Lucas' Papaw & Essentail Health Pawpaw Ointment | Product Review

I love watching bag raids of local celebrities on Youtube and recently, they always have this product on their bags. It is like a must-have item and they give positive impressions on this. As you know, I am suffering from eczema and thankfully, it just triggers from time to time. My boyfriend gave me the same ointment but it is from Essential Health. He said that it may improvement the hydration of my skin and may relief itchiness. This ointment that he gave me was bought from Australia and he has stocks also for his regular use. So since I also use this brand and there were no significant difference with Lucas', I would like to include this in my review. Side by side.

Brand Name: Lucas' / Essential Health

Product Name: Lucas' Papaw Ointment / Essential Health Pawpaw + Aloe Vera Ointment

Product Type: Ointment

I am living in a country where it has humid weather. There are instances that sweat triggers itchiness and may occur bumps. There are also times that we unconsciously scratch it until it bleeds. I am one of those persons and I am trying my best to prevent this. My boyfriend gave this to me to let me try it. Maybe this will somehow ease the itchiness in my eczema because in those times, it is at its worst. I came to many dermatologists but not all their creams and ointments are effective. Even though there are some, still, they are for first aids only.

On the right image, Essential Health's, there are many benefits indicated. Maybe because it has aloe vera in it. While on the left side, Lucas', it has papaya extract only. But both of them have the same benefits. They both serve their purpose though, to hydrates and to ease inflammation.

Since both of them have the same prime ingredient and benefits, their consistency is oil-based and thick. Though they feel sticky at times, you can feel the moisture and the hydration after applying it on the target area. I applied it on my lips, and to my hands if I need more moisture. Most of the time, I experience chopped lips maybe because of rapid change in weather. Though there are lip balms available which is intended specifically for lip hydration, it is not enough for me. I need to reapply it every time. But when I use papaw, I only apply it at night daily and no need to reapply throughout the day especially now that lip tints are useless because of face masks.

This papaya ointments are already proven by celebrities and other skin professionals so there is no doubt on its use. But when it comes to my sensitive skin, this is just a first aid. Though it calms my eczema for some time, I really need a medicine for this. Over all, I can not say negative because I am on my 4th tube and I always have one on my bag and one on my room. Just in case I need an immediate remedy.

Mi Band 4 in 2020 | Unboxing and Walkthrough

I was a user of Mi Band 2 a couple of years ago and I admit that I am not really a fan. I found it unfunctional and unworthy for me. Do not get me wrong here. Xiaomi is a good brand with high technology on an affordable price. But, it was disappointing because I chose to on Lift Wrist to See Info on its settings then most of the time, I lift my wrist and still it did not lit up. I need to touch the bottom of the screen to see the time. Also, I could not go back and check again the notifications after it vibrates. It just disappeared.

It is not really my plan to buy a new Mi Band but I need a device that will notify me whenever there are messages and calls in sync. This is my first smart watch, rather, smart band aside from Mi Band 2. I checked other brands and smart watches but they are too expensive for my needs and Mi Band, for the second time around, caught my attention. I searched and watched for reviews and it looks very promising. Luckily, I bought it in a bargain. Using vouchers and buying it on sale is a win-win.

Brand Name: Xiaomi

Product Name: Mi Band 4

Product Type: Smart Band

Product Price: Php 799 (sale price)

Actually, Mi Band 5 is now available in the market. It has new features and more accurate that this one. Also, it has quite large screen compared to Mi Band 4. But the down side of the new one is, its battery may not last long compared to Mi Band 4's 3 weeks but it still depends on your usage ofcourse.  Even though Mi Band 5 has more advanced feature compared to Mi Band 4, I still prefer the latter because I am too lazy to charge the band more frequent. Also, the price of the Mi Band 5 is expensive for me because I can avail another with such low price and has the basic functions that I need.

Upon opening the box, there is the band (the product attached to the strap), manual which is in Chinese, and the charger. This brand is a global version and no NFC. I tried to open the band and check if the device is functioning. But in my case, the band has no charge in it or it drained during shipment because it took 10 days for me to receive the item. I think it is normal because it came from overseas. Anyway, I charged it and to check if the charger is functioning.

I used my samsung galaxy charging adaptor by the way. At this time, the charger is good and the device is charging. On the other note, I have checked customer reviews on the store regarding this product and most of them said that when it was initially opened, the language is in Chinese and need to pair it to your phone to change its language. In my case, I have not experienced it since while charging, I started to pair it. But first, you need to install Mi App. You can download and install it from the Play Store. The application is also available in IOS.

Now it was set up and you can use it already. It even started to count your steps. Also, there is this feature that I am excited to try. On the first rolled out of this product, they said that watch faces are not customizable but there are many to choose from. In order to use the image that you like, you need to use a third party app. But after the latest update, just like in the new Mi Band 5, you can now include the image even the photo of you in your smart band. This is actually I am up to on why I chose this one. So I started it immediately. It was really easy to navigate the setting and personalized it. I made my own watch face and this is what I use until now.

The rendering of the watch face is good. I like the outcome. I actually tried other images and I am happy. Even though watch faces can be customized, there are only 3 layout to choose from. I think it is okay because the wallpaper is more important. Aside from watch faces, there are several functions  available. I tried sleep tracker. On the first day, I wore my band on my sleep and up to now, I do it. I am just curious on my sleeping pattern and if I have been improved. There is also an option to monitor heart rate during sleeping hours. For now, I will just introduce sleep tracker. So far, I do not have concern and I feel that it is somewhat accurate.

Up to this day, my band is always with me and it is helpful on giving me notifications, time, and being light-weight. Also, I ordered new strap which is in neon green and a screen protector. 

I know you are thinking to purchase a Mi Band. That is why you are reading this up until the end but not sure on what version to choose. If I have money to purchase Mi Band 5, why not go for it. Specially that it has new functions that will be beneficial to you and it is the latest. But if you are on a budget like me and only need such basic functions, go for Mi Band 4. After all, Mi Band 4 is a great band and very affordable. If you need a sign, this is it!

The Dungeon and Roaming Around Intramuros

Mid-day, my boyfriend texted me and let me prepare because we will go to Intramuros. Intramuros is famous for its historical landmarks and ancient instructures. Recently, there is a news roaming around the internet that one of its Dungeons will be open for public viewing. This dungeon is located inside Fort Santiago, a historical site where most of Rizal's mementos can be found.

Since the agenda of this trip is to see for ourself the famous dungeon, we went ahead. We spent 75pesos/head at the entrance of Fort Santiago. In this hot weather, there are so many people around and there are students that maybe went for a stroll after school hours. We actually went on a Saturday so whenever you planned to go here at this day, expect that this will be crowded and there will be lines on the entrances. At first, we visited museums that mostly about life of Jose Rizal and its arts. It is really suited for Rizal to be a hero because he can do anything. Name it and he can. He is such a jack-of-all-trades. Sorry but I do not have enough pics to get you there but I would recommend to visit it. After all, this is Intramuros. There are lovely places everywhere, not to mention romantic places too.

We then fell in line for Dungeon's visitation when the weather became not too intense. In this humid weather and at this time when summer will arrive soon, hot means bathing in sweat. Do not get me wrong here and I am not exaggerating. There are also foreigners and locals that were also curious, like us, on what the inside of the Dungeon will look like. Is it scary? How was the temperature inside? Are there ghosts? Just a brief introduction, this Dungeon is where hundreds of high-valued prisoners are kept captive by Japanese soldiers during World War II and left them to suffocate. Because of its scary history, it is also open at night for people who like thrills and chills. The Dungeon is open from 2pm to 10pm.

Its entrance is narrow and it is dark inside. But they provide lights and no need for flashlights. Also, Guardia Sibils are there to guard the place and guide the tourists. They placed props for better understanding on the situations of the people involved in the past. There are many passages but as a whole, it is not that big. Even though, it is still a good experience and a good chance to enter such a historical Dungeon. So that when you go to Intramuros and it happens that Fort Santiago is included in your trip, be sure to visit the Dungeon. It is always better to have a glimpse of history because you never know when it can be handy.

After the Dungeon, we sit somewhere near the entrance to relax and feel the view. They said that there are lights at night and it is quite romantic but we were already hungry so we search for some place to eat dinner. And it happened that we passed by at Manila Cathedral.

There are beautiful places to eat around Intramuros because of its old structures. Even a simple Jollibee can make your dinner romantic. We ate at Max's and had a good food. There are also famous cafes and milktea shops around. Intramuros is big enough to have everything you need and google is a good company.

We visited a week before the declaration of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) because of COVID-19. We are thankful that for a short period of time, we had a privilege to experience such a place. I am hoping that this pandemic will end soon so we can all go back to our normal ways of being. Also, I an hoping for a sooner road trip again. Keep safe everyone.

Missha Time Revolution Special Miniature Kit | A Product Review

Last year, a good friend of mine came home from South Korea gave me a sample of Missha's sunscreen and other korean brand face mask. Years back, I am not really a fan of korean skincare because I have a constant visit with this derma clinic nearby. Honestly, they really made my skin flawless and acne free. But time goes by and I do not have time so I need a good alternative. Since when I got the chance to try this Missha and a good face mask, maybe korean skincare is worth a try.

On my previous posts, I always talked about Innisfree. Maybe because they are easy to reach especially that they opened physical stores almost everywhere here in Metro Manila and they also have reputable online store. I only bought this miniature kit because I need a cream, an active ingredient alternative and something new to try. And why not? Missha is good.

Brand Name: Missha

Product Name: Time Revolution Special Miniature Kit

Product Type: Night Time Skincare

Product Price: Php 349

It is actually my first time trying this products. A typical person, or just me, I bought it first before I search reviews and rates of this. It looks promising though. Missha's Time Revolution has captured the heart of korean skincare lovers. This is just one in their Time Revolution Line. This uses fermented ingredients that is well-known to even skin-tone and to repair damage in just few weeks.

The First Treatment Essence Rx is so popular in the internet and it is compared to the expensive SKII. Sorry to tell that if you are looking for the comparison between these two products, you have come to the wrong page because I have not used SKII yet. But if I will be given a chance, I will of course. This new version which is an "Rx" provides skin longer hydration and it restores the elasticity of the skin. And this actually has niacinamide to its formula so this is really a good one. This is also water-based and light-weight. This is a good start up and no sting feeling.

The First Treatment Serum Emulsion has concentrated 80% fermented yeast extract that conditions the skin. This also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates the skin and replenishes skin texture. This emulsion has also anti-aging effect. The formula is creamy but watery just like what an emulsion must be. It may need some time to absorb by the skin but it does not sting also. I like the consistency though because it really feels that you applied a product to your face but it will eventually be absorbed then be ready for another application. There is so much that this product can give but in this size, it was the first one to empty. But I still need to think about it if I will purchase it to a bigger one. I also had a hard time searching for the normal size of this one online.

Night Repair Probio Ampoule is also a famous one in this line. This is an anti-aging serum that contains a 50% fermented yeast extract that vanishes cellular slowdown and boost elasticity. This actually accelerates the skin renewal process. There are so much benefits that this product may cause and it is even compared to Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair. This is usually used together with the Essence mentioned above. You can also buy a package including this serum and the essence in one. This is an oil-based product but do not you worry because it is easily absorbed by the skin so no need for long waiting time. Also, there is no problem with its odor. I usually apply 3 drops every night in my face.

Night Repair Probio Ampoule Cream is kinda yogurty when I describe it. Because of its formulation containing more than 50% fermented yeast extract and 10 types of probiotics, it strengthens the moisture barrier and speeds up skin regeneration. I like it actually even though the cream is thick and looks heavy. But whenever you apply it, it even out and not sticky at all. I can say that of the four mentioned here, this one is my favorite. I think it contributes to the improvement of face and I like yogurt so it has a plus.

Applying these for weeks now and I can say that my skin has improved. Even though I did breakout, these products somehow dries my pimples and there no angry bumps almost everyday. I can not truly accused skin care products that may have cause this breakouts because imbalance hormones is the other factor. I am suggesting that you try it for yourself. After all this is their sample sizes and they are worth a try.