All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

I just lost my quaint mobile broadband dongle recently, and so I’m in the verge of what I call as “emergency shopping” for a brand new mobile broadband and in lieu of the old one.

I must say I’m not much of a mobile broadband fan, coz they are not that 100% reliable—especially at home where the mobile broadband connection is just so darn slow. But since I bring along my laptop everywhere with me most of the time for surf ‘n work, this little piece of gadgetry really does a lot of help in keeping me stay connected.

I got one from the same provider, Globe Telecom, after finding out that its competitors were wayyy slower. Good thing, however, is that they have these brand new chic designs to choose from, so called the Globe Tattoo Femmes Edition. Here’s what I got:

Globe Tattoo Femmes Edition in Mint Green (the pink one’s unavailable when I bought it)

It still bears the same pocket-sized body (comparable to the size of the lipstick). It also doubles as a Micro SD card reader. Unlike my old HUAWEI device, this ZTE one doesn’t have an adapter for external antenna, which is something that I might probably need particularly should I access the Internet at home where the signal’s kind of low.

Anyhoos, I really love the cool colors and girly chic design, something that my old one totally lacks!

Price: Php 895 (used to be about Php 1,900)

Click here for more information.

Pardon me readers for not posting often as of late. Well, a working girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do in full-time mode.

Yet, I’ll be back for more posting really soon for this month of March.

To start up, let me share with you an upcoming super sale to start your Summer right (for Philippine readers only)!

Enjoy lovely discounts up to 70% on brands such as Skechers, Ecko Unlimited, Zoo York and many more!

Simply drop by at Tektite Tower in Ortigas come next week–from March 1 to 4, 2010. Please click on the poster for more details.

Blogging this week was not a part of my schedule, since I’m currently heaped with work load that needs to be done ASAP. Yet, this very tragic news struck me, as one of fashion’s most renowned “enfant terrible” died today. Alexander McQueen was in the highest degree, a thriving creative influence in the world of fashion. His overwhelmingly unique, brilliantly colorful, impeccably tailored and captivating designs are–modesty aside–unparalleled as he gave another taste to haute couture.

Nevertheless, his form of art will never die. I will always remember the man as a person teeming with unfathomable creative force that’s just godly out-of-this-world. For many, he may seem unintelligible, but there’s no question about him being just soo exquisite.

We will miss you.

Alexander McQueen, Fashion Designer

1969-2010

Here’s one great news I hafta share with you:

ALDO shoes is currently on sale in the Philippines. And, what’s even much  greater is that discounts are up to more than 50% OFF!

Sale is ongoing whilst supplies last.

There’s a LOT of STEALS that are up for grabs in ALDO Robinson’s Galleria, where I recently got my latest pair of Oxford-style stacked heeled shoes.

I’m very busy at the moment, but I’ll try to post a picture of it asap!

Want to find an ALDO store nearest your location? Click here.

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.

As promised, here’s my review on Garnier Light Brightening Eye Roll On.

I’ve always been curious on the raves I’ve been hearing from this product, so I gave Garnier Light Brightening Eye Roll On a try.

Not that I’m already bugged with my dark undereyes, but it’s more of fretting whenever they “puff” out of nowhere. To be honest, I wasn’t really at all oblivious why it happens. I believe that “puffy eyes” usually happens when I’m stressed out pulling an all-nighter, and/or when I didn’t have enough sleep. So there, my unrested peepers react violently to the abuse, which usually shows the day after.

So, upon hearing the alleged “wonders” of this product, I immediately grab ahold of it and tried it myself for a week or two. Here’s what the product has to say:

- Immediate cooling effect to freshen up fatigue eye area
- In 14 days, skin is much brighter and radiant
- In 28 days, eye bags and dark circles reduced by 11-12% respectively.*

And yes, it seems like this eye product heed my prayers! I’ll let you know why.

Easy to Use & Takes away the puffiness instantly!

Garnier Light Brightening Eye Roll On is so easy to use, thanks to its ball point tip which obviates the need to dip your hand into the product. I felt the cooling, somewhat tingling sensation, as soon as applied. The puffiness around my eyes just disappeared instantly after seconds of application. It also made them less tensed and more relaxed, as the product nixes the heavy feeling mainly due to stress. That may be because of the Caffeine, which is its primary ingredient. This is why application can be very addicting!

More importantly, it is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

Pocket-Friendly

I mean literally and figuratively. This magic wand comes in handy so you can stash it easily in your makeup kit. The price is also very reasonable, as compared to other eye products.

Didn’t Fade Dark Undereyes

Upon weeks of use, I didn’t notice any difference in the color of my undereye area. But, I guess no product works overnight! I hafta try it longer and see what happens.

On the other hand, I can’t attest if it minimizes fine lines around the eyes ‘coz I don’t have one [yet].

Price: Php 299/ around $ 6.40

*Evaluation on 50 women with dark circles and eye bags, all skin types.

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.

NARS Spring 2010 Collection is overtly dominated by bright sunny yellows, luscious berries bright lilacs and rich plums, which clearly remind us of the approaching season.  Amber Valletta graced the ad campaign, emulating French actress Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in the movie, La Chamade.

“I love Catherine’s makeup look in the movie. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed” – Francois Nars

The collection features two duo eye shadows, one single eye shadow, one lipstick, two lip glosses, one glitter pencil and a nail polish. OTOH, Amber’s Impeccably sculpted and contoured face is made possible by using Amour Blush and Albatross Highlighting Powder.

The Collection:

Duo Eye Shadows

in Kuala Lumpur (more…)

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