Greetings my beloved readers!  It's the last Friday of January and it's time for me to try another glutathione and collagen supplement for review! As you all know, I got lazy for a while and stopped taking any collagen or glutathione supplement in the past few weeks. While my skin didn't get darker, it looked lackluster. I took a break not just because of my laziness but I wanted to start again ground-up to give you feedback that will show results. 

 This is a long but very detailed post so pardon me, this is part 1. Part 2 will be much shorter but most of my feedback would be there of course so expect the second part of this review after a month or two.

How are you by the way? Last night, John and I watched the criticially aclaimed movie Bird Man starring Michael Keaton and Emma Stone (girl crush!) we loved how artistic the movie was made and camera-panned without any cuts. Everyone was excellent at their acting craft and kudos to the writers and directors! It's another mind-f*cking film that you should not miss. I love the quote:

"A thing is a thing, not what is said of that thing."

What I will be reviewing this month? I received 3 bottles of Relumins Glutathione and Collagen supplements from Flawless Beauty and Skin  when I researched the products that they were selling, it was indeed made and sold in the USA. It's even available on Amazon! (You can't buy directly through amazon and it the shipping would cost you more pa). I got excited because there were actually rave reviews from people all over the world. I need to try it!

MY 2-MONTH REGIMEN FOR RELUMINS

February: 

• AM: 1 capsule of Relumins Advanced White Oral Glutathione, 1 Capsule Relumins Collagen
• PM: 1 capsule of Relumins Advanced White Oral Glutathione

March: 

• 1 Capsule of Relumins Advanced White Oral Glutathione for AM-Lunch-PM

MY INITIAL THOUGHTS

My goal for this month is to achieve that kutis-artista glow. Rosy white and flawless. Radiant and glowing. I'm expecting this from Relumins and I hope their product won't disappoint. Their ingredients list looks very promising! (see details below) I will let you know my honest to goodness feedback. 

PHOTOS & DESCRIPTION

Relumins Advanced White Active Glutathione Complex -Oral Whitening Formula Capsules with 6X Boosters

INGREDIENTS:

• N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine 300mg: has been shown to preserve the Glutathione reserves in the body.
• Alpha Lipoic acid, 225mg: Both fat and water-soluble, that means it can work throughout the body Evidence suggests alpha Lipoic Acid may help extend the time that Glutathione levels remain elevated after supplementation.
• L-Methionine, 150mg:Therapy resulted in a significant increase of hepatic Glutathione levels both in patients with alcoholic and in those with non-alcoholic liver diseases as compared with placebo-treated patients.
• Vitamin E, 150IU:Glutathione level is significantly related to Vitamin E level, and supplementation with Vitamin E (100 IU/day) significantly increases Glutathione and lowers lipid per-oxidation and HbA1c concentrations in the erythrocytes of type 1 diabetic patients.
• Vitamin B2, 7.5mg: is instrumental in reduction of the oxidized form of Glutathione (GSSG) to its reduced form (GSH).
• Selenomethionone, 300mg:Studies show that Selenomethionone supplemented medium exhibited markedly elevated Glutathione peroxidase activity and linear increases in abundance of GPx1 and GPx3 proteins.

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Authentic Relumins Advanced White Oral Whitening Formula Capsules

Glutathione
Competitively inhibits melanin synthesis in the reaction of tyrosinase and L-DOPA by interrupting L-DOPA's ability to bind to tyrosinase during melanin synthesis. These results indicate that glutathione inhibits the synthesis and agglutination of melanin by interrupting the function of L-DOPA.It is the master anti-oxidant that helps fight free radicals that causes skin damages. It also contributes to good liver function.


Placental Protein
Is a highly-recognized cosmetics ingredient due to its exemplary skin-whitening property that actively influences the activity of tyrosinase, a component of melanin. In fact, it is the most popular and widely used skin whitening agent in Japan. Placenta extracts are infused in traditional medicines for nourishing the blood, strengthening the internal organs and mitigating stress. Placenta extract is also valued as an anti-aging ingredient.


INGREDIENTS:

• L-Glutathione Reduced 800mg
• Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg
• Vitamin C 100mg
• Placental Protein Extract 200mg

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Relumins Advanced White Collagen MAX Formula - Chewable - Firms, Whitens, Repairs & Rejuvenates Skin

Most advanced collagen supplement available.  Relumins Advanced White Collagen MAX Formula contains 12 Advanced Ingredients to fight signs of aging, whiten skin and reduce wrinkles.

- Contains Chondroitin & Hyaluronic Acid to stimulate connective tissue repair
- Collagen Restores Youthful Skin Tone, Fights Cellulite, Premature Aging & Cellulite
- Ultra absorbable to Achieve Maximum Whitening, Moisturizing & Anti-Aging
- Contains Natural Botanicals to tighten, Firm & Protect Skin of Any Age
- With Bird's Nest, Pearl Powder, & Job's Tears to naturally reinvigorate tired skin
- Tastes great and is more convenient than old style powders

Collagen supplements are beloved by women of all ages who want to keep their skin at its youthful best. This product is the secret of many artists & especially dancers who need to keep their skin tight and fresh.

ADVANCED INGREDIENTS

• Collagen Peptide(fish) 500mg
• Vitamin E Powder 12.5mg
• Silk Peptide 25mg
• Vitamin C 10mg
• Chicken Collagen 25mg
• Chondroitin 15mg
• Hyaluronic Acid 15mg
• Bird's Nest 5mg
• Pearl Powder 1.5mg
• Job's Tears 50mg
• Natural orange Flavor

"A thing is a thing, not what is said of that thing." - Birdman 2014

This is the pricture of my fourth bottle sorry the sticker infront has a bit damage lol

 and this is in 250ml bottle I can't buy the full size now sadly..

I've been always ignoring this lotion whenever I see it On Avon kiosks or in brochures. Not until my sister who is Super white yes she has a very fair skin, I mean she's already Fair, all of us in the family were born with fair skin,  but when I saw Her skin is super glowing and very white, I asked her what product

She's using, and with conviction she said SSS glutathione lotion. And I was like really?? And from then on, I got interested in trying the Product and made some research and readings online and yeaah boy!

This lotion is very rave and I read Great reviews about it. So I decided to Grab one, I ordered from our neighbor who is an Avon Girl ( agent/distributor ) The lotion is on sale during that time so I got the biggest bottle for only 200php 350ml.. But now it is only available in 250 ml. I don't know why.. Hihi. 

Description:

Skin looks and feels renewed and rejuvenated in just 12hrs!

Infused with glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, this leaves skin radiantly glowing and more youthful looking. It is a lightweight moisturizer that improves skin clarity and makes skin looks whiter immediately after the first application. Formulated to help decelerate melanin production and gives dark skin a fairer skin tone.

Dermatologically Tested.

To Use:

 Use twice daily. Smooth all over body.

Ingredients:

Water, glycerin, ethylhexyl palmtate, mineral oil, stearic acid, polysorbate 60, dimethicone, caprylicicapric, triglyceride, glyceril sterate, sorbitian sterate, cetyl alcohol, petrolatum, phenoxyethanol, titanium dioxide, imdazolidinyl urea, fragrance, hydrogenated polysobutene, disodium edta, carbomer, trimethylsiloxysilicate, potassium hydroxide, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, sclerocarya birrea seed oil, yeast extract, glutathione, ascorbyl glucoside.

( my head's in a jam while writing and reading the ingredients lol )

Where to buy?

Avon Stores/kiosks/agents

How much?

179 per 250ml ( on sale )

MY REVIEW

Avon SSS Glutathione Lotion is said to be infused with Marula (Africa's Miracle Oil) which aims to nourish and hydrate your skin. And that it soooo true this lotion is very moisturizing and I'm loving it since my skin is super dry because of the whitening soaps that I'm using. The scent of this lotion is Divine!! Very pleasant smell. The consistency is very liquidy which tends me to glide it on my skin. I also noticed that it serves as an insect repellant hahaha atleast in my case I didn't get any insect bites whenever I'm wearing this lotion. And in terms of whitening? Mind you guys! It is so effective, I noticed that I got fairer after finishing my first bottle and my skin was evened out. I also noticed that my skin is super glowing ( parang umiilaw ) in the morning when I wake up ( I only apply this before bed time since it doesn't have spf ) yeah that's the downside of this lotion it doesn't have SPF I love lotions with spf. One thing more is that it wont give you an instant fair skin after first application like what they claimed. Anyways it is still a great lotion for skin whitening and will be my stable and forever favorite lotion. As of now I'm trying different lotions as I have said I'm not closing my door to other products even if I found an effective one, I believe many products out there deserves to be tried. But hey! Let me tell you this, I will keep on coming back for this lotion :)

Will I recommend it?

A Big YES!! ( All big caps para ramdam nyo haha) this is a very effective product from a well known company and it is affordable! Just make sure you have a separate lotion with spf during day time!.

If you guys have been wondering. Kikaysikat has opened its doors for guest contributors! MJ is our special guest contributor for the month of January and he'll be receiving special goodies at the end of this month! He's been chosen because of his passion and enthusiasm. He also writes very sincere! Congratulations MJ! Always keep your feet on the ground . I'm sure success is coming your way!

Where to buy neoprene swimwear in Manila? Ever since I targetted on my Project Sexy Program for this summer, I've been obsessed with different kinds of swimwear to wear to the beach. One particular trend is the Neoprene Swimwear trend. This started last year (passe I know) but shops are popping out here and there. Some local shops even start to designing their own.

The neoprene bikini trend started from one international company which is based on Australia, Triangl. Sadly, they only accept paypal payments but they do ship to the Philippines. Hooray! BUT! I'm sure most of you prefer purchasing neoprene directly from manila sellers. That's why IG (instagram) shops are here right? :) From high-end to low-end from authentic to replicas. List of shops at the end of this post!

What do you think of Neoprene Bikinis? Yay or Nay?

Molly Rosewolf

courtesy of: www.triangl.com

Milly in New York Noir

courtesy of: www.triangl.com

courtesy of: www.triangl.com

The thing with neoprene swimwear is that it fits like a glove. A fabric and not a rubber glove. It EXACTLY has to fit your exact size or else bumps will show here and there. If you're too thin, the swimsuit might fall off, especially for specific designs like the bandeau bikinis. I got myself a Milly in New York Noir (bandeau with straps and push-up), Molly Rosewolf (bandeau), and Billy Firefly (triangle bikini). 

Kikaysikat Tip: Get 1 size smaller for your top if you want your breasts to look fuller. Get 1 size bigger for your bottom to avoid the dreaded muffin top.

WHERE TO BUY NEOPRENE BIKINIS IN THE PHILIPPINES?

You can find all these stores by searching them in their instagram accounts! 

Nudo Swimwear

Soleil Swimwear

_Hipster Bar

Eighth Mermaid

VT MNL

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on  and do nothing" - Albert Einstein

Based on this image alone, you can already know what ingredients are used for this popular bleach formulation DIY. The story on how I learned of this is actually very sentimental. I remember it clearly, more than 20 years ago. My mom was a fan of anything skin-care related, especially skin whitening. She's kikay like me! So it's obvious I got it from her.

She told me a story of how my cousin was confined in a hospital, and a flawless nurse was tending to him. Her skin was milky white, she had rosy cheeks, and it looked so smooth. My mom of course had to ask what was her secret to her almost perfect goddess like skin. The nurse was kind enough to divulge her beauty secret. Ever since then, my mom and I mix this bleach formula that she slathers on everywhere on her body every week. It was super effective. I envied my mom's skin.  She didn't allow me to use it because I was too young! Hahaha! Well, that was up until I was in 4th grade. After that, we got lazy. I eventually forgot about this, until now...

The secret is out.. 

DIY BLEACH FOR SKIN WHITENING INGREDIENTS

• 1 small can Alpine Full Cream Milk (you can substitute any LIQUID milk for this)
• 2 Egg Whites
• 1 Bar of Ivory Soap (you can substitute any MILD soap for this)
• 1/2 cup Rhea Hydrogen Peroxide

That's it. 4 basic ingredients for you to create this bleach in the comfort of your own homes. If you're lazy like me, I think they some sellers sell this pre-packaged. I won't mention brands. But it's cost effective to purchase your own ingredients and hey, doing it yourself is part of the fun! This formulation is good for 3-5 uses too!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR DIY BLEACH

1. Get a large mixing container, preferably with a cover.
2. Shave your soap using a grater. You can also opt to purchase soap chips if lazy. Put this in your mixing jar, a mason jar will make this bleach feel more luxe.
3. Beat the egg-whites in a separate bowl until fluffy. Put it in your mixing bowl
4. Put in 1 can of milk
5. Add in 1/2 cup of the hydrogen peroxide
6. Mix everything together
7. Tada! 

You can place the sealed container in a refrigerator and it will stay fresh for 1 week 

HOW TO USE

Apply all over the skin and face and leave it for 1-2 hours. Rinse it off afterwards.

BENEFIT OF EACH INGREDIENT

• Milk - It has lactic acid to exfoliate skin and also a lot of milk proteins to nourish and whiten skin.
• Egg Whites - It helps with anti-aging and also gives adherence to the bleach formulation making it stick to your skin. It also filled with essential nutrients like vitamin B, Vitamin E, and Omega 3
• Ivory Soap - A mild soap base for gentle cleansing and easy rinsing off the bleach on your skin
• Hydrogen Peroxide - Bleaching agent.

This is safe to use for the face and body, even the groin area. It's super nice on troublesome areas like the groin and underarms. It helps in lightening those skin areas. 

I hope you enjoy reading this post! *whew* Try this and share your experience in the comment box below!

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest" - Benjamin Franklin 

What? Glupa Glutathione+Papaya Skin Whitening Lotion

How much? Around 200php

Where to buy? I purchase this at Mercury Drug or Watson's or SM Beauty

Hello! Ever since I got to try GLUPA Skin Whitening products, I can't help but rave about them. I already ran out and emptied my glupa whitening cream and soap so I'm off to Watson's to buy another jar and bar. If you've been following my blog for some time you'd know that I'm lazy to apply lotion on my body. I just want to take a bath and go! Let me share you a secret. I have dry skin. Result of my neglection, and I'm glad I'm reviewing lotions now. Taking care of the skin on our body is just as important as the skin on our faces. Ready for the review? Let's go!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Finally the two most powerful antioxidants and skin whitening agents have come together in one breakthrough product, glupa. That's one powerful combination giving you the anti-aging and skin whitening results like nevre before. It takes two to have a healthy, beautiful, young, and white skin. Glutathione and Papaya... only in glupa. Perfect Combination!

Kikaysikat Says: I really don't buy that glutathione will work to whiten our skin externally. They added this to the product name because glutathione is popular. But in reality, their active ingredient is Clair Blanch,  Vitamin C, and Alpha Arbutin. All of which are very potent in skin whitening.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

• Titanium Dioxide
• Kojic Acid
• Papaya Enzyme
• Glutathione
• Clair Blanch
• Alpha Arbutin
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Grapeseed Oil Extract
• Shea Butter

Photo taken under a cloudy shadowy day. No edits/filters to show actual results.

L: NO Lotion R: With Lotion

REVIEW

I must admit, their whitening line is currently #1 on my list. Their whitening lotion is no exception. The ingredients they use are premium. Arbutin and Clair Blanch are not cheap whitening ingredients! Then combined with the natural exfoliating and whitening powers of papaya, plus the moisturization of vitamin E and grapeseed oil, this lotion is absolute love. 

The other good thing about this lotion is that even if they don't claim it as instant whitening, it does give instant whitening. They say it has a concealing effect. I look at it as CC cream for the body. The color of the lotion is not white. It is flesh colored. So if you're heading out to wear shorts or a mini-skirt, putting this will definitely give vavavoom to your legs.

If you like this post, check out my list of the Best Whitening Lotions in the Philippines. It's constantly updated and readers like you can also leave your own feedback in the comments section. 

"People will stare. Make it worth their while" - Harry Winston