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. :)

Pucker Up! | Human Heart Nature Made to Bloom Lipstick.

Human Heart Nature has just launched a bunch of new products, and I'm super stoked because they've also released a new line of lip colors! I wasn't able to attend the launch party at Human Heart Nature Laguna last Saturday, but I did drop by the store the other day so I could check out the new lippies.

Human Heart Nature Made to Bloom Lipstick.

Introducing the Human Heart Nature Made to Bloom collection - the brand's first-ever line of matte lipsticks.

Human Heart Nature's first line of matte lippies.

Formulated with the goodness of cocoa butter and passionfruit oil, these Made to Bloom lipsticks give your lips a gorgeous wash of color without the drying feel. They go on creamy and stay on feeling soft and comfortable on your lips.

All five shades of the Human Heart Nature Made to Bloom collection.

The collection features five flattering nude shades, each designed to suit any skin tone. These beautifully-pigmented MLBB (that's 'My Lips But Better' in case you haven't heard of this trend yet) colors can be worn sheer for a more natural effect, but you can add a few more coats for more intensity.

Lovely shade names - Grace, Wisdom, Strength, Warmth, and Joy.

With its non-drying, nourishing formula, the Made to Bloom lipsticks do not cling to dry patches or accentuate the fine lines on your lips. However, the color does fade after a few hours and you need to touch-up after a meal or a cup of coffee.

Product info and ingredients list on the box.

Adhering with the brand's sustainability campaign, the lipstick tubes are made with paper and less plastic, each designed with dainty floral illustrations. The lipsticks are made with natural ingredients (but of course, it's Human Heart Nature after all), and are not tested on animals.

Here's how the shades look like when swatched.

From L-R: Grace, Wisdom, Strength, Warmth, Joy.

Grace is a pink-based nude; Wisdom is a soft, peachy tan; Strength is a rich shade of chestnut brown; Warmth is a muted shade of brick red (more like terracotta to me); and Joy is a rosy peach nude.

From L-R: Grace, Wisdom, Strength, Warmth, Joy.

According to my friends at Human Heart Nature Laguna, their best-selling shade by far is Strength. The color is gorgeous when swatched, but it kinda washes out my face when worn. I look even more pale with Wisdom - like I'm down with the flu or something.

Strength, when worn.

The three remaining shades are the ones more suitable for my skin tone.

Grace, when worn.

Grace looks very natural on me, while Warmth adds depth to my natural lip tone. 

Warmth, when worn.

Joy, as my namesake suggests, is such a joy to wear as it enhances the color of my lips and brightens up my face. Among the five shades, this one is my favorite.

Joy, when worn.

If you're still on the hunt for that perfect MLBB lipstick, I suggest you check out these Made to Bloom lipsticks from Human Heart Nature. They're now available online and at Human Heart Nature branches nationwide, and they retail for Php 495 a pop. You can even get them at a discounted price if you're a registered Human Heart Nature member. :)

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 Pollution Defense Hydrating Emulsion.

If you're a fan of Human Heart Nature's Pollution Defense Face Mask or Pollution Defense Face Cleanser, you'll be delighted to know that there's a new addition to the family - the Pollution Defense Hydrating Emulsion.

Human Heart Nature Pollution Defense Hydrating Emulsion.

What's an emulsion, you ask?

Emulsions are moisturizers that are typically water-based. Unlike most face creams, they have a thinner consistency, and go on lighter on the face. In a typical Korean skincare routine, emulsions are the in-between product between essences and creams. However, you can always tweak the order of usage depending on your skin type or the current season.

For those with oily skin, emulsions can be the final moisturizing step, right before you apply sun protection. Since they're lighter and easily absorbed by the skin, people with oily skin prefer emulsions as a way to keep their skin hydrated without adding more 'grease' to their skin. Similarly, if you're living in a tropical country or it's currently summer in your area, an emulsion can keep your skin cool and light, and hydrated all at the same time.

Protect + Restore + Moisturize.

Now what makes this product noteworthy is its ability to protect the skin against air pollutants. Like the Pollution Defense Face Mask and the Pollution Defense Face Cleanser, the Human Heart Nature Pollution Defense Hydrating Emulsion contains moringa seed extract, which is exceptionally good at lifting out dirt and grime from the skin and has excellent anti-aging properties.

Ingredients list.

It's also infused with Vitamin E and passion fruit seed oil which provides protection from free-radical damage and promotes healthy skin and cell growth. In addition, this product contains cocoa butter which nourishes the skin and gives this product a subtle, sweet scent - a far cry from the Pollution Defense Mask's earthy, herbal scent.

Product description and usage instructions.

Like the Pollution Defense Face Cleanser, this emulsion comes in a 50 mL pump bottle. To use, simply pump the product out and spread it gently and evenly on the face. 

One pump of the Human Heart Nature Pollution Defense Hydrating Emulsion.

Spreads thin and light on the skin.

As you can see, this product has a light and milky consistency, allowing for easy skin absorption. I use this emulsion as the second-to-the-last step in my daytime skincare routine (the last step being the sun base), and I love how this product keeps my skin hydrated and moisturized all day long without turning my face into a grease ball. This product is also ideal for night time use at it boosts the skin's ability to absorb nutrients. At night, I apply this right before the Innisfree Orchid  Enriched Cream, which I will review in this blog later on.

I've been using this emulsion since it was launched two weeks ago, and so far, so good! Looks like this product will give my Korean brand emulsions a run for their money!

The Human Heart Nature Pollution Defense Hydrating Emulsion retails for Php 350 per bottle and can be purchased online, and at Human Heart Nature branches across the country. As an introductory offer, you can purchase this emulsion together with the Pollution Defense Face Cleanser for only Php 545 - that's Php 50 off the regular price!

5 Ways to Make Your Workplace Eco-Friendly.

Saving the environment may not be the top priority on your mind when you clock in to start a work shift, but there are numerous ways you can put in minimal effort and make a big difference for future generations and the Earth. The decisions made in an office setting may not seem key to the survival of our environment in the long term, but in reality, simple changes can go a long way toward saving our environment one piece at a time.

Photo credit: Pop Sugar.

1. Optimize Energy Settings on Your Computer
Energy saving settings, as opposed to standby settings, draw less power when you are leaving for the day. Cutting down on power usage can make a significant difference for the environment. In addition, it is important to remember to turn off lights in rooms that aren’t in use.

2. Buy Recycled Printer Paper
Creating paper uses a lot of resources. When you choose a paper that is recycled, opt for one that uses minimal chlorine bleach and a high percentage of post-consumer content. This reduces the impact on the environment as well. Recycled paper allows the opportunity to keep trees in our forests, which leaves more trees to create oxygen and cut down on the erosion that occurs when tree roots are withdrawn from areas, causing unstable land surfaces.

Photo credit: Kitchen Nine.

3. Use Reusable Containers to Bring Your Lunch
When it comes to the environment, using reusable containers cuts down on plastic use. That means instead of contributing to the plastic use, 50-percent of which is a single use and then thrown away, you can reduce our plastic waste - roughly 10-percent of the total waste humans generate.

4. Use Recycled Envelopes, Pencils and Pens
Recycled office products can go a long way toward minimizing the work footprint on our Earth. The chance to use recycled envelopes, pencils and pens means less trees are cut and less refuse entering the landfill. These products give new life to used products, which is a two-fold benefit.

5. Think of the Environment with Cleaning Supplies
Biodegradable soaps and cleaners are also a smart move to make work more eco-friendly. The soaps in the bathroom or breakroom to wash one’s hands are as important as the cleaners used by the custodial staff. Act accordingly and encourage your employer to seek out biodegradable options that still clean effectively.

Photo credit: Human Heart Nature.

Chemicals are a significant issue for our environment, as they pollute groundwater and kill off various species. Like plastic, the dangers in chemical use are long-term and widely noted. The ability to decrease the use of chemicals that don’t biodegrade can give our environment a chance to survive for a longer period.

Along with the above-noted options is the fact that transporting lunch and items necessary for work should be done in reusable bags. When it comes to your lunch, if you want to keep it cool and be inspired to use the bag on a regular basis, opt for printed cooler bags that look great, keep your lunch cool and are sturdy enough to use for years to come.