Beauty Tips Gone Wrong

(image from hudabeauty.com)

Last week, I posted a Facebook status asking my friends what topics they want me to cover for my beauty column. One of them said that I should write about top beauty practices and how they should be debunked because they consist wrong information. Here are some of them round up:

How to Banish Eye Bags

(image from dailymail.co.uk)

Are you one of those people who has eye bags that make the airport security want to charge for excess baggage? Well, it’s a good thing you stumbled upon this article. Because I will give you tips on how to banish your eye bags. Never look like a derange bug again.

Beat Blackheads Today!

(pic from fitnesshealthpros.com)

Everyone has probably experienced blackheads. In fact, a huge population may still suffer from a couple of these culprits as late as their 40s. Some are negligible but the others are downright distracting. What’s worse, if you have fair complexion, the visibility is almost thrice those who have morena/ dark skin.

So let’s break this down. What is a blackhead? Also, what are whiteheads?

How to Have Pretty and Healthy Feet

(Yep, those are my feet. And my favorite slippers. And my  not-so-flattering jeans.)

More often than not, feet are the most neglected part of the body. We splurge on the latest night creams, sunscreens, and hair protectant sprays but how about feet treatments? Sure, you have been careful, alternating high heels and flats every other day. Is it enough? This article tells you that there are plenty of ways you can do have to healthy and pretty feet. Here are the easy tricks and tips we can do to keep our feet healthy, young-looking and happy:

Fresh Faced and Younger Looking

(photo from mitoq.com)

Who would never want to experience a fresh-looking face all day?

People tend to forget that their stressful and restless days affects the appearance of their skin.  Most of them use cosmetics to cover it up but they never realize the effect of these products to their skin. Women  can never rely from those gigantic containers of beauty products to satisfy their need to have fresh and young looking skin. In fact, most of these products may come too late. Habits keep you young, not products. And well, it’s cheaper too.

Real Reviews: Maybelline Clear Smooth Silk BB Powder

The first time I laid my eyes on this cute purple powder, I instantly fell in love. It looked so elegant that I already imagined it to be one of my key accessories rather than a beauty product. That’s not to say its contribution in the beauty department is disappointing, though. In fact, I think finding it is one of the best things that happened to me this year.

The Best Lip Balm

My personal lip balm loot! :)

I’ve been using lip balms for at least 10 years now. I remember I started getting obsessed with Avon’s fruity lip balms (my favorite was orange) and lip balms became a huge part of my life since. That time, I liked it because it tasted like candy, but its moisturizing quality isn’t as good as Chapstick. Also, I called it obsession because even if my stick is still usable, I’d buy a new one because I couldn’t stand a day not using it.

Getting to Know Bath Salts

As you stroll along your favorite drug store or grocery, you might have noticed a few bath salts taking up some space on the stalls. These products come in powder/ salt form, and they are used for exfoliation, among other skin-enhancing processes. There are others that are for whitening, anti-aging, firming and others claim their long lasting fragrance as their selling point. If you haven’t used bath salts but you’re curious about them, then please continue reading.

I’ve been using bath salts for years now. If you haven’t heard of bath salts before, here’s how it’s defined in an online encyclopedia: Bath salts are water-soluble, usually inorganic, solid products designed to be added to water during bathing. They are said to improve cleaning, improve the experience of bathing, and serve as a vehicle for cosmetic agents.^[1] Bath salts have been developed which mimic the properties of natural mineral baths or hot springs.^[2]

Look Younger with Skin Rejuvenation

pic from cutera.com

Since Easter's coming, we’re celebrating the rebirth of Jesus. And, in today’s skin care column entry, we’re going to talk about your skin’s rebirth through skin rejuvenation.

Skin Care Tip: It's the Little Things

pic from jiheeley.wordpress.com

There are many common ways to take care of our skin. I know people have already told us to get at least 8 hours of sleep everyday to help our cells rejuvenate, drink plenty of water, eat right and exercise. However, when dealing with your skin, sometimes you overlook small habits that actually contribute a lot to acne, blackheads and other imperfections. Read on and make sure you avoid these habits:

The Thing About Whitening: Tips for Better and Fairer Skin

(pic from zsgod.com)

I was born white. I grew up white and I still am white. With a yellow undertone, that is. The Chinese got through my bloodstream and inserted some fried rice, perhaps. Joking. Yes, I have Chinese blood. Anyway, I'm generally white/fair, and, needless to say, several girls envy this skin tone. In this article, I'm going to teach you how to have it, keep it and maximize it.

Although I naturally have fair skin, I still need "maintenance" so it can look its best. I steer clear from whitening superpowers like Glutathione and Kojic Acid but I still dabble in some whitening products because fair skin is only beautiful when it looks as natural and as healthy as it should be. So here are my tips:

Godiva for White Skin that Lasts (Read on to Score Giveaways!)

AT LAST, WHITE SKIN THAT LASTS!

Introducing the NEW Godiva Natural Skincare

The problem with most whitening products is that it doesn't last long. Once you stop using it, you're back to your normal skin color. Well, that's not the case anymore. Not with the new Godiva Natural Skincare that is.

Back with a better formula, a new packaging and with more promising results, Godiva Natural Skincare range uses the proven power of licorice in effectively and safely whitening the skin. Extracted from one of nature's most effective skin whiteners - licorice root extract - Godiva gives you white skin that truly lasts.

Beauty Events: GODIVA Launch in Davao City

GODIVA, a well known brand of whitening products, will have their official Davao launch this coming February 2, 2013 at the SM City Davao Annex. 

Although Godiva products have been on our stores' shelves for quite sometime, they still felt that now is a good time to formally introduce themselves to the market. This is true especially now, when more and more people (not just women!) are concerned about whitening.

Godiva boasts of having one of nature's best ingredients for whitening: licorice. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is originally used as a sweetening agent. However, this wonder plant had more to offer. 

Way back 3000BC, licorice roots were also known for their medicinal properties. Lately, it was discovered that licorice roots also had the most potent, naturally-derived whitening ingredient. Since then, it was used for several whitening products, although only sparingly because of its premium price. 

Godiva takes on licorice, nature's best kept whitening, and wraps it up with the best formula, a new packaging and more promising results. Godiva Natural Skincare range uses the proven power of licorice in effectively and safely whitening the skin, whitening that truly lasts.

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I'll be giving away GODIVA gift sets real soon! Stay tuned and keep visiting YOUR GORGEOUS LIFE :)

K

Really Getting to Know BB Creams

My personal BB Cream stash: Maybelline, San-san and French brand Le Cbet

I am a loyal user of BB Cream. I got introduced to it mid-2009 and I have been hooked ever since. It really has made my skin better and I am sharing my awesome experience with you here.

There are still a lot of girls who are curious about this so I'm giving the lowdown on BB Creams here. Moreover, I would also like to endorse some brands that I personally tried (out of curiosity) and how they fared in the skin care arena.

First things first: WHAT ARE BB CREAMS?

Why Organic Isn't Always the Way to Go

In an age of corporate social responsibility and consumer eco-centrism, organic skin care products have become a great boom! They don’t only promise to offer equal results than those of your typical cosmetic products, they’d even commit to helping you out with your skin problems more effectively. The reason being is because of their supposed all-natural effect on your skin that nothing can substitute. All of this is a result of bad and/or exaggerated marketing, really! There is reason why non-organic products are there in terms of providing you with the best results that your money can buy.

Firstly, the enhancements that organic cosmetic products offer are not as effective as those that you’d see in your typical cosmetic products. Those organic products which contain vitamin E would usually come from sources natural in the organic ingredient that they’d contain. It would take twice or thrice much longer for you to see and feel the effects of the product, than with non-organic cosmetic products. The reason behind this is that, naturally, these organic cosmetics enjoy a natural process of bodily absorption that has no quick enhancing effects. Therefore, you’re paying more for this inefficiency.

The second reason why this is impractical is because it is cost inefficient for you to do. Organic cosmetic products cost more because of the tedious manufacturing that it undergoes. Most companies and labs would want the finished product to be as pure and refined as possible. In effect, a more tedious process of manufacturing it could lead to a more pricey final product. In the long run, since these products take more time to take effect because they don’t have artificial enhancing, you’d be paying more than you should. Even if they are equally as effective as your non-organic cosmetic products, you’d still be paying more per bottle than you should. Your beauty regimen should not come at the cost of an empty wallet!

The secret to choosing the best non-organic cosmetic product is to remain practical with your choices. Nothing really gives you “the best results” unless you’ve seen it for yourself. So don’t believe all those hear-says about how these types of products always burns or dehydrates your skin. Go and try it out for yourself and see what works for you! When you steer clear from harsh chemical-based products, you’re good to go. With constant consultation with beauty experts and your dermatologist, you’d stay relatively as safe as you’d want your skin to be.

Bioessence Gold Launches Exilis Exilshape

Bioessence has truly gone a long way. With 18 years under their belt, Bioessence is one of Davao’s most successful homegrown brands in the beauty and wellness industry. Today, we are celebrating with them as they introduce another cutting edge treatment: Exilis Exilshape.

So, What Exactly is Exilis Exilshape?

Exilshape is the latest slimming treatment that helps reshape the body and rejuvenate one’s skin (face and body) through the fastest and most powerful non invasive aesthetic device available in the market. It uses safe thermal waves to heat your skin and target fat cells. Its dual energy delivery speeds up the metabolic activity and causes your fat cells to shirink. At the same time, it also stimulates and strengthens the collagen network which improves skin laxity and texture. Say goodbye to sagging post-fat skin!

Here are Exilis’ top features:

First off, it applies effective and rapid contouring solution that precisely targets deeper fat layers. This way, there will be a dramatic improvement of skin density and encouragement of dermal thickening. In terms of safety, it also has a built-in thermometer that constantly rechecks the tissue temperature so you don’t get “burned”, whatever skin type you have. Lastly, because of its non-invasive nature, it also has absolutely no-risk of over-treatment, no side effects and no downtime.

As remarkable as this new treatment is, so is its celebrated endorser, Nikki Gil, who admits that it is difficult for her to keep up with exercise and wellness treatments due to her very busy schedule. She was here for Exilis launch last November 26, 2012, at Bioessence Gold branch in Marfori Heights, Davao city. At the same time, it was also the birthday  of Dr. Emma Beleno-Guerrero, founder and proprietress of Bioessence.

The Nivea Pure and Natural Line

(No, I'm not the girl in the ad. Although most of the time I wish I am. Haha!)

I’ve always been a fan of those pure, natural, organic stuff. And all similar adjectives. They make me feel like I’m doing something good for the environment as much as I’m doing something good for my body. When Nivea sent me goodies featuring their Pure and Natural Line, every single cell in my body went happy-dancing.

So here it is, the entire line. Consists of the baby wipes, 150ml spray deo, the 25ml and 50ml roll-on deos and the 40ml deo stick.

Here are these babies’ prices:

25ml roll on – P50

50ml roll on – P89

40ml stick – P155

150ml spray – P170

50pc pack, baby wipes – P150

Who is it for?

Nivea Pure & Natural Products use gentle and pure ingredients that respect your skin’s nature; so you don’t have to worry about sensitivity problems and irritations that are known to be associated with some artificial and chemical ingredients. This range is suitable for all skin types; even to extra sensitive skin. Basically, it’s for EVERYONE.

What does it do?

Nivea Pure & Natural Products are inspired by nature, but they also draw on Nivea’s 100 years of skin care expertise and commitment to the highest quality standards. This means that the Nivea Pure and Natural range offers a pleasant and affordable way of looking after you naturally and doing your bit for the environment, while enjoying the highly effective are one’s come to expect from Nivea.

The Fast Facts

The deo range is a powerhouse of all natural deo protection that boasts nature identical and anti-bacterial active ingredients that ensure 24 hour intensive protection without clogging one’s pores. Pretty cool, huh? Those big words and all, hehe.

I started using one of them and I love the scent! I use Nivea for underarm care (extra whitening deo roll on, the pink one) and I think the refreshing scent from the Pure and Natural line is one extra thing to look forward to everytime I finish bathing. Even my partner uses it now!

*0% Aluminum

*0% parabens/ preservatives

*doesn’t clog pores

*black shirt-friendly

*dermatologically tested

*non comedogenic

On the other hand, the NEW Nivea Baby Pure and Natural Wipes are moistened with organic chamomile to gently cleanse and soothe our babies’ bottoms. Personally, I also find this loot helpful during nights when I feel like I’m too lazy to wash my face (oops, don’t let me be your bad influence). Can’t help but love them; they’re 100% biodegradable, which means they’re totally flushable, and they’re based on natural cotton.

*contains organic chamomile

*100% natural tissue and biodegradable

*0% alcohol and parabens

*0% perfume

The Nivea Pure and Natural Line is now available at all leading department stores. Beat you to the lines! :)

When Bored, Moisturize

I always tell my friends this: aside from not using sunblock, the worst thing that you can do to your skin is to NOT moisturize. And I mean everyday.

Know for a fact that soap is made of harsh chemicals (yes, no matter how "gentle" they claim to be) because they're meant to clean. Just like detergents. That is why everytime we use soap, we strip off layers of moisture from our skin. Yes, even the natural ones. ESPECIALLY the natural ones. 

That is why one has to work double time to retain moisture and to keep one's skin looking young and blooming.

Here are tips:

1. Use lotion with at least SPF 20 in the daytime. And use hydrating lotion for nighttime. (Same rule applies to face creams.) When we sleep, that's the time when our skin cells rejuvenate and recover so it's best to cheer them on with a moisture boost from a hydrating lotion. Trust me, make it a daily habit and one week you'll see awesome results.

2. Use hand cream. I know I've already nagged you into using hand creams through THIS BLOG ENTRY, but I still can't emphasize further. Hand creams are salvation to our hardworking souls.

3. Use a dollop for your skin. Never, ever scrimp on moisturization. If you only apply a little for the sake of "moisturization", it will only evaporate faster than a Kardashian marriage and will be deemed useless. See, lotion only works best if you use it generously. That's how the actual nutrients seep through our multi-layered dermis and eventually, reveal a healthy exposure.

4. Moisturize everything. A lot of people think that the only parts worth moisturizing are the parts that are always exposed (arms, legs) but seriously, it's always better if everything is even. Think about your naked self...in daytime. Moisturize your neck, the back of your knees, your elbows, your tummy and your chests. Everything. 

5. When bored, moisturize.

Here is my trustworthy army of moisturization:

For nighttime moisturization, Watsons Rosefairy hydrating lotion. Super hydrating, and you'll smell like a wedding afterwards. 

Left: Avon Silicone Glove protective hand cream - daytime use. To the right, Watsons Olive Hazel hand cream for nighttime use. It has a thicker consistency than the daytime one and it smells nice too!

The Nivea Express Hydration lotion is my daytime lotion. I doesn't have SPF so I mix it with sunblock. Makes for a better consistency too because this one is more liquid-ey. Sunblocks have richer, thicker consistency in comparison, so it's the perfect duo.

For nights out, I use Victoria's Secret Shimmer lotion. Smells as great as first love and leaves a veil of shimmer on your skin. Get ready to party!

Insomnia never occurred to me but for nights when I need to feel like I'm sleeping in a spa, I pop out my scented candles and apply this all over. This Spa Essentials Body lotion has a relaxing peppermint-may chang-lemongrass scent that makes you think of all the vacations you should have had. Got this for a little over P100 at Watsons too.

THE  BEST PART? THIS ARMY IS REALLY AFFORDABLE. CHECK THEM OUT.

Care to tell me your favorite lotion/ moisturizer? Come on, don't be selfish. Moisturized skin is a basic human right.

Best Beauty Tips: How to Have Gorgeous hands

Even if you have a wrinkle-free face and firm skin around your neck, there is another body part that (almost) never lies about our real age: the hands.

You know what they say: that if someone is stressed, overworked or (worse!) poor, one will have ugly, coarse hands. But seriously, you can be all three and still have gorgeous hands! Here are some beauty tips on how I keep mine from telling the truth:

1. If your job/ pastime entails typing for more than 2 hours a day, and with the massive texting that we Filipinos are used to, rest your hands for a little while before you wash them. This is done so that your nerves are more relaxed, so the veins won't be "shocked" by the coolness of water. If you're washing with warm water, then it's fine. 

2. Scrub your hands at least once a week. You have probably heard it from beauty gurus all over the world: always exfoliate. Slough off dead skin by using a body scrub, salt scrub or loofah. Once a week will do. This is done so that the younger, fresher skin underneath will surface more evenly. That way, you'll have smoother hands too!

3. Moisturize EVERYDAY. It is a mortal sin to not moisturize your skin everyday, and an even bigger one to make up excuses for not doing so. Before you head out for school or work, put lotion on them and make sure every millimeter is covered. What's even better, use a protective hand cream. I am currently loving Avon's Silicone Hands Hand Cream. At night, for the time when our skin rejuvenates, boost moisture and softness by using a nighttime hand cream. I use Watson's Overnight Repair Hand Cream. Both hand creams cost less than P200 only. What a steal!

4. Apply it right. When you apply hand cream or lotion to your hands, massage lightly and make sure the entire area is covered. Use a vertical motion when applying to your individual fingers, and stretch your hands to mold them into that coveted candle-like shape. 

Remember those 4 tips and keep in mind that doing those religiously are the ONLY WAYS to rock that manicure right...or enchant whoever it is you wanna hold hands with! :-)

Bloom Facial and Spa Opens 2nd Branch in Davao

Bloom Proprietress Golda cuts the ribbon with DOT Regional Director Art Boncato and Former Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta.

With 7 years and counting, Bloom Facial and Spa remains at the top tier of the fastest-rising, homegrown brands in facial, slimming and spa services here in Davao city. Their pilot branch, located at Iron Horse, Rizal street, Davao city, started out with only a few services but now they’re on to 30!

Just last April 9, 2012, Bloom Facial and Spa conquered another business milestone by opening their second branch in the city. It is located at Jetti Business Center, Lanang, Davao city, across the new SM Mall. They offer the same line of services as their main branch except for the Radio Frequency (RF) and the Cavitation slimming treatments, with the machines still on their way from overseas.

The proprietress, Ms. Golda Divinagracia, said that she finally decided to open a branch up North because she has one loyal customer who told her that the commute was quite a hassle (she lives somewhere in the Lanang-Sasa area). This customer also promised to bring all her amigas there if the plan actually came to fruition. Ms. Golda thought about this and scouted for places near her salon in the same area. Luckily, there was an open spot just a few meters away from the salon and she decided to open the spa there. Being a self-confessed metikulosa, she admits that the most challenging part of her opening her 2^nd branch is the fact that she has to do everything alone---from the machine orders, handpicking of the furniture pieces and the determination of the opening event menu.

Ms. Golda is one of the most renowned names in the field of beauty and wellness here in Davao city. In fact, she is constantly being invited to deliver inspirational messages for the youth and is a mainstay judge in a couple of pageants. Her faith for this industry is high and that’s what’s keeping her inspired in delivering the best facial, slimming and spa services at the best prices possible, to keep Davao city look “as blooming as possible”.

Bloom Facial and Spa is looking at more business expansion for the rest of the year. More power to Bloom and to you, Miss Golda!

The newly opened Bloom Facial and Spa branch is located at Jetti Business Center, Lanang, Davao city, across SM Lanang.The opening event was organized by PREP (PR, Events and Promotions).