My Aryana Experience: Diamond Peel and Diode Laser Hair Removal

I've always been very low maintenance when it comes to skin care and makeup. But age is catching up and bare minimum just doesn't cut it anymore. Medyo late in the game na nga ako when it comes to beauty treatments. I've tried some special skin and facial treatments in recent years that did wonders to my age-related skin problems and hair removal needs, but I failed to maintain. 

The good news for me was when Aryana International Aesthetic Center, a beauty and wellness center, opened in my neighborhood a few months ago. I had the opportunity to be treated to a customized program that fit my needs. I highly recommend this to those who also seek safe, effective, yet fuss-free skin care and hair removal treatments like me.

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My New Skin Care Regimen at 42: Olay Regenerist Miracle Duo

I've been worried about how my skin got so dry and nothing seem to work on my skin anymore. I expressed this dilemma in a few of my beauty-related posts last year. I also went to a derma to re-assess my skin condition. I had phases where I need to switch or rotate brands, Olay included, just to recondition my skin again because it became more sensitive, dull, and dry. I started to observe these changes when I was nearing 40. Two weeks ago, I happily reunited with my old reliable Olay -- this time with the new Regenerist Miracle Duo.

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My 3 Things: Facial Care

#my3things #facecare

When it comes down to the bare essentials for my face, I stick with these three.  I have other cleansing and moisturizing products I rotate, but it can't get any more basic than this.  Here are my 3 things for basic facial care. 

1. Physiogel Cleanser - Since I started have super dry skin the past few years, I've stuck with this mild, hypoallergenic cleanser recommended by the derma and many of my friends. I use this twice a day and I was really glad they came out with a pump bottle!  This soap-free formula is gentle even for babies and can be wiped away with a cotton pad or facial tissue, no need to rinse with water.  (I still prefer to wash it away with water though, heehee.)
2. Cure Natural Aqua Gel - Click on the name and you'll see how I raved about this water-based exfoliant from Japan.  It's my twice-weekly skin care habit, and I'd use it everyday if it was recommended! My skin just feels cleaner, smoother, and clearer after using Cure.
3. Physiogel Intensive Cream - Aside from different anti-aging creams, I use this all-around face cream for day and night since it's not heavy.  It's especially effective on very dry spots around the face so I feel moisturized instantly.

Until I can find a better anti-aging skin care system, I'm sticking with the basics.  What's yours? #my3things #facialcare

* * *

#my3things

To shoot and share photos of groups of things that I use together or consume regularly.  

If you are following me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, you will see #my3things instantly. 

On the blog, you'll learn more about each one, and know the story behind them.  I'll be sharing one photo at a time.  This is another window into the life Mom-Friday. =)

Join me on Instagram and share your 3 things.  Don't forget to use the hashtag #my3things and tag @mymomfriday so I can see them too! :)

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Mom-Finds: Mustela Bebe and Stelatopia

Last Friday of the month:  Finds and Faves / Skincare

My initial impression on Mustela is that the brand is only for babies.  I've heard about it from friends and I've seen their stalls in malls, but I never really paid much attention since I felt they are not relevant to me anymore.  Irrelevant because I don't have babies nor toddlers, so I have no use for their products.  I was wrong.

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Z-PORE Instant Pore Refiner by GoodSkin Labs

"A lightweight pore-perfector that immediately hides enlarged pores caused by skin aging."- GSL

They got me at 'pores'!
We all have pores -- but some have more enlarged pores than others.  I have lots, and mine are visible around the nose and inner cheek areas from years of stubborn adult pimples and acne in my late 20s.

You can imagine how excited I was when I received the latest product innovation from GoodSkin Labs -- the Z-PORE Instant Pore Refiner cream that came in this 20ml tube. I couldn't wait to try it!

After cleansing and moisturizing:

1. I squeezed a small amount of Z-PORE -- light, powdery-smooth texture
2. It looks like cream foundation in natural color
3. Smoothed over specific areas with visible pores, in downward strokes: on sides of nose, parts of cheeks
4. Blends well and "disappears" on my skin 

Pardon the unsightly (un-retouched) images :)

Before                                                                     After

I immediately saw the effects and the product delivered as promised:

What Z-PORE does:

• Reduces appearance of pores
• Controls oils
• Gives a flawless matte finish
• Reduces shine
• Water, sweat, humidity resistant

It INSTANTLY reduced appearance of my enlarged pores and revealed a velvety smooth, matte finish. I love how it feels on the skin with it's super fine texture. It's so light and sets quickly.  I did not feel the need to put powder over it anymore.  The only thing I did was pat face powder over the rest of my face to even out skin tone and I'm done.  What's amazing about it is that the areas with Z-PORE remained matte and dry the rest of the day.  I was tempted to use it on my whole face the next day but I restrained myself.  :)))

However, I noticed subtle skin flaking on the cheeks where I applied the cream.  I have combination skin but my cheeks tend to be on the dry side, so I guess it made it even drier with is "mattifying" formulation.  I do recommend Z-PORE to those with oily skin as it really does the trick -- shine-free face!  It's also great as a makeup base since it leaves skin smooth and even.

Z-PORE contains silicone polymers, optical diffusers and mica that creates a matte finish once applied. A special mix of conditioning silicone, vitamin E and lauryl lysine powder make it non-drying.  Use with or without makeup.

Please note that Z-PORE does not claim to make pores shrink and disappear, but simply helps reduce appearance for a more flawless-looking skin.

SRP @ Php 1,600 / 20ml tube

“A youthful complexion is often defined by smooth texture and clean, invisible pores. Because
 pores develop in size and visibility with aging, patients in my practice are always looking for products that help conceal them in order to create a polished and refined look that is smooth to the touch. What is great about Z-Pore is that it creates instant pore refinement with a beautiful silky finish for all day wear.” - Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, GoodSkin Labs Global Consulting Dermatologist

Z-PORE is available at selected Watsons Personal Care Stores, Beauty by SM Department Stores and Marionnaud Mall of Asia.

For more information on the GoodSkin Labs, visit: www.goodskinlabs.com

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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One Step to Flawless with Kanebo's Freshel BB Cream

Do you know what a BB cream is? Have you used one?
I've heard about this "secret of Korean actresses" last year but just did not care enough to even ask about it nor look it up. If you've been following my blog, you know I'm just not that into beauty stuff.

Image screen capture from www.kanebo.sg

I've been writing about products that I really like and use, but only a handful on cosmetics.  With that, I am happy to add one more to the short list with Kanebo's Freshel White C Mineral BB Cream. 

SRP @ Php 960; in Natural Beige and Medium Beige shades

This is my first time to use a BB cream = Blemish Balm (from Wikipedia), and it's all because of Mrs. Martinez' flawless look and her raves about Kanebo products.  Since I'm all for quick and simple applications, I think this one might just work well for me.  At that time, the product was out of stock from the outlets I frequent.  Luckily, I know a family member of the local distributor so I was able to order for myself and for our blogger friends Rowena and Noemi who also wanted to try this particular BB cream.

FRESHEL WHITE C MINERAL BB CREAM, 50g
What it does:

• Works as "essence, emulsion, cream, sunscreen, and light makeup base"
• Formulated with adhesive collagen for moisturizing effect; fruit acid mixture and citrus peel extracts for exfoliating and moisturizing care
• Non-greasy cream provides UV protection (SPF 41) and covers dark spots/blemishes
• Easily smoothes into skin for a quick matte finish

Pea-sized amount for medium coverage of my entire face

I got the Natural Beige shade -- good for typical fair-skinned Asians with yellow undertones. If you are kayumanggi, have a light tan or brown-skinned, the Medium shade would be better.  Best if you test the shade at any Kanebo counters before buying.

Since it's an all-in-one skin cream and makeup base by Japan's top beauty brand, I know it's gonna be worth it.  As soon as I received my silver tube, I used it the following morning on a clean face and I'm ready to go.

1. Squeezed pea-sized amount and quickly dotted my face concentrating on my dark circles around the eyes, blemish spots, and a pimple mark on the left cheek
2. Cream was super fine and thick which guarantees a nice medium to full coverage, depending on amount you use
3. With my fingertips, I spread cream around my face --  I noticed it dries up fast so my first application was a bit uneven, hahaha (the mark of a true BB cream virgin!)
4. Face appeared to be slightly lighter that my normal skin tone with matte finish after application
5. Shade neutralized once it has set several minutes after, with a dewy-moist effect
6. Very good coverage, evened out my skin tone, and lightly concealed dark circles and spots

LEFT

Before                                                   After

RIGHT

Before                                                   After

Still visible are:  mole (right), chicken pock mark below the eye (right), and spider veins which will forever map my face. Though I never intended to completely mask over them since I still wanted to look as natural as possible. There was enough coverage over my problem spots. 

I was very satisfied with how it felt and looked on my skin, and it did not feel heavy as I thought it would. This is an un-retouched headshot.  A smooth, even matte finish with medium to full coverage.

My face remained generally "matte" during the day and simply blotted away oily spots.  I only touched up once under my eyes with face powder.  The following day, I tried to apply a very small amount of regular moisturizer before the BB cream and the application was smoother for me this time. :)

Freshel White C Mineral BB Cream + lash curler + tinted lip balm = I'm all set to go!
This is an amazing product. No wonder BB creams are all the rage.  I highly recommend this especially to women on-the-go, for mothers like me who want a quick and simple makeup routine that will last the day, no frills, all-in-one product with sun screen.

Another variant is Freshel Moist Lift BB Cream, with hyaluronic acid.  Choose the one that would suit your skin's needs.

Image screen capture from www.kanebo.sg

Kanebo cosmetic products available at leading department stores and Watson's health and beauty shops.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
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I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!

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