Big Win for Human Heart Nature's Anna Meloto-Wilk!

From its humble beginnings as a fledgling social enterprise, Human Heart Nature continues to grow by leaps and bounds - and rake in awards and recognitions along the way. Earlier this month, Human Heart Nature achieved another milestone as its president and co-founder Anna Meloto-Wilk has been named as the winner of the Global Beauty Industry Woman of the Year Award.

Anna Meloto-Wilk.

The Global Beauty Industry Woman of the Year Award honors female beauty industry professionals whose pioneering spirit, leadership and mentorship is shaping the future of the cosmetics and personal care industry. This award is given by Cosmetics Design, a London-based beauty industry publication led by award-winning journalists.

Winner of the 2017 Beauty Industry Awards!

Over 250 companies joined the inaugural Beauty Industry Awards, with Anna Meloto-Wilk competing against Sarah Champman, founder of Sarah Champan's Skinesis, and Nanette de Gaspé Beaubien, CEO of Nannette de Gaspé Beauté.

“When we started Human Nature, I never imagined that we would one day be noticed by Europe’s beauty industry giants! Since the beginning, our incredibly hard working little team just tried to stick to what we believed was right – loving the Philippines through our ingredients, loving the poor as a social enterprise and making safe, natural products affordable for ordinary Filipinos,” shares Anna.

“This award is proof that ‘Made in the Philippines’ can truly be just as good as ‘Made in France’ or ‘Made in the UK’ and I hope it will encourage other Filipinas to never give up on our country and our talented, heroic people.”

At present, Human Heart Nature is the first and only Southeast Asian beauty and personal care brand with products certified by the US Natural Products Association (NPA). It also holds the distinction of having the highest number of NPA-certified products in the world. Human Heart Nature is also the first Filipino cosmetic brand certified cruelty-free by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Congratulations, Anna! And more power to Human Heart Nature! :)

To know more about Human Heart Nature and their advocacies, visit their official website. 

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.

Spotlight | Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Primer.

I'm a huge fan of the Korean cosmetics brand Innisfree - from their BB creams to their clay mask, to their ever-popular face mist. My only gripe, however, is that this brand is not available in the Philippines. And the only way for me to get my hands on their products is through online stores, or ask the husband to buy them in Korea.

And so when I finally had the chance to visit South Korea and set foot in Myeongdong, I made it a point to shop at Innisfree to my heart's content. One of the (many) items that I bought is the No-Sebum Blur Primer.

Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Primer, 10000 won.

Simply put, it's a primer that makes the skin texture smooth and bright, as if giving a blur effect, covering skin bumps caused by pores and fine wrinkles.

Product description in English and Hangul at the back of the box. 

It contains 'natural mint' and 'Jeju mineral powder' to manage the oil and moisture balance of the skin, thus making the skin soft and smooth for hours. 

Natural mint and Jeju mineral powder.

It also contains other ingredients from Jeju, such as Green Persimmon extracts which makes the skin supple and clear as it tightens the pores, and the Jeju Green Complex which makes the skin healthy and glowing. 

Comfortable skin made possible by natural ingredients from Jeju.

The Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Primer comes in a very handy, 25 mL squeeze tube. The plastic tube is pretty easy to squeeze, and the dispenser tip allows you to control the amount of product you want to use.

Squeeze tube.

Product description on the tube, written mostly in Hangul.

The product is beige in color and has a soft, velvety texture similar to that of The Face Shop's Velvet Skin Primer. But unlike that primer, which has a rather watery consistency, this one tends to lean more on the creamy side.

Squeezed a bit of it on my skin.

It has a very faint minty scent, barely noticeable, really. You'll only catch a hint of it when you smell the product from the tube since the scent dissipates as soon as you spread the primer on your skin.

A few seconds after application.
Left, without primer. Right, with primer.

I love its lightweight formula, its soft, velvety feel, and how it keeps my makeup intact for hours. It does a good job of minimizing the appearance of fine lines and neutralizing the red patches on the skin. Plus its mattefying effect is perfect for this time of the year (ergo, the scorching hot summer months in the tropics). And while this product may be silicon-based, it had no adverse effects on my skin - no itchiness, no rashes, no breakouts whatsoever. 

After priming.
Left, without primer, Right, with primer.

What I love:

- Handy packaging.

- Lightweight formula.

- Velvety texture.

- Conceals fine lines, smoothens skin.

- Keeps makeup intact.

- Contains natural ingredients.

- Eco-friendly and cruelty-free.

- Affordable price.

What you might not like:

- It is silica-based, so take caution if you're allergic to silicon.

Wearing the Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Primer underneath my makeup.
Also, I'm so loving my Wine Red hair. :)

Since Innisfree is not readily available in the Philippines, I plan to shop for more Innisfree items (and other Korean cosmetic brands) the next time I fly to Seoul and sell them in my online store. What do you think? I need extra cash for all the traveling that I'll be doing in the next three years, haha! :)

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Safe Protect Sunscreen.

For most of us, summer is all about outdoor fun. Think beach escapades, theme park adventures, and barbecue parties. But these fun times can come to a quick end once those harmful ultraviolet rays penetrate your skin. Sounds scary, I know.

During the summer, when the UV index is at its peak, it's important to wear sunscreen most of the time - especially between 11 am and 2 pm to avoid potential life-long damages of the sun. These days I've been using the Safe Protect Sun Screen from Human Heart Nature, and so far so good!

Safe Protect Sun Screen.

Launched earlier this month, Safe Protect is the improved version of its predecessor, the Safe Block Sunscreen. All-natural and chemical-free, the Safe Protect is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that boasts of a PA++++ rating. And by PA, I mean Photo-aging protection, which refers to how much your sunscreen shields you from UVA rays that may cause long-term damage to the skin. The more plus symbols, the better protection you get. That means four plus is definitely a plus! :)

Literature at the back.

It also has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 which deflects 97% of those cancer-causing UVB rays and protects you for about seven hours. But like all sunscreens, this SPF 30 drops after a few hours or so, especially when your skin is exposed to water. So whether you're swimming in saltwater or pool water, make sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

Reef-friendly.

You'd also be glad to know that this sunscreen is free from chemical ingredients that are quite harmful to corals. Studies show that the chemicals found in sunscreen induces 'bleaching', which causes corals to turn white and eventually die. With Safe Protect, not only are you protecting your skin, you are protecting precious sea creatures as well.

Sunscreen tips!

All-natural, cruelty-free.

Now here's how the product looks like.

A generous dollop of Safe Protect.

Consistency is just right - neither too thick nor too runny, which allows for easy application and skin absorption. It doesn't feel sticky, and does not leave a white cast on the skin either. It also has a nice, mild scent, which lingers on the skin for quite some time.

Apply liberally, spread evenly!

I love that this sunscreen is very mild and gentle on the skin - no allergies, no breakouts, and safe for sensitive skin. My six-year-old loves this product as much as I do, and applying this before leaving the house has become a habit for him - even after his ten-day swimming lessons are already over. :)

Little man wearing Safe Protect on his face, neck, arms, and legs.
His skin darkened a bit (he swam daily for ten days after all), but at least he doesn't look too charred. Haha! 

There are instances, however, when this sunscreen's consistency would become oily. I understand it's because of the zinc oxide and the absence of synthetic binders, thus causing the oil to rise and separate from the zinc. Not too big of a problem though. All you have to do is shake the tube very well before using and the consistency becomes nice and creamy again.

What I love:

- SPF 30/PA++++

- Non-sticky, non-greasy.

- Lightweight, easily absorbed by the skin.

- Has a nice scent.

- Non-irritating, safe for sensitive skin.

- Doesn't leave a white cast on the skin.

- Proudly Philippine-made.

- All-natural, cruelty-free.

- Reef-friendly.

- Affordable price.

What you might not like:

- Consistency becomes oily at times. 

- Comes in two sizes only.

The Safe Protect Sun Screen is available in two sizes - 50 grams and 200 grams, and is currently being sold at an introductory price of Php 249.75 and Php 599.75, respectively. This product is available at the Human Heart Nature website, and at Human Heart Nature branches nationwide.

Spotlight | Marks & Spencer Moisturizing Body Cream.

The weather has been cold and blustery for the past two days. It's a sign that Christmas is definitely right around the corner. This also means that I should take extra care of my skin, as it tends to disagree (read: dull, dry, flaky even) with the crisp chill in the air.

Good thing I have a vanity table stocked with lotions and body creams. Because you know, I really can not live without lotion. These days I'm using the Moisturising Body Cream from Marks & Spencer - one of the few things that my Mum brought home from London.

Marks & Spencer Moisturising Body Cream.

Product info at the bottom of the tub.

This body cream is part of M&S' Nature's Extracts collection - skincare products that are inspired by some of nature's finest extracts.

Comes in a 200mL tub.

The one that I have is the Fresh Aloe Vera variant, which is pale green in color and has a mild, subtly sweet fragrance. Its texture is soft and creamy, yet easily absorbed by the skin. 

Creamy, but feels light on the skin.

I like the cooling effect of this variant, and how it moisturizes my skin without the greasy after-feel. I bet this product will work well with my skin even during the scorching, summer months. 

Cruelty-free!

The Moisturising Body Cream sells for £4 (around $6 or Php280) in the UK and is available at all M&S stores. I checked their Philippine website and surprise, surprise! They have it here, too!

Have you tried this product before? What are your favorites from Marks & Spencer?

Spotlight | Manomai Around the Clock Facial Serum + Giveaway!

If you're a fitness buff, or someone who keeps tab on the latest trends in dieting, then you've probably heard of the Blood Type Diet. Created by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo, this diet recognizes the 'biochemical uniqueness of each individual and the need to tailor treatments and prescriptions to match that individual variability'.

As such, this diet chooses the appropriate food for your blood type - whether you are an A, B, AB, or O - so that your body can metabolize them easily. Doing so makes your body healthier and makes you lose weight in the process.

This is the same principle behind the Manomai Around the Clock Facial Serum. A Thailand-based skincare brand, Manomai has developed a full range of skincare to suit all skin types, matching all 4 blood groups. Each one is blended by dermatologists from the highest quality ingredients which complement and enhance your skin health.

A gift from Manomai! The box and the ribbon are so pretty!

The name Manomai comes from the Thai words “mano”- mind/spirit, and “mai” – succeed.
"Succeed through mind and spirit” - this sums up the brand's commitment to create an unorthodox approach to beauty, which is based on the one thing that unites us all - our blood.

Love the handwritten note that came with it!

Thanks to Ms. Narissara Kantawong-Mueller, the brand's executive director, I had the chance to experience what Manomai is all about. I received this lovely package sometime last April, which contained a product catalogue and a bottle of the Around the Clock Facial Serum.

Unboxing my gift from Manomai!

As you can see, I'm a Type B. And according to Manomai,  individuals with this kind of blood type usually have shallow, thin, and sensitive skin. That holds true for me. And Manomai created this serum with the sensitive nature of Type B skin in mind.

Type B are the nomads - wild, active, passionate, and love to enjoy life.

The Type B serum contains Shiitake Mushroom Extract, a natural antioxidant which minimizes inflammation whilst protecting and improving the appearance of the skin. It also contains Reishi Mushroom Extract that boosts skin immunity and helps relieve stressed skin, while the Green Tea Extract - with its cell-protecting function - stimulates skin micro-circulation, evens the skin, and improves overall skin health,

Manomai details.

Also found in this facial serum are: edelweiss extract (a high-purity extract from the Swiss alpine flower) blended with willow bark extract with certified organic argan oil, jojoba oil, shea butter and olive oil. These ingredients are natural sources of vitamin E which fight against drying and loss of elasticity (hello, collagen!), promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, improve skin metabolism, provide sun protection and help prevent premature aging from oxidization.

Cruelty-free!

Aside from using top-quality, vitamin-rich ingredients, Manomai also takes pride in creating products that are dermatologically-tested and cruelty-free. Their serums are free from parabens, mineral oils, and other harmful chemicals.

Love the shape of the bottle. It's made of glass though, so I have to be extra careful.

Directions for use. :)

The serum comes in a cute, egg-shaped pump bottle. The bottle is made of glass, so I have to handle and store it with extra care. The pump dispenses the product easily, and one or two pumps would be enough to cover your entire face and neck. The serum has a fluid texture which allows for easy application and quick absorption. I'm not too keen about the scent, though, as this serum smells a bit like salad dressing to me. I must admit, I found the scent overwhelming at first, but I got used to it eventually.

Pump it!

I've been using this product religiously - day and night - for the past seven weeks, and this serum does work wonders! My skin feels soft and smooth, looks plump and fresh - changes that even my husband didn't fail to notice. My mommy friends at school, too, have been complimenting my skin's healthy glow.

Runny consistency.

The Manomai Around the Clock Serum come in 30 mL bottles, and sell for $80 (around Php3500) each. They can be purchased through the Manomai website, and yes, they ship worldwide.

Now here's the best part of this product review. Five of The Rebel Sweetheart's fans and followers will have the chance to try the Manomai Around the Clock Facial Serum! Yes folks, I'm giving away five bottles of this amazing product! Of course, the serum that each winner will receive will be suited for his/her blood type.

As always, this giveaway will be done via Rafflecopter. All of the mandatory tasks should be completed for your entry to be valid. You earn more entries by doing the optional tasks. Giveaway will run until July 12, as is open worldwide. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Scented Cleansing Bar.

Hooray for lazy, no-school Mondays! Thanks to the Teachers' Seminar happening right now at my son's school, we don't have classes and I have the luxury of waking up late, not having to prepare breakfast in a rush, and the chance to finish some of my long overdue product reviews.

And so today, I'll be featuring these Scented Cleansing Bars from Human Heart Nature. I've had them in my stash for more than a month already, and only had the chance to try them last week. There are just way too many bath and body products here that I have to roadtest, and I don't know which one to use first. Not complaining, though. :)

100% Natural Scented Cleansing Bar.

Here's the product description from the Human Heart Nature website:

When was the last time you burst into song in the shower? Let our cleansing bars’ cheery symphony of scents give you a new reason to belt your heart out! 
If you’re looking for just the right kick of citrus to invigorate your mind and stimulate your senses, then suds up with our Lemon Zest Cleansing Bar. 

Lemon Zest Cleansing Bar.

Check the label! :)

Craving a fresh, clean scent to get all that good energy flowing? Our Aloe Fresh Cleansing Bar is your perfect match. 

Aloe Fresh Cleansing Bar.

Check the label! :)

Whichever you choose, you can be assured that our cleansing bars are perfectly gentle on your skin. They’re cold-processed to retain their natural glycerin, which helps keep your skin soft and supple. Here’s a bonus: cold-processing consumes less energy and produces less waste – so each cleansing bar is not only skin-friendly, but Earth-friendly as well.

No harmful chemicals.

Tue enough, both soaps were mild and gentle, and did a good job moisturizing my skin. Not surprising, since they're made with all-natural ingredients. As in coconut oil, lye, sugarcane-derived sodium lactate and sodium gluconate (removes dirt and grime), plus plant-derived decyl glucoside (for the foamy lather).

Both variants smell lovely, with a scent that's neither mild nor overpowering. However, I find the scent of the Lemon Zest soap more refreshing than the other. And I believe it's because of the citrus peel extract incorporated in it. You see, while the other soap is called Aloe Fresh, and it does smell like aloe vera, there's no aloe vera as per the list of ingredients.

Earth-friendly packaging. :)

What I love:

- Cute, earth-friendly packaging.

- Made with all-natural ingredients.

- No harmful chemicals.

- Not tested on animals.

- Proudly Philippine-made.

- Moisturizes the skin.

- Mild and gentle; safe for sensitive skin.

- The invigorating scent of the Lemon Zest variant.

- Affordable price.

What you might not like:

- It dissolves faster than commercially-available, hot-processed soaps, but that's normal since this one is cold-processed. I suggest you keep this soap in a separate soap dish/rack that gives proper drainage. That way, the soap bar stays fresh and will last longer. 

Have you tried these soaps before? They sell for Php 69.75 each, and are available online, at local Human Heart Nature branches, or through registered dealers. They're sold at Beauty Bar outlets and Robinson's, Rustan's, and Shopwise supermarkets in the Metro, too!