All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

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

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. 

Lancome is bringing another fountain of youth to its thriving skincare arsenal–the Lancome Genifique Youth Activator. After a decade of research & production, this anti-aging potion has been perfected to target skin right through the core–the skin’s DNA! It mainly promises to revive the genes’ activity and stimulate the production of youth proteins. It is the first skin care product to claim working directly on the genes.

Our Research Laboratories have identified a protein profile specific to young skin. Using our in vitro reconstructed skin model, we have been able to demonstrate that the concentrated innovative active substances in the Génifique formulation relaunch the activity of certain genes, thereby boosting synthesis of the proteins that typify young skin. In this model, the skin recovers the profile of youth after 6 hours.-Lancome

Furthermore, This is Lancome has to say: (more…)

People today are somewhat fretting over aging. Nobody wants to look old, nor these nasty wrinkles start to appear. Getting a clear, youthful skin, of course, start from the inside out.

The Inside

Regular intake of fruits and vegetables really help in slowing down the aging process. Many claim that tomatoes help a lot in making your skin glow and look youthful.  Thanks to its lycopene, a pigment normally found in red fruits, that has both antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Antioxidants prevent aging-causing components from further damaging our skin. It also helps battling out other bodily toxins that can cause cancer and other grave diseases.

Avoid smoking. Smoking produces harmful toxins that hastens our aging process.

Most importantly, always take time to smile. Frowning gives our skin more stress to it, which can cause premature wrinkles in return. Plus, having a sunny disposition in life makes as feel better and younger!

The Outside

Sadly, pollutants in our environment as well as the harmful ultraviolet rays take a toll in our skin. They make our skin look tired and old. That’s why, it is highly recommended to religiously practice a skin care mantra. Protect your skin by means of a daily skin regimen with anti-aging properties that suits your skin type perfectly. This serves as our armament to keep those harmful skin pollutants at bay. It is basically composed of the following: cleanser, toner and moisturizer.

One to try

Cleanser

Have a smoother, brighter and more refined skin with L’Oreal Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser. It nourishes your skin while gently exfoliating and removing all traces of dirt and makeup.

Price: about $9

Toner

L’Oreal Derma Genesis Toner has Pro-Xylane and Hyaluronic Acid that help create new cells as well as fight against wrinkles for visibly younger looking skin.

Price: Php 360/about $7

Moisturizer

Moisturize your skin during the day with L’Oreal Revitalift Day Cream that comes in a pump bottle [to get the right amount of product with ease]. It has Pro-Retinol A that stimulates skin regeneration, visibly reducing wrinkles. It’s also enriched with Elastin that makes skin firmer and more elastic.  Do not worry exposing yourself to the sun, as it also belts a Skin Protection Factor (SPF) of 18 that fight against harmful UV rays that triggers premature aging.

Price: Php740/about $15

(For Derma Genesis Toner & Revitalift Day Cream SPF18) Available nationwide at SM Department Stores and Watsons Beauty Stores, PCX, The Landmark, Robinson’s Department Stores, Shopwise, Mercury Drug Stores, Gaisano Metro Department Stores*

*Ph Stores

Chanel is truly an epitome of all things posh. And so, I have always drooled for Chanel 2.55 bag, which is famous for its quilted lambskin structured leather with a lavish golden chain handles.

Take this Chanel Baby Pink Flap Bag for instance, which is a part of Chanel’s 2009 Cruise Collection. I always have my love for subdued pink hues, and this one really caught my attention! Next to Hermes Birkin, I’m so eying to get one of these gorgeous, sophisticated babies in the future. Oh well, the hefty price tag, however, is something to sigh for. Most Chanel 2.55 bags cost around a whopping $2,000. Truly, my parents (not to mention, my pocket ) will kill me should I get one of these soon!

Oh well, oh well. Since I couldn’t afford a lovely piece of Chanel quilted purse as of the moment, I recently snagged this oh-so-luxurious concealer from Chanel. Chanel Lift Lumiere Concealer, a smoothing and rejuvenating eye concealer, works perfectly as an eye-caring liquid concealer to revive my dark, tired eyes. It makes my peepers look bright and alive. Well, thanks to its ingredient, Tetrapeptide, that targets the fluid responsible for building up under the eyes and making them look tired. I don’t even worry skipping my Awake Eye Serums.

Moreover, it functions well as an all-over face makeup as it blends easily and evenly on the skin. In my case, I use it as a blemish concealer, camouflaging those sightly blemishes with its sheer-to-medium coverage. It doesn’t cake or streak, and works fine with oily skin types (like mine). Just remember to put the liquid concealer first before set it with powder!

It currently has 3 colors: Beige Lumiere, Rose Lumiere and Apricot Lumiere. I got mine in Beige Lumiere that works best with my yellow undertones. Get a 15ml for Php 2,650 (or $45) that comes with its signature Chanel bottle [with pump inside].

P.S. I also have Exceptionnel de Chanel Mascara and Rouge Hydrabase Satin Lipstick. OMG, I’m so loving all the lipstick hues. Reviews soon!

Daniel Wu, Dome and Pierce Brosnan–what do these guys have in common? Well, there’s no question that they’re all gorgeous men with absolutely to-die-for looks! If you guys think you’re better off with a bar of soap and a shave, then think again. We women also consider your looks a great factor for fatal attraction!

L’Oreal Paris gives you L’Oreal Men’s Expert, a custom skincare range especially made for gents, depending on the  skin type. Hydra Electric boosts skin’s energy levels, making it feel lively and  invigorated. White Activ has whitening properties that keep the skin radiantly fair and bright. Vita Lift diminishes the effects of aging with its anti-wrinkle and anti-sagging capabilities. Lastly, Pure and Matte has clarifying benefits to the skin, keeping it oil-free and naturally glowing.

Best of all, you can get them at dirt-cheap prices. Prices for cleansers range from Php 195-225 (about $3-4.50), while moisturizers go from Php 375-795 (about $ 7.50-16) only!

Check the complete skincare line information  as well as its prices after the jump! (more…)

L’Oreal Paris, one of the leaders in skincare and makeup, recently launched a new addition to its revolutionary anti-aging line–L’Oreal Derma Genesis Serum Concentrate.

Many of us are longing for a smooth and youthful skin as we age gracefully. This potent moisturizing serum promises to be a great solution to our aging problem. It boasts its two main ingredients: Pro-Xylane and Hyaluronic Acid.

For the 1^st time, Pro-Xylane™ — a new generation of naturally derived, bio-degradable, anti-aging molecule – is combined with Hyaluronic Acid – an ultra-powerful moisturizer.This unique combination is developed to infuse the skin with vital substance and to favour the creation of new cells* – L’Oreal Paris.

With just a couple of drops to be applied twice a day, you can instantly get a radiant, younger-looking skin. Get the glow and suppleness your skin deserves as fast as 24 hours!

The great news is: you can get ahold of this precious product for an affordable price of Php 795 (about $15)! Grab this on your favorite beauty store today.

Smashbox recently launches its Halo Hydrating Powder, the first of its kind skincare-and-makeup arsenal  that specifically targets fine lines and wrinkles in as fast as 10 minutes! It comes with a perfect compact powder and a mini kabuki brush that amply help you apply the right amount of makeup for a radiant, younger looking finish. Its innovative built in shaver gives the just-right amount of loose powder sans the mess!  (more…)