Hydrate Inside and Out for Healthy Skin

Over the past couple of years, I've added a few steps to my very basic skin care regimen, kasi tumatanda nako, hehe. Seriously, after I hit the 40 mark, my skin drastically became drier and more prone to irritation, and worse, occasional eczema flare-ups which I never experienced in my youth. Top priority is really to keep my skin hydrated everyday. Aside from drinking more water than I'm used to, I also go with my trusted skin care brands na hiyang talaga ako. So, let me share what these #WaterfulSkincare and #PurifiedByNature brands are, plus some practical tips that can help us achieve healthy beautiful skin.

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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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Benefits of Red Light Collagen Therapy by Suaviss

If you Google what the benefits of collagen are, you will learn that aside from improving the health and appearance of our skin, collagen also helps strengthen hair, nails and teeth, reduces joint pains and degeneration, and even boosts metabolism. Collagen is the main structural protein in the human body that holds our cells together. Basically, it promotes skin elasticity which helps reduce signs of aging. I'm in my 40s now and I really felt the changes on my skin over the past few years. Our body's collagen decreases as we grow older, and we can't escape that fact. This is where Beauty Lab Whitening can help.

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I Leveled Up on My Skin Care and Makeup Routine

If you know me or have been following me and my blog, you'd know I always stick with the basics when it comes to beauty routine. While I've attended a number of beauty workshops in the past, I always end up with whatever I am "hiyang" with -- from facial cleanser to scrub, moisturizer and face powder. I am just too lazy to do so many steps kaya I just go with the bare essentials. All this changed after I went to Marj+Rowena's Beauty Workshop last year.

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Mom-Finds: Hydrating Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

Last Friday of the month: Beauty / Shopping

Like water for my skin -- that's how I feel every time I apply this gel cream on my face... no exaggeration! You know me, I rarely feature beauty products on the blog and you're assured that whatever I share here are products that really work for me. My new face cream discovery from Laneige has made me a convert.

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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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Mom-Finds Beauty Round-Up: Happy Skin, L'Oreal Revitalift, Zenutrients

Last Friday of the month: Shopping / Beauty and Personal Care

I usually have a hard time writing about beauty products coz wala akong masyadong masabi. And I don't do reviews either. In fact, if you notice from my blog posts, I avoid using the term "review" because in my previous line of work, a real review calls for a more thorough and in-depth analysis, even going technical, about a product or service. Presentation is more objective, and goes beyond usage or description. I prefer to write a feature story based on personal experience, with highlights on the subject. Hence, this round-up of beauty products based on my positive experience after regularly using them over the past month.

I'm really pleased with my finds during the holiday season, even if they're not so new anymore. First, I thought I need to show a demo or a before-and-after shot. But it was very challenging to take a selfie from a digicam, hahaha... so yan lang decent "beauty" shot ko pang "model" for today's beauty finds for face and hair.

I included my MAC Matte Taupe lipstick -- the one with the brownish shade on my hand, just for comparison to my next item below. It's a classic (old) shade. Mac's Taupe has been my all-time favorite neutral shade since the 90s (nung usong-uso ang brown shades). I used up several tubes over the years and I just got tired of it one day. I got that fresh tube very recently, and now, I'm reunited with my first matte love.  Go try it out and you might like Taupe too!

Happy Skin SHUT UP & KISS ME Moisturizing Lippie  - Honeymoon Glow shade

This local brand was launched last year and I've been hearing positive feedback about their products from friends. I've been meaning to buy this lipstick shade since it was introduced but never seem to have the chance to get one from the store.  Cosmetics are at the bottom of my shopping list kasi, so you know I really like and use the products if I share them here, coz they're not that many. 

Thanks to the holiday season, I received not just 1, but 2 sticks of Honeymoon Glow from friends as gifts. I loved it the first time I swiped it on my lips. Happy mama with Happy Skin lippie. =)

I like the shade coz it's a natural earthy pink that complements my skin tone. It's good for everyday use -- long-lasting and non-drying.

"This lip-loving moisture stick is loaded with Shea Butter and Collagen.  High-pigmented and moisture-packed, it glides on smooth and leaves a rich, creamy finish."

SRP :  PhP 499

L'Oreal REVITALIFT LASER X3 - Night Cream Mask

This Revitalift night cream came at the right time. I was really looking for a good evening moisturizer since my skin is on a very dry phase with visible lines all over! Thankfully, L'Oreal Philippines sent me this jar and I was able to try this rich, velvety smooth anti-aging night cream-mask. Revitalift Laser X3 has a thick and creamy texture with a matte finish. 

After cleansing, I apply this nightly all over face and neck. I think I was over eager and used too much on my face the first few nights coz I had minor skin peeling on a few spots around my face, heehee. But no break-outs, no rashes. I just didn't like the scent. As the weeks went by, I did notice improvement on my skin: tighter skin, reduced fine lines around the eyes and forehead.  Na-hiyang ako. =)

What's good about this night cream-mask?

• Corrects lines with fragmented hyaluronic acid that deeply penetrates the skin to repair and reduce appearance of wrinkles
• Re-texturizes skin surface with LHA (Beta-Lipohydroxy Acid) by gentle exfoliation for a smooth and even skin tone
• Reconstitutes skin with 3% Pro-Xylane - "a powerful anti-aging molecule that stimulate and strengthen skin fiber"

SRP :  PhP 1,499.00 / 50ml jar

ZENUTRIENTS Super Smoothing Argan & Chamomile - Shampoo and Conditioner

I alternate different brands of shampoo and conditioner over several months. My hair tends to dry easily and I continue to experience hair fall, lots of it.  One of the brands I buy is Zenutrients -- their Gugo variant to be specific. Their newest line is the Argan & Chamomile and I received this shampoo and conditioner set, together with their wonderful all-around skin salve.

Good news: My hair loves this Argan & Chamomile hair care set even better. I will still alternate with the Gugo set as a clarifying shampoo. =)

I've tried other hair care brands with argan oil and I like what it does for my hair. This variant from Zenutrients has the same benefits-- it's nourishing, moisturizing, and feels smoother on my hair during and after use.  It has a mild eucalyptus scent which I love too. It also contains natural ingredients and is eco-friendly (that's why it's not bubbly as most shampoos). The shampoo is runny (malabnaw) so I just have to be more careful when I pour to avoid spills.

If you get the chance to try any of these products, let me know what you think.

Care to share your recent beauty finds?

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Lara's Little Skin Secret is Out -- Bio-Oil Now in the Philippines

It was a night of surprises and lots of mom-talk during an intimate affair I attended last Thursday.  My blogger friends and I had the pleasure of meeting the stunning beauty queen/actress and first-time-mom Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz who shared with us her experiences as a mom, wife, and even her beauty secrets.

Aside from meeting lovely Lara, our evening was made extra special when it was announced that we'll be having wine tasting and food pairing!  We were served Lebanese and Spanish dishes from The Wine Museum, and no less than the owner and wine connoisseur Ronald Joseph shared his expertise -- it was wine appreciation 101 for most of us.  That was my first time to visit the place and also my first wine tasting session, so I was really excited to eat, drink, and be merry! =)

From glass swirling, smelling and sipping, to food pairing, I'd say all of us left with a better appreciation and knowledge of the variety of wines.  I did not finish my tasting portions but I was already red as a beet! =)  

The relaxed setting was just perfect for all of us to enjoy each other's company.  It was like a moms' night out, and we were laughing and chatting away about motherhood joys and challenges, pregnancy and breastfeeding blues, to diets and beauty tips from the beauty queen herself.  Would you believe that Lara admitted to us about having stretch marks due to pregnancy?!

Towards the end of our wonderful dinner, as wine kept flowing, the final surprise of the evening arrived. It's the reason why we're all gathered that night, thanks to Aspen Philippines.  Lara's little skin secret has been revealed... Bio-Oil is the little miracle worker on her "battle scars" from pregnancy.

What is Bio-Oil?

Bio‑Oil is formulated with plant extracts and vitamins, and contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, making it light and non-greasy.  It also ensures that the goodness contained in the vitamins and plant extracts is easily absorbed by the skin.

Bio‑Oil is a specialist skincare oil that helps improve appearance of:

• scars
• stretch marks
• uneven skin tone
• aging skin
• dehydrated skin

SRP @ PhP 495 / 60ml

When we asked how Lara went back to pre-pregnancy form, she said she went on a fitness and body care regimen with a popular slimming center, and then she started using Bio-Oil on her tummy.  After almost 2 months, she reported a marked improvement on the texture and color of the skin on her belly. She now swears by Bio-Oil and is proud to be it's brand endorser.

Bio-Oil can be applied on specific body parts, and also for the face.  Even Lara's husband uses it as his facial moisturizer!

I went through C-section twice, and although I was lucky to escape stretch marks, my scar from the operation is still there plus some dark spots and uneven skin tone.  I have now started to apply Bio-Oil after every shower, and even tried it on my face.  Bio-Oil is very light, non-greasy, and leaves a pleasant scent.  A small drop goes a long way.  I have to thank Aspen Philippines for making me a part of this unique experience with fellow blogging mamas and for tapping me to share this breakthrough product through my blog.  Bio-oil is one skin secret that deserves to be shared to everyone, especially for mothers like me.

"Bio‑Oil has won 135 skincare awards and has become the No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product in 16 countries since its global launch in 2002." 

Learn more about Bio-Oil at www.bio-oil.com or email: laraslittleskinsecret@yahoo.com.ph.
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/biooilPH
Twitter Page:  twitter.com/BioOilPH
You Tube: Aspen Philippines YouTube Channel
Bio-Oil is distributed by Aspen Philippines, Inc. and is now available at leading drugstores and supermarkets (Mercury Drug Stores and Watsons nationwide).

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Lab Series Basic Skincare for Men

A "beauty" post for men. "Dad-Friday" attends a blogger event. A first on this blog. =)

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Mom-Finds: Smooth-365 and Filextra by GoodSkin Labs

Last Friday of the month:  Mom-Finds / Raves

I rarely spend on cosmetics. I want quick and simple steps to beautify. I do believe in good basic skin care though.  And since I don't put much make-up on, I really need to have nice, healthy skin.  But don't like to "invest" on a full line or range of products and then follow so many steps for application to get the promised results.


I'm not in my 20s anymore (huhuhu...) and lately, I became more conscious of my skin, especially on my face and neck. Over the years, I've kept a very basic regimen of mild liquid cleanser and facial moisturizer, for day and night.  I don't even put on sunscreen (a crime for skin experts)!

Early this months, I was introduced to GoodSkin Labs. Thanks to the fine ladies from Estee Lauder Company (Phils.), I was able to try their unique products and got to know more about this premium skin solutions brand.

Filextra, Tri-Aktiline, Smooth-365 sampler

GoodSkin Labs was created by BeautyBank, a division of Estee Lauder Co.
What differentiates GSL products?

• produces highly-targeted skincare products with both instant benefits and long term results
• addresses agin skin's unique needs
• advanced formulas that ensure real, visible and measurable results
• products are fragrance-free
• can be used by anyone to boost their anti-aging skincare regimen

I was very vocal about wanting a low maintenance skin care regimen, with less products to use as possible. BeautyBank's marketing executive Rizel Magno explained that the products are targeted on specific "problems" and assured me that there's no need to change or dump my basic skincare products to be able to benefit from GoodSkin Labs skin treatment line.

Ms. Rizel Magno applying Tri-Aktiline to demo it's instant line-reducing effects

In short, GoodSkin Labs products are like anti-aging spot treatments. One-step, no fuss and easy to use. I like that!  While their innovative skincare line works synergistically to improve the overall quality of your skin, you can simply choose one that you really need and incorporate into your existing skincare regimen.

SRP @ PhP 2,000/tube (est. US$46)

SMOOTH-365

A skin perfecting super serum

• has clarity-promoting agents for even, luminous complexion
• latest optical diffusers that counter imperfections, lines, wrinkles
• power peptides that stimulate collagen production to lift away unwanted lines for smoother skin tone and texture

The cream spreads easily and absorbs quickly that leaves skin velvety smooth.

For best results, apply all over face and neck, morning and night before moisturizing.

Even with just the sampler sachet, I was able to see, feel, and measure the results from using it 2x a day, for the past 2 weeks. I applied a small drop and pressed mainly on my cheeks. I like how smooth and light it felt, AND it did clear up my skin and prevented an impending breakout!

SRP @ PhP 2,800/tube (est. UD$65)

FILEXTRA

An all-over moisturizer and Facial Revolumizing Treatment

• Natural Collagen Boosters create more stable skin structure
• has a potent mix of ingredients to restore youthful skin plumpness/volume, counteracting the "mid-face sink" and thin looking skin
• tone correctors and optical diffusers provide instant healthy glow and diminish hallows and sunken facial contours

The rich moisturizer leaves the skin hydrated, with a slightly firm feeling on the skin.

For best results, apply all over face and neck, morning and night.

I used Filextra in tandem with Smooth-365, 2x a day, for the past 2 weeks. I squeezed a pea-sized amount, rubbed between fingers, and pressed all over my face and neck.

I have combination skin so I use this sparingly on my T-zone.  After a few weeks, my face did seem to look healthier, skin is not pale and pasty anymore. It worked well under make-up too!

Despite my (major) hesitation to flash and scare you with my face again, I need to show how the products worked for me.


Please focus on the cheek area.
Days before using the products, I already noticed slight redness (signs of growing pimples) on my left cheek.  I used Smooth-365 & Filextra after shower, and took a risk, not knowing if it will aggravate or improve my skin's condition at that time.  Lo and behold, the morning after, the redness subsided. Great right?

I continued to use and observe since the zits might resurface at any time. To my delight, after 2 weeks of continued use, I am still clear of cheek pimples!

Here's the 'Before and After' shots in a span of 9 days, photographed under very similar lighting conditions, without retouching the face.  (I wished those veins can be erased!)

Sorry, my photo did not capture the pasty texture and bump on my skin (on the left).

       Before:  pimple breakout-in-the-making     After:  pimples did not develop; clearer cheeks

This spot on my cheeks has been a problem for me ever since I started having adult pimples in my mid-20s, and resulted in enlarged pores on that area. From time to time, these annoying tiny red dots will make their appearance, which I just try to ignore and hide under face power. 

In my case, I want to banish fine lines, blemishes, baby zits here and there, improve my pale pasty skin and uneven skin tone.  I'm quite satisfied with GoodSkin Labs' potent products which successfully addressed "problem areas" on my face.


So far, Smooth-365 and Filextra are working well with very visible results, and slowly improving my (aging) skin. I guess I have to get the regular-sized Smooth-365 tube now!

A great afternoon of beauty talk with blogger friends and beauty gurus Rowena and Michelle, (Mom-Friday, center), with Rizel and Krishna from Estee Lauder Co.

GoodSkin Labs skincare products are available at selected Watsons Personal Care Stores, Beauty by SM Department Stores and Marionnaud Mall of Asia.

To learn more about these amazing products, head over to GoodSkin Labs' official website.


I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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