MFO's Verdict On: Palmer's Post Natal Firming Lotion

The Product: Palmer's Cocoa Buter Formula Post Natal Firming Lotion

The Promise: This unique formula is specifically designed to restore your body to its natural, original firmness, anytime, even after pregnancy or weight loss. The unique combination of Cocoa Butter, Collagen, Elastin and Shea Butter firms and tones while improving skin elasticity and texture. In addition, Ginseng and Vitamin E help nourish and rejuvenate tired skin. Co Enzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that stimulates sin cells to tone and smooth the skin.

Put to the Test: Meant to be "massaged all over the body twice daily - especially on thighs, legs, stomach and bust" I did as recommended. I especially made sure to focus on my belly, because the skin was wrinkly and so loose, over a month after giving birth. I could grab onto the skin and it would wave and say hello back to me.

Back when I had Berry, my skin was still elastic, so it simply just went back to how it was before I got pregnant. With Xavi, whoever said age ain't nothing but a number, must have been in denial. Because my age was definitely taunting me right on the face, specifically my belly!

Passing the Verdict: In less than two weeks, belly skin tightened considerably to a point that the wrinkles disappeared! I was amazed! While I would not call it taut, it was acceptable. I had to accept the fact that at 35, only exercise would flatten my belly. Fair enough. The flappy, wrinkly look was gone thanks to Palmer's and now it was all up to me to finish the job. I continued using Palmer's Post Natal Firming Lotion until it ran out, and by the time it did, I was pretty happy with the results. I'd call it a wonder product.

Practical Tip: Clinically proven to help increase skin’s firmness in 6 weeks. Patience is a virtue. I also recommend for this to be used immediately after giving birth, for better results. Don't forget that this works for tightening skin after weight loss too.

Price: Php495 for a 250 ml bottle

Point of Sale: Rustan's Department Stores

New from Palmer's: Olive Butter & Oil Formulas

From L to R: Body Butter, Concentrated Cream for Hand, Elbows & Feet, Smoothing Shampoo, Replenishing Conditioner, Cream Oil, Body Lotion and Spray Oil 

I've been a huge fan of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula ever since I got pregnant with Berry, so I have always associated the brand with Cocoa Butter.  Apart from their Coconut Milk and Shea Butter Formulas, Palmer's has again expanded to another brand range: Palmer's Olive Butter Formula and Olive Oil Formula which come in distinctive green bottles, tubes and tubs.

Before imagining you'd smell like a Mediterranean dish after, I promise you, you won't. I've tried on the Olive Butter shampoo and conditioner and they just smell so good! 

The lotions, oils and creams are worth a try too. Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a unique lipid structure that moisturizes instantly and emulsifies on contact. Just rub it onto skin and once it has sunk in, it shouldn't have a greasy after feel. It is also loaded with antioxidants to keep skin youthful. Palmer's of course took it a step further by adding SPF, Vitamin E and anti-ageing peptides - which makes that bottle of olive oil in your cupboard less appealing.

I know, you might find it strange to have olive oil in your beauty and skincare routine, so in case you didn't know, olive oil apart from being used for food is an ancient beauty secret. It has been used for centuries for cleansing and moisturizing the skin and applied on to scalp and hair to keep it healthy. In Ancient Rome, people even bathed in olive oil, which was considered to be a symbol of power and wealth. 

Sophia Loren, a legendary Italian beauty, once quipped, that the secret to her gorgeousness at 72, was the love of life and olive oil. If that won't convince you, I don't know what else will.

Palmer's is available at Rustan’s Department Stores: Makati, Shangri-la, Alabang Town Center, Robinson’s Place, Gateway Mall, Cebu and all major department stores and supermarkets nationwide, outside of Rustan’s.

Mommy Potions, Lotions and Creams

When I was pregnant with Berry, my friend Mary Anne gave me a whole year's supply of Palmer's to prevent stretch marks. It could be that, or it could be genetics, but I swear, with Palmer's I never got stretch marks, even just one tiny bit at all. Take note that I started moisturizing as soon as I got pregnant, before my belly even protruded, just to prep my skin for the months of stretching ahead.

This time around, when Denise R. of Rustan's Beauty Source found out I was pregnant, she thoughtfully sent me this whole range of Palmer's and if I wanted to moisturize my entire body, and my whole family, I could! Super thanks for this Denise! I really love Palmer's, I swear by it!

I also have Mustela's 9 Months range of pregnancy creams, and I switch these with Palmer's for this pregnancy. I have creams all over our room, and all over our bath as well, so I never forget to moisturize. Yes, it's a bit indulgent, but when you are pregnant in your 30s, you just cannot afford to be lax with skincare. Ain't as elastic as it used to be, hehe. Tammy T. of Mustela highly recommended the Instant Comfort Cream for Legs, and I find that when I massage my legs with this at night, I don't wake up with painful leg cramps. I also love how it has this cooling effect. Even if you are not pregnant, if you've been up or walking around all day, this is a great thing to massage your legs with before you sleep at night.

Another indulgence and one of the perks of living in Manila, is affordable pampering services. My friend Nina told me about the prenatal massage treatment at Clarins in Rustan's Makati and I always look forward to my twice a month sessions. I just feel so relaxed and refreshed after.

They gave me a sample sized stretch mark cream and treatment oil for toning, but I only opted to buy the toning gel shower cleanser since I could seriously start a mini oil spill with the number of lubricants I have in our bath.

What I like about the pre-natal massage treatment at Clarins is that they really have special procedures for pregnant women in the second trimester, and the third trimester. Every procedure is targeted for a pregnant woman's concerns - ie  2nd Trimester is for exfoliating & toning the body so as to prevent bloating, while 3rd Trimester treatments are meant to combat puffiness on the face, as well as dealing with pregnancy aches and pains.

I have a treatment scheduled at Clarins tomorrow, and as usual, I look forward to it! I cannot wait! =)