Proper Skincare Routine

I am currently searching for the best skincare I can get from the beauty market but I don't think I encountered it yet. To get the best results on what skincare is good for me, I should know my skin type first so that it will be easier to be treated.

Tips on how to properly take care of your skin. 

1. Wash Your Face. 

Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Remove make-up. This cleans away oils and dirt that may have accumulated during your day, giving your skin a fresh start. Do not over wash though.

2. Avoid the Wrong Cleanser

Don't underestimate the power of a face wash. Using the wrong kind can wreak havoc on the skin. This principle also applies to bar soap- that is one of the worst things you can do to your facial skin. Bar soap is designed for the body, not the face because it can damage your facial skin's natural moisture and lipid barrier, leaving it dry, tight and pH un-balanced. Choose a cleanser that is right for your skin type (whether you're dry, oily or combo/normal).

3. Don't Overlook Breakthrough Ingredients

If you want to see a real improvement in your skin, you must invest in skin care products that deliver changes in the skin. Those products are formulated with innovative ingredients that work synergistically to 'communicate' with the skin cells to look and act younger as well as ingredients that encourage hydration and free-radical protection. Those ingredients include: peptides, antioxidants (especially Vitamins A, C & E), botanical stem cells, hyaluronic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's).

4. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate

Did you know that exfoliation is one of the key components to a smoother, youthful-looking complexion? The proper method of exfoliation combined with the proper frequency can result in astounding results. There are basically two ways to exfoliate: mechanically and chemically (or enzymatically). Mechanical exfoliation simply means you are physically exfoliating your skin to remove dead skin cells with a grainy product such as a face scrub, or a facial cleansing brush or even a wash cloth. Mechanical exfoliation is an effective method, but you have to be careful with the product you're using because there are a number of face scrubs on the market that are too abrasive and can actually damage the skin overtime.

The most powerful and effective means of mechanical exfoliation is microdermabrasion. Most reputable spas and dermatologist offices offer microdermabrasion as a standalone treatment or as part of a facial. However, you can save yourself a bundle of money by avoiding routine in-office microderm treatments and invest in an at-home system like MicrodermMD Home Microdermabrasion Machine you can use by yourself. It's fairly simple to use and will impart the same results as what an Esthetician would do for you in the treatment room. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week if your skin is on the dry side, or two to three times a week if your skin leans toward oily.

5. Get High-Tech With Your Skin

Non-invasive technology has really taken the skin care industry by storm. From microcurrent to galvanic and laser therapy, they can do wonders for our skin without the knife and scalpel. These treatments at the derm or spa can be costly, but luckily, Trophy Skin has created an at-home anti-aging superstar device that yields the same results as the derm's office, but at a fraction of the cost! The RejuvaliteMD Red Light is pain-free, fool-proof and can be used as often as several times a week. It improves the skin's laxity, firmness, texture, skin tone and wrinkles. It also helps to improve sun damage and age spots! That's why it's our go-to anti-aging gem.

6. Avoid the 3 S's: Sun, Smoking & Sugar

It is common knowledge that the sun and smoking are two top culprits behind premature aging and wrinkling, but let's re-cap: although the sun cannot be avoided completely, that is why it is imperative to wear sunscreen (in other words, a moisturizer with a built-in broad-spectrum SPF) all year round, rain or shine. Smoking destroys the skin, leaving it looking dull, sallow and wrinkly. Because smoking depletes the body's oxygen levels, it asphyxiates the skin, which gives it that lifeless complexion.

Sugar is another culprit behind wrinkles that many people are unaware of. The consumption of refined sugar causes a process called glycation in the skin- which means that sugar molecules attach to collagen fibers, causing them to cross-link, resulting in the breakdown of collagen, and thereby causing wrinkles.

Practice these anti-wrinkle skin care secrets, and you'll begin to notice years taken away from your complexion. Check out all the amazing skin care solutions at TrophySkin.com.

Gifts for the Holidays!

If you're looking for a wonderful gift to your loved ones, why not try VisibleInterest.com. It is is an online-only jewelry store featuring modern jewelry created by hand or in small batch processes by independent jewelry designers and artisans.

Here are some of the glamorous gifts that you can give to your loved ones. I recently got an amazing jewelry from my fiance and I loved it! I'm sure you'll love they're jewelries too!

Rose Gold Three Spikes Ring, $62 Charming 14K Rose Gold fill minimalist spike ring Hammered finish Each spike is approximately .15 to .20-inches tall. This modern ring was handcrafted in New York.

Gemstone Lariat Necklace, $65 Lariat-style Y necklace with gemstone charm on a Gold fill chain. Necklace measures 16 inches with a 1 1/2 inch drop Available in Sapphire, Turquoise, Ruby and Carnelian Handcrafted in San Diego

Initial Stud Earrings, $75 Mini upper case initial stud earrings handcrafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold Ear studs measure slightly less than 2/8 inches high. Available in any two letter combinations to make them uniquely yours. Handcrafted in San Diego

Herkimer Diamond Earrings, $80 Herkimer Diamond earring studs wrapped in Sterling Silver bands Ear studs have Sterling Silver posts Handcrafted in San Diego

XO Charm Necklace, $150 Modern XO Necklace in solid Sterling Silver XO Charm measures approximately 3/4 inches long Sterling Silver chain adjusts to 16, 17 or 18 inches in length Charm is hallmarked with the designer's signature detail -- a contrasting 18K Gold ball placed artfully on the design Handcrafted.

Tiny Vertical Bar Necklace with Diamonds, $158 Mini Sterling Silver bar necklace with 4 Diamonds on a stainless Steel chain The bar pendant measures approximately 3/8 inches not including the connecting ring Chain available in 16, 17 and 18 inches Also available in 14K Gold on 14K Gold chain (Price: $350) Handcrafted in Los Angeles

What are you waiting for?! Shop now and give love on Christmas Day! :) 

Review: Snoe What's Up Brow! - Tinted Eyebrow Pencil Wax in Ochre

I have used up my very first eyebrow pen from Etude House and as I've checked my storage few weeks ago, I found out that I still have the Snoe Tinted Eyebrow Pencil which is called the 'What's Up Brow!'. I loved the former because it is retractable and no need to sharpen anymore. As I am using this eyebrow pencil from Snoe, my patience is tested as I need to practice it on how to glide it easily and to sharpen it without removing too much of the wax inside the pencil. By the way, i won this from Snoe's giveaway before.

I started practicing my brows with my very first eyebrow pencil from Eh and I loved it. Now that I am using a new one, it's a little different because I was introduced with the retractable one. However, there are still good side on this one. First is that it has a spool brush and that's nice. I had tried eyebrow pencil before but it has only one product on one end and no spool brush whatsoever. This one is a much better alternative to that. Next is that I like the shade that I received. It's in Ochre. It's a little on the dark and on the light side so I may say this is a medium brown. It just blends so well with my current hair color. 

I also like that this is highly pigmented and water resistant. It lasts for a good half-day on me. The soft-easy formula is a little off for me. I actually want the pencil to be a little hard so that I would have control on the strokes. I'm a little afraid because the pencil might broke easily. However with practice, I came to like the soft easy formula the product had. 

I'm still a newbie but little by little, I'm learning to do it. I have just a simple brows everyday because I don't want some flick whenever I go to work. My students will surely say something about my look if I do it a little off the beat. What do you say about my application on the photo? Pwede na?  

Yay for me! (｡◕‿◕｡) 

• Got it for FREE. 
• Very dainty packaging!
• It has a spoolie. 
• Highly pigmented and doesn't rub off easily.
• The color that was given to me was close on my hair color. 
• Soft easy formula.

Nay for me! (｡◕︵◕｡)

• Not locally available. Online stores can help though. :) 
• Not retractable

Price: Free from Snoe.

Bought from: Free from Snoe.

Size: 1 eyebrow pencil. (Weight not indicated)

I feel that retractable eye products are a new way to make our lies easier. However, a change can be good sometimes, right? :) Now I can finally say that I tried eyebrow pencil and it did just as great as the retractable ones. I'm actually interested to know more on eye products. Will continue learning. ♥

XOXO ♥

Event: Marquee Mall Big Bite 2015

I have heard of the Marquee Mall Food Fest since last year but didn't got the chance to visit the place. Good thing I was messaged by Sir Den of Astig.Ph to cover the said event and I just couldn't say no because first, I want to experience Marquee Mall's food fest first-hand and I also want to contribute to Astig.Ph. I am really busy but despite the schedule (and the typhoon) I braved the weather. That's how I love blogging and covering events. I just love it like that!

When I arrived at the venue, there were just a few people inside the premises but as the time goes by, group of people becomes multitude. And they have a lot of food stalls and you'll be wowed with all the food. I want to try all but some were food and products were a little expensive.

The location was at Marquee Mall, Marquee Park which is an opened space at the back of the mall. The said festival was participated by so many food stalls which offers various products you will surely love to eat. It invites you to a heritage cuisine favorites from Northern Luzon. Let me take you to a tour around.

There is a stage at the center where Culinary Cook-offs take place. There's also Cooking Demos learned from renowned kitchen masters. I wasn't able to watch those part of the show since I went home early because of the typhoon. 

The food market was the main attraction to everyone. With over around 100 stalls, you can feast on a multitude of food choices from the Northern provinces. I was glad I saw some Vigan Empanada and was able to grab some and took some home.

I actually want to have each little food on each stall but they are selling big serving which requires you to pay a lot. I had a few during the tour like the Kalabasa Okoy, Green Suman and Empanada. That alone costs me P300. I just hope each of the stall has a few samples to try to encourage the buyers to buy the product. 

It was totally a feast when you visit Marquee Mall's Food Festival. Hopefully I can attend next year again and stayed longer than this year. I will surely make it a point that my (future) hubby can join the event too!

 

'Till my next gastronomic adventure! EAT, pray and love! XOXO ♥

Review: Olay White Radiance Brightening Intensive Cream

It's been a year since I have this product on my cabinet but skipped using it because it was left behind like that. Since I recently checked my storage and saw this, I decided to use it because I just recently ran out of moisturizer to use. Remember that I had The Body Shop Aqua Boost Sorbet before and it ran out so I have the reason to use this now. 

This product claims to brighten the skin. Until now, I'm not really sure if it did what it really claim it does. The brightening part wasn't visible for me or I'm just not sure because I am somehow fair already. It's really difficult to determine on my skin.

However, I like that this product has SPF 24 PA +++. I use this prior to my CC and BB cream and I look great everyday. I feel that my pores were less visible and it leaves my skin looking healthy. The package was also small that it can fit in any purse or bag. 

What I like about this product is that it's lightweight unlike other moisturizers. Overall, I like it because it protects my skin with it's high SPF, moisturizes nicely, light and no too overpowering scent. Even if the packaging was small, a little can go a long way! I used this for a month and a few days.  

The texture was very light yet it has a creamy feel. I guess this is perfect for daily moisturizer. If you're not into tinted moisturizer, you can have this as an option. A friend of mine was looking for a moisturizer which is not tinted and I recommended this. 

Yay for me! (｡◕‿◕｡) 

• I got it for FREE in one of the giveaways.
• Lightweight feel on the skin.
• Not greasy and no strong smell.
• Moisturizes greatly with just a few application.

Nay for me! (｡◕︵◕｡)

• Brightening effect wasn't visible on my skin. 

Price: Got it for FREE

Bought from: Got it for FREE

Size: 15g.

I am still using it but I only have very little left. For a steady and everyday moisturizer, this is definitely great and I recommend it to everyone. Though I am still on the lookout of the moisturizer that can help with aging because I have laugh lines forming already. Yes, I admit I am getting old everyday but I'm glad to say I am enjoying life! :)  

XOXO ♥

Christmas Card Guide from MagnetStreet.com

Starting your own holiday tradition can begin with a beautiful, custom-designed holiday greeting from MagnetStreet. Connect with family and friends (colleagues, too) with a card that speaks to the season and is easy to personalize. Browse beautifully designed layouts and then change the colors to fit your style or theme (even custom colors). Your photos will print with crystal clarity and you can word your card just the way you want!

The perfect holiday greeting: a unique photo and message keepsake plus, a blessing for the season.

Two words: custom and quality. Your satisfaction is paramount at MagnetStreet that's why we offer a 100% quality guarantee. Start your own tradition and keep more in your Christmas fund, too.

25% off all Christmas Cards! Code: LHOLIDAY25 | Exp. 11/20/15

Magnetic Cards Unique Keepsake. Family and friends love this distinctive and long-lasting keepsake magnet. Your greetings stick on the fridge while your photo and sentiments remain in their hearts.

Folded Cards Classic Greetings. Enduring look with many templates to choose from! Custom-design from front to back, your photos will look amazing printed on any one of the 3 premium papers.

Photocards Contemporary Cheer. These classy cards are a terrific option for sharing a few of your favorite photo highlights from the year. Match the paper style to your festive design.

25% off all Christmas Cards! Code: LHOLIDAY25 | Exp. 11/20/15

Herbalife Health Poll: 9 in 10 Filipinos ”highly concerned” about the potential diseases that an unhealthy lifestyle can cause

MANILA, Philippines - Nine in 10 Filipino consumers surveyed by global nutrition company Herbalife are “highly concerned” about the potential diseases that an unhealthy lifestyle can cause them, with the same number believing that simple lifestyle changes can help improve their overall well-being.

A good number of the respondents expressed willingness to adopt a healthy lifestyle; 79 percent said that they would cut down on unhealthy foods, 78 percent expressed their willingness to exercise more regularly, and 72 percent said they would make better nutrition choices.

“We welcome the results of the survey. It gives an understanding of Filipinos becoming even more health concious and self-aware that they need to make some lifestyle changes to improve their overall well-being. It also gives Herbalife an idea where we are needed, because as the survey revealed only four out of 10 would spend 10 to 30 minutes a day to make simple lifestyle changes,” said Rosalio Valenzuela, Herbalife Philippines General Manager.

The respondents, however, cited the following as the top obstacles to achieving a healthy lifestyle: lack of time for exercise (75 percent), lack of time to make proper nutrition choices (64 percent), and high cost of healthy food (62 percent).

The same health poll likewise showed that the top three aging-related concerns in the country were heart, brain, and eye health.

Better knowledge and understanding

 “The findings from the Herbalife survey clearly show that the majority of people in Asia Pacific that we questioned believe in the value of good nutrition and exercise as contributing to their overall well-being. We aim to play a greater role in providing practical tips and information to people to help them understand that the journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle is not difficult to achieve. With as little as 10 minutes a day, consumers can take positive steps to improve their nutrition and be more active, which will improve their overall well-being,” said William M. Rahn, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife Asia Pacific.

Herbalife conducted the survey in September 2015 in the lead-up to its Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour. It surveyed 1,200 respondents across six countries, including the Philippines, on perceptions towards their health and current lifestyle. Respondents from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand were likewise included in the survey.

Herbalife Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour

Now on its fourth year, the Herbalife Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour aims to deepen people’s practical understanding of the various aspects of living a healthy active lifestyle. Its previous tours in the past three years saw close to 60,000 participants across the region.

This year’s Wellness Tour will feature five members of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB) visiting 14 markets and 21 cities across the Asia-Pacific in the month of October. They will share their expert views on how people can make use of the little time they have to make simple lifestyle changes that will enhance their well-being.

Herbalife’s NAB experts will likewise share their views on a wide range of health-related topics, including weight management, brain health and aging; heart health; immunology; and skin care at the medical symposia being held in Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnamn.

The Herbalife NAB experts participating in this year’s Wellness Tour include Dr. David Heber, who incidentally will be coming to Manila, is a leading expert in the field of nutrition and named as one of “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds” by Thomson Reuters in 2014 and considered one of “The Best Doctors in America”; Dr. Lou Ignarro, a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 for his discovery of nitric oxide’s health benefits; Dr. Gary Small, a specialist in brain health and aging who has authored over 500 scientific works and has received numerous awards and honors, including the “Senior Investigator Award” from the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry; Dr. Marion Fltechner-Mors, a health nutrition specialist who is currently heading the nutrition and obesity research group at Ulm University, Germany; and Dr. Wang Jae Lee, a physician and academic specializing in immunology and a professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine.

Dr. Heber, who is the founding Director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles, will be conducting a symposium for free to Filipino medical practitioners on October 23, 9am, at the Manila Hotel. The symposium will gather a group of 100 doctors, nurses, physical therapists and medical practitioners. The title of the symposium is “Obesity: More Than Just Being Overweight and Nutrition Forecast for 2020.” Seminars of Dr. Heber are recognized by US hospitals as part of Continuing Education Studies, which are often required of applicants. The following day, Oct. 24, Dr. Heber will be holding seminars for thousands of Herbalife Independent Members in the same hotel.

This is the first time Dr. Heber, who is also the Chairman of the NAB and the Herbalife Nutrition Institute, to conduct a seminar in Manila since the company was founded in the Philippines 22 years ago.

###

About Herbalife

Herbalife is a 35-year-old global nutrition company that sells weight-management, nutrition and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in more than 90 countries to and through a network of independent members. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation and its Casa Herbalife program to help bring good nutrition to children. To learn more visit Herbalife.com.

Bridesmaid Gowns Under $50

Only a month to go before the big day and I'm so gracefully stressed right now! We are still preparing a lot of things to do, especially our church requirements. We have a little situation going on what's more important on our big day and hopefully, hopefully everything will be fine! We're praying that everything will fall into place! 

I am also currently completing my bridesmaids and groomsmen measurement for their dresses. We are actually renting our entourage dresses (both bridesmaid and groomsmen) because buying them will be expensive for us or even for them. I am actually surprised as I was searching the net that there are affordable bridesmaid dresses for as low as $50. Yes, you read it right! Only $50. I never knew it could happen online. There are those modest black bridesmaid gowns which looks so elegant and sophisticated. They also cater those dresses in a wide range of color. Those black ones though can really catch anyone attention as they are classy and fabulous. An LBD can never go wrong in any situation! I am thinking of getting one for myself. 

 

What's more exciting and interesting are those gowns below $50. Wedding isn't meant for expensive clothes. There are those cheap modest bridesmaid gowns under 50 that will make you look classy all throughout the event.  You can have an affordable beautiful dresses and grabbing everyone's attention without sacrificing the quality and the money you are shelling the dress for. 

I like this one below! It's so simple yet so gorgeous. Or maybe the model was just too pretty!

It's been a while since I last wore a dress in a particular event. I hate events particularly because I don't like shelling out too much moolah on expensive dresses that I can only wear once or twice. I feel like it's certainly a waste of money but not with I Do Dress. Here, you will see very dainty and beautiful pieces and in affordable prices too!  And according to what Coco Chanel said; A Girl Should Be Two Things: Classy and Fabulous! So strut that dress girl and wear it like you're going to meet your worst enemy! 

Party-Ready Beauty Secrets

Party-ready beauty secrets The party season is here! Are you ready with the quickest make-up tricks to get ready in minutes? Have you mastered the day-to-night transformation that completes your look? 

All that you need to give you that vibrant, fresh, million-dollar look can be found in Colour Collection’s Colour Intense Face Palette! With three eye shadow shades, two blushers, and a brow powder, this handy, all-in-one face palette is the perfect makeup tool to help you achieve your desired look. With two palettes to choose from, you can look naturally sweet with Everyday Elegance, or stylishly beautiful with Festive Glamour.

Looking party-ready is easy! Colour Collection’s Colour Intense Face Palette is ideal for creating a variety of looks, no matter what time of day it is! Unleash your inner artist as you step into a world of colour and leave no look unimagined. Use two shades for a simple look, and three shades for a more dramatic aura.

Add depth and definition, complement your eye color, and look red-carpet-ready with the Festive Glamour Colour Intense Face Palette or photo-shoot-ready with the Everyday Elegance Colour Intense Face Palette. Don’t forget to frame your eyes with the brown brow powder, guaranteed to make your brows look clean.

Then, dab Colour Collection’s Colour Intense Face Palette’s pink shade on the apples of your cheeks for a naturally flushed look, or the darker shade for contour and a healthy glow. Apply the contour powder under the cheekbones, followed by a sweep across your forehead and under your chin before adding blush-on to the top of your cheekbones. 

When it comes to doing our make-up, we all have the same goal: to make our eyes look brighter and our faces look young and fresh. Now, looking fabulous is fun and easy! Together with your favourite lippie, turn into a model on-the-go—at work or at a party! Enjoy a new beauty ritual to get you in the festive mood with Colour Collection’s Colour Intense Face Palette.

5th JFVA Recognizes Aeta Family for Uplifting Lives of Fellow Indigenous People

The Domulot family of Botolan, Zambales, was recognized as one of the six exemplary Filipino families during the 5^th Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA). Their advocacy of uniting the different Aeta tribes around Mt. Pinatubo and protecting their rights, earned them the distinguished recognition.

The JFVA is the leading fast-food chain’s annual search for exemplary Filipino families whose works of compassion and generosity make a significant difference in their communities. Now on its milestone 5^th year, the campaign hopes the new batch of winning families will serve as role models and inspiration for other Filipino families.

Carlito Domulot, the head of the family and the chieftain of their Aeta tribe, fought to secure one of the first Ancestral Domain titles of the Aeta community in an effort to protect them against potential land grabbers. Since then, he and his family have made it their mission to uplift the lives of fellow Aetas.

Caren Domulot teaches the tribe’s high school students as part of their family advocacy.

The Domulots established a school within their community to further educate the younger generation.

When Carlito realized the immense power of education and its positive effects, he equipped himself with the necessary knowledge and skill so that he can impart this to his community. The rest of the family followed suit and pursued various professions—education, urban farming, among other things—to benefit and empower their fellow Aetas.

The Domulot family was able to establish a school within their community and sought the help of different organizations to cover the students’ school supplies. To date, their literacy and livelihood programs have benefitted about 5,000 families.

Today, the Domulots are active members of Lubos ng Alyansa ng mga Katutubong Ayta sa Sambales (LAKAS) which help protect the rights of other indigenous communities and further their education. Carlito now serves as adviser to LAKAS and continues to carry out literacy programs for the Aeta communities.

The family was nominated to the 5^th JFVA by Anicia Guzman, one of the sponsors of the school that the Domulots help built. She lauded the positive impact the family has made and are still creating for the Aetas along with its strong cultural and social implications.

Another witness to the selfless deeds of the family is Essie Villavito who shares the passion of Carlito in helping protect and empower the Aeta tribes.

“Si Kuya Carlito ang nanguna sa preservation ng kanilang cultural heritage along with the Department of Education, so they were able to put up schools in their community. He also attended International conventions for indigenous people, so he really is a great help,” said Villavito.

Carlito and Iril share an inspiring message about their family’s advocacy.

The Domulot family from Botolan, Zambales is recognized for advocating the unification and protection of Aeta tribes around Mt. Pinatubo.

The Domulots received a cash prize of P300,000, a trophy designed by renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio, and P10,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates. They are among the six winning families, championing various advocacies and equally honored during theGabi ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang Pilipino awards night.