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: 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 :)

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

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.

More Clinelle! Clinelle Blemish Gel Review

I am officially converted to Clinelle and can't help but hoard all products applicable to my skin type. Though I still can't wait to go back to my derma products, Clinelle is a skincare line good enough to even my skin tone for a brighter and softer skin.

Two weeks ago, I almost got Clinelle Facial Scrub and Clinelle Blemish Gel. The promodizer told me if I get 500 worth of Clinelle products, I'd get 800 worth of products for FREE. The loot includes the essential care line: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and some more products, and a Carmen Soo pillow and stress ball x.x

But as I was about to pay, the promodizer apologized and told me they ran out of some of the free stuff. Read: all the Clinelle products except for the Carmen Soo pillow and stress ball hurrrr...

I didn't realize I also got a tampered box, with the ends open and the top unsealed. Not my lucky day.

Anyway I still got the Blemish Gel on a separate occasion (still on discounted price at Watsons but I could no longer find the same promotion) and here's my review. Unlike other pimple gel this product does not sting or feel anything at all. I use it on blemish spots before sleeping and in the morning.

I could say it reduces redness and bumps by 60%, that's around 1 day worth of healing period for blemishes and pimples. I did not even read what it was made of but certainly, the ingredients must be mild because they do not produce stinging and skin darkening. It didn't make spots too dry to cause flaking either.

In short, it works without all the side effects of the usual blemish/pimple gels. The packaging says it can be worn under makeup too :)

Have you tried Clinelle Blemish Gel yet?

Clinelle Professional Care Review

Clinelle, a brand that has cared for the skin of many women across the world has finally arrived in the Philippines. This brand is a hit in the US, China, Taiwan, HK, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

I've read about it a number of times in beauty forums but never had my hands on the products until now. You can get Clinelle at Watsons.

It has been 3 days since I used Clinelle and I am still using the following products from its essential care line + the SnoWhite Mask many have been raving about:

1. Clinelle Caring Milk Cleanser 100ML (Php 399.00)

This cleanser is without suds, or bubbles like what is expected of milk cleansers like Cetaphil. With Clinelle, I only used a little but was confident I had a clean face afterwards unlike with other sud-free cleansers that I usually repeat washing with.

All products of Clinelle says it provides balance, soothing, and healing. My skin felt soft and more comfortable after washing. Can't believe how light it felt, no kidding.

2. Clinelle Purifying Toner 200ML (Php 399.00)

The toner, which is alcohol-free feels like baby oil (without the oiliness) maybe because it was really gentle. Though I think I feel a safe bit amount of stinging. Like the Milk Cleanser, it has a mild scent which you could love or hate but it fades quickly anyway. It promises to control acne and promote skin cell renewal.

It was successful in removing traces of makeup and since it made my skin feel soft, it completely relaxed me and prepared the skin for the next product which is...



3. Clinelle Moisture Glow 50ML (Php 439.00)

I am using this only at night, when I am not using the SnoWhite Mask. This moisturizer is easily absorbed but might make your skin too oily. What I do is, after an hour or so of application, I wipe my face with a facial tissue to remove excess products.

When I wake up, my skin tone looks more even and redness is decreased. That's why it's called Moisture Glow? I believe in the soothing properties of this product but wish it doesn't make skin oilier.


4. Clinelle Eye Bright 15ML (Php 529.00)

This is the first eye cream I ever used in my lifetime. Staring at the laptop screen all day made my eyes look really tired with dark circles. Tell me if I am hallucinating, but after gently tapping my eye area with this eye cream - my eyes look brighter.

I use it AM and PM, I think I love all the items in this skin care line already.

5. Clinelle SnoWhite Mask 50ML (Php 729.00)

The SnoWhite Mask is a wash off mask. Just let it stay on your skin for 15-30 minutes. Used this product on the first day of my review and I felt my skin being soothed and relaxed. It did make a difference the day after, no wonder this is one of the famous Clinelle products out there.

Too bad that I can't use it daily, recommended usage is just 3 times a week.

I'm excited about these Clinelle products and they have a wide range for different types of skin. I've read reviews about their acne gel, pressed powder, etc. Yup loads more of Clinelle products but I'll stick to these for now. Each box contains an instruction sheet on what to use and when. Also recommendations if you have other skin conditions :)

Have you tried Clinelle?

Here's a link to the Clinelle FB Page for more information.

Beauty: Phiten E-Water for Face

Last month I hoarded different products from the Phiten shop, one of which is the Phiten E-Water that is infused with Aqua Gold. It sells for aroung Php 1,000 if my memory serves me right.




The product is for both the body and face, it is a body and facial milk according to the box. Like most of the Phiten products, it provides balance and relaxation of tensed muscles. More than ever, I feel stress creeping under my skin and so I finally unwrapped my E-Water. Sounds so futuristic!

I applied this onto newly cleansed face (I am just using Pond's Clear Solutions), the Phiten E-Water had a light but lingering pleasant smell. The "milk"spreads easily on the skin surface, a bit like gel but also cream. I like it because I didn't have to rub it in and it was absorbed quickly with light massages and pats.

Like its name, it feels simply like water - not even moisturizer but it does moisturize the face. It was hot today but after I finish my application, my skin looked matte. And I felt my facial muscles relax, I did lots of frowning, smiling, and laughing this week! To be honest, I am not sure if it is just psychological but my skin looked brighter. However, after around 30 minutes my skin got oily again (I blame the weather) but still looked brighter than usual. The light fragrance still lingered for around 2-3 hours until I decided to splash water again on my face.

According to some, the Phiten E-Water has improved their skin with problems caused by hormonal imbalance. I feel like I have had hormonal imbalances for years, with being pregnant and now with breastfeeding. I asked Phiten if this was safe to use for me and they said yes.

I am going to seriously finish this bottle of e-water and get back to you again with the results :)

Beauty: Montagne Jeunesse Masks

These masks kept on nudging my curiousity every time I pass them by at Watsons. First, who would miss their fancy packaging with funny photos of models wearing masks. I find them funny :)



Today I tried the Ceramides Montagne Jeunesse Mask for sensitive skin, which is actually a 2-in-1 product! Step 1 is at the bottom which contains the masque. Step 2 is the top part that contains the ceramides serum.



Cut it in half with a pair of scissors to prevent the product from spilling. Remember to use the bottom part first. It's the Zen Flower Sensitive Masque.



The mask was relaxing indeed, it had a minty feel and you can apply a generous amount, as much as you like. Keep it on for 10 minutes or so. The packaging says remove with water, but I would suggest you damp a face towel to wipe the mask off, then rinse with water.

Now onto the ceramides serum, it was very light and I had a good time massaging it lightly onto my skin. The serum was absorbed fast and gave my face a matte finish.

The product gave me a powdery glow and I feel like it also lifted off some dead skin cells. It's perfect for the pockets of time you get from work or traveling. Think of it as a spa in a sachet. There are other variants like the Chocolate Masque I also want to try because it's just so fun and easy unlike factoring polynomials. Do this before an important date, when you feel super stressed out, or just want to be refreshed.



This post is brought to you by math problem solver and college algebra.

Justin Bieber will help you win an Ipad!

You'll love your pimples for this! Eeew. But really, your zits can just win you an Apple Ipad. But first, say hello to the newest face of Proactiv.

Justin Bieber's secret to fame?

If you want to join Justin Bieber in his fight against pimples and win a 30-day trial kit from Proactiv, login to your Facebook account and direct your hatred against zits at the Proactiv Works! Facebook game! Be one of the top scorers in order to win the 30-day trial kit :) There are lots of pimples to zap and your score depends on the number and type of pimples you clear. Seriously!

Follow Proactiv Solution Philippines on Facebook and check out the highest scorers on the following dates: September 3, 10, 17, and 24. The game looks like this:


Now onto the Ipad that you can use to watch Justin Bieber music videos and to follow him around on Twitter. *drum roll please*

Just purchase a Proactiv Kit from today until October 15, 2010 at http://my.proactiv.com.ph and get one raffle entry per kit. Accepted modes of payment are Cash on Delivery, Bank Deposit, Credit Card or Megalink Debit Card. The raffle will be on November 11, 2010 so if you are planning to try Proactiv acne and pimple fighting skin care solution, there's no better time to do it than now na.

The Black Pond's - Pure White Facial Foam with Activated Carbon Review

Tried and tested! I was very curious when I saw this Pond's TVC, right away I wanted to try it. Because I want something that can suck the gunk out of my face: -



I say that this product really sucks, as in suck the impurities off your face. Before trying the product I glanced at the mirror and noted how little blackheads where on my nose. After washing, my face looked brighter and the little devils on my nose have been sucked and destroyed by the activated carbon.


This is hardcore product testing!

Compared to other Pond's facial wash, I think this is the best to use after removing your make up with Pond's Cold Cream which I swear by. I get more pimples when I don't use their cold cream. Back to the Pure White Facial Foam, it feels that all make-up and grime are removed after one wash.

One thing I noticed though is that it doesn't help control the oil and sebum on my face. I regularly use Pond's Clear Solutions Facial Wash which really mattifies my oily skin very well. So I think I can use Clear Solutions in the morning and the Pure White Facial foam during the night. I asked someone from Pond's and he says it is perfectly safe to use and combine all of their products.


Me at the Pond's Institute (not really) trying the activated carbon for myself!

The Pond's Pure White Facial Foam is a winner because of the activated carbon technology. It is basically like charcoal that absorbs impurities but the ingredient used by Pond's is activated carbon which has more absorbing power than regular carbon as seen on a microscope.

You can try Pond's Pure White Facial Foam for yourself, it is available in different sizes and even in sachets. Let me know how you find it :)

St. Ives' Fresh New Look

When I was in College, one of my guy friends swore by St. Ives Apricot Scrub. He kept on telling me how it cleared his face and removed nasty blackheads. I kept a small cute apricot scrub in my purse ever since. It's just so refreshing and the feeling of new exfoliated skin is wonderful.

I just don't remember how it disappeared from my stash, maybe I outgrew St. Ives. But now, they have a new look that will surely make you remember - remember to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.



If your busy work or school schedule is causing your skin to breakout, St. Ives Naturally Clear Skin Blemish & Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub or Naturally Clear Blemish Fighting Apricot Cleanser can do the trick.


To help soothe tired and dull-looking skin, slather on St. Ives Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter Advanced Body Moisturizer, Soothing Aloe & Chamomile Advanced Body Moisturizer or Hydrating Vitamin E Advanced Body Moisturizer.

I also remember using their AHA masque that lifts off dead skin cells. I wonder if they still have it? For now, I can't wait to be reunited with St. Ives and let you know if it's still friends with my skin ;)

Eskinol Moms and Daughters

Joyce Velasco with Mom

I am so envious of these Eskinol moms and daughters. One, they look great and second, they look like they have a great mom-daughter relationship going on.


Soleil Capulong with Mom

Eskinol says that even in skincare, moms know best which is why Eskinol moms have passed on great skin to their daughters. I remember Vilma Santos days when she graced Eskinol commercials and do you remember this classic packaging?



I used Eskinol once but my mom didn't really teach me how to use it so ~ but I want to try their modern stuff. From old to new:



And glutathione on your face powder, anyone?


Shucks, I wish I had clones so I can test every product x.x

Style Scene: Neutrogena Fine Fairness Launch

Inside the Society Lounge in Makati, bloggers and media people got cozy as the new Neutrogena Fine Fairness line was launched. It was a simple gathering and a mini educational session on how the sun damages the skin and give imperfections to our true complexion.


Bianca Valero, I like your necklace :)


Ladies in waiting (for the program to start) : Shen, Shane, and Shina

No matter how fair or tanned you want to be, the use of sun protection products are vital to maintain beautiful skin. I remember one of my dermatologists told me at how the sun can make acne scars and brown spots darker. That reminds me, I should start using sunblock daily again!


Beauty bloggers Earth, Me, and Jennie


Taffy Ledesma, Gabby Roxas, and Robert Kwon

I haven't tried these new products from Neutrogena but they will soon arrive on my doorstep.

Do you like Grapes? Meet GrapeBella from Watsons

They say, to get that "glow from within" girls should use natural products sourced from fruits. From oranges that fight radicals to antioxidants-rich berries. Watsons has launched a new beauty line called the Watsons GrapeBella. Each product contains wine extracts from French grapes that are naturally rich in protective antioxidants. Its regenerative Grape Seed Oil moisturizes to help prevent the signs of aging for soft, smooth skin.

I can already smell fruity scents just by looking at the vast product range, perfect for smelling "berry" fresh this summer! I got the body wash but I can't wait to try their lip balm too because the dry weather has chapped my lips endlessly.



GrapeBella’s head-to-toe range of premier skin products targets your whole skin from top to toe for a complete, effective regimen. Watsons GrapeBella exfoliating body polish is a body scrub with wine extract and tiny apricot seeds that gently exfoliates skin to prevent visible signs of aging. Watsons GrapeBella moisturising shower cream maintains moisture balance to keep skin soft and smooth. Watsons GrapeBella revitalizing shower gel is an invigorating cleansing gel with grape extracts to keep skin refreshed while Watsons GrapeBella softening body lotion keeps skin hydrated and moisturized all day long. Watsons GrapeBella nourishing hand and nail cream contains keratin to keep nails strong while moisturizing hands and nails on the go. Watsons GrapeBella Lip treatment lip balm has vitamin E and jojoba oil to lock in moisture.



SM Advantage cardholders and BDO Rewards members get a 20% discount with every Watsons GrapeBella purchase. For a limited time, each Watsons GrapeBella product comes with the gift of Everything Italian with Watsons GrapeBella Privileges for discounts at Italian bars and restaurants like The White Hat, Browhaus, Caruso Ristorante Italiano (Café Caruso), Joey Pepperoni, Buenisimo, Ralph’s, Barcino, Sicilian Express, Il Pirata, and other wonderful establishments like Strip, My Lash, Segara Villas and many more.



So feed your skin with the goodness that grapes can offer only through Watsons GrapeBella.