Spotlight | Aurae Natura Diffuser Blend in Blissful Sleep.

I've always been a fan of aromatherapy - the art and science of using natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. I reckon that my penchant for aromatic materials began way back in junior high school, when my then-boyfriend would gift me with scented candles and reed diffusers. These days, I've leveled up with essential oils and oil blends because 'hashtag adulting'. Haha!

I've been trying out several brands of essential oils lately, experimenting with different essential oil blends even. This led to my discovery of Aurae Natura, a social enterprise brand that helps to uplift the lives of the poor and supports efforts that contribute to the spiritual growth of women rescued from sex trade trafficking. Founded in the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan, Aurae Natura offers a variety of aromatherapy products - from diffusers to essential oil blends made with 100% pure and natural essential oils, and even inhaler blends. 

Aurae Natura recently launched their newest essential oil blend, and I had the chance to get first dibs on it, thanks to my Human Heart Nature Laguna family. There may have been no face-to-face event-slash-product launch because of this pandemic, but my HN Laguna family made sure that I get to try their new releases, just like in the good, 'old normal' days.

Aurae Natura Essential Oil Diffuser Blend in Blissful Sleep.

Aurae Natura's newest product is Blissful Sleep, a blend of pure essential oils carefully selected to support a calm and relaxed mind to ease yourself to sleep. It's made from all-natural, locally-manufactured ingredients, all of which are known to support deep and restorative sleep: 

A powerhouse blend of all-natural ingredients.

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - one of the most popular and most versatile essential oils; promotes relaxation and eases anxiety
• Ho wood (Cinnamomum camphora) - has a woody and floral scent that helps detoxify the body and acts as a natural disinfectant
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) - its tarty, citrusy scent elevates mood and alleviates stress 
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) - a light, fruity scent that helps calm the mind and body
• Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) - a soft, flowery fragrance that soothes stress, tension, and sleeplessness

To use, simply add 8-10 drops of this blend for every 200 mL of water in your diffuser. I like taking a whiff from the bottle before I start diffusing. It's like tasting an appetizer before enjoying the main course. 

Ending the day with some Blissful Sleep.

Blissful Sleep has been my go-to nighttime blend lately. Diffusing it is like a treat to myself after a hard day of juggling household chores, writing gigs, and my son's (online) school activities. Now I can't wait to try the other Aurea Natura essential oil blends. I have a feeling Joyful Mornings will soon be my go-to perk-me-up blend!

Aurae Natura Diffuser Blends retail for Php 359 per 5 mL bottle and can be bought at Human Heart Nature stores, at the Human Heart Nature website, and the Aurae Natura website. 

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Sunflower Eye Cream.

I have one rule when it comes to eye creams - It's okay to splurge, as long as the product works.

Well, I almost always end up splurging since I gravitate towards Korean brands (think Innisfree Eco Science Eye Cream and Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask), and on very rare occasions, Western brands like Estee Lauder (Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream).

Recently, however, I've discovered an eye cream that works but costs only a fraction of what I usually spend on the aforementioned products. And the best thing about it? It comes from my favorite local skincare brand, Human Nature.

Human Heart Nature Sunflower Eye Cream.

Launched on the last week of January, the Human Heart Nature Sunflower Eye Cream is the latest addition to the brand's ever-popular sunflower line. I had the chance to get first dibs on this eye cream the day it was launched, and I've been loving this product ever since!

The Human Heart Nature Sunflower Eye Cream is an all-natural eye cream made with jasmine and hawthorn essences that help smoothen and de-puff tired eyes. It also contains rosehip seed oil that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, and cocoa seed butter that treats and fades dark circles under the eye. Last but not the least, this eye cream is infused with Human Heart Nature's bestseller and miracle worker Sunflower Seed Oil that helps nourish the skin and protects it from anti-oxidants.

Product swatch.

Just a little goes a long way!

I've been using this eye cream for almost five weeks now, and I love how it makes my eyes look less tired and puffy even after pulling an all-nighter on my Korean dramas (lol). No dark undereyes, even for the sleep-derived!

What dark undereyes? 

The Human Heart Nature Sunflower Eye Cream comes in a 15 mL squeeze tube and retails for Php 295. You can purchase this product online at the Human Heart Nature website or at Human Heart Nature branches near you. 

The Human Heart Nature sunflower line!

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Natural Shampoo Bar.

After months of research and development, plus a few more weeks of waiting and eager anticipation, my favorite local beauty brand has finally launched its very own shampoo bar! Yay!

Human Heart Nature introduced its all-new Natural Shampoo Bar a few weeks back, and us fans of eco-friendly, waste-free (beauty and skincare) products couldn't be more excited to try out the latest addition to HN's product line.

Human Heart Nature now has a (Natural) Shampoo Bar! 

Human Heart Nature's Natural Shampoo Bar boasts of some of the most moisturizing ingredients that's guaranteed to hydrate and soften your hair and keep it feeling light and silky all day. For starters, there's avocado oil. With its rich mineral and fat content, avocado oil not only moisturizes the hair, it also strengthens it and prevents breakage.

Product description and ingredients list.

Then there's cocoa butter, which is high in fatty acids that form a protective barrier over each strand of hair to hold in moisture. It also adds strength and volume to fine hair and brings back life to chemically-treated hair.

This solid shampoo bar also contains coconut surfactants which gives a nice and foamy lather without being harsh on the scalp and hair.

Shampoo with a heart. :)

That being said, I love how sudsy this shampoo bar is!

I was skeptical at first, unsure if this product can form a decent lather. But the Human Heart Nature Natural Shampoo Bar totally exceeded my expectations. Not only does this shampoo bar lather nicely and make my hair soft and smooth, it smells wonderful, too! The zesty citrus creates a good contrast with the sweet vanilla; the scent is lovely and lasts on your hair for pretty much the entire day.

Also a fan of Human Heart Nature's Natural Shampoo Bar.

Now just like any other shampoo bar, this product has a tendency to melt faster when exposed to too much moisture when not in use. To make this shampoo bar last longer, cradle it in a separate soap dish that gives proper drainage, and keep it far from where the shower spray hits when not in use.

Human Heart Nature Soap Dish by Marsse, Php 150.

The Human Heart Nature Natural Shampoo Bar (70 g) retails for Php 199 and can be bought at Human Heart Nature stores, through Human Heart Nature dealers, or online at the Human Heart Nature website and BeautyMNL.

Don't forget to use my code 'CZJAI' when you shop at BeautyMNL! You get Php 100 off on your first purchase worth Php 1000 and up.

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Marine Caviar HydroMiracle Moisturizer.

If you're a fan of salads or seafood, then you've probably heard of or tried 'lato', the quirky-looking seaweed that resembles caviar. Scientifically known as Caulerpa lentillifera, these teeny-weeny grape-like beads are indigenous in the Philippines, and are particularly abundant in Bohol, Palawan, and Sorsogon.

Like most products from the sea, lato is rich in vitamins and minerals that are great not just for the body, but for the skin, too. Human Heart Nature, my all-time favorite local skincare brand, tapped the potential of these lovely little sea grapes and came up with an a new skincare product with lato as its main ingredient. Meet the Marine Caviar HydroMiracle Moisturizer, the second installment in Human Heart Nature's Marine Caviar skincare line.

Human Heart Nature Marine Caviar HydroMiracle Moisturizer.

Bursting with natural wonders from lato farmed in Bohol, the Marine Caviar HydroMiracle Moisturizer is packed with vitamin A that encourages healthy skin cell production, and vitamin C, which is known for its anti-oxidant properties. It intensively hydrates the skin all day long, and makes it plump and dewy-looking.

Product details at the back of the bottle.

Aside from lato, this product also contains sunflower seed oil, a rich source of vitamin E and a potent ingredient against acne, redness, and skin irritation. It's also infused with beetroot extract which helps in clearing blemishes and evens out the skin tone; bamboo stem extract which strengthen the skin's barrier and restores skin resilience; aloe leaf juice, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties; and mimosa flower wax which works as an emollient to soften the skin and retain skin moisture.

List of ingredients. (Click to enlarge)

The Marine Caviar HydroMiracle Moisturizer can be used both as a daytime and nighttime moisturizer. I prefer using it in the morning, because it works great as a makeup base. I love its light and silky formula that instantly hydrates and easily blends into the skin without the oily, greasy feel. It does make the skin look healthy and dewy after application, which is surprisingly similar to that 'chok chok' effect that I get from my favorite Korean skincare products. (Watch out, Innisfree! You now have a contender in my skincare routine!)

Easy-to-squeeze pump.

I also like its mild, citrus-y scent, though some of you might not be keen on facial products that leave a lingering scent on the skin. Well, at least the fragrance component of this moisturizer is still very natural as it comes from limonene, a chemical derived from peels of citrus fruits.

A pump or two would be enough to cover your entire face. :)

The Human Heart Nature Marine Caviar HydroMiracle Moisturizer comes in a 50 mL bottle and retails for Php 495. You can purchase it through the Human Heart Nature website, Human Heart Nature dealers, or at a Human Heart Nature store near you. 

This product is best used with the Marine Caviar HydroMiracle Face Cleanser, which I have yet to try. I had originally planned to try both products together, but the cleanser was out of stock when the moisturizer was launched. Will post a separate review for the cleanser as soon as I get my hands on one. :)

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Jiggly Bath Jelly.

It was in Myeongdong a few years back when I first came across this thing called 'shower jelly'.

I was on my way to the main shopping street when I passed by the LUSH store near Myeongdong Station and saw one of their staff doing some sort of product demo with what appears to be a big blob of gelatin. The curious cat in me just had to stop by and see what the crowd was gawking at, (also because the scent of whatever thing that the LUSH guy was holding was very inviting) and turns out, it was indeed a big blob of gelatin that works as a cleansing body wash. LUSH calls them Shower Jellies, and these soft, jiggly soaps give a whole new meaning to the 'bath time is fun time' concept.

Fast forward to two weeks ago, one of my favorite local beauty brands launched their own version of this fun bath time treat. Say hello to the Jiggly Bath Jelly from Human Heart Nature!

Human Heart Nature Jiggly Bath Jelly.

Made with coco-derived cleansers to flush away dirt and grime and vegetable-derived glucose and glycerin to moisturize the skin, the Jiggly Bath Jelly is dubbed as 'the fun way to sneaky clean.' The product is contained in a 300-gram plastic tub and is available in just one variant - Bubbleberry.

Jiggly Bath Jelly in Bubbleberry.

It looks and jiggles like a jelly, and has a sweet yet subtle strawberry scent.

Looks and smells good enough to eat, haha!

According to instructions, you can use this product as a hand wash or a body wash by either tapping the whole jelly out onto your palm or just scooping out a small amount.

Usage instructions.

We prefer doing the latter as the consistency of this Jiggly Bath Jelly isn't as springy or as resilient as the ones from Lush. This bath jelly is crumbly and tends to fall apart when you scoop it out, unlike the Lush jellies that you can actually rub on the skin like soap.

Crumbled jelly on the palm of Yue's hand.

On the bright side, at least it's effortless to crush the jelly into a loofah and build a smooth and soapy lather. Also, you only need a small amount to clean the entire body so I reckon this tub of bath jelly will last us longer than a regular bar of soap or a bottle of body wash. 

List of ingredients and other pertinent information.

Although this product is marketed to kids, that doesn't mean adults can't use it. I've bathed with this product several times already (sssh, don't tell my son I'm using his bath jelly, lol) and I love how it cleanses without drying the skin. The scent is lovely too, and it lingers even if you've patted your skin dry.

Someone's having a blast during bath time. :)

If you want that refreshing, cooling effect on the skin, you can store the Jiggly Bath Jelly inside the fridge and take them out before you hit the shower. Very relaxing, especially after a long and stressful day at work (or school, as far as my son is concerned).

The Jiggly Bath Jelly retails for Php 299.75, and is available at the Human Heart Nature online store, at Human Heart Nature Laguna, and other Human Heart Nature branches nationwide.

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Sunflower Lip Miracle.

A few weeks ago, Human Heart Nature released the newest issue of their magalogue (that's magazine-slash-catalogue) and launched new makeup, lip care and skincare products. I was not able to attend the said event as I was still in Korea that time, but the avid Human Heart Nature advocate that I am made it a point to visit the Laguna branch a few days after my return to the Philippines. I may have missed the launch party, but I definitely will not miss out on trying the new products - especially this Sunflower Lip Miracle.

Human Heart Nature Sunflower Lip Miracle.

Housed in a handy, 10-gram squeezable tube, the Sunflower Lip Miracle promises 'sensationally soft and healthy-looking lips' and based on my experience, it does just that. Not surprising, as this product is made with beeswax and castor oil (both with skin softening and nourishing properties) and sunflower oil which has 44x more Vitamin E than cocoa butter, another common ingredient for lip balms and other lip care products.

Product description and ingredients at the back of the tube.

The Sunflower Lip Miracle can be used two ways: 1) as a gloss to make your lips look fuller and to give it a moist sheen; 2) or as an overnight lip mask for a more intense, deeper conditioning especially on days when your lips are extra dry to the point of chapping.

Easy to swipe!

For the past few days nights, I've been swiping this on my lips before going to bed and have been enjoying the benefits since then - waking up to soft, supple lips, pesky lip lines kept at bay. My son, whose lips seem to be perennially parched, has also been using this as on overnight mask and since then, his lips no longer look parched and dry. 

Sunflower Lip Miracle, swatched.

Both of us love the cooling sensation of this Peppermint variant, but if you prefer something fruity, I suggest you try the Peach variant. Both 'flavors' sell for Php 199.75 and are sold online and at Human Heart Nature branches nationwide.

Fits my palm! :)

They say good things come in small packages and Human Heart Nature's Sunflower Lip Miracle is just that - a lip saviour in a pocket-sized tube. 

Before - dry lips, prominent lip lines.

After - moisturized lips, what lip lines? :)

For even better results, exfoliate with the Human Heart Nature Lip Scrub twice a week. :)

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Mist with Aloe Vera.

Upon receiving a bottle of Human Heart Nature's new face mist during the last Magalogue Turnover/Product Launch (many thanks to Elaine and the ever-so-wonderful staff of Human Heart Nature Laguna), my initial reaction was, "Oh, cool! This will definitely come in handy when I travel!"

Little did I know that I would get what I wished for sooner than expected. I was admitted to the hospital two days later due to a severe asthma attack and this product was one of the few things that I hurriedly stuffed in an overnight bag, together with some clothes and hygiene basics (i.e. toothpaste, deodorant, bath soap).

Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Mist with Aloe Vera.

Bringing this along was a wise decision, as this face mist became my skin-saviour during the course of my confinement. Staying in an air-conditioned room for an extended period of time can send the skin's natural moisture out of whack, and you can end up with dry, flaking, itchy skin.

Product description, directions for use, and ingredients on the side of the bottle.

This is where the Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Mist with Aloe Vera came in handy. I would spritz this on my face whenever it feels tight and dry and boom... instant hydration!

List of ingredients.

This product is infused with aloe vera gel whose benefits to the skin are well-known. Not only does aloe vera moisturize the skin, it also helps remove dead cells. In addition, aloe vera improves skin elasticity and helps prevent the early signs of skin ageing. Furthermore, aloe vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants which can reduce skin inflammation and heal chronic skin problems.

All-natural, chemical-free, cruelty-free.

Aside from aloe vera, this face mist also contains beetroot extract which moisturizes the skin and keeps it smooth and supple. A rich source of iron, vitamins, and minerals, beetroot also has anti-inflammatory properties for healthy, glowing, acne-free skin.

Expiration date indicated at the bottom.

And so despite being confined to an air-conditioned room 24/7 for the next five days, my face was in a much better condition than my lungs. 

100% natural and certified by the Natural Products Association.

It's a good thing that this face mist is lightly-scented and easily absorbed by the skin. Otherwise, it could have triggered another attack and aggravate my condition. 

The spray nozzle.

As much as I love the wonders that this face mist does for the skin, I dislike the spray nozzle. It takes extra effort to pump it, and the nozzle is too difficult to control. Also, the nozzle does not give you a mist, but a rain. A rain!!!

Here's how the product looks like when sprayed on the skin.

This product could have been all-too perfect, if not for the nozzle and the dollops of liquid that it dispenses. But as they say, there's always room for improvement, and I hope they can tweak the nozzle to make it suitable as a makeup setting spray. :)

The Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Mist with Aloe Vera comes in a travel-friendly 50 mL bottle and retails for Php 250. You can purchase this product at Human Heart Nature branches nationwide, or through the Human Heart Nature online store.

Pucker Up! | Human Heart Nature Velvet Color Liquid Lipstick.

On January 21, leading social enterprise brand Human Heart Nature held its first magalogue turnover and product launch for 2017. Human Heart Nature branches across the country simultaneously unveiled the latest magalogue (magazine + catalogue), together with the brand's all-new makeup, skincare, and social enterprise products.

I had the honor of attending the magalogue turnover at the Human Heart Nature Laguna Concept Store, and among the products that were launched that day - and I got first dibs on - is the Velvet Color Liquid Lipstick. If you're following me on Instagram or a fan of the Human Heart Nature Facebook page, then you've probably seen this photo of the back of my hand with the liquid lipstick swatches.

Swatches, first seen on my Instagram. :)

Now here's a closer look of the Human Heart Nature Velvet Color Liquid Lipstick in Poppy Berry. It's the darker shade among the two.

Human Heart Nature Velvet Color Liquid Lipstick.

I really like the Hawaiian/tropical vibe of the packaging. It's like a reminder that it's almost beach season here in the Philippines, and elsewhere around the world, it's gonna be spring soon.

Product description.

The box contains all the information you need about the lipstick - product description, list of ingredients, storage instructions, and expiration date.

Take note of the cruelty-free logo + the product's expiration date.

Complete list of ingredients. :)

The shade, on the other hand, is indicated on the box flap.

Poppy Berry.

The product comes in a simple yet chic transparent plastic tube with the usual doe-foot applicator. It has a subtle berry scent, which fades once the color has settled on your lips.

Tube and wand.

The liquid lipstick is very easy to apply, and glides on the lips effortlessly. Its formula is very pigmented, creamy, and non-drying. On the downside, it's not really long-wearing. (Not really complaining since this product does not contain harmful chemicals and is made of nothing but natural ingredients.) The color stays on for 3-4 hours at the most, with very little to no eating and drinking. It does fade evenly, so retouching is not a problem.

A closer look at the applicator.

Its 'moussey' texture kinda reminds me of Colourpop's Ultra Satin Lip; even the shade and the finish bears semblance to one of my favorite Colourpop shades, Frick N' Frack.

Swatched once on the left, twice on the right.

A warm, terracotta shade with rosy undertones, Poppy Berry has a buildable coverage with a semi-matte (almost satin-y) finish. The color is opaque and very pigmented, and can suit a variety of skintones.

Poppy Berry on my lips.

If you're planning to try this shade, I suggest you get the other shade - Pastel Rose - as well. There are only two shades to the Velvet Color Liquid Lipstick line, and I do hope Human Heart Nature will release more shades in the future.

Products Used:
FACE: Innisfree Cushion Primer,
Missha x Line Friends Cushion in #23
Ever Bilena Liquid Concealer in Light.
EYES: Clio Kill Brow in Light Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner.
CHEEKS: Tony Moly Cristal Blusher in Pleasure Peach.
LIPS: Human Heart Nature Velvet Color Liquid Lipstick in Poppy Berry.

Originally priced at Php 450 each, these Velvet Color Liquid Lipsticks can be bought as a bundle for only Php 795. Do note that this sale price will be happening for a limited time only; I reckon they will revert to the original price once the next magalogue turnover happens. ;)

The Human Heart Nature Velvet Color Liquid Lipstick is available at the Human Heart Nature online store and at all Human Heart Nature branches nationwide. If you live within my area, you can order through me instead! :)