All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

For all of you Love Your Body members out there (including moi[!]), The Body Shop is having another super sale this weekend, from July 15-18, 2010! Buy one at a regular price, and get a second product at half the price!

Offer is exclusive to Philippine stores only.

Anyone living in a tropical country will agree that this year’s summer has just been too hot to handle! I myself always end up so parched and exhausted. For most scorching parts, I could see myself even sweating profusely, thus feeling a bit vexed and woozy.

That’s why, taking a shower as often as I can within a day is the most liberating and invigorating feeling ever! And so, my scent of choice is anything citrusy, particularly orange, which is just refreshing as it effectively calms my jarring senses whilst giving me enough zing to withstand the heat throughout the day’s work.

This is when The Body Shop’s Satsuma Body Polish comes to the picture. I love the fact that it cleanses whilst exfoliates my body–thanks to the teensy apricot[?] beads it has. Unlike other bath products I tried, this one is non-sticky and easy to rinse thoroughly. Plus, I just love the orange scent it effuses whenever I take shower sans getting overwhelming–it’s really that therapeutic! On the other hand, people may find the beads kind of irritating, since they’re not as fine as other exfoliators around. Not to mention, they don’t melt into your skin unlike some sea salt or sugar body scrub. Anyhow, though it functions as a daily cleanser, I rather recommend using this product sporadically (like twice a week will do).

Hello dear readers!

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.

Set an oriental vibe with these interesting beauty products found in the East. Also, get to know more about the latest Asian makeup craze as well as organic, all-natural skin care products that are made from the purest and most essential ingredients!

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

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.

A few weeks ago, I went to The Body Shop to finally get myself some  DIY waxing strips, so I can nix those icky stubby hairs in the comfort of my own home, instead of braving myself to go to the nearest salon sporting my hairy Chewbacca legs.

I love buying stuff from The Body Shop, coz they just smell so good. I’m keen to get something from their Japanese Cherry Blossom line one of these days. They’re soo pink, and smell so girly!

Anyhoos, I got the Sugaring Roll-on Hair Removal Wax and Cotton Hair Removal Strips. Since I forgot to get a pack of reusable cotton strips, I tried using the disposable ones first.  Here’s the claim:

Ultra convenient, easy to use pre-coated wax strips to remove hair quickly and effortlessly. Ready to use in seconds. -The Body Shop

Ther verdict?

Just like TBS’s claim, I found it very convenient and easy to use. Waxing has never been so effortless. Just warm the pads by vigorously rubbing the strip between your hands, and then peel apart and put the waxed area on the skin  (hence, my legs). Press firmly and repeat the “warming” procedure. Finally, pull the strip against the direction of hair growth–and, voila, hairless legs in pronto!

It may leave a wax residue after use, so make sure to stash a bottle of body oil so you can slather it after the whole procedure. This will help you remove the sticky residue, and make your gorgeous pair of gams gleam as well!

I could say that of all DIY cold wax strips I’ve tried, such as Sally Hansen, this is by far the best! I really prefer waxing than applying depilatory creams or shaving. Depilatory creams will leave you hair-free for only a couple of days, which is the same as with shaving. Moreover, shaving could make the hair coarser and thicker in the long run. I don’t think anyone of you will want to have a pair of hairy legs like that of your boyfriend’s.

Price is at Php 300-ish, although I got it half the price because of the ongoing discount. Yes, they’re currently on sale [in the Philippines]!

This is not really for-kids-only soap, as you’re gonna surely like the delectable honey scent of this soap from one of my favorite bath and body brands, Lush. It’s really smells like honey, you’d actually think of getting a bite should you not know that it’s really a soap!

Lush Honey I Washed The Kids soap really has a catchy name, with its catchy beehive packaging.

Imagine pulling the comb straight out of the hive, slathering that divine honey all over, then being showered by a delicate spring rain. Honey I Washed The Kids handmade soap calms sore, sensitive epidermis with a rich aloe vera lather and leaves skin silky smooth and deliciously satiated. Slight hints of bergamot and orange lift your spirit and lull you into an intoxicating honey bliss.-Lush

This is one of Lush’s best-sellers, so I didn’t mind getting a bar or two. Though the scent, unfortunately, didn’t stay on my skin that long (scent was gone as soon as it’s washed off), the bar IMO has a dual purpose. The rough, darker part of the soap that looks like a hive works exactly as an exfoliator, sloughing off those dirt and dead skin cells from my body. It’s a nice, everyday body soap for me.

Great thing, there’s an available solid perfume version of this one, and it’s vegan! xx

Kate Winslet Image from: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

There’s nothing that Kate Winslet could wish for after bagging two Golden Globe trophies this year for having the Best Performance by an Actress in both lead and supporting roles. She recently posed for Vogue, exposing her gorgeous, toned up bod. And, who can forget her role as Rose in the epic movie Titanic? She truly exemplifies the modern woman with a naturally classic look!

So, what keeps this multi-awarded actress fresh all day? This British blonde gladly shares her favorite body wash in UK’s glossy covers. (more…)

I am such a big fan of scents. I collect body mists, perfumes and even shower gels to boot, albeit the latter tends to have the least shelf life so I hafta consume it asap.

One of my Christmas wish list was this set from Philosophy. I so love Philosophy 3-in-1 shower gel, shampoo and bubble baths. They got this really sweet, often relishing scent that really serves as a perfect pick-me-upper as soon as you hit the shower. I got Strawberry Daquiri before, and now I’m craving for more!

Former coworker and good confidante P, who happens to own a beauty blog as well, chose to give me The Coffee House Set from Philosophy. It consists of three Philosophy 3-in-1′s: Cafe Au Lait, Eggnog Latte and Caramel Mocha Latte that come in a cute, nifty house-designed box. (more…)

Image from: VMVhypoallergenics.com

Sweat Acne is just a thing of the past with this potent, versatile gel from VMV Hypoallergenics. VMV Id Monolaurin Gel effectively combats fungus that causes sweat acne, leaving your skin cool, clear and supple.

In clinical studies, this gel had a success rate of 100% when treating Pityrosporum Folliculitis (PF, or sweat acne), while keeping skin cooler, preventing over-sweating, and therefore preventing recurring PF. Unlike the less skin-friendly antibiotics and antifungals, this gel also showed 0% irritation. – VMV Hypoallergenics

It’s actually your safest alternative to Isopropyl Alcohol without the drying, tingly and irritating side effects most rubbing alcohols and other sanitisers have. It’s perfect to be used as an antibacterial sanitiser or a first-aid treatment to other bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, other than the one causing zits! Lastly, it functions as a shine control to keep those icky oilies at bay–giving you a fresh matte finish your skin deserves.

Need not to fret for those with sensitive skin since with such powerful formulation comes a gentle topical gel that’s hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types.

Price: $20 for 120ml bottle.