become nothing but clutter. The walls in my flat are okay (even though some areas start peeling) but I remember how my space looks like when I have my stuff scattered on the floor as there was no extra space for me to put them at. But I can't keep on being hard on myself as it has been over and done. And as I have said it was a disease. I'm just thankful that I had been cured.

Eating out is a big no with this kind of salary. Well even if I have a big salary I will not choose eating out. The best would really be cooking your own meal at home. But living in a flat with limited space and sharing even just frying an egg is such a hassle. We don't complain about the smell but the issue is there is no way the smell will go out of the flat. And the hard part is when the smell of food clings to the bed sheet, pillows and blanket. Is it cool to sleep with the scent of a bacon? It is acceptable to go out and people can sniff the fried fish from your clothes? So even if I don't want to spend I end up buying body mist that I can use for the clothes and room. I had been experimenting which body mist or room spray will work best. Tried scented candles too but they are expensive and dangerous. So you'll see numerous body mists on my Empty Bottle Post Series too. And how it became a necessity in my life over here.

Cigarette smoke sadly can trigger my migraine but then I have to live with it. A couple of times I can smell it while I'm in the bathroom. Coming out from the flat next to ours. Why do smokers have to blow out the smoke? I know I'm already ranting but please let me be. I only have one life and I want to enjoy it in good health.

As I do my little things to achieve a minimalist and extremely frugal life I can't help but remember and reflect the life I am living in for the last ten years. And realized the mistakes I have done big or small. Especially on matters of money and relations. Maybe being a girl has something to do with it. As we are the gender who loves so many things. Especially when we are young. That's all for today. I still have too many rants stories to tell some other time.