Admittedly, I’m not pretty much a stickler to the “rules”. I wasn’t able to sleep early last Saturday, since I went to do some errands shopping for food in Banchetto–a midnight street food market that’s only available every Friday night until the wee hours of Saturday. Part of my weekend routine is binging on food by trying to visit every  booth existing to see if there’s something worth relishing. I specially like the Angus beef kebab paired with Biriami rice; both are being sold on one specific booth (which I forgot the name but it’s the only one selling angus beef kebab there, methinks).

Going back, I notice how my skin gets softer amidst the course of religiously using it. My breakouts have also tamed, though I can’t vouch if it’s the work of the concentrate or not since I’m amid acne medication alongside. How I wish it could fade dark spots brought by past zits, as I currently have lots of such scars marring my whole face.

Anyhoos, I’ll try to sleep early as I did last night. So yeah, I’m up to my 7th day today.

L’Oreal’s surpise in red.

Ta-dah! First thing that looms is a piece of L’Oreal Revitalift Mask. It’s apparently infused with ingredients that are proven effective in firming the skin and nixing wrinkles. But, we’ll keep looking further down below.

A bottle of L’Oreal Revitalift Double Lifting for the face, and another one for the eyes. “Double” as each bottle is composed of an anti-wrinkle cream and a tensing gel, both have their own roles on tightening the skin and combating wrinkles. Experience having a great comforting sensation upon application.

I’m not really particular of anti-aging skin regimen, as I don’t worry about things like that so far. I’m still in my early 20′s anyhow, so why bother? Then, I saw a picture of Sinjai Plengpanich, a Thai actress who’s the current face of L’Oreal Revitalift.

Sinjai for L’Oreal Revitalift

Sinjai in her mid-40s.

Gosh, she looks so twenty-something at 45! Her enviable youthful glow makes me think otherwise.

Admittedly, my hair is the most revolting part of my body, as it is the least taken cared of. It has been left untreated for God knows when. The only time it’s actually tamed was when I had it rebonded.

Since I’ve been using an anti-dandruff shampoo for everyday washing, my hair has been very dry and unmanageable. This prods me to go  in a quest searching for a mild yet calming conditioner around that will keep my hair soft and manageable sans aggravating my dandruff.

First stop is  in Greenbelt 5 where I got a tube of Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Conditioner. It’s packed with fresh olive fruit oil, enriched avocado oil and a hint of lemon extract that promise to gently cleanse and moisturize the hair—leaving it softened, strengthened and nourished. This is perfect for those who have dehydrated and damaged hair like mine!

Easy To Rinse,Keeps Hair Soft & Easy To Comb

Unlike other emollient conditioners, this one is very easy to rinse.  It doesn’t take much  time and effort (not to mention, buckets of water) to take the conditioner off. In most cases, those hard-to-rinse conditioners often cause buildup and icky dandruff.  I’m glad to say that this one doesn’t cause nor aggravate my current dandruff condition.

It also makes my hair instantly soft and manageable. It makes my combing experience a whole lot easier than using an anti-dandruff shampoo alone before.  I notice that tangles are lessened.

True to its word, it keeps my hair overall well-moisturized without getting too greasy.

Hair is Light & Bouncy

What I also love about this product is that it doesn’t leave a heavy feeling on my hair. It’s light enough to keep my hair bouncy.

Does Not Calm Frizzes or Flyaways That Much

I do not expect this as a “miracle product”. It really softens and calms my hair in general, but only in such extent that it couldn’t really calm the peskiest frizzes or flyaways abound. I have naturally wavy hair cut into layers, so expect stubborn and scraggly flyaways particularly from the middle down to the roots. This is where other intensive hair treatment products come to the picture. Or, if I really, really wanted to have sleek straight hair, I would have gone another rebonding treatment in a salon.

All in all, I  love this product. It’s my current favorite everyday conditioner. The price may be steep, but I guess it’s worth the splurge.

Price: $ 19/Php 1,150 for a 200 ml tube

Here’s an interesting skincare entry to start our tropical summer right!

The surging temperature has been bothering me recently, aggravated by the killer El Niño phenomenon. Now, I’m missing the cool, refreshing months brought by the holiday season, as I’m painstakingly bracing the crazy heat both indoors and outdoors—not to mention, I’m amid doing yoga which requires me to stay in a heated room for about a couple of hours!

The sudden temperature change is taking quite a toll on my skin. I’ve been experiencing breakouts especially on my chest and back since the heat starts rolling in. Now, even my face is kind of breaking out, which is something that I really, really don’t want to happen ever again!

This provokes me to grab a tried-and-tested acne regimen to answer my zit woes. Murad Acne Complex Kit has been proven by some friends of mine that it really works. Well, it could have worked on those who mainly have mild to moderate acne. So, I did not hesitate to grab a starter kit in pronto and give it a try, hoping that this will be perfect for my current skin condition. Moreover, it claims to clear skin in just 4 weeks—guaranteed!

Murad Acne Complex Kit is a three-step regimen (Cleanse-Treat-Hydrate) that must be regularly used twice a day. The set includes:

Murad Acne Complex Kit – (L-R) Murad Clarifying Cleanser, Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel, Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion and Murad Acne Spot Treatment

Cleanse

Murad Clarifying Cleanser is an antibacterial gel cleanser that promises to kill 99.9% of surface bacteria without causing skin irritation.

Treat

Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel is a gel-like serum that helps heal existing blemishes whilst preventing new ones from forming. It penetrates deep down into the pores, and eliminates skin cell-buildup.

Hydrate

Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion is an oil-free moisturizer that keeps your skin well hydrated, as well as calms skin’s redness and irritation sans clogging your pores.

Plus, I also got Murad Acne Spot Treatment that stops a zit from brewing like crazy, while reducing redness and irritation. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the Clarifying Mask, though you may get one should you order directly from their website.

I’ve been religiously using the complete set for three days in a row. So far, I haven’t noticed any adverse reactions, such as purging, caused by these products. I’m happy, on the other hand, as my skin momentarily stops breaking out even more! I still got around 27 days left, so let’s see how it is going to perform after a month!

All The Vanity & organic skin care brand Made From Earth has just something in store for you.

Made from Earth is a certified USDA organic beauty brand that includes natural, chemical and preservative-free skin care products to promote a healthy and holistic living. Their products range from face care, body care, hair & body care and lip care. Each is specifically formulated to meet your healthy skin care needs. Now, do you don’t have to fret about your skin care products having such strong, undesirable ingredients that may actually have carcinogenic or estrogenic effects which lead to various dreadful diseases like Cancer. You will never find any of these chemical ingredients in their products:

- Petrochemicals and Phthalates
- Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl)
- Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate Diazolidinyl Urea
- Cosmetic Fragrance

Click here for more info about Harmful Ingredients in Skincare Products

We offer a large selection of healthy and chemical free skin care products, including Organic Aloe Vera, Chemical Free Jojoba, Organic Lavender, Organic Honey Lotion, and Organic Green Tea Toxin Cleanser. We also offer chemical free organic face creams, which are full of potent and top-quality organic ingredients such as organic rosehips.- Made from Earth

Everyone can have a taste of such healthy & guilt-free pampering coz they ship their products globally. Now this some vanity I want to have!

One of the products to look forward to is the Three Berry Daily Organic Face Cream, which packed with organic blueberry, organic raspberry and organic cranberry. For healthy anti-wrinkle and face firming treatments, there’s Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum that uses organic compound DMAE to naturally and instantly firm your face in 15 minutes after application.

Start shopping now by simply visiting their website here.

The Philippines

Human Nature Avocado and Gugo Bark Natural Hair Mask - Treat your locks once in a while with this strengthening and moisturizing hair masque from Human Nature. Made from avocado and gugo bark, your hair will surely be soft and manageable while reducing hair fall and breakage with regular use. Best of all, it’s guaranteed organic and chemical-free at a very reasonable price.

Price: Unavailable (inquire at http://humanheartnature.com)

Thailand

Panpuri Thai Original Herbal Hot Compress – After a long day’s work, nothing beats a total rejuvenating pampering session whilst sitting in the comforts of your own home with this best-selling Aromatherapy Hot Compress from Panpuri. This Thai Original Herbal Hot Compress is infused with a mix of exotic ingredients such as lemongrass, turmeric, leech lime and tamarind, which turns into an effective muscle soother and skin enhancer when sprinkled with water and steamed.

Price: 16.50 in Amazon

Japan

Chidoriya Secret de Maiko Organic Facial Cream – If you’re not that much open into slathering the brand’s infamous beauty product into your face, then this one is a much better, dropping-free option. Inspired by the Maiko’s original make-up base, this Shea butter-based facial cream is combined with hand-cold pressed 100% pure Japanese camellia oil, organic rose hip seed oil and pure essential oils of rosewood & geranium. Albeit it’s recommended for all skin types, this better suits those with dry skin. It thoroughly moisturizes and conditions sun damaged, snow-burnt and wind-burnt skin, leaving it smooth and well-hydrated. Plus, its soothing aroma creates an atmosphere of Maiko girls in Kyoto, which is why this cream can also be used in relaxing facial massages.

Price: $29.99 in Chidoriya Yahoo! Store

Korea

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42  PA++ – Korea in the beauty world is best known for BB or Blemish Balm creams that sell like hotcakes in Asia. This BB Cream from Missha in particular is perfect for all skin types, as it lightens the skin tone by healing visible wrinkles and blemishes, and prevents skin aging with its whitening and anti-wrinkle properties. Unlike other BB Creams, a friend of mine swears that it doesn’t cause build-up or makes the skin oilier, so those with oily skin types like mine can grab this baby!   Need not to worry about those harmful sun rays (UV rays to be exact) that can damage your skin, as it belts a high dose of  SPF.

Price: $20.99 in Amazon

Singapore

Adara Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in Green Tea – This Singaporean brand boasts its certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in its purest form. Gathered in the Island of East Sumatra, this hydrating and nourishing beauty oil visibly soothes dry patchy skin,  helping to lock in moisture which is essential in maintaining  softness and smoothness of the skin. Known for its versatility, this also acts as an overnight pimple treatment, as its cleansing ingredient, lauric acid, helps remove deep-seated bacteria, reducing redness and inflammation on the zit. It also aids in the removal of dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, suppler skin layer. Furthermore, it also works as an intensive deep conditioning treatment for the hair and scalp. The refreshing scent of Green Tea invigorates your senses, which makes it perfect either as a massage oil or a bath oil with an aromatherapy burner.

Price: $30 in B-Glowing

Amid its soft launch, I recently scored two luscious samples from Absolute White. These are: Derma Orange Peel Brightening & Exfoliating Soap & Peppermint Placenta Whitening Soap.

Absolute White Derma Orange Peel Soap loosens the unproductive top layer of the skin. As it removes the surface dirt, you can scrub it away and reveal a softer, fresher skin. It is targeted to improve overall the clarity and smoothness of the skin. In addition, it has anti-aging properties as it helps reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has a sweet orange scent that lingers and rejuvenates your senses.

Absolute White Peppermint Placenta Soap is an organic soap that combines the power of Peppermint and Placenta enzyme, actively working to brighten, illuminate and replenish your skin. It is infused with hydroquinone that slows down the occurrence of hypermelanosis for a resplendent, whiter skin. Thus, it effectively removes dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and helps preventing pigmentation and wrinkles. Its aromatherapeutic peppermint scent de-stresses and relaxes.

Both promise to give you a smoother, brighter and whiter skin in just 3 weeks!

Hmm…looks like I hafta try one out, and make a review after 3 weeks.

For more info and inquiries, visit their website here.

NARS Spring 2010 Collection is overtly dominated by bright sunny yellows, luscious berries bright lilacs and rich plums, which clearly remind us of the approaching season.  Amber Valletta graced the ad campaign, emulating French actress Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in the movie, La Chamade.

“I love Catherine’s makeup look in the movie. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed” – Francois Nars

The collection features two duo eye shadows, one single eye shadow, one lipstick, two lip glosses, one glitter pencil and a nail polish. OTOH, Amber’s Impeccably sculpted and contoured face is made possible by using Amour Blush and Albatross Highlighting Powder.

The Collection:

Duo Eye Shadows

in Kuala Lumpur

in Carmague

Single Eye Shadow

in D. Gorgeous

Glitter Pencil

in Bains Douches

Lipstick

in Cruising

Lip Glosses

in Easy Love

in Ophelia

Nail Polish

in Purple Rain

Get to know more about the collection here.

All Images from: NARSCosmetics.com

If you’re approaching your mid twenties and your skin is starting to show some awful signs of aging—say, enlarged pores and wrinkles, then this new product from Philosophy might just work for you!

Introducing Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Pads and Solution, a miraculously effective anti-aging treatment formulated with high performance retinoid technology (HPR) that boosts the surface-cell turnover rate, revealing younger, fresh-looking skin. Its paraben, sulfate, synthetic fragrance and dye, phthalate, petrochemical, GMO and Triclosan free formulation promises not to cause any untoward skin irritations. Rich in antioxidants, skin conditioners and soothing agents, this potent concoction promises to deliver results within one week!

To use:

Just pour the solution over the single-use pads for easy application. Discover new skin-confidence as wrinkles and discoloration fade to reveal flawless clarity and healthy radiance.

The set includes a 2 oz bottle of Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Solution and 60 pads of Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Treatment.

Price: $70 at Sephora

Image from: Sephora.com

Last time, I got an uber-delectable 3-in-1 bath set from Philosophy. This time, a good childhood friend of mine who has just returned from her trip in China, gave me this shampoo, conditioner and lotion set from L’Occitane in travel sizes this Christmas.

I’ve known L’occitane for their rich body creams, soaps, massage oils and lotions that smell just super great! Most products are made from botanical extracts and essential oils that take you to an exquisite Provençal experience–evoking a refreshing and relaxing idyllic vibe.

I remember raving about their Honey & Lemon Soap, a cutesy hexagonal soap that really smells lusciously sweet like honey with a hint of lemon. This time around, I got myself an Aromachologie Shampoo, Aromachologie Conditioner and Verbena Body Lotion.

Here’s what L’Occitane has to say:

Aromachologie Shampoo and Conditioner is a blend of pure and natural angelica, lavender and geranium essential oils work to revive and refresh dry and damaged hair. Soothing, repairing and stimulating, this vegetable complex will detangle, soften and add luster to dry, damaged, color-treated or permed hair.

Verbena lotion is prized for its citrus aroma by women and men. A lightweight lotion that easily absorbs to comfort skin. Will eliminate the “tight” or itchy feeling skin often has after showering. Organic extract of verbena helps to calm skin; orange, geranium and lemon tree essential oils contribute to uplifting aroma.

I haven’t actually tried them yet, since I’m reserving these teensy tiny goodies for upcoming out-of-town trips this Summer. On the other hand, I actually took a whiff at each, and I’m instantly loving the Aromachologie line. I’m not that much into Verbena though, but I’ve yet to give it slather on.