Product Reviews: Beauty Items for Vacation-Ready Body

Summer is not over for me. This July I am going on vacation in Bohol and I am going to enjoy every bit of it even with typhoons threatening to rain on my beach parade. I don't care if it rain cats and dogs, I am going to lounge and drink mojitos in my bikini ng shades on. Lol.

Naturally, this beauty addict will not go on on vacay mode with roughshod skin and lackluster hair. So I'm prepping up with a few beauty essentials just before I hit magnificent Bohol!

Prep the locks

Hair Spa by Hair Treats, I'm sure many knows about this brand since its one of the mopst affordable DIY Hair Spa treatment. It's also easily accessible because it's available in all Watsons Personal Care Store and SM Dept. Store. I've tried the Lavender and Virgin Coco before already. Now I'm trying out the Aloe Vera Variant to help me out with my course dry hair.

What I do: (preferably, a day or two before your scheduled trip)

1. I wash my hair thoroughly with anti-frizz shampoo
2. Liberally apply the Hair Spa by Hair Treats Aloe Vera
3. Massage scalp gently for 20 minutes -- this can get tiring!
4. Wrap hair with seran wrap or cellophane
5. Leave it on for 1 to 2 hours
6. Read a book or watch a film while waiting
7. Rinse hair thoroughly
8. Air Dry or Blow dry, which ever you prefer/

Smoothen the Body

Another thing I got to do is make sure that all dead skin cells are totally exfoliated for a glistening body under the sun (here's to hoping for a good weather). Another affordable product I've discovered is Watson's Exfoliating Body Scrub for only Php169. I got the Strawberry Citrus variant that has the right amount of beads. Pretty much a no nonsense body scrub that can exfoliate dead skin cells away from my skin. It's really a good product and it's cheap to boot. Another bonus, Strawberry Citrus smells great!

And Also the Face

I'm up to elbows with products to try but Garnier Skin Naturals newest facial scrub was such an intriguing product, I can't help but try it.It has Eucalyptus Extract that is propbably ideal for summer outings and hot humid weather while the Brightening Oil Control keeps oilies at bay or at least lessen it. The beads isn't too hard on the skin as well and I like the after feel of it. I'm just not too thrilled with the scent, it reminds me of veggies. lol.

Protect the Skin All Over

SunPlay is the new player in town and it's been earning raves. The two variants I got were the SunPlay SPF130 Super Block and SunPlay Watery Cool with Menthol. While the other sunblock that I've used quite frequently was the Watsons Sun Protection Body Spray. Another affordable discovery is the Watsons Lip Balm. As always, when it comes to protecting our skin, there is no such thing as going overboard.

SunPlay Super Block Sunblock Lotion Highest SPF 130

• This has got to be the one with the highest protection out in the beauty market, with its SPF 130 and PA+++ that protects the skin against UVB and UVA.
• It's ultimately sweat and waterproof (great for swimmers or lounging in the pool, coz I don't swim).
• It's has a very light consistency that makes for an easier application
• It gets absorbs quickly and feels weightless on the skin.
• Non-greasy!
• Suitable for use on face and body! All-in-one, baby!
• Too bad its a bit pricey for Php399 for such a small bottle.

SunPlay Watery Cool SPF65 PA+++

• It feels cool to skin with the menthol ingredient. Great for this icky humid climate.
• It also has a watery liquid formulation that feels weightless on the skin when you apply it.
• Highly water-resistant
• Less pricier at Php349

Watsons Sun Protection Body Spray with SPF 30 PA+++

• Protects skin from both UVA and UVB
• It's wate-resistant - I've tried it when we went to Batangas and I hardly tanned all with numerous time I was in and out of the water. I even sprayed myself when i was in the pool. Lol.
• Can be a bit sticky but not the irritating kind
• PABA Free, no bad chemicals so great for kids, too!
• Immediate protection - no need to wait for 15 mintes after applying.
• I am just not too thrilled about the packaging. Sorry..

Watsons Lip Balm

• Protects lips from dryness
• Great for protecting the lips from UVA and UVB with its SPF 30 PA+++
• Lessen lips parchness and darkness when use regularly
• I like how its not tinted but just a simple clear lip balm.
• Great for athletes, I'm sure. Even for men.

No to Hairy Situations

I seriosuly dislike body hair. If I have the money to have them all laser-ed out, I will! I seriously will. I hate body hair with a vengeance. Hehe. I just seriously want to be smooth all over. But they have their uses, I know. Unfortunately, where I'm going, I need to have some of them removed.

When I received a sample of the Nanny Rose's Sticks and Pulls DIY waxing kit, I was surprised with how easy it was to use. The consistency of the honey was just right when I heated it up at the microwave for good 10 seconds. What I love the most is the canvass strip you get from the kit. It's thick enough and soft enough to give a smooth waxing experience. It wasn't hard to pull the hair off of my legs and underarms. Add to that that the wax doesn't seep through the canvass clothe that makes for an icky waxing time. Also, it was easy to wash the honey off.

These products aren't only for making yourself smooth and silky for the beach, it's also great for when attending special events like a weddings or short out of town trips. Personally, I like doing the body scrub and hair treatment every week. While the waxing I do every 3 weeks or so. Of course, sun protection is vital thing theses days and I use it everyday regardless if its a special occasion or not.

I think everyone could benefit in having these few items at home for perking up a ho-hum day or getting ready for something nice and cool like going on vacation.

All products are less than Php400 each and could last quite a while and all of them are easily available at Watsons Your Personal Care Store. Isn't that convenient?

I really can't wait.. I feel like I'm in grade school who's counting days til the field trip. I even dreamt I was packing already... Sigh! 7 more days to go and Bohol-bound!

What about you? Do you something like this prior to going on vacation? What are your vacation prep list? Share them with me here please!