Bust Bacne with Cyleina Organic Carrot Soap

Bacne or back acne is a common problem to some women, including myself.  I have been using Cyleina Organic soaps for my body for quite some time now, but only lately that I've tried its Carrot variant.

Cyleina Organic Carrot Soap is power packed with three of nature's most effective healthy skin enhancers:

My Latest Organic Skin Care Finds: Milea Rosehips Cream & Royal Jelly Eye Mask

My latest organic skincare product finds are Milea's Rosehips Cream and Royal Jelly Eye Mask. I have been looking at Milea's products long ago, but haven't had the chance to try any of them until now. Their products are more expensive than my favorite Human Nature's, but since I experienced breakouts from HN's night cream (old formula) and they do not have eye cream yet, I have been searching for a reasonably priced natural night cream and eye care product. 

I chanced upon a local delicacies bazaar in Robinson's Manila with Milea products being sold together with Milea Farm's bee by-products where I also bought Propolis Throat Spray for Yan. Good thing I found it since these 2 products I just ordered from a dealer were said to be out of stock.

Get a FREE Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil: Just Answer the Survey!

Hey lovelies! Here's the thing, I am on my last hurrah for my graduate school program which I have been taking for about three years now. It's been a ride. Now I need you to help me finish it by answering a survey for my graduate school thesis, and the best part is you can win a Human Nature 100% Natural Sunflower Beauty Oil as my thank you gift! 

To answer the survey, just click here. 

(Or simply copy this link to your browser address bar: www.surveymonkey.com/s/natskincare ) 

Your participation in my survey is highly appreciated.  I hope you'll have fun taking it. It's not that long anyway, just about 2 minutes of your time. I hope you can answer the survey as best and as truthful as you can.

I will get in touch with the lucky respondent soon through email. I will also announce it via our Facebook page. So make sure to like our page!

THANK YOU, LADIES!

-Monique ♥

***********************************

Winner of this promo is Jhe David.

Congratulations, Jhe!

To everyone who answered my survey, thanks so much from the bottom of my heart. :)

Heaven on Earth: Heavenly Organic Goodies by Nanay Earth

I was giddy when I received my order package from Nanay Earth. I got The Flowers and The Bees Lotion, Strawberry Milkshake Body Scrub and The Perfect Lip Wax balm.

My Nanay Earth haul

My intent was only to look for a cheaper pure fully refined emu oil when I landed at Nanay Earth's Facebook page. Unfortunately, the re-seller I contacted said they did not have a stock of the emu oil. However, I was glad to have found them as I eyed other organic goodies I'd love to get my hands onto.

Strawberry Milkshake Body Scrub

This is definitely a favorite. I love scrubbing myself up few times a week so I am always on the look out for affordable body scrubs that moisturizes and exfoliates skin well, preferably organic.

10 Reasons Why I'm Crazy Over Ton Ton Thai Foot Massage

When Yan and I first tried Ton Ton's Thai foot massage, for only 30 minutes, we were overwhelmed. It was beyond what we expected.

What's so special about Ton Ton's foot massage? Let me enumerate 10 reasons why I am all crazy about it...

1. The lazy boy! It's a champion on its own. Relax and sleep on this super comfy reclining chair while you're being pampered.

2. The therapists are so courteous, professional and well-trained.

Less is More with the Floating Soap

 Ivory's Advertising Campaign Print Ad (Photo: Business Wire)

Keep it pure. Clean. Simple.

That is Ivory's brand promise.

My relationship with Ivory started with its bar soap - the only floating bar soap that I know. Ivory is one of P&G's oldest products (first sold in 1879), reason why P&G is sometimes called "Ivory Towers" and its factory and research center in St. Bernard, Ohio is called "Ivorydale".   My mom made me use this for my face years back as I was the teenager who, yes, experienced some years of acne-prone face. A doctor also advised her to use this for her face when she was younger. This soap is so mild babies can use it.  It's clean scent just makes you feel so fresh.  When I outgrew my  pimples-stage I have stopped using this soap and tried different facial washes and bars being advertised in the market which promised a beautiful and glowing skin.  But my breakouts suddenly returned due to tremendous amounts of stress maybe, and I, in panic, tried so many facial washes hoping I would someday find "the one".  

Accepting defeat, mom advised me to use Ivory again, nothing else.  I heed to her advice, as I had no other choice, and my breakouts have disappeared and, more importantly, stopped returning.  From then on until this day, I have remained loyal to this simple and pure floating soap.

1898 Ivory Advertisement Poster

Did you know that this soap was made to float by accident?   

According to an urban legend, a company worker accidentally left the mixing machine on too long which whipped air into the mixture.  The company still decided to sell the "ruined" batch because mixing air longer did not change the basic ingredients of the soap. When appreciative letters about the new, floating soap inundated the company, P&G ordered the extended mix time as a standard setting.

However, company records indicate that the design of Ivory was not a result of an accident.  In 2004, over 100 years later, the P&G company archivist Ed Rider found documentation which revealed that chemist James N. Gamble, son of the founder, had discovered how to make the soap float and noted the result in his writings.   Anyhow, by accident or not, many consumers from all over the world enjoyed, and still do until this day, using this floating soap.

Make sure you buy the imported ones wrapped in paper, not the boxed ones.  (Shown in photo above) This does NOT come in different scents.  I know the locally manufactured Ivory bar soap comes in various scents and packed in boxes, not those ones.

Ivory's old packaging in Original, Aloe and Lavender scents

From bar for face, to wash for the body...
My skin has been usually sensitive to body soaps and other heavily perfumed and moisturized washes, they give me breakouts.  And soap-free body washes do not seem to be enough for everyday use.  I am glad to have discovered Ivory's version of body wash.   It's mild formula leaves my skin clean and fresh, while not stripped of its natural moisture.

New look of Ivory Body Wash in Aloe

It comes in Original, Aloe and Lavender scents, at least here in the Philippines.  I have tried all three, and my personal favorite is Aloe. I am into it's fresh, clean and mild scent.  But currently I am using Lavender just to break the monotony of scent.  I can buy it cheapest in Landmark for Php 178; while it is sold at Php200+ in other stores.  It only comes in one size which is a 709 ml bottle.  It has a new packaging recently.  I have to admit I still like the old simple look.

For those who like to keep it pure, Ivory is the perfect bath companion as it keeps it clean and simple for you.  Indeed, big things come in small packages.  Mundane and simple things that we fail to recognize can sometimes be the answer to our most perplex questions. ;)

Not too much and not too little.
Just the right amount of bubbles.
Just a little scent. And there you go. ♥

What do you think about these products?  Drop some comments.

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Good 'Ole Honey for Straight Hair

Browsing through the shelf of hair care products with no particular purchase in mind, my eyes caught this not-so-attractive bottle of shampoo.  It says, Hair Straight Honey Shampoo.  And at the back the description reads, "An organic shampoo formulated to relax frizzy unmanageable hair". The keywords? HAIR STRAIGHT. HONEY. ORGANIC. Music to my ears.

The brand is Swallow Hair Straight Honey Shampoo. It also has a conditioner with the same name.  The conditioner does not present itself as "organic" in its product description though.  The conditioner's back label reads, "A conditioner with Honey extract especially formulated for dry, brittle, frizzy or unmanageable hair.  With Prolanen B-Complex that optimizes and locks hair moisture to improve  strength and elasticity". This is a product of Japan, and Mom said the brand is pretty old.

There were small bottles of 100ml in Landmark, and so I decided to try them. The labels also claimed the shampoo and conditioner are ideal for newly rebonded, relaxed and straightened hair to maintain straight hair effect.  Even though mine's not, I am still allured to the promise of anti-frizz.

Cost:
100ml -shampoo Php 57.75; conditioner Php 62.75
200ml - shampoo Php 87.75; conditioner Php 92.75

I was excited to try it the next day.  And I was not disappointed.  

In spite the tremendous stress I had to endure that certain day, my hair made it soft, straight, well-behaved, and good smelling through the day.   It smells really good, like a baby shampoo! Must be the honey.  The shampoo was not that foamy, but I don't really mind. As long as my hair finds this duo good to her, I will keep it in my stash of hair care products.

Let me know if you find these products good too. Drop me a line or two. ♥

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How To Look Like A Million Bucks

This is a funny and interesting read from a 6-year old issue copy of Allure magazine.
An interview with fashion designer Michael Kors reveals the following tips on how to look like you've just stepped out of a yacht, even if you don't own one.

Go for natural shades

A woman with money has beautiful skin.  So make sure yours has a little natural shine and stick to makeup in neutral shades like taupe or slate.

In the red

The one exception from the tip above is red lipstick.  Wear this with nothing else for a full Katharine Hepburn moment.  It should look very non-chalant, very throw-away - like you just woke up, washed your face and went out with the red lipstick.

Disregard the weather
This just means wear a strappy sandals on rainy season and a pair of sunglasses on a cloudy day. How's that for a feat?  Kors said that these are the signs of a glamorous life and just shows that you are above the elements.



Subtle polish
A rich girl always has beautifully manicured hands, but doesn't act as if she thinks about them. This means no French manicures or bold colors, pick soft pink or beige tones instead.  Keep the nail length short enough to suggest you go horseback riding.




Fake it
Start every season with a stack of sophisticated black tees. And pair it with cubic zirconia studs  and rings - it will seem as if someone gives you great gifts, you can afford them yourself, or they were in the family.  All works in your favor.




Buy an expensive dress, and wear it often

Brown croc pumps by Yves Saint Laurent

It lets people know that you didn't borrow it.  Classic socialites went out in the same gowns over and over again because they were, in fact, theirs. 


Save up for a brown crocodile pumps
They can be worn with everything, and unlike black, brown croc develops a patina that looks better with time.


Head for broke
Nothing sets you apart like a gorgeous mane of hair.  So I guess it's not so bad to spend on a hair blowout.  It's the crowning glory, anyway.

Eva Mendes on Glamour.com

On pulling hair back
When pulling your hair back use a tortoiseshell comb or barrette - it's the scrunchy of the rich.


I found this read a classic one and will still surely work another 6, or even 10, years from now.  I know not all girls will agree, I, too  disagree with some of the points like disregarding the weather because I just wear flip-flops when it's raining!


Personally, I do not spend so much on clothes, shoes, bags.  Though I make sure that I own a few pieces of good ones.  And if there's one thing worth investing on, it's the SKIN!  I do not mind getting my things at bazaars, Divisoria, sidewalks, it's how you wear it, really.  One rule I try to always keep in mind is to not buy those pieces that I can see being worn by almost every girl I bump into on my way to work, or while in the mall.  You can definitely look like a million bucks even with non-expensive pieces tastefully put together, and worn with utmost confidence.  Above all, it's all about how you look at yourself and how you express the real you.  ♥


*This post is inspired by and most parts taken from an article of Allure Nov 2005 issue.


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Discover Sugaring: A Safe and Natural Way of Hair Removal

Getting rid of unwanted hair for that smooth and flawless skin is quite a problem for us girls.  Shaving and plucking are the most common, cheapest and easiest ways to remove hair, but these damage the skin, and can make it dark or turn into the dreaded chicken skin.

It's been more than a year since I discovered this wonderful way to remove hair - SUGARING. I am using StripTease Cold Sugar Wax. It uses 100% natural cold sugar wax that does not require heating as opposed to other hair removal wax being sold at stores.

It comes with a complete waxing kit:

• 1 tub Strip Tease Cold Sugar Wax
• 1 pc wooden spatula (applicator)
• 1 pack reusable waxing strips (10pcs for small & medium tubs, and 15pcs for big tub)
• instruction sheet
• packed in a neat paper bag

It is truly effective, safe and convenient to use. When I discovered this and spread the word, my sister and friends tried it and they have nothing but positive feedbacks, and continued using. This can be used on legs, underarms, upper lip, bikini lines and can even be used in Brazilian waxing as this is all-natural. With StripTease Cold Sugar Wax, hair growth will be slower and finer, and skin would remain soft, smooth and healthy as opposed to turning into chicken skin due to excessive shaving or plucking. I used to be an avid Veet wax strips user, but I found this a lot better, absolutely safer and waaay less painful.  StripTease sugar wax is completely water-soluble, so it rinses away instantly with water.  It also comes cheap as one tub can last for several months.  Waxing services in salons cost PHP 500 and up, while the biggest tub of StripTease cold sugar wax with waxing kit only costs PHP 295.  

If you are interested to try it or have questions, you can visit www.facebook.com/coldsugarwax for more details. ♥

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Whiten Thy Skin with White Henna: DIY Style

Who says beautiful is white?  Well, they say it looks neat, clean, fresh.  We gotta admit we live in a society being dictated to perceive white skin as beautiful.  No wonder whitening treatments and products are as in demand today as toothpastes. 

So for those who want to get whiter all over, or those who just want particular parts of their bodies to be whiter, like underarms, knees, elbows, etc. (These parts should really be a bit lighter than our normal skin  tone because these are some of the parts that have extra skin to be bendable.) here's a very affordable DIY treatment to bleach the skin at the comfort of your own homes... and wallets.

Have you ever heard of White Henna?  I haven't heard of this until Jillian mentioned it to me like a month ago, so she deserves a credit.  I got curious and found out about it.  It is a white powder that can be bought at Mercury Drug Store, I'm not sure where else, and comes very very cheap.  There are a few brands that I know like Marquee, White Princess, CM, Etta's.  White henna powder when mixed with hydrogen peroxide, which is known apart from being a disinfectant to be a bleaching agent, and ammonia can act as a fast and effective whitening  agent for the skin.

You will create a mixture for the treatment, and you'll need the following:

• White Henna powder (12 g)
• soap chips (12 g)
• Hydrogen Peroxide (20 volumes)
• ammonia

Some add in egg white, calamansi extract or milk.

Soap chips can also be bought in  Mercury Drug Store, same brand as the white henna powder.

Dilute first a pack of soap chips with a small amount of Hydrogen Peroxide (just enough to dilute the soap chips into paste), and then add a pack of white henna powder.  Ration of soap chips and white henna is 1:1. Gradually add Hydrogen Peroxide if still needed and stir until you achieve a softy, puffy consistency. And then add 4 drops of ammonia.

This mixture should be used immediately as it quickly stiffens.  Just apply throughout your body or on any particular part, NOT on the face please, using a spatula or tongue depressor - the one doctors use to stick inside our mouth and press our tongue to see the tonsils, and makes us gag a bit  (can also be bought at any drug store).  Leave it on your skin for 30 mintues.  Grab a magazine, watch TV, listen to iPod to kill boredom and to avoid walking around as this can be pretty messy.  As I've mentioned it quickly stiffens, so expect the mixture on your skin to solidify after a few minutes.  This can easily fall off, so be careful with your eyes if you are lying down.  Best to do this while sitting on a tub, or just sit inside the bathroom. Or as long as you don't wander around the house or even the bedroom. 30 minutes is not that long anyway.  After 30 minutes rinse it thoroughly with water, and towel dry.  You can moisturize after as you may feel dryness on the skin that has undergone the treatment.  It is advisable to keep a hand towel or tissue beside you to wipe any possible mess that this "beautification attempt" will create.  In Filipino slang, we call it "tiis ganda". :P

As they say, patience is a virtue, especially if it involves your precious skin. Do yourself a favor and try the mixture first on a small part of your body before going all in with it to see if your skin will have a severe reaction with the formula.  I know it sounds a bit scary with all the liquid ingredients that are deemed to be strong, but I have searched and never found an article about a harm that this treatment has done.  If there are, please drop a comment.   Before writing this post, I have tried the treatment of course, and nothing happened to me, really, except I spent quite a time cleaning up the mess after.  Moreover, there are forums with claims that this is really effective.  Jillian, too, told me that this is being used by the beauty pageant contestants in their high school a week before a pageant.  

There are many salons and clinics that offer skin bleaching treatments, one of those being Let's Face It which offers this for P350-500 per session.  And I guess they use the same bleaching formula, which of course they won't tell.

It is ok to use this once a day for a week, and then once a week for 2 weeks.  After which, you can  do it once a month for maintenance.

Always keep in mind that it doesn't matter what skin tone we have, as long as we feel confident wearing it is what matters.  So if you're more confident with a fairer skin, go ahead and make yourself feel beautiful.  And I hope that I've given you another option to whiten thy skin. ♥

Where to get White Henna? Check out BloomBox Manila on Facebook. 

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This is Nature Making Us Healthy Beautiful

Yesterday after my last appointment at Contours in The Podium, Ortigas I entered this store called Echo Store where I was just so delighted in discovering so many interesting naturally made products of different brands.  

I bought these Ilog Maria bee products as a gift for dad on Father's Day.  I found this Ilog Maria Bee Pollens useful especially for those who need extra energy for physical activities, those who are on night shifts, aims to lose weight, etc.  I bought the small bottle for PHP200; while the large one costs PHP583 and is 240 g at Ilog Maria's own website store.  Bee Pollens is really what the name suggests.  It is a natural energizer, so instead of drinking an energy drink to stay energetic, alert and awake, take a small teaspoon of the pollens and just let it melt in your mouth like candy.  It is also a fat burner as it increases your metabolism.  

Fresh Bee Pollens
Nature's most complete food

Different times of taking the pollens have different effects on weight:

• Before meal - increases metabolism and helps lose weight
• During meal - helps maintain weight
• After meal - helps in weight gain

So be careful! J

Some of the health benefits of fresh bee pollens are:

• increases stamina
• heightens alertness
• boosts mental capacity
• burns and metabolizes fat
• eliminates fatigue
• eases hypertension
• alleviates impotence
• prevents prostate cancer
• improves digestion
• combats depression

Make sure to read the leaflet first carefully before you start using this product.  Small amounts should be taken first, and then increase gradually as your body gets accustomed to it.  Do not overdose.

The Ilog Maria Propolis Throat Spray is an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant throat spray that keeps breath fresh, gums healthy, and relieves smoker's cough.  

Propolis Throat Spray (30 ml) Breath Freshener & Bacteriostatic Throat & Mouth Spray

This is made from Ilog Maria Virgin Honey, Propolis Gold & Peppermint / Spearmint Oils. Prevents colds and coughs, even fever/flu, if taken immediately after an "itchy throat" is felt. Spray twice on tonsils at first sign of a cough or cold. Soothes sore throat and smoker's cough. Excellent for cold sores or "singaw". Clears itchy throat & hoarse voice fast.

For their other products visit Ilogmaria.com.

Ilog Maria's bee farm is located at Silang, Cavite.

My main purpose of going to this store is to look for natural Citronella insect-repellant spray as I've seen it being used by Madame Berlyn during our recent Buri trip, and she told me that I can get one at The Podium.  There are several choices, several brands.  Citronella is the most famous of the natural insect-repellants, but there are actually other sources like Lemon grass and Eucalyptus.  

No DEET. These are all natural repellants that really work. Available in Citronella, Eucalyptus (my personal favorite) and Lemongrass. The aroma is pleasing when used on linens and very safe even for the baby's skin.

I found Giga's Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellant Spray's scent refreshing and not overwhelming compared to the infamous Citronella, and I'm not a fan of lemon scent.  It is refreshing and cool on the skin.  Echo Store  also offers oil insect repellants which stay longer on the skin, but is quite warm.  What I got was a water-based spray.  I love it.  I bought it for PHP190.

ECHO is the acronym for Environment &Community Hope Organization.  In Echo Store, they sell    a variety of natural products, their own and consigned by different brands.  A trip to their store would surely not leave you empty handed as you come out.   

Echo Store is a social enterprise that acts not only as a collaborator, but also as a link between the consumer and the NGOs.  It is located at the ground level of The Podium, Ortigas. Visit their website at EchoStore.ph.

On that same day, after some shopping I went to Mega Mall to buy some gadgets, and I passed by a Giga kiosk at the second level of building B.  I immediately stopped, and looked for the insect repellant spray that I just bought.  I was a bit saddened to learn that it only costs PHP165 here, but later on realized that Echo Store is a social enterprise anyway, so it's just my little way of helping their cause.  A liter bottle of the natural insect repellant costs PHP1,200.  Giga also has a multitude of natural  products that would tickle your interest and awaken the environmentalist in you.  I bought these Giga NO PAIN and NO ITCH massage balms that are really soothing.  

Made from virgin coconut oil with a generous amount of essential oils and extracts to make them really effective and very pleasant to the senses. It does not contain petroleum based products.

Lately I have been quite active physically so my muscles work more than it used to, and it gives me muscle pains.  The NO PAIN massage balm, which is VCO-based and has peppermint and ginger, is just heaven.  And  I am getting addicted to it already.  The sales lady dabbed a small amount on the points of my nape, and it felt so relaxing and cool.  I used to rely on this Poy-Sian inhaler and ointment that I got from Singapore (but originally discovered at Bangkok, which is their local product) for my headaches.  Now I just realized that I do not know any of the chemical ingredients of what I have been inhaling.  Both massage balms costs PHP85 (each) for the small one.  The big ones costs around PHP300-400.

As I mentioned on my previous 5 Beauty Regimens Worth Remembering post, moisturizing is very vital for the skin.  And oil is a good product to moisturize the skin deeply.  I bought this Giga Dry Mist Oil in Green Tea scent which lightly scents and moisturizes my skin minus the grease and oily sticky feel of some lotions.  I love Green tea's clean and fresh scent.  Best used after shower while skin is still damp.  It also has a Lavender scent, which I find a bit stronger, and seems more appropriate for night time before you sleep.  It costs PHP180 per bottle.  However, it is worthy to remember that this does not have any sunscreen protection, and might harm your skin if you heavily expose it under the sun with oil in it.  Just imagine frying an egg.  These body oil products are recommended if you stay inside an air-conditioned room for a long time, or if the weather is cold.

This imperceptibly light hydrating mist contains skin-conditioning plant oils, several anti-irritants that help dry skin feel unbelievably smooth. Absorbs quickly into dry or slightly damp skin Can be used by all skin types, and is ideal for sensitive skin. Available variants are Green Tea and Lavender.

Giga also has a variety of natural soaps, slimming seaweed oil, hair care, baby care products, etc.  You can pay their website a visit for the list of all the products they offer and store locations at Giga.com.ph. 

I think I'll be gradually switching from main stream to all-natural products, my kick off being Dickinson's all natural witch hazel toner.  By using natural products you don't only do your skin a favor, but the environment as well. Naturally made products might be a bit more expensive sometimes due to inability to mass produce, but nothing is more valuable than keeping your health always in its best state- naturally. ♥




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5 Beauty Regimens Worth Remembering

These basics not only provide temporary glow and beauty, but one that will last for the rest of your life making you even more beautiful and healthier when done regularly.

1. Exfoliate all over.

Exfoliate at least once a week. Pay a visit to your favorite spa for a queenly body scrub. Or DIY at the comfort of your own home without spending much. You can choose among the stash of body scrubs available in Watson's and department stores.  I use A Bonne Milk Salt Scrub, which smells super yummy by the way, all over my body once a week (Sunday scrub day) as an alternative to soap.  It can be bought at Watson's. If I feel like lathering up before the scrub, I just use Ivory Original (The one wrapped in wax paper, not the boxed ones. It's imported.) sans the loofah.  For the face, I count on the good 'ole Apricot Scrub once a week to do that exfoliating job. This helps remove dead skin cells and leaves skin ultra soft and smooth.  Don't  forget to moisturize after, which leads to the next regimen.

2. Moisturize.

It is a no-brainer. We need to moisturize.

As we all know, after shower is the ideal time to moisturize the skin.  Some even apply body oil instead of body lotion.  This is ok if the weather is cool to prevent dryness, this gives an extra softening effect on the skin.  Applying body oil or moisturizer while skin is not yet completely dry after shower locks in the moisture for that super soft and well moisturized skin.  During days with cool weather, I use Giga Dry Mist Oil in Green Tea Scent on my skin as an alternative to lotion.  Moisturizing is also important for the face as it is for the body, so do not leave your face "unmoisturized".  It is wise to invest in a good facial moisturizer.  Cosmetics glide better on well-moisturized skin.  And remember that good and vibrant skin does not need much make up.

3. Block those UV rays.

If there's one thing my mom did not fail to inculcate in me it's NEVER step out of the house without sunscreen on your skin.  So SPF is very important for me when choosing a facial skin care product.  This is so I would not have to apply (and buy) a separate sunblock cream on (for) my face.  The BB cream I currently use daily has an SPF of 26 - that's enough. You might not notice it today, but when you get older you'll see the harmful effects done by the UV rays on your skin if it was not protected properly during younger years.  This also goes with body lotion, choose the one with SPF (sun protection factor).  So needless to say, generous and frequent application of sunblock lotion, with SPF not lower than 50, before heavy exposure to sun is a MUST. You can also buy sunblock creams for the face.  My mom buys this facial sunblock with an SPF of 110 at the derm clinic we go to.  This is ideal if you'll go swimming, hang out by the beach, and do other activities that require your face to be exposed to the scorching sun, no matter how long or short the exposure time is.  Sun exposure makes aging fast, can produce dark spots, and can even cause skin diseases. And if there's just one thing you will remember about this blog post, please make it this one. Your skin will thank you for it.

4. Get rid of the tips regularly.
A healthy hair requires regular trimming at least once a month.  It does not have to be a full-blown hair cut, just an inch trim would do to get rid of  the split ends and worn out tips. This helps hair grow healthier and look even better.  And not only it makes your hair healthier, it makes you feel good as well.

5. Work out as often as possible.

Work outs not only keep bodies in shape, but keep them healthy as well. Working out gives us endless benefits like reducing risks of heart disease, diabetes, developing colon cancer, helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, among many others.  So keep that gym membership and pay a visit regularly. Or play your favorite work out video and sweat it out at home, or run or play tennis or badminton.  Yogas, belly dancings and the likes are good ways to also keep us fit and tone our muscles, but do not forget to do cardio work outs once in a while (those that require you to move fast making your heart beat really fast).  It's good for the heart. Make sure to find time doing exercises as they do not only help control weight, but help release toxins and clean the pores through sweating.  It could be the remedy to those blemish and acne problems you've been ranting about for months. ♥

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Oil Capsule & VCO Conditioner: Hair Care Power Duo

I have always wanted to keep my hair virgin as long as I can.  It has never undergone any treatment more complicated than a hair spa.  But hair spas' effect only lasts on that particular day of your trip to the salon.  I never even thought of having my hair relaxed or rebonded as I am scared it would lose its natural oil and nourishment.  I am afraid my hair would die, so to speak.


So I kept looking for hair products that would make my hair manageable and smoother.  I have a straight hair with thick strands and sometimes I have difficulty managing it when it does not behave so well.


It was like a miracle when I found this duo that will make my hair just how I want it to be. 

One of my mom's trip to Hortaleza Salon in Sta. Ana (now you gotta believe she is really an expert :p) gave me (and her) the answer to our hair problems.  The hairdresser asked her if she wanted to buy this capsule that costs PHP50 each.  The usual sales talk to make you buy this product that will make your hair "beautiful".  My mom was not so interested but bought one anyway just to please the hairdresser.  The instruction to her was mix the oil of the capsule to  virgin coconut oil conditioner.  So she bought a big bottle of the VCO conditioner at HBC which doesn't only smell good and feels soothing on the scalp, but cheap as well.  The big bottle (1,000ml) costs PHP169, while the small one (500ml) costs PHP119.


The first time I used the  mixture, I was really happy with the results.  My hair was smoother, softer, straighter, and smells even better.


You just have to puncture the capsule and squeeze the oil out and mix it with the conditioner.  Do not use one capsule for an entire bottle, that's too much conditioner.  We always transfer the conditioner to a 300g container and then mix the oil.  The oil does smell strong by itself, but when mixed with this light scented conditioner, you won't notice a hint of it anymore.  I asked my mom to find out what brand this capsule is and what it is called exactly.  She said it is IDA, hair care products manufacturer from China, and the capsule is used for Power Dose, though I am not so sure with the latter answer.  I'll find out and will update post.  If there is a Hortaleza Salon in your area you can go ask if they sell these capsules, or try other salons.  I'm pretty sure this can't be bought in retail in regular hair care stores.


You can actually mix the oil to any conditioner.  But why go for the more expensive ones which claim to have all these complicated components to make your hair look good if you will mix with a concentrated oil product anyway?


Hortaleza Professional Virgin Coconut Oil conditioner claims to moisturize, help prevent dandruff and scalp itchiness.  The back label reads: Its moisture-enriched formula gently coats each hair strand making hair soft, smooth and shiny.  This can be bought at any HBC store.  We always buy the big one as, of course, it comes "cheaper by bulk".


When the first mixture that we made ran out, I tried using the conditioner alone and did not get the same results as I did with the oil mix.

Hair care power duo

Now you can have less frequent trips to the salon, more pennies in your pocket and a hair that looks, smells and feels much better.  A little creativity and innovation can really go a long way.


No matter what you put on your hair, it will not truly get the nourishment it needs if you will not nourish it from within.  No vitamins applied from the outside can give nutrients to the hair.  Proper diet, glow foods and a healthy lifestyle will surely give your hair the nourishment it needs. ♥

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BB Cream Craze: My take on Maybelline's own version

Another product to add to your endless stash of creams?  Wait till you know more about this infamous skin care slash cosmetic originated from Korea.

So what's BB cream exactly?  BB stands for Blemish Balm.  This blemish balm originally was meant for patients who just underwent laser surgery.  Dermatologists recommend this to patients to soothe the skin, heal and protect it at the same time.  Beauty world (and the companies who earn windfall) owe it to Korean actresses who first used BB cream as part of their daily beauty regimens.  Song Hye Gyo (Full Houses's Jessie) is among the first to reveal that she uses this product.  This "beauty secret" was adapted by more and more people.  Cosmetic and skin care companies saw the demand on the product and made their own commercial versions of it.

It was months ago when I first heard of and saw this BB cream from my friend, Ayn, during our  Iloilo-Guimaras trip (I'll post this trip soon).  I saw it and being new to me, asked about it.  I was not interested at that time and did not even bother to know what BB stands for.  I thought it would  just be another cream or moisturizer that would just confuse my skin.  I am a loyal consumer of skin care products and I would stick to a brand for the longest time as long a it gives me the results that I need. 

I was wrong.

A few months later I again encountered this BB cream.  I just quickly saw the term on a comment thread in Facebook.  Upon encountering it for the second time, my curiosity was stirred.  I spent practically half the day browsing the net about this new cream.  BB cream basically acts as moisturizer, sunblock and foundation in one.  It also has different formulations and shades, depending on the brand, for various customers needs and skin tones.  Famous BB creams brands are Missha, Elianto, Skin Food, Etude.

After extensive reading of forums, reviews and blogs about BB creams, I was finally able to narrow down my choice to Skin Food or Maybelline.  I have never tried Skin Food, though reviews are quite good.  It has many variants, Aloe Sun being the most popular, with two shades for each variant.  Maybelline on the other hand is my brand. My skin loves it and I find it cheaper compared to other popular and imported cosmetics.  It also has good reviews for its BB cream. With it probably having the smallest size of BB cream, thus not expensive, I went for Maybelline.  

After deciding to go for this brand, I have read again several blogs and reviews about it.  There were just very few negative comments about it which is not matching their skin tones.  Other than that, this product received positive comments and reviews.  At that particular moment I was already dying to try this beauty product.

Maybelline BB Cream is an 18-gram tube which costs PHP249. Not much if ever my skin happens not to like it.  It only has one shade which claims to fit all tones and only one variant also.  The original price is PHP299 when it was first launched in the Philippine market. This made me doubt a bit.  My thinking was why would they bring the price down? Is the product not sellable? Why is it not sellable?  But in spite the boggling questions, I bought the product as soon as I had the chance to go to a department store.  I was able to buy a pack of BB cream and Clear and Smooth pressed powder - which I got for PHP99 less.  

I have ditched my Olay cream for a while because of Maybelline BB cream’s promise to moisturize my skin at the same time covering it in a sheer and dewy way which I really love.  It is very light to wear on skin and has a runny consistency which makes it easy to blend, compared to Skin Food which is a bit thicker.  It also has no fragrance which what I usually look for in a skin care product.  The high SPF of this BB cream, which is 26, also made me love the product more.  SPF or sun protection factor is always important for me.  

Maybelline BB Cream promises to:

• Brighten skin: visible whitening effect
• Cover imperfections: reduces the appearance of pores, skin redness disappears
• Moisturize + Protect: all-day hydration + helps to protect skin from UV rays and free radicals

As what I always do, whenever I try a beauty product which I find good, I tell my friends about it.  It was also their first time to hear about this BB cream.  They all were convinced immediately of its wonder and Rachelle, an officemate, immediately bought one as soon as she left our office.

Was Maybelline BB Cream true to its promise? YES.  I immediately lost the breakouts that I've been ranting about for weeks, and my skin became smoother, clearer and softer.  Well, due to the facial care overhaul that I've done lately, these results must have been a joint effort by this wonder product and my new Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner (discussed in another blog post).  Right now, I do not apply moisturizer under the BB cream because my skin has gone oily as I reached 20s (I can't believe I just said that!), and BB cream has a moisturizing effect so l'll leave the moisturizing job to it.  But I recommend those who have dry skin to put on a moisturizer still before applying the BB cream.

Maybelline BB Cream is available in department stores, Watson's, PCXchange and other stores with Maybelline products.

I will definitely buy another before I finish up my first tube and will continue using it as long as my skin loves it.  I hope Maybelline will come up with a bigger tube size for cheaper cost hopefully. ♥

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