Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Green tea has always been something that the whole world knows is good for people. If you have never tried it, though, the following may be able to encourage you to take an eventual sip. These are some of the things that you will benefit from – if you decide to make drinking the healthy concoction a part of your daily life.

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 REALLY Avoid Varicose Veins

(photo from scottsdalefitnessandhealth.com)

If you happen to see twisted and bulgy veins in bluish or purplish color at your ankles and legs, do not panic for those are only varicose veins. When blood cannot flow back to the heart because of weakened valves, blood is pooled to the legs. As the pressure shoots up, veins become weak and dilated. Varicose veins do not cause potential life threatening problems, but the presence of it can lead to other conditions. Plus, they are not great to look at.

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.

How to Lose Weight Even if You're Busy (or Lazy)

(pic from calorieguide.org)

Let’s admit it: sometimes we are just dying to lose weight but then again, we are either too busy or too lazy. I’ve been there. And let me tell you this: with just a few lifestyle tweaks, I lost 8 pounds in less than 3 weeks. What’s more, I didn’t have to starve myself, sweat it out or let it get in the way of work. If you know me personally, you’d know how busy I am.

I know there are a lot of people who could also be going through what I went through so I am sharing with you my techniques on how I lost weight in a short period of time, without feeling like I’m sacrificing a huge part of my life.

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]

Real Reviews: St. Ives' Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Moisturizer

My talented makeup artist friend Meloi and I were hanging out one day and as usual, we talked about beauty products. I asked her for a recommendation of an affordable anti-aging cream because I'm paranoid like that. I mean, I started wearing sunblock everyday since I was 17 and as early as 19, I was using anti-aging creams like it was necessary to my existence. Anyway, I know my future self will not have anything but gratitude later so yeah, here I was again, in my search for the perfect affordable anti-aging cream.

Before it got pulled out of the market, my favorite affordable anti-aging cream was Eskinol's ageless. My, it was truly awesome. I worshipped it and bought it in bulk because it was difficult to find. By and by, the supplies got fewer, until Eskinol just stopped putting them on shelves.

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:

5 Tips for Washing Your Hair Better

Some people complain about having hair that's too oily, too dry or too frizzy. And we know that if we really want to tame our hair, we can spend for treatments in the salon. The right rebond treatment can tame frizziness, the right hair spa treatment can prevent dandruff and oily hair, and weekly hot oil treatments can boost your hair's moisture and manageability. However, we must not forget that the basics can be done at home, and that's your responsibility. Ladies, let's talk about washing your hair and how you can do it better.

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:

Care for Rebonded Hair

Even if I have learned to love my natural wavy hair, I also fell into the trap named “The Rebond Fad”. For a time, it was super cool to have pin straight, manageable hair, that salons that offered it sold appointments like sex in a red light district. Last week, I talked about care for permed hair. Because I’m a fickle, fad-prone gal, I also had my hair rebonded before that. Anyway..

I got my first rebond through a home service salon professional. It was really good. Cost me around P1500 only, with cellophane treatment. After that, I had a follow –up sesh a year later through a salon, but because I’m a meticulous prick, I bought the medicine myself. It cost me only P360 to buy the medicine from HBC, and I paid the salon P500 for the labor, and they also gave a discounted cellophane treatment (P250). Not bad, right?

Although those who worked on my hair were professionals, I had to learn the best hair care routines for rebonded hair by myself. Today, I am sharing them to you:

1. Immediate Post-Rebond Care – Follow what the salon pro told you. They’re not rocket science. Do not wash your hair until the 3^rd day after your rebonding treatment, lie with your hair hoisted up, and don’t tie it up. On the 3^rd day, shampoo briefly (just to clean your scalp) but put a huge dose of conditioner. Applying a protective treatment (like L’Oreal Total Repair 5) helps too.

2. Tame Frizz – Avoid frizz by conditioning everyday, shampooing every other day, and have a weekly intensive conditioning treatment. Also, avoid warm, humid areas  and set your hair everyday if you can. I recommend using a light hair serum.

3. Use Appropriate Products – There are products that are meant to enhance curls, manage hair loss, avoid dandruff, and yes, to keep hair straight. These are now very common, even for very commercial brands like Sunsilk, Rejoice, Cream Silk, Dove, etc. So you really have no excuse not to use them. They are designed to enhance straight hair, tame frizz and prolong your hair’s rebonded state.

4. Keep it Straight –  If you want your straight hair, you should really arrange your lifestyle to accommodate straight hair. Avoid tying your hair in a ponytail, tight bun and don’t use products that defy its straight nature.

5. Wet Right, Dry Right – Washing your hair is a very crucial part in its maintenance. We already told you about the proper frequency of shampooing and conditioning so you need to know how to wash it right. To wet right, use cold water all the time. Rinse away from your face and avoid “crumpling” it as you rinse and squeeze the water out. When you dry it, place your hair in between your palms and run down with the towel so your hair can still dry in its straight place.

Here are other rebonded hair pics:

Does it feel like a lot of work? It is, actually. That’s why I switched to permed hair after 2 years. But hey, if it really looks good on you, you know it’s worth every ounce of effort. <3

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.

The Secrets are Here for Frizz Free Hair

pic from self.com

It's been a year since I've had my last permanent hair change. From 2008-2011, I had my hair rebonded (2x) and permed (2x). Sometimes I just wanted to feel like I was worthy of high-maintenance hair and that I needed it in my Events and PR job (which entails a lot of public events, obviously). Just last year, when I finally had enough of these treatments, I switched to taking care of my hair instead and improve its natural wavy state. A few Victoria's Secret Fashion Show reruns, Cosmopolitan covers and makeup brochures, I was convinced. My wavy hair is actually beautiful.

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

Product Review: Camay Body Wash / Shower Gel

I always have a lot of stuff in my bathroom. Somehow the new products just keep intriguing  me and I end up buying them anyway. So here's another that-body-wash-wasn't-supposed-to-be-there story.

A few days ago, I was doing some grocery shopping at Robinsons Abreeza. Then I chanced upon a "stray" bottle of  Camay shower gel by the counter. I remembered watching Camay Youtube commercials and I was curious to try it. What's more, a 100ml bottle even cost only P62.90. That's a FIFTH of the price of the body wash that I currently use (and love to death), Marks and Spencer's China Blue. And this is weird, you know, because I only use body wash sparingly. I only use body wash whenever I want to take a short bath--it lathers quickly--or whenever I want a night to turn out extra special. You know what I mean. *wink*

Okay, let's go back to Camay's shower gel. I bought it and when I got home, I actually forgot about it. I guess it died while it sat under the mounds of biscuits and apples that I bought. (This is weirder: I don't actually empty the grocery cellophane out. I only take what I need and keep the rest in an airtight container.) I gave Camay's body wash a try this morning and my, I was surprised. The label promised that I would smell like a bed of French roses, and that after using the product, I would have"tempting skin". By the time I stepped out of the shower, I instantly fell in love with how I smelled. Camay truly kept their promise.

 

As for its physics, the gel lathered quickly, it also rinses quickly, the bottle comes in an easy press mechanism and the actual gel is in a translucent velvet red color. So sexy, if you ask me.

Years ago, I heard my mom rave about Camay. And yes, they were known for their really fragrant soaps. It felt good that until today, they still keep that reputation up, and they also kept the prices low. Truly a steal at any given day! Try it!

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?