Road-tested: Pure Beauté Bath and Body Products

When I attended the #GetBLISStified workshop, I received a lot of goodies from partner brands. The thing I was most excited about was the Pure Beauté skin and bath products. They are made from all-natural ingredients, and don't contain any SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) or parabens, which are harmful chemicals commonly used in commercial personal hygiene products. 

Pure Beauté is a work of love from Jean Javier, also known as Simple Mama. Her husband comes from a family who makes products from coconuts, so she decided to develop a brand of products made from virgin coconut oil. 

"Simple Mama PH has been something in my heart for a really long time," Jean tells us in an interview. "I wanted to make luxurious natural living available to the middle class (simple) mom. I know that an all-natural lifestyle can be intimidating to the simple mom especially in terms of cost (because we are ever aware of our home budget) and I really wanted to break the barrier."

I'm not yet a mom, but I became part of Simple Mama's target market because I want to be more conscious of the products I use for my face and body. Knowing that these natural products will also help lessen my carbon footprint is a bonus. Ever since I saw posts about Pure Beauté on Instagram, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. I was especially drawn to the invigorating body scrub, which looked so luscious!

The entire range of full-sized products from the Pure Clean line for Php1,800. Love the packaging!

But because I have sensitive and acne-prone skin, I hesitated in buying the full sized set. I can't count how many times I bought products I had to throw out because I broke out after using them. The thing was, the travel-sized products weren't yet sold then, and were only available for special orders. So it was a pleasant surprise when I found out we were taking home the travel-sized kit for our workshop! Finally, I could try the products first to test if they're compatible with my skin.

The kit includes the clarifying facial wash, the revitalizing shampoo and conditioner, and the nourishing moisturizer. It comes in a clear resealable pouch perfect for traveling. The facial wash and moisturizer also has an additional cap to prevent spills. Although the body scrub wasn't included in the kit, it was fine. I still have a big tube of body scrub I haven't finished anyway.

The first thing I tried was the clarifying facial wash. It has a thicker consistency than most facial washes, and its color is clear rather than white. One small pump is enough to wash the entire face, but you'll wish to use more because it smells so heavenly! The scent reminds me of cotton candy, and I enjoy washing my face with it. There's no tingling or tightness after washing your face, just a smooth and squeaky clean feeling. It also removes makeup well, but you may want to wash your face twice to be sure.

After washing my face and applying my usual toner, I used the nourishing moisturizer. Confession: I'm a few months away from turning 30, and moisturizing has never been part of my skin care regimen. Shocking, I know. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize has been drilled into my magazine-reading consciousness since I was a teen but I never really followed through. Because of my problematic skin, the closest I had to a skin regimen was the Proactiv line, which has an anti-pimple cream instead of the moisturizer, and that's not really the same, is it?

So it was my first time to use a moisturizer. The first night, I pumped more than I needed and I just used the excess as lotion for my hands. And because I'm a noob, I also used the product around my eye area. A couple of days later, I noticed that the skin around my eyes felt more tender than usual, and it stung. The only thing different with my routine was the moisturizer, so of course I Googled if I could use it around my eye area. You can guess what the answer is: a big resounding NO. The skin around our eyes are more tender so we need to use a separate eye cream for them. So for newbies like me, you have been warned!

But other than that mishap, I LOVED applying the moisturizer. Like the clarifying facial wash, it smelled like cotton candy and the formulation is not sticky at all. I have oily skin and this is a perfect moisturizer for me. I use it twice a day, and I regret starting it too late, because just a week after using it, the difference was so noticeable! I attended another workshop and when I posted my photo on FB and IG, three people told me I was blooming. And I totally credit the moisturizer because I wasn't even wearing concealer on the photo, just regular face powder! The evidence:

That's me on the left, with Frances Sales of Topaz Horizon

So there. If I had to pick a favorite among all four products, it's the moisturizer hands down! One pump goes a long way because you don't need a lot for your entire face. And while I still got a couple of pimples, it was during my period, and what's different is they seem to heal faster now. Maybe it's because my face is moisturized and not too dry from using the anti-acne gel on my pimples. I also brought this to my recent trip to Japan, and it worked great for the cold weather. It prevented my skin from becoming dry. 

You want to know something shocking? As I was reading other feedbacks from those who have tried the Pure Beauté products, I found out that the moisturizer was used for the hands! So I clarified with Jean and she said it's actually a face and body moisturizer. See, it is so good and pure that it's gentle enough for your face! I am hooked, I tell ya.

As for the revitalizing shampoo, I was surprised that it lathers well, considering it doesn't contain any SLS. It also smells like cotton candy, and even if I've had an active day (from working out or running errands), my hair retains the smell. I also dyed my hair and even if I didn't use any other treatments, my hair didn't become dry or frizzy. That's the virgin coconut oil at work!

Among the four products, the revitalizing conditioner is the one that smells like coconut. Using it instantly transports me to the beach! And like the shampoo, this worked great for my dyed hair. 

I'm so excited for the other products they will offer. I hope they come out with a makeup remover since I've seen a lot of articles on the web about the wonders of coconut oil as makeup remover (and general beauty use). 

For now, you can buy the Pure Clean set at the Simple Mama website. They also offer other lines such as the Pure Detox (a set you use once a week to remove product build-up and impurities), Pure Baby (the gentlest products for your little one), and Pure Bounty (Virgin Coconut Oil, which I'm interested to use for my baking). You can buy them as a set or individually. You may also order thru their hotline, +639067044249. They're now offering the Pure Clean travel-sized kit for only 599! 

Simple Mama has also begun to get distributors around the country to reach more clients and help moms earn. Jean shares: "That is the other aspect of Simple Mama PH, we are built for distributorship so that moms may have the option to make an income as well." 

Now for the best part! Because you read until the end, you're in luck because the generous Simple Mama is offering a 10% discount to those who will purchase their products from my page! Just go to their website, create an account, choose the products you want, and input the code SIMPLEMAMAPH-RIAG upon checkout. This is an EXCLUSIVE OFFER for my dear readers so go, go, go!


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*Road-tested is my review of products I purchased (unless indicated otherwise). If you have product recommendations or situations for my next road tests (waterproof products on the beach), leave a comment below!

**2nd and 4th photo from Simple Mama's Instagram.

Road-tested: Sleek Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream

My first entry for #Romyroadtests was the Happy Skin Glam Squad Liquid Matte Lipstick. It's the most-read entry out of all my posts! After reading my entry, my sister immediately messaged me and we talked about some products I should try next. First, she said she also uses Chapstick as her lip primer, and after I did a little research, it turns out it's a thing! You can indeed use lip balms to prime your lips. My sister recommended I also get my hands on Sleek Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream.

Sleek is a high street brand from the UK that specializes in creating makeup for all skin tones. In 2015, Sleek finally landed on our shores. It is a brand favored by students and women on a budget, with price points that don't go over Php1,000.

My sister personally swears by the Sleek Matte Me in Birthday Suit, saying it's the perfect shade for  My Lips But Better (MLBB). It's the best-selling shade and it gets sold out really fast.

So when I dropped by Sleek's counter at SM MOA and the sales assistant told me they had Birthday Suit in stock, I immediately got myself a stick, and road-tested it right then and there!

The lipstick comes in a simple matte black and transparent tube and has a doefoot applicator. The formula is a bit sheer, and you have to apply a couple of coats to get color into your lips. I know the lighting in the department store helped, but my first thought upon seeing myself in the mirror with the Birthday Suit on was: It's like a highlighter for your lips! It looked like my lips had a spotlight of their own, and my face appeared brighter. And the magic of it all was, it didn't even look like I had any lipstick on! Talk about MLBB.

I promise to take better selfies for you, dear readers!

The best thing about Sleek Matte Me is its price. At Php450, it's a steal. Birthday Suit is a bestseller for a reason, as it's flattering for my skin tone, and I'm guessing for others as well. When I wore it at the office, a male office mate even complimented me and said my lipstick shade looks good on me.

The downside is, it's not as long-wearing as my first liquid matte lipstick. The sales assistant told me I need to use petroleum jelly to remove it, but at the end of the day after road-testing it, I didn't need to use one because there was barely any lipstick left on my lips.

After applying it at the store, I walked around the mall for a couple of hours and enjoyed my lip highlighter. The lippie feels sticky so you have to resist smacking your lips. When J and I had coffee, I ordered an iced latte and used a straw to drink. A lot of the lipstick still transferred even when I was careful not to mess it up. By the time I finished dinner (I had burger and fries), my lips were back to their pre-Birthday Suit state.

Clockwise from left: freshly-applied, after drinking an iced latte, and after dinner. 

The formula also dried my lips, even when I used Chapstick as my primer. After using it for a couple of days, I noticed the difference on my lips. I exfoliated them using my toothbrush (just gently brush it over your lips), but when it didn't improve, I had to rest my lips for a few days before I used Matte Me again.

The Sleek Matte Me Smooth Matte Lip Cream in Birthday Suit is a great shade and for its price, I don't mind reapplying throughout the day. But I recommend you don't use it every day and alternate it with your other lipsticks.


Sleek MakeUP is available at SM Beauty outlets, Landmark Trinoma and Makati, and online at Zalora. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram.

*Road-tested is my review of products I purchased (unless indicated otherwise). If you have product recommendations or situations for my next road tests (waterproof products on the beach), leave a comment below!

Road-tested: Happy Skin Glam Squad Liquid Matte Lipstick

Homegrown makeup brand Happy Skin recently launched their latest collaboration, the Happy Skin Glam Squad. Known for their collaborations with celebrities, Happy Skin has now teamed up with four of the country's top makeup artists: Juan Sarte, Mickey See, Jigs Mayuga, and Denise Go-Ochoa. 

Makeup artists Juan Sarte, Mickey See, Denise Go-Ochoa, and Jigs Mayuga. 

"By collaborating with the country's star-makers and most celebrated makeup artists, Happy Skin Glam Squad gives women the celebrity experience while keeping the brand's well-loved promise of makeup that cares for your skin," says Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, who co-founded Happy Skin with Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez in 2013.

Rissa and Jacqe have long been a part of the fashion and beauty circles, with Rissa being one of the country's top models and Jaque previously working for an international skincare brand.

Rissa shared with us why Happy Skin chose the four Filipino makeup masters. "In my fifteen years in the fashion and beauty industry, I have not seen anyone as enduring as these four," she says in an email interview. "They are the people responsible for elevating the visual language of beauty in our industry. The standards they've set have become aspirational to their peers and to many women. It's no wonder they have become the most sought-after makeup artists of celebrities."

The collection includes liquid matte lipsticks (Php699), eyeshadow duos (Php899), a color and contour palette (Php1,399), an arch definer & brow mascara (Php949), and a special brush set with case (Php2,999). The main Happy Skin line is known for its eye-catching pastel packaging, but the Happy Skin Glam Squad collection comes in an elegant rose gold packaging.

Juan Sarte's makeup chair has been graced by the likes of Judy Ann Santos and Maine Mendoza. To achieve a modern look, he chose a universal mauve liquid matte lipstick and eyeshadows in bronze and champagne. 

Mickey See is sought after by brides and has painted on the faces of Kristine Hermosa-Sotto and Liza Soberano. You can create a blushing look with his deep blush liquid lippie and eyeshadows in shimmery peach and light brown. 

Jigs Mayuga is the go-to makeup artist for Cheska Kramer and Shaina Magdayao. He chose a rose-brown liquid lipstick and matte eyeshadows in black and brown to help you create a bold look. 

Denise Go-Ochoa's celebrity clientele includes teen queen Kathryn Bernardo and Bea Alonzo. She came up with a peach liquid lippie shade, and eyeshadows in caramel and medium brown shades to give you a fresh look.

Days before the launch, I chanced upon the collection at their Trinoma stall. Being a makeup newbie, I was drawn to the liquid matte lipsticks. For me, when my eyebrows are groomed and I have lipstick on, then I'm good to go. I swatched the four shades, and found the one by Mickey See suited me the most. 

From top: Denise Go-Ochoa, Jigs Mayuga, Juan Sarte, and Mickey See. 

For the roadtest: 

When J's sister let me try her Colour Pop liquid matte lippie, she also had the lip primer. Now as I said, I'm a total beginner, so I only have Chapstick in my arsenal. I used that to prime my lip, then I applied a single coat of Happy Skin's Mickey See shade.

Look at that rich formula. One swipe at the bottom and one at the top.

The lipstick glides easily and the formula is long-wearing. Simply using tissue paper won't remove it. You only need a few seconds to let it dry, and it's not sticky. Pretty soon you forget that you're wearing it at all. 

When I say it's long-wearing, I mean it. After drinking water, eating lunch, and grabbing a sandwich, this lippie passes the test. Yes, the lipstick leaves a trace on your water bottle or the spoon, but not enough for you to need a major touch-up. The only time I did was after eating a bowl of ramen. Just a little note: when worn, the shade leans towards the color purple more than blush. I don't know why it doesn't translate into my photos. A photo here shows a closer resemblance when worn.

Left: Freshly-applied. Right: After eating dinner.

My favorite thing about the Happy Skin Glam Squad liquid matte lipstick is it's not drying at all! Lipsticks tend to make my lips dry, and matte lipsticks are more notorious for that. Maybe the Chapstick helped too, but I've been using my Mickey See as an everyday lipstick and my lips remain moisturized and chap-free! The lipstick contains Cupuaçu Butter, which hydrates and heals your lips.  

I highly recommend you pick your own Happy Skin Glam Squad liquid matte lipstick (and a few other items from the collection too if you're a makeup junkie). With four shades to choose from, you'll definitely find the one for you. A portion of the collection's sales will also be given to the four makeup artists' choice of charities. So you'd be helping others too with your purchase! Now that's beauty with a purpose, ain't it? :)  

Happy Skin is available in major malls, Plains & Prints and Beauty Bar branches, and online.
Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram. 

*Road-tested is my review of products I purchased (unless indicated otherwise). If you have product recommendations or situations for my next road tests (waterproof products on the beach), leave a comment below!

**The first six photos used in this entry were from Happy Skin's Instagram.