Unfortunately, my endeavor wasn’t fruitful enough coz my face broke out a bit into these tiny pesky zits on the following days (10 and 12). Well, maybe I pushed way too hard. I wasn’t sleeping well during the past few days as my insomnia struck hard again.

So, starting Day 13, I’ll be using Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate together with my anti-acne topical meds. I still have around 2 days to go to finish my 15-day challenge.

I’ll also try getting a good night’s sleep again. Hence, it’ll involve adjusting my body clock perpendicular to my normal time zone. For those who are insomniacs like me, I know it’s really difficult and crazy[!] considering that I’m only taking a placebo (natural medicine). So again, wish me luck!

On the last day of the challenge, I will sum up  all the yays and nays I experienced using this product for two consecutive weeks. I will also announce the mechanics on how you can get your own Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate bottle. Hint: it has something to do with the same challenge.

Three days have passed, and it’s been such a blessing, particularly to my skin. I’ve noticed how my skin dramatically softens and smoothens in the process. This may not be because of Kiehl’s Midnight Concentrate alone, of course. But, what’s more important is that it has no side effects on me whatsoever. It hasn’t caused me a (ginormous) zit yet! My skin is rather getting clearer. I still am bothered with the scars left, however, but I know they will all be gone in no due time!

So far, it really helps a lot in hydrating my face especially at night. Since most acne medications dry up my face to the point that it’s not healthy anymore, this one serves as a balance to keep my entire face from getting all dried and flaked up. Its botanical spa scent (reminds me of The Body Shop’s Monoi Miracle Oil) relaxes and induces me to rest. Au contraire, it claims to be fragrance free, so it must be the concoction of essential oils that I’m smelling, which is far different from artificial fragrance oils. After all, one of its ingredients is lavender essential oil, which is best known for its de-stressing properties.  So yeah, let it be known that I’m a sucker for scents, and I just love taking a sniff off it whenever I want to calm my jarring nerves!

Another good thing about this product is that it’s mineral oil and paraben free. It’s 99.8% natural, so it’s mostly made up of organic ingredients. The glass bottle, dropper and plastic squeeze top are recyclable, not to mention the carton container which is 100% biodegradable. To sum it all up, this beauty product is generally eco-friendly.

The price may be a little bit on the steep side at Php 2,880/$ 42. But, a 30ml bottle will last you for a  long time, since all you have to utilize is just 2 drops of the concentrate per nighttime application.

I still have 6 more days to go,  and I’m still looking forward should there be any beneficial changes to my skin. I’m hoping for one soon!

PS. Stay tuned as I’ll be giving away a full size bottle of Kiehl’s Midnight Concentrate after the 15-day Challenge. This will be my first giveaway ever, so I’m pretty much excited about it! xx

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.

My previous entry’s lost in the wilderness. I don’t even remember deleting it ever. Now it’s back for God knows what reason. But, anyway, I doesn’t matter since I bailed out doing the challenge on the first week due to very important issues concerning my day job.

Yes, I already mentioned about how taxing my job is several times already. Little did you know that since last month, I’ve been drudging toiling on this certain project which entails working more than 8 hours a day. So toxic, that I was able (sort of required) to work twice on double shifts! I even had offsets during the weekend.

I was about to start doing the challenge last July 5, but since the arduous project’s deadline has been extended, I had to go overtime which is kind of counterintuitive to the challenge. I usually do midshifts (from 4pm-1am), albeit I have recently adjusted my shift starting from 1pm to 10pm in order to go home and sleep earlier than usual. However, since I still extended my hours finishing as many tasks as I can to beat the deadline rush, I ended up going home late and sleeping in the wee hours of the morning. Sadly, my spiking stress levels coupled with lack of sleep took a huge toll on my health and skin. I got sick and breakouts to boot.

Right now, I’m amid recuperating from cough and cold. And, I’m glad to tell you that I’m finally back on track! I technically started the challenge last Tuesday (July 13), so it’s my 3rd day (going 4th) today.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Challenge: Day 1-3

So far, so good. As said earlier, I was worried about trying the product at first due to its greasy consistency. It generally has a watery-oily consistency. Well, in fact, it has a “water-free” formulation. The oily part is what I fear the most, lest it may cause an adverse reaction to my face breaking it out even further.

Kiehl’s developed this anhydrous concentration of Squalane, night-blooming Evening Primrose and essential oils including therapeutic Lavender. The formulation also contains Coriander and Rose Hip Seed Oils, which when combined, provides a complete blend of Omegas (Omega 3, 6 and 9). Omega 3 and 6 Essential Fatty Acids have a restructuring benefit which reinforces the cutaneous barrier, therefore keeping the epidermis hydrated. It’s formulated to be used at night when skin is most receptive to recovery and repair.- Kiehl’s

Using it is pretty simple, I simply have to apply 2-3 drops of Midnight Recovery Concentrate, and spread evenly on my face. The bottle already includes a dropper (which I find cute btw), so I don’t have any problems getting a trickle or two sans messing up. It says that you have to apply by gently patting it onto your skin using fingertips, and not by [vigorously] rubbing it. In my case, it’s very important to spread it evenly, until the product is fully absorbed by the skin. Not doing so usually leaves me a greasy feeling which I really abhor!

Cutesy dropper with black plastic squeeze top included

Tested it on my hand. Notice the subtle sheen on my hand. It actually looks greasier if not spread evenly.

It’s been three days since I restarted, and I haven’t noticed any remarkable nor horrific difference yet. Good news is, it doesn’t cause me breakouts so far, maybe because I use it along with anti-acne products. As for the moisturizing (and repairing) part, I guess it helps keeping my face from getting too dry brought by anti-acne medications. It also calms down dry patches on my face from further flaking.

Let’s see how it goes as I’m consciously making an effort to sleep early, and at least 7 hours a day. Yes, I now sleep on or before 12 midnight. It’s such a bit of an ordeal for someone who has erratic sleep patterns like moi, but here’s to hoping for the best!

Also, you can check other Bloggers who are now approaching the finish line of the 15-day challenge:

Nikki of Askmewhats

Shen of Shen’s Addiction

Frances of Beauty for a Living

I didn’t lack sleep anyhow. I must have slept at most 7 hours, albeit I woke up late already. Anyway, I hope I can make up for the lost time later.

I got to test Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate for the first time. It has a watery-oily consistency. I felt wary at first about using it on my face because of its oily consistency (my face is very oily and breakout-prone btw).  I was relieved after finding out that it’s easily absorbed by my skin, leaving a just-right moisture on my face thereafter.

I’m still having second thoughts on this though. Maybe I just find it ominous, should I say. But, let’s see what it does together with getting a good night’s sleep in the succeeding days.

On the other hand, I enjoyed trying Etude House AC Clinic Acne Foam Cleanser for the first time last night. I love how it smells, and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean after wash! Yes, this Korean brand is available in SM Megamall in the Philippines. I got a mini haul which includes AC Clinic red spot balm, AC Clinic pink powder spot (consider it a cheaper alternative to Mario Badescu Pink Drying Lotion) and BB magic mist.

I’ll make a comprehensive review on them soon. I’ll start with the cleanser first!

See, I’ve been very busy especially this past month doing a big project, which involves tedious work that usually lasts up to 16 grueling hours a day! Getting a restful sleep wasn’t really much of an option then, as I’ve been simply a stickler in meeting very stringent deadlines.

That’s why this month, it’s just timely that Kiehl’s has given me such healthy opportunity to correct my erratic sleep patterns and regulate my sleeping hours. This is in addition to trying out on a new product, Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, an elixir that works well during the night where the metabolic rate for nutrition and restoration of the skin is at its peak, giving me a fresh and rejuvenated skin the day after. Moreover, it’s 99.8% paraben-free and naturally-derived which make things much more interesting.

Going back to the challenge, it entails 7 Habits of Healthy Sleepers:

1. Get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
2. Drink soothing beverages before bed such as herbal tea, water or milk!
3. Try to avoid exercise near bedtime.
4. Stay away from late afternoon, early evening stimulates like caffeine.
5. Enjoy relaxing activities before you go to sleep, like reading or taking a bath.
6. Shut the TV off when you are in ready to fall asleep.
7. Curb your alcohol consumption.

These healthy tips seem very easy to do; yet, I must admit that they’re sort of hard to maintain, even if it’s just only for 15 days. I’m still amid adjusting my sleeping hours, and the challenge officially starts tomorrow *fingers-crossed*!

Well, wish me luck readers. I will do my best to keep you updated, and I’m excited as well to see my everyday (or every other day) progress. Let’s see what happens after I finish this challenge.

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

Carmela  and Ytwo of L’Oreal

Maybelline MUA’s Archie

Archie doing Bianca‘s makeup

ATV’s Roanne and Friend M

Nikki

Shen

Having an oily skin like mine can be so frustrating! My skin gets insanely greasy, as oil starts to build up profusely 2-3 hours after taking a shower. Thus, it is a must for me to stash oil-blotting sheets in my purse in order to blot the excess sebum off my face especially in case of a beauty emergency.

I’ve tried a lot of oil-blotting sheets available in the market, and of them is the Natural Rice Oil-absorbing Rice Paper Tissues I bought a few weeks back.

Here’s a thing (or two) about these rice paper tissues:

Here’s how it looks inside after flipping the cover.

Pulled out a paper tissue. You can use either sides of the tissue. Use the darker one (left) if you just want to blot the excess oil sans the power. Opt for the lighter, matte one (right) if you want to set the rice power on your face for a smoother finish.

The verdict?

Effectively Blots the Excess Oil Away

Just like other oil-blotting tissues I’ve tried, it effectively removes the extra oil away from my face. On the other hand, the  special thing it has is that I get to choose from one of the two sides: the one with rice powder and the one without. In this case, I usually opt for the side with the rice powder on for a one-step finish, since it doesn’t require me to put a setting powder on thereafter.

Colorless?

One thing I’ve noticed is that the rice powder does not leave a hint of color on my skin, even if the label says it has a “natural” color (with definitely a color code, RPA6, written on it). I’m not sure if it’s a good or a bad thing for some, but I actually prefer it that way ‘coz I just want a natural, no-makeup finish.

Quite Expensive

Anyway, I find it very expensive than other oil-blotting tissues on the market. It costs around Php 250-300, considering that it contains only 40 pieces. I find The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Facial Blotting Tissues cheaper for almost the same price but with 65 pieces, although it does not come with an “extra” powder variant. Even better, Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets costs only about Php 100 for 50 sheets, and it comes with powder and powde-free variants!

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!