We women love our skincare potions, but of course that's not all there is to it. We still need novel solutions to small yet equally important concerns. Say, where to get a hand sanitizer that also doubles as a hand moisturizer? Things like that! That's why I'm into Snoe. This brand isn't just about cooking up great face and hair care products, it also addresses our daily needs as women.

Snoe recently released new products that I am loving right now (surprise, surprise). Here's my favorite among them - the Snoe Oh My Wash (P169)!

I'm used to feminine wash that smells a little clinical and obnoxiously soapy, so this pink Oh My Wash! is quite the breath of fresh air. Really, it smells quite fruity. I would hazard a guess of pomegranates?

Exfoliators are useful in removing product build-up and other accumulated junk on the skin's surface. They also clean up dead skin and pore blockages, two common causes of acne. Nonetheless, you don't actually need to use exfoliators everyday. As with everything else, use them only when you need them!

That said, many exfoliators out in the market now have a tendency to be harsh on skin. Their scrub beads can be abrasive and the formula drying so they may do more harm than good. If you feel that your current exfoliator fits that profile, then perhaps it's time to switch to something more gentle yet equally effective.

Say, the new White Result Exfoliating Gel (P300 ish), for instance. It is a gommage exfoliator that starts out as a gel and dries to form physical scrub.

This Exfoliating Gel is mostly water infused with botanical extracts like bilberry, sugar cane, and citrus fruits. It also has moisturizing ingredients and film-formers in the ingredients. Once it's massaged (a minute or two), it becomes this soft, papery film that scrubs out all the junk on your face.

Observe:

Thw White Result Exfoliating Gel starts out as a cloudy gel

Lulur originated from the royal palaces of Java, Indonesia, and was used by brides-to-be in a beautifying ritual shortly before their wedding. Since lulur came to the Philippines last year, it became an instant hit! It cleansed and smoothened skin wonderfully so it's no wonder that more brands are coming in.

When I heard about the Purbasari Lulur Mandi Putih, the first thing I wanted to know was if it would match or even best my favorite lulur scrub - Asian Secrets. I don't want to play coy. Both products are housed in the same jar, they also look and feel the same, and can be both be purchased in drugstores for P130. Which is better? 

The first thing I noticed about Purbasari is the smell. I didn't particularly like it. It's this heavy, soapy, grandma smell that turned me off. I didn't want to use it but for the sake of this blog...it was a pleasant surprise.

While browsing for information about the Offects Exfoliating Cleanser (P2,600), one word really stood out: aggressive. The famous skin doctor, Dr. Zein Obagi, claims that the Offects line has a high concentration of ingredients compared to normal skincare. It's supposed to be potent to ensure that it works. Scary? A little. But if you have really bad skin then the newly launched Offects products may help you out.

The Offects Exfoliating Cleanser is supposed to ease oily, acne-prone skin, and blemishes. It's also for those who have a tendency to have blackheads and whiteheads and unexpected acne flare-ups. That's soooo me. Additionally, it's a great-smelling scrub that doesn't dry up my face even though it exfoliates.

I tried the Offects Exfoliating Cleanser without knowing what it's supposed to do. I wanted to be surprised, actually, and while I don't normally do this I trust the Obagi name. So did it work?

You know, I just realized that I don't use any food-themed skincare product in my daily routine. It's really more of a personal preference since I enjoy florals and fresh scents more than those resembling food. 

However, I do like Inovitelle's latest skincare line called Skin Cravings. It features the Smooth Over Body Lotion (P240) and Scrub Me Pretty Body Scrub (P255) in two flavors each. I enjoy using the scrub because it's not drying, while the lotion absorbs in the skin immediately.

What I love about the Scrub Me Pretty Body Scrub:

• The smell! It's not too strong and doesn't have that fake chemical odor. All variants smell exactly as they promised: Cranberry Yogurt, Dewberry Yogurt, and Strawberry Yogurt.
• The scrub beads are not abrasive on skin. It cleans very well nonetheless.

• After scrubbing, the skin doesn't feel raw and dry.
• Package design! I love the milk bottle concept, plus the image layouting. Tres cute.
• Price is very friendly. Only P255 a bottle which should be good for at least 5 uses, depending on the amount you use.

I had high hopes for the St. Ives Blemish and Blackhead Control scrub (P195). I have too many blemishes lately and I'm desperate for a solution! On a visit to Purebeauty in Serendra a couple of weeks back, I bought this intriguing product to see if it's any good.

It's not. It makes my face feel amazing  - but the downside is, it makes me look like total crap. Yep, it broke me out, which is weird because it's supposed to have salicylic acid.