Juice Cleanse Diary

Here’s my entry on my overall experience on juice cleansing. I mentioned on my last entry that I will make separate entry regarding my first experience on juice cleansing.

I decided to do juice cleanse because I am aware how unhealthy my lifestyle is lately from eating too much processed food day in and day out, lack of exercise, too much sweets and caffeine (coffee, milk tea – I gotta admit I’m milk tea addict) to sleeping late (by late I mean 6 am). I just feel the need to give my body a break and be a little health conscious. Honestly, I am not feeling well by practicing these unhealthy habits on a regular. One way that came into my mind to break these habits was to do juice cleansing.

The rule in juice cleansing is if you’re a first timer it is best to do a day of juice cleansing first before doing a full 3 day or 5 day juice cleanse.

So for this time I tried to do a day of juice cleansing. Supposedly, on the first day no solid foods except for fresh fruits and vegetables plus the juices, but I modified it a bit.

So my diet plan for that day along with the juice cleansing was:
Have a few restrictions:

No coffee

No soda or artificial juices

No sweets

No alcohol of course

No meat (but I did had a small portion of meat)

No dairy products

No junk foods

Some preparations I did before doing the juice cleanse was to make sure I was well rested that day and drink a half to a full glass of water every meal. My meal throughout the day will be consisted of 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). No meals in between and lastly tea before going to bed.

Breakfast: I decided to take Sexy Detox Hulk Green as my first meal for the day and nothing else. I drank a glass of water prior

I felt sour in the stomach being that I was hungry and weak before I had intake the juice but the feeling went away a couple minutes after. I can’t live without coffee. I always 101% take coffee the moment I wake up and this day was an exception. I have to say that I did not feel sluggish after taking only 1 juice for breakfast and in fact was energized and refreshed after. I then continue on with my activities for the day.

Lunch: I had my lunch around 3 hours after my first meal. I drank water first. I drank Sexy Detox Almond Delight with an all vegetable meal with Chia Seeds. It was a good combination. 

I wasn't really hungry but my cravings for solid food increases exponentially at this point. I think it is best to do juice cleanse while doing light activities.

Dinner: Approximately 3 hours after lunch I had dinner. I had it with a light meal. Salad with bread and a small portion of meat plus Sexy Detox Fast Red. 

The feeling was a little different after eating a full meal. The effects of juice cleansing was taking over. I also fell asleep on my way home but I can tell I wasn’t exhausted. #EffectsofNoCoffee

Night: My hunger pang was terrible. I ate bread with Green Tea and a slice of lemon. Green Tea with lemon is my wonder drink. Green Tea has loads of antioxidants and help burn fat while lemon helps in weight loss and cleansing the system.

Here are some notable experiences after the cleanse:

-I had a headache in the evening. They say it’s normal as the body increases the level of toxins and eliminates it

-I peed more than ususal. I also had 1 bowel movement in the evening. I had stomach cramps followed by the bowel movement. I can tell it wasn’t the norm but I really felt relieved after as if my colon was thoroughly cleansed.

-I felt lighter and refreshed the day after.

-I was 2 pounds lighter. Accompany it with exercise for better weight loss.

I’m really craving for juice cleansing every now and then. I actually want to do it again, every week or even every month. I advise you to try juice cleansing.

If you have tried juice cleansing share you experiences with me! :)

Sexy Detox Review

First time I was introduced to juice cleansing was around late 2014 and from then on I planned going on juice cleansing probably some time after Christmas where I know I'd binging out much but that plan was actually postponed so it wasn't until late March did I had the time to try out juice cleansing.

Juice cleansing is a way of detoxifying the body by replacing one's everyday diet by only fresh and organic fruit and vegetables. This will allow healing to take place as the body absorbs essential nutrients and calories while eliminating bad toxins. These bad toxins or junk are found from everyday food we ingest if not food that we are usually dependent on like caffeine, sugar, processed food and alcohol. These food are the source empty calories and unusable nutrients which are absorb by the body. The body reacts from these toxins through inflammation which the body exhibits as symptoms like fatigue, simple colds or even cancer.

Juice cleansing is not only geared up to having a healthier lifestyle but also helps in losing weight by losing some water weight and getting rid of unnecessary calories and fats. I notice that not only juice cleansing is done by celebrities it is also becoming more popular with people these days.

I do however felt the need to juice cleanse because I am aware of how unhealthy my lifestyle is from eating too much junk and processed foods to having a sedentary lifestyle.

I will post a separate entry about my experience on juice cleansing but today I'll review these Sexy Detox drinks.

Sexy Detox

I decided to gave it a taste before actually going on full turn on juice cleansing. Ideally, it is best to introduce the body a day of juice cleansing first before going on a 3-day or 5-day juice cleanse. For this time I decided to try out the drinks first.

"Sexy Detox juices are specially formulated bottle juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables that are naturally rich in nutrients, vitamins, phytochemicals and enzymes. Regular consumption of Sexy Detox juices will help in:

-detoxifying the body
-loosing weight
-boosting the immune system
-having better skin
-regularizing bowel movement
-normalizing blood pressure"

There are around 10 Sexy Detox Flavors. I ordered 3 flavors: Hulk Green, Almond Delight, Fast Red


Hulk Green

Hulk Green

Helpful for: Kidney function, Insomnia, Thyroid, skin,eye problems, high blood

Once I pop the bottle open, the smell of the drink was the first I noticed. Smells really nice. I like how it smelled, kind of sweet. I choose this drink out of the many choices because: 1. There is a belief that the greener it is the healthier 2. It said that it is helpful for Insomnia. Well, I have a huge problem when it comes to sleeping so 3. I really lack greens in my diet. This might help.

I thought the taste will be bitter because it contained mostly green vegetables but it tasted a bit sweet, the bitterness is slight but ok with sour overpowering. The pineapple is the one responsible of the sourness. Not really fond of pineapples. Once I consumed half of the bottle I feel sour and acidic to the stomach. It was an uncomfortable feeling though which lasted for only several minutes. Then it did not fail me to feel refreshed thereafter as I continue my schedule for the day.


Almond Delight

Almond Delight

Helpful for: Heart Disorder, brain development, regularization of blood pressure

 

This is the drink I am most excited to taste. It consists of Almond milk which tastes mildly like milk but non-dairy. It has cinnamon bits. Banana taste is distinct. I am a huge fan of anything almond flavor. So this drink is my favorite from this bunch

Sexy Detox have the shelf life of 3-4 days because it contains no preservatives. So you might encounter a drink that will expire that day like this Almond Delight I bought. Don't worry I believe it is still safe.


Fast Red

Fast Red

Helpful for: Fatigue, Bladder problems, circulatory weakness, kidney and skin problems, Asthma, Ulcer

Tasted almost like Hulk Green only toned down with the sourness and sweeter. Chose this drink because of its various health benefits

The 350 ml serving is enough to satisfy cravings or even thirst whether drank alone or with meal.


Why I chose Sexy Detox:
-I find it the most affordable juice among other juices. Juice cleansing can be costly.
-I dont want my juices to be delivered at home for some reasons. The availability of most juices out there are only by order/online. It may or may not be readily available.  I prefer to buy it from the store itself. Sexy Detox has 2 branches so I can buy the juices directly from the store
-Good and fast service. You can expect that the drinks will be 99.9% available from the store


Sexy detox is located at SM Megamall A 4/F and SM MOA near the ice skating rink


For more info visit: sexydetox.ph | instagram.com/sexydetox

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My March Favorites

March Favorites

It’s been a while since I did my monthly favorites. For this month I’ll review 5 of my favorite products.

Rimmel 25 hour Foundation in 300 Sand – I bought this in the last 10^th Megabrands sale in Megamall last weekend where branded makeup were up for sale up to 70%. It was truly a haven for makeup enthusiasts because of the large variety of branded makeup on sale. This was quite an impulse buy but I don’t own a foundation right now only BB Creams and compact powders. So I might need one one of these days. It has good coverage and finish. The shade is a little dark for me though and I find it a bit oily on my skin and not really suitable for the hot weather here in Manila

Bath and Body Works Pink Sugar Plum Fragrance Mist – I got this as a gift and I super love the scent of this body mist! Although the scent is really not appropriate for summer, I’m planning to use it every now and then. It has a sweet refreshing scent of combined plum, tangerine and vanilla musk and it lasts for at least half a day

Ponds Cold Cream – a must need for people who likes piling up makeup on their face…like me. Washing face with your ordinary face soap is not enough especially if removing liquid liners. Toner can sting when used to remove that detailed eye makeup. This cold cream can help remove all of that in one swipe. First put the cream on the areas that has makeup and swipe it with a tissue or washcloth. It removes at least 90% of the makeup and gunk. The only downside is it still needs to be rinsed after as it leaves few residues on the face. I’ll review this product further in my next posts

Olay Natural White Exfoliating Body Wash – I’m a big junkie for whitening bath products. Since summer is around the corner, my need for whitening products increases because I still want my skin to be fair despite being exposed to the sun. I use this and I can go without putting on lotion after as it moisturizes enough and lightens my skin. The light scent is also a plus for me.

Watsons Foot Scrub in Lavender – I’ve been itching to have a foot spa but since I have no time for such and that can’t wait, I bought this foot scrub for the sake of extra pampering in less time. It has a bit of a cooling effect and it removes dead skin cell as it softens skin. It’s really helpful because it revives my scaly and dry skin.

Cake Foundation

I've been reviewing much about lip products so today it's all about Cake Foundation.

I had a huge discovery in making my skin more flawless. I've tried piling up thick foundation, concealer, BB cream and setting powder on my face to make it more flawless but the coverage isn't enough and end up a little cakey to say the least on my face. I ignored the idea of adding water on my makeup routine because I deemed it a hassle.

Cake Foundations are long known and used by makeup artists. It is used for pageants as well because of its coverage and lasting power.

One day I was bored, I decided to try cake foundation to see how it works on me.

I loved the results! It works well on oily skin like mine. It stays longer, no need for several touch-ups and the coverage is buildable and excellent. It has a matte finish that is not too powdery.

I ended up buying Nichido Beauty Cake because the Kokuryu brand was not available. Nonetheless I will try the latter in the future.

I bought the Classic Mint shade and Amber shade. Don't be intimidated in applying the green shade because it is used to counter redness, acne and blemishes. After applying the Classic Mint shade, it's the time to apply the skintone (Amber) shade. Nichido Cake foundation shades are a little dark in my opinion. The Amber shade I bought was the the second lightest shade in the bunch but it is a little dark on me. I did not buy rosy beige which was lightest shade because it was too pink on my skin.

A sponge is needed for this makeup. Water is also needed because it is water-activated. A spray bottle with is more advisable for this than dipping the sponge in the water. I used distilled water to prevent breakouts. Spray enough water on sponge and start applying the product.

I started applying the Classic Mint shade first all over my face concentrating on my breakouts and eyebags. Then the Amber shade, I applied more on the areas with blemishes like pimple scars and dark under eye circles. On the top of the cake foundation, I applied my regular face powder to set and to make it stay longer

Few cons for this makeup though is that it can be messy and a bit time-consuming. It can be drying on skin if used regularly. It might be the cause of further breakouts if the sponge used is not cleaned well given that a moist sponge can harbor bacteria and microorganisms. The matte finish may not look that natural on some skin.

All about Lip Balm

For me lip balms are lotion for the lips, lips chaps so easily even with everyday application of lip balms. Without application for days, the skin on the lips gets dry and thicker which sheds harder and might cause bleeding if tried to exfoliate-- it could be a problem. Lip balm for me is a must-have on my kit. I probably can live without lipsticks but not lip balms.

So today I’ll share my views on different lip balms I've tried. I’m quite particular with the moisturizing power and tint/color on lips so I’ll try to review them with such criteria because lip balms are made to nourish, softens and moisturize lips while giving that hint of glow.

Regular petroleum jelly on lips doesn’t cut it, while it protects your lips from chapping it doesn't give much care on lips it needed. I think it is better not to settle with regular petroleum jelly (yes, even Vaseline) because there’s a product that address that particular beauty need.

First off is Chapstick. This is an all-time favorite. Chapstick prevents my lips from chapping dramatically. My lips get dry and bleed even if I miss on applying this. Mine is the Chapstick Candy Cane limited edition The availability of this is probably around Christmas season. Cherry and Spearmint are two of my favorite Chaptick flavors but I choose Candy Cane this time because I really do like the sweet and minty flavor on my lips.

Chapstick in Candy Cane

The texture is light and smooth. It is colorless with a little shine. The scent is typical of a Candy Cane candy but tasteless. The staying power is high, you can feel it there all day even after snacking. The product has wiped out but you can feel that it worked as it leaves lips soft and supple after. I use this especially in the morning when commuting when lips are exposed to cold wind and probably pollution. I let this seep in for like an hour before putting on a lipstick.

I give it a grade of moisturizing power: 9/10; Tint: 0/5 (it’s colorless. I partner it with a lipstick)

Maybelline Baby Lips Color Lip Balm in Berry Crush

"6 hour moisture and translucent color and shine. Contains SPF. Adult strength care for baby soft lips in vibrant translucent colors."

I bought this for a hint of tint on my lips because there are days I’m not in the mood for lipstick but I want color on my lips so I use this as a substitute. I’m giving this a 2/5 for tint—a mild one.  For me it lacks color (my friends still say I’m pale even while wearing this). It’s more translucent so it gives more shine than color. It’s a bit sticky when applied although the staying power lasts 4-6 hours. The scent is good but a bit waxy. It manages to make lips soft, supple and juicy although I find its moisturizing power a 6/10.

Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Pop Lip Balm in Pink Shock

Another one from Maybelline but this is from their Electro Pop series. I have a lot to say about this product so I’ll go by this bit by bit.

Packaging: It’s a lip balm dressed as lipstick. My mom taught this was a lipstick. I like the packaging of this more than the aforementioned Maybelline lip balm. I feel like lip balms evolved in a better way.

Color: 4/5. Love this shade. Lasting power is just around 4-5 hours. It’s a bit similar to that of Magic Lipsticks where the color of the stick is different than the actual color on lips and stains over time. I find it that when I apply it on lips it leaves a shiny fuchsia color similar to the color of the stick but the color changes over time. I observed that the lip balm dries and changes to a much redder color and stains thereafter (do not like staining).

Texture: Smooth texture. Glides easily on lips. I like the raspberry punch scent. Moisturizing power: 6/10. I can feel my lips drying when I the product stays on my lips.

Himalaya Herbal Strawberry Shine Lip Balm

"Get glossy shine, soft and supple lips with our petroleum free lip balm, formulated with vegetable oils, which is free from preservatives. Strawberry seed oil, a rich antioxidant, conditions and moisturizes lips. Apricot Kernel Oil soothes chapped lips. Provides long lasting moisture and protections, leaving a delicate hue of strawberry."

Packaging looks similar to a Nivea lip balm and the scent is similar to Body Shop born lippy strawberry lip balm. It’s a bit heavy on lips when applied gladly, it’s tasteless. It manages to make my lips look healthy and supple.

Moisturizing power: 5/10 ; Tint: 3/5.  I find this pretty average. There are lip balms out there that are better but if you want something organic, safe, and inexpensive this could do justice.

Product Review: The Face Shop Phytogenic Infinite Powder Foundation

I know most of you have this go-to compact powder that you bring almost everywhere for touch-ups and whatnot, it’s hard to live without that compact powder so with mine running out it was the perfect timing that Face Shop had a booth in the last kpop event I attended. Not really planning to buy a Face Shop brand but why not?

So bought this Phytogenic Infinite Powder Foundation as my new everyday compact powder.

“Medium to full coverage, Matte touch powder foundation with skin protecting antioxidants, green tea extract. Staying Fresh:  1) Porous powders absorb sebum, maintaining fresh look all day 2) Coating Powders efficiently protect color pigment from darkening. Skin Color Control System: natural coverage of the wrinkles and pores of the skin by reflecting the incident light in oblique angles.”

Packaging: Unique and sturdy. Does not look cheap. It comes with a compact mirror and a sponge. There’s a plastic that separates the sponge from the powder to prevent bacterial growth in the product.

Coverage: Although the description tells that it’s medium to full coverage, I find it light to medium coverage. I have huge ass pores in my nose and it doesn't cover that much same with my breakouts while it covers my pimple scars minimally. It is not cakey when combined with other products like foundation, BB Cream or a tinted moisturizer.

Finish: It’s matte and has a good natural finish on my skin. If I want my makeup to be subtle I use this. Its formula is perfect for everyday use. The shade I bought is in RB23 and upon application on my face it’s like 2 shades whiter on my skin, it’s very powdery upon application, however it oxidize on my face for about an hour and after oxidizing, it matches my skintone enough. I find that it has a brightening effect on my face after oxidizing just like that of a BB cream.

Oil Control: Fair enough

Other pros and cons:

Pros: Has SPF20. It does not clog my pores.  Has the power akin to a mineral powder

Cons:  Few shades to choose from. The darkest shade is still too fair for me, but I do take note that Face Shop is a Korean brand, and Koreans really have fair skin which explains the fair variety of the shades.

The best thing about buying from Face Shop is they give out free samples of their other products.

I got E'thym O2 Water moisturizer and toner which is for hydration of skin and Clean Face moisturizer and toner as well for oily skin.