All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

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

Now that spring’s fast approaching, be sure to have all your colorful patterns ready! Give yourself a fresh-looking vibe by donning an iridescent garb, and you’ll surely pop up from rest of the crowd whose fashion sense was left in winter not-so-wonderland anymore. Yet, you don’t hafta keep your multicolored abstract pattern dresses from fall in your closet, ‘coz they’re still as “hot” as new come this season.

Of course, when it comes to multicolored and/or multi-printed frocks, it’s best to keep the rest simple. Lay off piling too much accessories! Or, go pick something which hue is pretty much close to your garb, so that it won’t go overboard with the rest of your ensemble.

Here’s some of my favorite picks from the runway:

This hot skinny pants from Balenciaga is one of my favorites, as the figure-hugging canvass is abstractly painted with an effusion of lines and patterns making such piece a masterpiece. Paired with a simple, basic black  sleeveless top with linear yellow trimmings and slides, you got yourself an alluring spring break that’ll melt the ice away!

Dries van Noten shows an opulent mix of patterns, whilst keeping all things simple Monochromatic wraparound long sleeved top is paired with multi-printed blue ankle pants. Finish off with black and white pumps and shades to give spring a retro vibe.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs sunny yellow belted ensemble with blue and black linear patterns brightens and revivifies this lolita.

All things are matching with this Carolina Herrera multicolored printed ensemble. Best should you prefer something that’s structured and spic and span in a most likely neutral hue.

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

I haven’t had a nice pair of rubber shoes for ages. I had a couple or three before during my college years, but disposed them already (well, I actually handed down one to my younger cousin).

Ever since I vowed myself to exercise, I started shopping for sportswear. The first thing that came to my mind was getting a new pair of rubber shoes. Some of my friends love jogging, so I might as well join them on the fun run. And so, without further ado, I got this cutesy pair of Nike Training Shoes after months of pondering whether to get one or not!

Nike Training Shoes in Grey and Pink

I opted getting one with a neutral hue, since it’s easier to pair it with other colors. I’m not really much of a rubber shoe person to boot.

Right now, I’m also practicing Bikram Yoga. I love Nike dri-FIT ‘coz it’s really, really comfortable even if you sweat buckets. It lets your body breathe, and keeps it cool even under warm temperatures. And so, I recently got 2 pairs of Nike dri-FIT pants, in addition to a pair of pants and top stashed inside my closet.

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Here’s my entry to Beautynomics’ Minute Maid Contest:

I would have thought of doing something creative, like getting myself a snapshot in my quirkiest pose donning the quirkiest makeup. But, since fresh is the theme, I’ve chosen this look  I pulled off at a Christmas Party.

Boho Makeup-No Makeup Look at the Christmas Party

Makeup: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation, Dollface Cosmetics Oil-Absorbing Mineral Finishing Silk, Shu Uemura Sheer Face Powder, Maybelline Volume Express Cat Eyes Mascara,  Shu Uemura Pro Concealer, Bloom Retractable Brow Definer, Bloom Eyeshadow Liner,  Nars Orgasm blush, MAC Bronzing Powder and MAC Lip Gelee.

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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.

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

Everyone of us has a product/accessory or two that we definitely hold on to it like forever. For instance, ever since my love for Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler grew, I never hold back to it!

That’s why when I lost my old Shu Uemura eyelash curler, I didn’t hesitate getting the same again. What I love most about this curlash is its perfect tong-like structure that makes eyelash curling much easier, without getting my eyelids caught up to it! The black silicone rubber is just really, really sturdy, and gives me the perfect curls sans pulling off my lashes.

Price is at $19 apiece (about Php 1,100). There’s also a 24k gold limited edition that sells for $24.

On the other hand, I’m looking forward to get the mini eyelash curler soon for the hard-to-reach side lashes. It’s so cute to boot!

I am usually not in my stylish self during events. I don monochromatic dresses during parties. But this time around, I had a change of heart. I want something that’s really colorful and bohemian. So, I got this multi-printed dress, which surprisingly matches with my recently bought Burberry cosmetic case mainly because of the “plaid” prints. Ah yes, I used the latter as a clutch bag. To give myself some silhouette, I put a waist belt on lest my dress would look like a sleepwear. I also got a matching stilettos and bangle of the same color family (brown-beige hues) to finish the look.

What I wore:
Multi-Print Dress – Bayo
Stilettos – Vincci
Braided Belt – Thrift Shop in Divisoria
Bangle – Thrift Shop in Marikina River Park
Cosmetic Case (used as clutch) – Burberry