All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

I tried pushing my luck further by using Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate alone. And so, starting from Day 10, I was using the concentrate alone every night sans the acne meds. I got lucky on the first night. My skin was still soft and supple, and didn’t break out to boot.

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.

I know, the post is a bit overdue, but I ran out of time yesterday as I attended an event in 1Esplanade and then brought my mom to the Podium for late dinner. x

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! :p

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.

So, here’s something that I was going to reveal last Friday but had to wait until today. Kiehl’s just invited me for a pretty challenging 15 days of sleeping well and early. Sounds pretty tough and intimidating, isn’t it?

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.

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…)