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.

I’ve always wondered why I’m associated with something involving “clean and green” programs since high school, as I recently stumbled upon another green project with Pureology this time around. Maybe, this calls for another purpose in life I suppose.

Curious about the brand, eh? Well, Pureology is a new line of organic hair care products made especially for color-treated hair. Its so-called Anti-Fade Complex promises to give you a long lasting hair color. More importantly, it’s 100% vegan—meaning, it contains no animal or animal-by product ingredients.

Pureology has recently teamed up with the town of Teresa, Rizal for a wonderful project that involves recycling and waste management.  Teresa has been known for practicing waste management for years, particularly turning trash such as plastic into hollow blocks for construction use. Not only that waste is lessened, but it also limits the use of expensive cement.

Thus, they invite you consumers to donate empty Pureology bottles to any selected Pureology salons in the metro. These bottles will be brought and utilized by the town in making such eco-friendly hollow blocks bearing the Pureology logo.

Currently, the two Pureology salons that I know of are Studio Fix Salon in Greenbelt 5, Makati and Hairworks Salon at BSA Tower, Legaspi Village, Makati. If you want your crowning glory to be treated the natural and Pureology way, certified Pureologists Alex Carbonell of Studio Fix and Chrissy Calderon-Uy of Hairworks are there to primp you up.

Many thanks to L’Oreal’s Katrina “Y2″ Villanueva for inviting me to this event. Rest-assured that my first Pureology bottle will be put into good use!

Event in Pictures:

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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

Unlike most men, we women got this so-called unwanted hair growing on places where it shouldn’t be. We wax or pluck out the extra hair on our eyebrows in order to maintain that perfect arch, making us look good in return. We tend to wax, pluck or shave our arms, legs and most specially underarms to nix all unwanted hair. Ideally, these places should be smooth, clean and hair-free in order to make us ladies look all neat and sexy! =)

For arms and legs, I prefer waxing than shaving, since it takes much less effort—as you the remove the hair from a large patch of skin in just one quick pull. Also, the hair takes a while to grow back (say, 2-3 weeks). Once it does, it usually grows back less coarse. This is when The Body Shop Cotton Removal Strips come in handy should I prefer doing this myself at the very comforts of my own home.

For the underarms, I remove sightly unwanted hair by means of either plucking or shaving; though I prefer the former even if it requires more effort since (like waxing) the hair takes a while to grow back. I’m really wary when it comes to waxing underarms though, lest they may get darker in return.

Of course, for the eyebrows, I usually ask for a professional’s help to thread them. I just pluck stray hair every now and then for maintenance.

For plucking, my Tweezerman Tweezers do the job. I had Mini Slant Tweezers in flamingo pink before, but unfortunately, I already lost them. Recently, I replaced the lost pair with another one in green tea. The thing with these mini tweezers is that they are cheaper and more pocket-friendly than their larger counterparts. In addition, it also comes with a transparent tube for easy storage.

We’ve all been annoyed by using tweezers that don’t properly grip.  With superior calibrated tension and perfectly aligned, hand-filed precision tips, Tweezerman tweezers close evenly and firmly, creating the cleanest, most advanced pulling power.  These are the tweezers you’ll own your lifetime — and they come with a free sharpening guarantee. – Tweezerman

Slant Tip, Easy Storage and Cheap

What I like most about this pair is its slanted tip that makes plucking easier and more precise. Like what I said earlier, the mini version of these tweezers fits any pocket. So, it takes no hassle to fit it inside a small stash, like my makeup bag or even my wallet!

It also comes with an affordable price tag for only $12.50 a pair here. I got mine for P 650 in Beauty Bar.

Harder Grip for Larger Hands

However, for those who have larger hands like mine, you’d probably get a hard time handling this diminutive piece. It’s really small that it takes more effort on my part to make that “perfect” grip, thus precisely plucking the hair out from its root.

A few weeks ago, I had a wonderful time getting all primped and pampered (at long last[!]), thanks to Fab, Fresh, Fun Summer Picnic Event held at The Grove in Rockwell!

After so many months of taking a blogging hiatus and toiling in my day job, I’ve finally had the chance to relax and de-stress myself, starting off with painting my used-and-abused manos pink! Nail Spa‘s nail tech used Essie nail polish of what it seems to be of natural pink color (failed to get the exact color name) which looks very much neat and simple.

I’ve always hankered for a big change especially when it comes to my eternally unkempt locks. Finally, my not-so-tiara-worthy crowning glory had undergone some luscious hair treatment using Matrix Sensoria.Care products. The hair spa, coupled with soothing back massage, was my absolute favorite as it instantly softened and untangled my locks while removing the tension away from my back area.  I also enjoyed taking a whiff of my hair every now and then, all because of the conditioner’s yummy fruity scent that relaxed my senses.

Archie of Maybelline once again obliged to do my makeup, giving me an effortless, makeup no-makeup look the way I like it! He simply put some Clear Smooth Face Powder on my face to help nix the extra shine, curled my lashes and applied Volum’ Express Magnum Mascara for that instant vavavoom touch, and painted my pucker with Color Sensational Moisture Extreme Lipstick in Bonbon Pink. I especially love the mascara as it gave my lashes an extra oomph in just a quick swipe!

My friend M whom I tagged along also tried getting a facial from Garnier. I don’t really bring someone along with me when it comes to such events. But being a woman on-the-go that she is, I believe my BFF deserves a breather like this! She told me that it was quite an experience she definitely enjoyed to bits.

I also got to meet L’Oreal peeps, fellow bloggers, editors from Queue Magazine and Manila Bulletin’s Sense&Style.

More about the event in piccies:

Maybelline

Matrix Sensoria.Care Products

Friend M getting a hair fix courtesy of Antonio-Hairdressing Salon peeps

The Nail Spa (more…)

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

I’ve been stumbling upon blog entries containing Hair in Manila‘s fabulous giveaway, which consists of Kérastase hair care line in minis! Since I’m such a fan of the brand, I just can’t say “no”.

So, I’m posting this:

Aren’t they salivating?!

To join the contest, simply visit his entry here. *fingers-crossed!*

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.

I’ve been battling dandruff for years, and I haven’t tried any topical product that works and cooperates very well with my flaky scalp. For somehow, my dandruff problems were put to a halt during the time I was taking isotretinoin (anti-acne oral medication that shrinks oil glands, keeping the grease at bay). But, I must say taking this drug requires a great deal of patience and effort, since it entails so many contraindications–something that I won’t risk to try again. I stopped taking the med ever since my skin cleared up, and so my dandruff boo-boos started to show signs.

I started loving Kerastase when I got Oleo Relax back then, but I got little to no time spending on such meticulous hair treatment. Recently, I got Kerastase Oleo Relax Nuit, a night time leave-in treatment which smells and works wonders as well in making my hair uber-soft and more manageable (reviews soon!).

Left: Kerastase Specifique Bain Gommage Shampoo, Right: Kerastase Specifique Fluide Purifiant

Much to my dandruff annoyance, I also got Kerastase Specifique Bain Gommage. It’s an anti-dandruff shampoo meant for dry hair. My hair has long been dried out, so I got this instead of the oily hair variant. For more aggressive treatment, a coupled it up with Kerastase Specifique Fluide Purifiant, a leave-in serum that purifies, softens and re-balances flaky scalp for a much lasting dandruff-free hair.

The verdict?

Soothes Itchiness, But Does Not Totally Eliminate Dandruff

I have used the products for 5 days straight. I must admit that I’m not super happy about the products, although I’m glad that the shampoo somewhat helped soothing the itchiness sans over-drying my hair. The purifying fluid, on the other hand, perhaps contributed in lessening the flakes.

Unfortunately, both still didn’t do a lot in completely nixing all the dandruff, albeit I could say that it virtually minimized the dandruff by a bit, something that cheaper products could also do (such as Nizoral).

On the other hand, both smell kinda good; you’re gonna like it if you’re a man ‘coz they smell somewhat masculine.

Oh well, I guess I hafta give it a chance and use it for some more time. If all else fails, I’ll keep on searching for the right anti-dandruff product/s for me. I’m eying to get something from Phyto soon. Until then, icky flakes will still continue to haunt me.

Damage: $29 for Bain Gommage and  $34 for Fludie Purifiant