First, what is Witch Hazel?

You might call witch hazel the “baking soda” of skin care: It’s a simple, all-purpose, old-fashioned product that’s been used for generations. When distilled and combined with alcohol, the aromatic oil extracted from the bark of the witch hazel shrub makes a soothing and mildly astringent lotion. And with only 14 percent alcohol, the lotion is nondrying and hypoallergenic — two added bonuses.

Witch hazel lotion can be used to cleanse the skin and remove makeup, to soothe sunburn, windburn and shaving irritations, and to treat the pain and swelling of minor bruises, sprains, cuts, abrasions and insect bites. Although witch hazel isn’t sold as an acne fighter, many teens report that it reduces the swelling of minor pimples and blemishes. Also, when incorporated into pads and ointments with other ingredients like glycerin, witch hazel is said to help shrink external hemorrhoids.

The active ingredient in witch hazel is a tannin acid derivative called catechol tannin, much like the tannins present in tea. Tannins are vasoconstrictors — they constrict the tiny capillaries and venules below the skin surface.

The Latin name for witch hazel, Hamamelis, means “together with fruit,” referring to the fact that it bears flowers and fruit at the same time. In early fall witch hazel, which can be called a small tree or a tall multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, produces a multitude of small, spidery blossoms. The four yellow petals that make up each bloom are a little more than one inch long. On sunny autumn days the flowers unfurl; as temperatures drop, they curl again. - http://health.learninginfo.org/herbs/witch-hazel.htm

Vanilla and Co. says:

WITCH HAZEL BEAUTY TONIC (130ml)

Whenever we travel, we always make sure that we bring our beauty tonic with us. The principle ingredients – witch hazel, vitamin C, and tea tree –enjoy an age-old reputation as skin moisturizing healers, collagen builders, and protectors. Witch Hazel water effectively prevents and cures skin inflammations, anti-bacterial property of Tea Tree maintains the protection from dust and pollution, and Vitamin C promotes skin collagen restoration. We added just the right amount of skin-brightening lemon juice to awaken dull skin and revitalize tired selves as we realized how wonderful it is to smell such fresh scent. Mist yourself with vitamins anytime, anywhere! Suggested Usage: Spritz from an arm's length to face to maximize the cooling sensation of this skin-cleansing conditioner. No need to wipe. Also ideal for arms and legs. For: All skin types, especially those often exposed to the sun, dust and pollution Result: Whole day protection of skin from free radicals

Kikay Pinay says:

After hearing so much about this wonder herb, I decided to join the bandwagon and ordered the Witch Hazel Beauty Tonic from Vanilla & Co.

After 3 weeks of roadtesting this product, I must say that I am loving it! :) I use this mainly to freshen up my skin after I put on my toner and just before my moisturizer. I got this idea from Jheng of Sutil's Abubots who uses MAC Charged Water instead. But way before that, I also used it as a toner. I spray a little on a cotton pad and wipe it softly against my skin, concentrating on problem areas. Moreover, I use it as the "mixing medium" in applying my mineral foundation in wet form, aka wet application.

Nothing so dramatically changing. However, I notice that my skin doesn't feel that dry on my dry areas anymore (i have combination skin). Though my skin in eternally oily, using this to hydrate my skin lessens the oil glands from working hard. Therefore, releases less oil. I have been told by a dear friend that the reason why our skin looks a lot oilier because our skin is actually dry. The oil glands compensates for the lack of moisture in our face. Hence, i figured that using this product will help in that department because i use a lot of drying products on my face. It may not be scientifically true, but a plausible explanation.

I also use this to set my make-up after. :) I think that this is a great dupe instead of buying expensive spray-on mist. But you know me, i'll try anything.

I don’t bring it out with me since I don’t like the feel of water on my face while I’m out. I know, I’m weird.

Raves:

1. It’s really cheap. Only Php160 for a 130ml Bottle

2. It does the job. It gives the refreshing feeling it promises and I think that it helps my other product in lessening the inflammation of my acnes. J

3. It’s a better alternative than using plain distilled water on my mineral foundation wet application.

4. It smells divine! The ingredients provide a soothing scent. Like you’ve been in a spa.

5. Great to spray on just before I sleep. And on my pillow.

Rants:

1. None so far.

Will I buy this again? Yes.

Why should you buy this?

If you enjoy an occasional spray-on mist, this is the product for you. Not only will you be patronizing a Filipino made products, this product is naturally made and delivers what it promised. If you think that this humid weather is ruining your skin, this product will help you tolerate this awful weather.

Kikay Pinay gives this product: 5 out of 5 Kikay Points

Hope this helps.

much love,