Beauty: There can be Miracles - Looking 10 years younger with Pond's

Whenever I hear the word "miracle" I think of the parting of the dead sea and hear Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston sing When You Believe. Then a week before I turn another year older, I heard someone say I can look 10 years younger. And the TV started to prophesize about it too.



I'm talking about Pond's Age Miracle which is not a really new product. In fact, I have not really paid attention until they started talking hardcore science during its re-launch. Some interesting keywords - stem cell regeneration and bio actives. Two words that landed three Pond's Age Miracle products on my beauty counter.

Pond's Age Miracle cleansing foam, day cream, and night cream.

Let me dive in straight to a quick review upon two days of usage. The cleansing foam is a grown-up version of the Pond's we are used to since high school. The scent, the texture, and the ingredients are sophisticated. The lather it forms is not as rich and bubbly, so instead of rubbing the product between your hands prior application - you're better off dotting your face with the product and work it from there. The after wash feel is not tight, skin feels quiet moisturized (like invisibly), and the scent lingers for hours. A treat if you ask me, in case someone gets close ;)

Next up, the Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream is a lighter version of the night cream. I find it is quick to be absorbed and has fantastic optics as if you are wearing light liquid foundation at home. You'll want to keep using it. Already, your face feels younger because of the product's texture - did I mention you'll want to keep using it? Though I find that because my skin is on the oily side, some products remain unabsorbed so what I do is to wipe my face after a few hours just to protect it from oiliness and possible clogs.

Last but not the least, Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream. It's not the best for oily skin but after using the two products I just couldn't help but dip my finger in it. I did wake up with a more supple look to my face but remember to just put on enough of it to avoid greasiness if your skin is like mine. I had a couple of emerging bumps that I believe was tamed by all three products and I may be only imagining this but I think impurities are significantly reduced.

I think it is about time that I believe in Miracles. I can't wait to look and feel 10 years younger on my birthday!

Do you use this product? Share your sentiments about it!

What’s your 2012 beauty resolution?

Aside from the threat of an apocalypse we have other things to worry about in 2012. That’s right! If we’re going to die then might as well die pretty - right? The quest for beauty is a never-ending journey and it makes for an exciting year full of discoveries, beauty hauls, remedies, and friends along the way.

I hope my blog has indeed, helped a few with their beauty dilemmas. I still get massive feedback from previous posts I did about skin treatments and I believe some readers have found great remedies as a result. This year I was quiet busy with motherhood and enjoyed too much, the comfort of old house clothing and staying at home.

Nevertheless, it meant late nights, breakouts, weight gain and some things I wouldn’t dare talk about :p So just to share and hopefully, inspire you to create your own list, here are some of my beauty resolutions for 2012:

1. Drink more water – do as the stars and drink up gallons of H20. Hard when you’re working 24/7 but easy if you setup a pitcher on your desk.

2. Eat more vegetables – because vegetarians look hot and we wonder why. Should also cover for not having a critical illness insurance yet ;)

3. Eat more fruits – instead of cakes (this one’s a real bummer!)

4. Catch more sleep – some of my friends have turned to sleeping aids like Avipaxin supplement and they wake up gorgeous. Most of the time we’d rather FB and tweet than catch some zzz’s but the skin needs to rest and fight oxidation.

5. Restart my skin care regimen – I’m sure by this time you found yours but could be you are skipping steps or skipping an entire beauty routine for being too busy. Look at the mirror, I think you and I need to dedicate time for beauty!

6. Learn new makeup tricks

7. Try a new slimming/tightening procedure or treatment for my big chubby cheeks – I hope it’s non-invasive!

So what’s your 2012 beauty resolution? I hope you had a beautiful 2011 : )

Beauty: Zit Busters

I just feel like sharing products I am and only using at the moment.
I wish I am using more actually but oddly, these two work well to make zits go bust.
It's funny how it came down to 2 products when I used to have an arsenal of skin stuff.

1. Pond's Clear Solutions (I loved the Pond's White Beauty Naturals too, then I ran out).


Cool mommy-to-be Andi Eigenmann endorses it.

2. Lacticare Lotion - this thing belongs to my 1 yo son and whenever I get red patches or bumps, I just steal some of it.

This one endorsed by the pediatrician.

I should definitely get back on my regular regimen but for now, this duo works just fine.

Coleen Garcia and Revlon Colorburst

Eman (the famous makeup artiste) sent me Revlon goodies a few weeks back and finally, this weekend I am able to use the new Revlon Colorburst lipgloss. You know how much adore Revlon's Just Bitten (in Passion) so I am quiet hyped to use the gloss over it.

And here is my make-up inspiration, Coleen shows her Revlon look. So young and pink, love it.



I think I'll shop for that Revlon blush, someone tell me what shade is that please? I didn't actually know who Coleen was until my other half blogged about her haha.

My favourite Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss is currently Crystal Lilac which contributes to a fresh look that every stressed out face deserves. The label reads correctly, it is light weight and makes your lips pop with 5x more shine than a patent leather! How is that for killer lips?

Both my upper and lower lip are full or well-endowed so I like to use it sparingly, mostly on the upper lip for a face lifting effect if you know what I mean.

What will be your Revlon look tomorrow? Try them now for free at Revlon counters everywhere :)

5 Quick remedies for the stressed

Ladies if you are too busy taking over the world, I know it takes an expensive toll on how we look. Bad complexion, rough skin, and the word stress seem to be written on our face. So here are a few quick remedies and must-try that I have been thinking about these past few days.

1. Rediscover eye cream

When stress runs in your blood, you will be desperate enough to actually use two eye creams - like me. I try to use Eye Bright from Clinelle after washing my face in the morning and at night, I use Cellular Repair Cream from my dermatologist (whom I haven't seen for months).



2. Exfoliate




I think Pond's White Beauty Naturals gentle exfoliating facial foam is worth a try. Not only because of the fairy tale like advertisement but the last thing stressed out skin needs are harsh chemicals. The product is banking on nature's super ingredient, Camellia leaves which are rich in antioxidants.

3. Use illuminating makeup


Like Revlon's mineral makeup which I have tried and it literally adds moisture to your face. I think with this makeup, it is safe to skip primers because it glides smoothly as if it is really wet. The finish is perfect for summer especially on the beach, it does not give a matte look but a glowing summer goddess appeal. So I would continue using this when traveling to a resort for a weekend getaway.

4. Aluminum wrap



No kidding. Cut out a face mask from an aluminum wrap/foil from your kitchen and throw it in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes. Like a pharaoh, put the mask on and lie down while your skin relaxes.

5. Wheat grass

Probably the easiest amongst all my remedies because you just have to chug down a shot or two with honey. I just buy the powdered ones and try my best to drink it twice a day. They say a glass of wheat grass is equivalent to a kilo of veggies which who has time to cook right?

So, cheers to you and me and good luck in our quest to look like blooming flowers in season and not zombies.

Beauty Promo: Winner of Pond's Flawless White Visible Whitening Day Cream

Thank you to everyone who voted and are still voting for us at the Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge! I am giving away another product next week so stay tuned for my 2nd week review :)

Our first week winner is... congratulations to:



Valerie de Guzman!

Email me at styleandrelax(at)gmail.com with your address and you should receive the Pond's product on your doorstep :)

Beauty: Forget Sunblock Lotion? | Beach Hut Sunblock Spray

I was searching for Beach Hut's website and can't believe my eyes when I saw their URL read: http://www.lotionsucks.com/ - brilliant! I remember when I took Ashton to swim for the first time, I was too excited and forget to bring sunblock.

Now I definitely won't and I've armed him and I with modern sun-blockers!



My picks from Beach Hut are the Beach and BEACH HUT MAX SPF 100. The first sun block in the country with 100 SPF protection. Now, you can go the beach and do hundreds of things under the sun without worrying about damaging your skin! Non-messy and non sticky! Both are sweatproof and waterproof and provides up to 99% UVA/UVB protection.



I am not sure if Beach Hut still gives out frisbees, but luckily I got one for Ashton and he's already feeling the summer fun indoors.



We are summer ready! :) Can't wait for the summer day-offs.

Beauty: Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge | Week 1: Lace and Earth

I am asked to join the Ponds Flawless White (PFW) Challenge and try at least one PFW product. And because my face suffers from acne scars and blemishes, my weapon of choice is going to be the Ponds Flawless White day cream.


My bare face after applying PFW for the first time. Note the acne scars and blemishes on the cheek.

I am doing this with my blogger friend Earth, whose "flawless white" progress I will also journal.

Both of us passed the patch skin test which is important if you are to try a new product on your skin. It's been four (4) days since I used the day cream and here is my morning/day regimen.

1. Wash face with medicated soap
2. Toner
3. Ponds Flawless White Visible Lightening Day Cream

From the TV ads of Pond's, my expectations is for the product to lighten my acne scars (as shown above) and minimize appearance of new blemishes. Skin scientists have revealed that Ponds Flawless White visibly lightens skin in 4 weeks and is more effective than more prestigious brands. It has VAO-B3 complex which offers multiple UV protection. I normally use parsol gel as my daily sunblock so I am now replacing it with Pond's for this challenge. Let's wait and see if Pond's is truly unbeaten and if it can beat my skin problems!

First week notes:

1. I like the subtle smell of this day cream, though it is not my first time to use this product (used it in college). Worried if the scent can cause reactions to my sensitive skin.

2. Applying only a thin layer, the product gives an instant matte finish (thanks to its optics system) which made my skin instantly lighter. But of course, truth will come out after washing. Cream is pinkish so I guess it helps give a pinkish white glow?

"Try the effect of the optics system on yourself, on your hand to be exact. Notice how one hand is visibly lighter instantly after applying PFW Visible Lightening Day Cream." - Lace

3. The day cream helps my skin to be less oily throughout the day. I re-apply it when going outdoors because its sunblock component is not that high (hence it's lightweight)and so far, no ill side-effects.


Ashton says "please support my mommy on her quest to flawless skin by leaving your comments"

4. No visible effects so far but I like how this product feels. Wearing it everyday and everywhere. Because it leaves my skin looking brighter (yes its the optic system and not yet the "real" skin deep result) and protects me from the sun, I catch myself playing outdoors even more :)



First week notes:

1. Earth has used all Pond's Flawless White products including the cleanser, serum, eye cream, day cream and night cream, and sunblock. Noted how this controversial blogger is very picky when it comes to skin care, Earth likes the PFW products so far. *whew!*

2. Compared to her usual skincare products, Earth says Pond's Flawless White products are more lightweight.



3. We agree how the day cream visibly and instantly lightens the skin but after washing, the effect is gone.

4. The sunblock is also good according to Earth and effective in keeping her face matte and less shiny.


Both of us hope to see visible effects at least two weeks of using PFW.

Our team will also be up on Pond's Flawless White microsite where you can vote for us and our honest to goodness reviews. I will announce the URL this week. People not blessed with great skin, represent! :)

Beauty: Hairy Issues - Wax in, Shave out!

If you're from the 80's you'd know that's from Karate Kid, but this post has nothing to do with martial arts. Today I am talking of below-the-belt hairy issues, why you should get a Brazilian wax, undergo a laser hair removal, and score a more lady-like pair of legs.

First and to be honest, do not shave any part of your body. Okay, armpits exempted. Shaving any part of your body would cause darkening. Have you ever tried shaving your bikini area? Then I am sure you found it difficult to deal with hair re-growth, with stiffer strands of hair sticking out of your undies. Not sexy!

In high school, shaving legs were all the rage and I am glad I didn't follow the lead. Do not shave your legs if you don't have to. Actually, never shave your legs unless you like to have chicken legs.



Model Ornusa Cadness 'strands out' with her hair-free legs at the Lay Bare launch.

If you are born hairy then opt for waxing treatments that effectively removes hair from the roots. Eyebrow (I just discovered this and got amazing results!), upper lip, under arm, bikini area, and legs - all these areas can be waxed rather than violently plucked, or shaved. Waxing gives you more hair-free moments without the aftershock of darker skin, stubs, and hair damage.

Some salons I've tried and highly recommend for waxing treatments are: House of Glitz (for bikini wax) and Nail-a-Holics (for eyebrow wax).

Another salon I have been wanting to try and have been hearing about is Lay Bare. My friends say that the biggest difference between Lay Bare and any previous traumatic experience you might have had with hair removal(the scalding wax and the quick rips on your skin) - Lay Bare has pioneered the use of cold wax jelly and an innovative patch-waxing technique.

Made from all-natural ingredients that suit extra-sensitive skin, Lay Bare’s cold wax jelly allegedly (because I haven't tried them yet) eliminates incidents of nicks, cuts or burns, and is a relatively comfortable procedure. Combined with Lay Bare’s patch-waxing technique, skin trauma is further reduced by removing a small section of hair at a time.

Beauty: 24/7 Must-Know Make Up Tips

Lucky me I'm beginning to find my HG makeup kits essentials which now include eye shadows! I've practiced on innocent victims like my sister and her co-workers, to my tita and my mom. I guess with makeup, it's a never-ending study and practice.



So, here are extensive and brand new makeup tips from Avon Color's Creative Consultant, makeup artist Lala Flores to help keep you looking fabulous from day-to-night. (read more below)

Beauty: Add Luster to Your Hair in 30 Minutes

What's the difference between a celebrity and a normal human being? My sister and I agree that the answer is hair! Celebrities will never come out on screen with unkempt and dull-looking hair, unless their star is about to fade. Many want the same celebrity-like mane on top of their heads and here's one product I tried that can help many normal human beings like us to have head-turning tresses --- and in just 30 minutes:)



Before: Super long roots that are screaming for a haircut and color.

Demi-permanent hair color, this is the first time I heard about it as I prefer real permanent hair color. Though I heard how many heads Splash has transformed through their newest product, the Kolours Luster Demi-Permanent Hair Color. The transformation is not really about color but making the hair shine and come alive with natural looking tints suited for Filipina hair. In short, you can have hair that's full of luster and shine with this product.



With 30 minutes to spare, I gave Splash Luster a try with the help of Head Zone Salon's chief color expert, Monette. Kolours Luster comes in three delicious and natural looking shades, chestnut, mahogany, and brown. These shades can last up to 6 to 8 weeks which is good for women who always like a change of look but bad if you've already fallen in love with Luster. In that case, Kolours Luster are available in Watsons.

Monette and I decided to play with the Luster shades and used two colors, brown and mahogany. After 30 minutes she and her apprentice JM cut my hair as inspired by my new highlights. Monette gave me new fringes and layered ends that made me look a lot younger! Oh the elixir of youth!



After: My hair has a life of its own, maybe its own career even!

Everyone kept reminding me how Kolours Luster will not be very evident if not under the light or the sun. In my case, my new hair color shines at the right time. Like when I flip my hair and a beam of light falls on my tresses. I like the subtlety and natural effect it has but most especially how shinier and more alive my hair looks.



Thank you to Head Zone Salon, hair experts Monette (Shangrila Hotel's Yuko Yamashita) and JM (the cute blondie apprentice). With us in this photo is my friend Jennie who also had her hair Koloured :)

Depending on your hair, the coloring effect of this product will vary. I noticed some of my friends who used it had lighter hair colors after. You may want to try to leave on the product longer like what I do with other brands. Though, Kolours Luster is Amonia-Free and that means your hair won't stink after! Perfect for immediate make overs and for breastfeeding moms like me :)

Tried and Tested: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation

During the Robinsons Department Store's Beauty Fair, I got to try the liquid version of my HG mineral makeup. That is, Clear Smooth Minerals from Maybelline. I've always veered away from liquid foundation as past products I've tried make my face look literally dirty. I don't know why but most liquid types slip off of my face, as if mud is trickling down my skin. You get the idea.



When I tried this product for the first time, the makeup artist put mineral powder over it. The effect was a matte, clean, 95% flawless finish. Though I wanted to see if it can survive on its own, independent of a loose powder.

Sans a makeup artist, I tried Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation on a sunny day. The weather felt like hell but my face felt otherwise. The makeup feels light even in harsh locations, I was in an industrial shop on the side of a highway for 5 hours. It didn't slip off my skin and a gentle pat with facial tissue instantly resolves some oiliness.

I also observed how even when I wipe dust off my face, Clear Smooth Minerals liquid foundation stayed put. No traces of it left using a facial tissue. After my stint in a shop, I checked my face at home and I am impressed at how dependable this liquid foundation is. Never did I have to worry if my face was caking, cracking, or slipping off.

Now on whether it made my skin breakout, I discovered a blemish before going to bed but it quickly resided using my derma products :)



Definitely 5 stars for this product!

Beauty: Silk Peel better than Diamond Peel?

The past few days have been hectic and I wanted to give my skin a break. I went to the dermatologist to have my underarms and singit checked (read about underarm peeling and inguinal fold peeling). Both were doing fine, I could wear my sleeveless tops really soon! Bikini wise, I think I'd have to wait two more weeks.



getting ready for my silkpeel

My face is also reacting well to my old anti-acne skincare regimen but while I was waiting in the lounge, I read about Silk Peel and got curious. The doctor said it is nice to try and can help solve some acne scars that are still on my face. Procedure is done for 30 minutes, I said go go go.

In a matter of seconds I found myself lying on the table waiting for my Silk Peel. It started with cleansing via brushes that almost felt like a facial massage. After 10 minutes, the machine did its work. Silk Peel feels like Diamond Peel but the main difference is that silk peel has a solution and feels wet. It doesn't hurt unless it is pointed to active pimples (I had one on my cheek and chin). You will feel that your face is being vacuumed like a dirty carpet.



After 20 minutes, I am done. I inspected my face and it felt like the skin was more refined. Like inches of dead skin have been sucked out (including oil plugs). Active pimples look like they have surfaced. I had both active acne injected so they'd be gone the next day. (Now I no longer see them).

You cannot wash your face for 24 hours after the procedure. I woke up this morning with a really bright face! Since inches of dead skin are gone, I am sure my skin will respond better to my regimen. In my opinion, silk peel's effect is far more noticeable than a diamond peel. Although more expensive at around Php 2,200 - it's definitely worth it.

This procedure is perfect for people who hate facials with extractions like me. Although I think you cannot undergo a silk peel if your face is suffering from severe acne and is still bumpy. Read about the anti-acne skin regimen here.

Sleeping Beauty: How to Maximize Sleep for Skin Rejuvenation

My housemates have been too lazy and tired to eat midnight snack while watching late night news on debt consolidation. In effect, I've been sleeping earlier and getting 8 hours of sleep the past few weeks. I noticed how my skin healed faster and had less bumps! :)



It now seems that our nighttime sleep cycles are not just biologically vital; they are also dermatologically restorative. Discoveries made by researchers on the chemistry and physiology of sleep show that there just might be no better time for the natural rejuvenation of our skin than when we’re in bed at night, peacefully dozing off.

And while sleep may easily be perceived as nothing more than a state of programmed inactivity, it is actually a dynamic peak period for beauty and renewal. It is particularly at the “deep sleep” stage of the nighttime sleep cycle –that the body does most of its dermatological wonders. Energy supplies are replenished, growth hormones are released, and body tissues and cells – including collagen, the naturally occurring proteins in our skin and connective tissues – are repaired, rebuilt, and rejuvenated.

Here are ways to Sleep Better and Wake up Beautiful:

Do not drink coffee at night. I initially thought coffee lulls me to sleep but then after skipping coffee on evenings, I am able to sleep earlier and longer.

Relax your mind, save thinking about credit card problems and debt consolidation for the next day (check out http://www.anewhorizon.org/ for your finances). Or, program your mind to stop thinking about work when you arrive home.

Take a warm bath just before bedtime to ease muscle tension and raise the body temperature to a level that induces sleep.


Eskinol Gluta-Milk Whitening Night Cream

Try antioxidant drinks – like natural pomegranate juice or organic teas – that help provide protection from free radical damage to the skin and other healthy cells.

Use soft pillows, wear an eye mask to block out light, and get a pair of skin-soft sleep socks: these increase the level of bedtime comfort and prevent sleep interruptions;

Practice aromatherapy, using essential oils that promote natural healing and relaxation

Avoid losing sleep or going late to bed. Lost sleep means lost time for skin renewal which in turn can lead to having dull skin in the morning and cause skin flare-ups.

Finally, aide your skin’s repair and rejuvenation with products like Eskinol Gluta-Milk Whitening Night Cream for a smooth, radiant and whiter skin. You can get this in 30ml tube at P89.00 and 10ml sachet at P10.00, available in leading supermarkets, department stores and drug stores.

I can vouch that Glutathione is great for the skin but I was too lazy to continue my supplements before. Try this product if you want the benefits of Gluta without the supplements or injections :)

Tweetie de Leon's Beauty Secret (read my interview with our local version of Heidi Klum!)

Tweetie de Leon has been in the hotel for more than 8 hours. I just arrived yet Tweetie looked like she just woke up from a beauty rest. Yet I had no choice but be seated between two supermodel goddesses, Tweetie and Pond's Ambassador, Rissa Mananquil. Both look amazingly fresh and bright, it is hard to believe they are just humans telling me to start my dinner. Eating was my last agenda though. I have been itching to ask the Pond's Gold Radiance endorser if she really does use the product.



Tweetie graces the cover of Rogue Magazine this February

The mother of four told me her Pond's Gold Radiance morning and evening beauty routine in detail. She loves the facial foam which she says is a powerful cleanser that effectively removes traces of makeup. Followed by the day cream and the anti-aging serum.

Tweetie shares how she has been using Pond's cold cream as well to remove makeup especially after photo shoots and fashion shows. Asked if she felt any difference since she used Pond's Gold Radiance, Tweetie says her face became less bumpy and fine lines were diminished. I asked the supermodel if she ever had skin problems and she said Yes! I experienced acne in my 30's. Hard to believe but true, Tweetie even had her skin treated by a dermatologist to remedy her skin problems before.




Now in her 40's, Tweetie maintains her youthful and radiant skin through a healthy diet (with lots of water), exercise like playing squash with her beloved husband, and using Pond's.

Pond’s Gold Radiance is the first Pond’s product which has real gold micro particles. These gold micro particles is blended with Pond’s patented anti-aging ingredients which in harmony fights dullness and recaptures youthful radiance and gives instant glow to the skin. The gold micro particles used in Pond’s Gold Radiance is 99% real gold which has known good effects on skin. Gold as a natural mineral is known to give instant radiance to the skin while enhancing skin’s renewal process (replacing dead skin cells with new healthier ones) and skin elasticity (ability of the skin to go back to normal state once stretched).



She is also the cover girl of Metro Magazine February 2011

More than a pretty face (and Tweetie agrees that beauty is an investment!), our local version of Heidi Klum is also a jewelry designer. Sometimes, she also wish there are more hours than just 24 in a day but she loves her work and the many roles she play.



Asked about botox (yup I had the courage to ask), Tweetie rather age gracefully and naturally yet she has nothing against cosmetic procedures. That also gives us hope that with Pond's Gold Radiance, we won't need botox in the future.

We joked on how we should use Pond's Gold Radiance serum on our legs because it had a wonderful effect on facial skin. If I had a liter of this serum, I would do so! Do you want to try Pond's Gold Radiance?

Who wants to get FIRED? Revlon Fire & Ice Relaunched after 60 years!

Revlon's Vintage Fire & Ice campaign 60 years ago

I don't mean being sacked from work silly! But Revlon is firing up the season with a lot of reds. I think most ladies need the extra fire to heat up a toxic lifestyle.

Actually I already got a Red nail polish with the vintage Revlon logo. In 1952, Revlon launched Fire & Ice, Revlon solidified its place as the beauty authority of that time.



Jessica Biel as inspired by the vintage Revlon poster 60 years ago

The iconic advertisement, including the provocative questionnaire asking women “Are You Made for Fire & Ice?” was hard to forget, and almost 60 years later still one of the most recognizable advertisements in Revlon’s rich history. The lipstick it featured, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice, remains a top-selling shade for Revlon to this day.



I confess how Revlon inspired me to wear red lipstick more often. I love the Just Bitten Lip Stain and cannot wait to try their Vintage Fire & Ice collection. To be out on February 2011 and that starts today!



Match your lipstick with your nail polish for a classic va-va-voom!

3 new shades in Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick with matching Revlon Nail Enamels: Siren, Temptress and Demure. Shades that pay homage to the classic colors that put Revlon at the forefront within the cosmetics realm.

Beauty: Inguinal Fold Peeling

I never imagined I would blog about my singit! Of all body parts right? I've been frequenting the clinic more often than usual. I am having my face peeled, my underarms, and now my singit or "inguinal fold" in medical terms.



That's me waiting for the doctor. Beside me is a Nanno Light Machine.. hmmm

Total cost: Php 2,900
Downtime: zero
Procedure time: 45 minutes

The procedure could not be simpler. You lie down, spread your legs, and the doctor will apply the chemical peel solution gently to the area. This is done three times and the only discomfort to expect is extreme itchiness on the last part of the procedure.

You come home with medicines to apply and cannot splash water to the area for 24 hours. I strongly suggest you bring a fan or pamaypay with you to relieve yourself during the treatment. After a week or two, you can now enjoy wearing your bikini bottom with 100% more confidence!:)


Where: Caraderme Skin Clinic

Lala Flores and Angel Locsin team up for Avon Color Philippines

The three-braided cord of beauty is strengthened as three reputable names in the cosmetics industry gather to jump start the year with a youthful glow. Avon, the number 1 makeup brand in the Philippines, celebrates the beauty of Filipino women by launching another globally-competitive product and a set of beauty authorities whom women look up to.



Achieve Angel Locsin's immortal beauty with Avon Color

The country’s sought after actress in primetime television, Angel Locsin, is again brought forth as Avon Color Philippines’ Ambassador along with the introduction of an equally in-demand makeup artist of celebrities, Lala Flores, who steps onboard as Avon Color Creative Consultant.



Lala Flores is the new Avon Color Creative Consultant

“As the company for women, we continue to work hard and find ways to fulfill their beauty needs. We empower women in her totality, one of which is through the range of products we offer,” said Mari Ann Barsabal-Soliven, Southeast Asia Category Head for Avon Color and Personal Care. “We welcome 2011 by juxtaposing big names in the realm of beauty, thus showing why Avon is truly the leading makeup brand in the Philippines.”

Angel shares her delight by greeting the new year with much excitement over her renewed partnership with Avon. “Avon has been my beauty companion for almost half a decade. I am pleased, delighted and excited with the products that Avon will be introducing this year. What thrills me more is having my all-time favorite makeup artist, Lala, working with the Avon family on this,” said Angel.




I am not Angel Locsin but I am also excited for Avon Color's 2011 products. The new year must mean new lipstick colors for the Avon Ultra Moisture Rich Lipstick. My mom and I share this lipstick! :) Lala Flores says this is a kikay kit must-have. Don't have it yet? Call an Avon Lady at 8642900 or visit www.avon.com.ph to get in touch with an Avon Representative.

Beauty: Underarm Peel take Two

Before I got pregnant, I enjoyed having good looking armpits whose color did not include dark browns and grays. In short, pregnancy gave me dark armpits and sad to say, they don't go away after delivery.



I finally went back to Caraderme Clinic this afternoon (after checking out blog hosting providers) and saw the same dermatologist who gave me artista-looking underarms. After two years, I had underarm peeling procedure done once more - a very itchy occasion that stings like a mother. The procedure takes 30 minutes which only involves the dermatologist swabbing some peeling solution 3 or more times to the area. Each swab will become itchier but after 20 minutes or so, no more discomfort.



Cost of Procedure: 2,000
Creams, etc: 1,550
Total: 3,550

Thank you to my Santa.

Now all I have to do is follow directions carefully like dealing with website hosting. My armpits have their own AM and PM creams and must never be rubbed. I wish I get the same results as the last time.

Whenever I am at this clinic, I am tempted to get other procedures done haha :) The latest I want is a cheek thermage which costs Php 60,000, under general anesthesia, and you get a slim face after two weeks.

Tried and Tested: Rexona Clinical Protection vs. Christmas Shopping at Tiendesitas

Recently, I was sent this challenge by Rexona where I can only use the deodorant before going to bed and never apply it in the morning. Even after my morning shower.

I am a sucker for these things so I obliged and met them for a shopping spree at Tiendesitas - one of the most humid places in Manila. I seldom go there myself.



Shopping started at 7PM and my deodorant (Rexona Clinical Protection for Women) will almost reach its 24 hour deadline. Actually, I've been to another humid venue earlier in the morning and I was sweating like hell.

No putok or jabar.I could still smell the feminine fragrance of Rexona.

At Tiendesitas, I completely forgot about it because I was focused on shopping. Safe to say, with this product you won't have to worry about smelly underarms while Christmas shopping in tight, humid places packed with crazy shoppers (e.g Divisoria, or the Worldbex Bazaar).

Spotted Phoemela Berranda doing her patrol for the news.

8PM I secretly smelled my UA and no B.O. but the Rexona scent has faded. But come to think of it, a deodorant that lasts THAT long and THAT strong deserves an award. Don't you just hate the smell of BO? It gives me migraine and sometimes I want to hand deodorants to people. Even the richest most pretty people have B.O.



Here are some FAQs about this new must-try deodorant:

- it is best to use at night before sleeping when the skin absorbs the clinical protection best. No need to reapply in the morning even after shower.

- it has moisturizers which protects your underarms from darkening.

- Rexona Clinical Protection offers 48 hours protection even for the most excessive sweaters.

This is a premium product from Rexona and is priced at around Php 300, available at Watsons. Currently, this is my deodorant of choice.


I have confidence!




Watch the video above and see who's helping Julie Garwood sing. Must-watch!