All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

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 know most of us Asians are really dying to have smooth and supple fair skin like that of those flawless Korean stars we see on TV. I, too, am really envious of their clear, rosy white complexion,  not even the amount of blinding studio lighting can hide!

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.

Recently, I got something from Clarins , which includes this moisturizer I’m religiously using as of the moment. Clarins Ultra-Matte Rebalancing Lotion is made specially for those with oily skin types to ensure a fresher, more radiant complexion without the grease and shine (particularly in the T-zone area where sebum production is at its peak). It also shields the skin against harmful pollutants.

Ingredients such as Linden extract, Alpine Willow herb and Lantana ensure immediate, all day shine control that soothes, tightens pores, and promotes a matte appearance and a smooth skin texture. Chrysin, on the other hand, slows down the multiplication of sebocytes* day after day.

The verdict?

Non-sticky, Water-based Consistency

What’s really nice about this product is its water-based consistency that’s easily absorbed by the skin. Unlike other moisturizers, this one didn’t give me an icky sticky feeling afterward. It feels light as if I didn’t put any moisturizer at all prior to cleansing and toning my face.

Lasting, Controls Oiliness without Over-drying

I’ve been using this continuously during the day for more than a week or so, and I must say that I’m really loving it! It holds up the grease all day long, up to 4-6 hours on the T-zone area and 8 or more hours on the V-zone. My skin’s very oily, and I’m pretty much happy on how it nixes the extra shine sans over-drying my skin. Instead, it gives me a healthy, radiant vibe that my skin’s been craving for a long time!

Light-Scented, No Adverse Reactions

I’m not so sure whether the scent is a good or a bad thing for everyone. But, rest assured that the hint of scent it has is not at all overpowering. Best of all, it didn’t cause me any adverse reactions–breakouts, redness or skin allergies to be exact.

I usually wear it alone, or under powder and a dab of concealer. Since it’s easily absorbed by the skin, it doesn’t affect my makeup’s color or consistency.

Price: $39.50

* Cells of the sebaceous glands responsible for the synthesis of sebum

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

Hello, my dear vain readers!

As you notice, I haven’t done any updates for quite a while, since I deliberately set my hibernate mode on for the holidays. But, to start the New Year right, Garnier gave me this very generous beauty gift that will keep my skin “light and radiant” all year ’round!

“Be Smart, Buy Smart”

Tada! Garnier Light Brightening Scrub Wash, Garnier Light Day Cream with SPF 15, Garnier Light Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream and Garnier Light Brightening Eye Roll-On

I used the scrub wash before, and I’ve been religiously using the Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream ever since. I’m not sure if I’m gonna opt for the day cream though, since my skin barely needs heavy creams especially during daytime (when my skin’s oiliness is at its peak ). On the other hand, I’ve been meaning to have my review on Garnier Light Brightening Eye Roll-On very soon. To clue you in:  so far, I’m really lovin’ it!

Have a wonderful 2010 everyone! More post to follow.

x, R

A package came a week ago containing my small haul of Korean beauty product samples. And so, I had a chance trying out Skin Food Gold Caviar Lifting Prime Skin for the first time. It’s an anti-aging primer with Russian Caviar and Nano-gold Ingredients that helps moisturize the skin and improve its elasticity. The ingredients sound luxurious, don’t they?

I remember hearing from someone that the quest for keeping the skin from premature aging starts at age 25. I haven’t reached past that age, but I believe the earlier the better!

And yes, though the term moisturizer quite haunted me in the past, I’d say this moisturizing primer is simply a must-have addition to my ever-growing skin care/makeup armament. Here’s why:

Hydrates the skin sans over-moisturizing, leaves skin softer and smoother

I never religiously used a moisturizer during my teenage years since my face was so sensitive and overreacting then. Hence, rich, creamy moisturizers often aggravate my oily, greasy skin condition. Given so, they also give me the worst breakouts you can imagine! That’s why I try to lay off using them as much as possible, since I believe that my skin is well, if not, over hydrated with all the gunk of sebum on it. However, this has changed when I started working few years later.

The oiliness has lessened, and from very oily, it has become a combination of oily skin on the T-zone and normal-dry skin on the V-zone. At times, I feel that my skin is way too dry. To cut the crap, this is when my love of moisturizers all began.

Going back to the product, the gold caviar lifting prime skin does not leave a greasy feeling most moisturizers do. For me, it gives just-enough moisture my skin needs. It’s not that emollient, which I like the most. However, I don’t think it has enough moisturizing capabilities on those who have extremely dry skin types. Additional potent moisturizer should be followed, had the skin been quite dry.

I have also started to feel that my skin has smoothened since I started using the product. Unsightly bumps and roughness were reduced.

This actually perfect for someone on-the-go like me who sometimes apply as little skincare and makeup as possible esp when rushing to work! I can wear it alone sans applying another moisturizer.

Breakout-Free, Dewy Finish

Another thing I love about this product is that my skin didn’t react to it! There were no breakouts occurred. Also, the gold caviar lifting prime skin has a watery, creamy consistency that is easily absorbed by the skin. It doesn’t leave a sticky feeling, and has a light, dewy finish. I don’t have to wait for a minute or two before applying base makeup. It also does not make makeup cakey or streaky.

It may be bit pricey for about Php 1,874 ($ 38.66), but it’s definitely worth it. 

I recently went to the beautiful island of Boracay in the Philippines for a weekend beach trip with friends. Of course, whilst the weather was a bit gloomy on the first two days of our stay, slathering on sunblock was still a must-do.

The sun may hide and the clouds may conquer the vastness of  the sky, but the killer cancer-causing UV rays won’t!

So I got to stash in Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50. This is my current fave since it is the ONLY sunblock my oily face can stand!

I must say, I wasn’t really much of a fan wearing sunblock everyday, until I met this. Sunblock tends to be too greasy on my face, causing more buildup. More buildup means more face trouble in the future–count the zits in! My second favorite is VMV Hypoallergenics Armada SPORT in SPF 70, since it belts a higher SPF. The problem is, most VMV Armadas, even at SPF 30 (the lowest SPF they have), feels greasy on my face. However, I don’t have any problem using it with the rest of my body.

Going back to Netrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, here’s my RAVE review.

Lightweight, Non-Greasy Feel

Truly, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock lives up to its name. Its lightweight formula gives a just-right matte finish. This is really perfect for those who have very oily skin and acne-sufferers like me. Though it’s not really meant for oil-control, it won’t surely cause your skin to grease a lot. You can wear it alone or under makeup, and I’m pretty confident it won’t cause any caking, streaking or buildup on your foundation.

Mild Scented, Breakout Free

I love its mild scent, unlike other sunblock that kinda smells gross–like chemical! Ah yes, just as I said earlier, it won’t cause you breakouts!  Well, as for me, it didn’t cause a single dot. So, it’s skin-friendly, and is suited for all skin types.

Also, I heard it comes in SPF 70 and even 100[!] should you want extra sun protection.

Best is: the price! It only cost me around Php 550 (around $ 11.34).

I thought about using Garnier products as a challenge to see if I get positive results after 30 days or more of using them. It all started when I got the loot from my mission a couple of months ago. All I can say is, so far, so greattt!

First on my review list is this Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream from Garnier. I was never a fan of night creams, because they’re too heavy and/or greasy on my already-greasy skin. There’s rarely a night cream that suits all skin types. And as for my skin which is sadly oily and acne-prone, most night creams I tried gave me horror stories to tell.

Garnier Light Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream’s Claim

This Garnier night cream is infused with pure lemon essence and natural peeling fruit extracts that exfoliates dark skin cells and peels off dullness as you sleep, revealing fresh and fairer skin in the morning. Not only will it lessen dark spots, but it will also prevent your skin from further darkening.

Away from external aggressions, night is the ideal time to reinforce whitening action. With the combined attributes of Vitamin C from lemon essence, Vitamin CG from herbal extracts, and the natural peeling fruit extracts, you’re sure to wake up with a healthy glowing, visibly fairer and more even toned skin! You will never have to walk in the dark again!-Garnier

Apply a liberal amount at night (after cleansing and toning), and wake up fresh and dewy in the morning!

Verdict: Evens out my skin tone, and helps clearing out my skin!

This is one of the very few night creams and moisturizers that my super sensitive skin agree with. Garnier Overnight Whitening  Peeling Cream didn’t cause any adverse reactions on me. It didn’t  irritate or break my skin out! So, it’s safe to assume that it really did a big help in gradually clearing my skin from those nasty zits I’ve been suffering for more than a decade.

Now, I’ve never loved my skin like this before (scratch the pre-pubescent years, ‘coz my skin was flawlessly awesome then ). Worry not, ‘coz this won’t actually make the skin peel, which is a common aftereffect of chemical peeling treatments. I guess the term applies on its ability to strip off skin’s dullness. However, I notice that it didn’t actually lighten my skin tone up a notch, but it surely helped to even it out particularly in fading those dark spots and blemishes. My only concern is that it feels a bit greasy after application, so I always make sure to use a considerable amount (say, pea-size will do), rather than slathering a dollop of product on my face. Nevertheless, no scary breakouts were ever recorded the day after, just fresh-looking skin!

I’m confident to say that I’m on my way into finally having a virtually blemish-free skin!

Best of all, it’s really affordable! A 50ml jar only costs Php 329 (about $ 6.73).

It’s been almost 3 months now since I’ve started religiously using it and it’s still halfway full!

Looks like Pond’s fanatics out there will be very thrilled with its upcoming super sale–up to 70% off on all their products such as Pond’s Age Miracle, Pond’s Flawless White, Pond’s Clear Solutions and Pond’s White Beauty.

It’s gonna be a month-long celebration of  discounts as follows:

Enjoy as much as 70% off of Pond’s Age Miracle™ Microdermabrasion Kit, Pond’s Flawless White™ Vitamin Soak Lightening Mask, Anti-spot Intensive Whitening Serum, and Light-infusing Under Eye Cream.

Get 50% off with Pond’s Age Miracle™ Dual Eye Therapy UV, Overnight Repair Dream, Daily Resurfacing Cream, Concentrated Resurfacing Serum, Daily Resurfacing Cream SPF 15 PA++, Cream Pump, and Day Cream Pump, and Pond’s Flawless White™ Visible Lightening Day Cream, Re-brightening Night Treatment.

Treat yourself with 20% off of Pond’s White Beauty™ Pinkish White Glow Lightening Cream and Pinkish White Glow Lightening Facial Foam, and Pond’s Clear Solutions™ Anti-Bacterial Facial Scrub, Breakout Control Lotion, and Oil Control Cleansing Foam.

And for those Pond’s first-timers, it’s now your chance to discover Pond’s sans spending a fortune. For more information, you may text 7days (city) to 2948 (i.e. Text 7days (Manila) to 2948), or log on to www.ponds.com.ph for a list of participating stores nationwide. This offer is valid in the Philippines only.