Let's Face It

I'm the queen of all the laziest when it comes to applying beauty products on my face. I am only good at the beginning, when I am truly inspired or when I already realized how terrible my face is. lol  But yes, there are unused bottles and tubes anywhere here,  there are also bottles half full and mostly expired already.

Anyway, last Friday I decided to visit Let's Face It to have my face cleaned and my pimples treated. Zits are popping out and I don't look good anymore. They gave me these pimple treatment kit that cost me 1K + aside form the facial cleaning and the mask. A bit pricey as well as painful way to look beautiful!

No pain, no gain.

Oh well, hoping it will work.

Any suggestions regarding this? Thanks!

Pills that Help Fight Acne

Acne is one of the common skin problems among us during adolescent and adult years. There are about several products which claim to heal acne like topical cream that contains benzyl peroxide. But did you know that the most effective way to heal acne is by taking contraceptive pills? FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved various types of birth control pills that can be prescribed to fight acne.

Yaz, Estrotep and Ortho Try-Cyclen are the three types of birth control approved by FDA. These are made up of  mostly estrogen and progestin and work to lower the levels of androgen in the body which result later to decrease amount of sebum or oil that is known to be the source of acne breakouts.

Pills are taken for 21 consecutive days followed by two days of placebo pills which trigger monthly period or menstruation. It should be taken at the same time everyday. If forgotten however, you must take two pills on the following day at the same time.

Other benefits of taking birth control pills are it fight signs of aging and  improve elasticity in the skin thus making the skin resistant to wrinkles. But common side effects of taking pills are weight gain, breast tenderness,  breakthrough bleeding, nausea and moodiness. And some serious but rare effects are migraine, headaches, blood clots, depression, hypertension and stroke.

We Called it Bonding Time

My friend since college days and now became my Kumare, dragged me to Posh Nails the last time we've met. It has been ages the last time we bonded together. My other two friends aren't here in the country, so only the two of us.

Don't you love Posh Nails?

Because I'm  already loving it. I love their theme, combination of pink and lavender. So girly and so comfortable. Plus the service is quite good.

me doing a wacky, and my Kumare striked a sweet smile

happy feet!

Now you see how ugly my feet, haha! I got it colored green, for a change. Well,it was a bonding activity worth doing again...

Want to Have a Younger, Smoother Hands?

For mothers like me, hands are the most abused body part.

I don't need to elaborate more because it takes a pinch of common sense :)

As a stay at home mom, I do most if not everything in the house. Cleaning, cooking and washing. I'm proud to say that I prefer washing our clothes than let other people wash them. Well, except for situations like if I really don't have time to do the laundry especially when hubby is here because we often go out.

My hands look like its from an old lady already. haha! I do the laundry almost everyday because I need to wash my kid's uniform. Its rough and my skin is peeling off  that if I apply lotion the skin flakes are already all over my body. Geezz...

If you are like me, then we would want to try this steps for a smoother and younger hands.

• Set aside a small basin with warm water and a sponge or washcloth. Next, wash your hands as usual. Instead of bar soap, use a liquid cleanser especially made for the hands. Towel dry.
• This is essential for calloused and very dry skin. Soak hands in the warm water for five minutes. Shake off excess water and gently remove rough skin with the sponge or washcloth. Remember to scrub lightly.
• Give your hands a more serious scrub with an exfoliating product. Choose one that has tea tree oil, mint, or any soothing agent to relieve tired, overworked hands. Again, be gentle. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Warm a bottle of oil in a basin of lukewarm water. Then pour enough warm oil into another basin to dip your hands in. Soak for five minutes or so then remove. Rub the remaining oil on your hands. This prevents chipping, splitting, peeling, and cracking of the hands and nails.
• Apply lotion, cream, or balm generously for about 10 minutes or until absorbed. Strengthen split and chipped nails with a nail cream. femalenetwork.com

Foot Spa

Our feet are the most abused parts of our body as they often say and I agree. My feet needs pampering again, its been months already that I have gone to salon for foot spa.

If only I have this foot spa bath at home, then I could always give my feet a TLC. But we can always do a remedy just like the following without spending too much on products.

• Soak up. Fill up your bathtub or a small basin with hot water, hot enough for your skin to tolerate. Put in some bath salts, your bubble bath or soap. Then, put your feet in and relax. Let your feet soak for ten to fifteen minutes.
• Scrub off. When the skin of your feet has become soft from the warm, soapy water, scrub the dead skin and the calluses off with a pumice stone. Take your time and try not to be too rough in rubbing the extra skin away.
• Clip it. After ridding the feet of the dead skin, work on the toenails. Cut your toenails with a nail clipper. After clipping the extra length off, file them to give them shape, and then buff them. Do not cut your toenails too short, or else you will end up with painful ingrown nails.
• Moisturize. The next step would be to apply a good amount of lotion, moisturizer or foot cream on the feet to keep the skin soft. beautyden.com

Vitamins for Healthy Skin

Yeah, I know! I may sound like I'm having a real skin problem here by posting about anti aging stuffs, but I don't care. Haha! Because I know you will benefit from it if you happen to read this. ;)

In one of my post, I wrote that starting that day I have to take vitamins religiously.

Update: I am not taking my vitamins regularly.

Ouch, I'm lazy. That's the reason why. Heehee!

Well, oh well...

Vitamin A
Not only does vitamin A help prevent cancer and acne, but it rids your skin of free radicals that cause wrinkles. You can get a healthy dose of vitamin A by using products with retinol in them. If you want to unlock the full benefits of vitamin A, try using at least 15,000 IU daily.

Vitamin B
When applied topically, vitamin B helps trap moisture into your skin, and helps keep it hydrated. And when your skin is moist, you prevent wrinkles and flakey skin. When you ingest vitamin B, you’re promoting healthy skin, nails, and hair from the inside. Vitamin B is also known to combine with vitamin A to prevent acne caused by stress.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for keeping your skin’s healthy glow because it actually fights against damaging rays from the sun, smoke, alcohol, and other harmful pollutants. It is also an antioxidant that lowers the appearance of age spots, and aids in firming the skin by targeting the collagen responsible for skin elasticity.

Vitamin E
One of the most effective vitamins used for aging skin is vitamin E because it reverses skin wrinkling that has been caused by over-exposure to the sun. Not only does it take care of sun damage, but it also prevents a lot of skin diseases, gives the skin elasticity, and moisturizes your face. As if this is not enough, Vitamin E will improve your skin’s texture as well as restrict the production of cells known to cause cancer.

For more anti-aging tips, head over here. 

Anti Aging Beauty Tips

Every time I look in the mirror, I notice that aside from pimples I also see some lines already. Jeezzz.. It is an indication that I'm getting older.

I am turning *beeeppp* in October, but seeing my face like this, I don't want to get old.

Can someone give me some tips here?

Here are some tips I found.

Stay out of the Sun

The first step to any good skin care routine is keeping it out of harm’s way. Simply put, limit your skin’s exposure to the sun as much as possible. Sun damage causes wrinkles, freckles, age spots, and – worst of all – skin cancer. It is improbable to ask anyone to stay out of the sun completely; but what is not improbable is asking people to use sun block with SPF 15 or higher.

Treat your Skin with Care

Sometimes the only thing that sounds good after a long day of work is a hot bath. But exposing your skin to hot water strips it of good oils that keep your skin looking supple. Some soaps are also oil-striping and should be avoided; instead, use gentle soaps that are free of harsh fragrances. After a shower, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing the towel over yourself. Also remember to apply a moisturizing lotion right after a shower to lock in the maximum amount of moisture.

Watch what you eat

What you eat also plays a big role in the appearance of your skin and skin agingprocesses. Not only will you have more energy, but your skin will look great just by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and drinking plenty of water. Vitamin C, complex carbohydrates, and low fat foods also produce clear and younger-looking skin.

No Smoking

Smoking is not only harmful to your lungs; it also causes you to age rapidly. By smoking, you are depleting your skin’s oxygen, which causes wrinkles. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin in the skin leaving it weak and less elastic. One more thing to keep in mind is that the faces you make while smoking contribute to wrinkles around your mouth and eyes.

Of course, simply avoiding cigarettes and eating right is not going to make you look 30 years younger. But following these routines will assist greatly in the process of maintaining your skin’s current condition.

Beauty Rush

I'm loving this Beauty Rush lotion from Victoria's Secret.

10 Ways to Love your Body

Got this from Female Network, my fave site.. :)

1. STOP THE VERBAL ABUSE NOW.

Do you put yourself down with negative thoughts about your body? Just as the constant abuse of a boyfriend or parent chips away at one’s self-esteem, so does your verbal self-flagellation. “What we give out in life, we get back. This includes he thoughts we have about our bodies,” says Sally Forrest, a partner at SoulCentre, an organization that holds self-transformation seminars.

She continues, “It’s important to think positive thoughts about your body, because whatever we focus on grows. When the mind has positive thoughts, the body produces chemicals called endorphins, which enhance your moods and energy level, keep you young and vibrant, and also help your cells regenerate.”

She shares this simple exercise: “When you wake up, look in the mirror and say, ‘I am happy, I am healthy, and I am beautiful just the way I am.” Keep saying it until you believe it, and you will experience the change.

2. BE YOUR OWN ROLE MODEL. 

If your lack of self-confidence stems from not looking like any of the wispy celebrities or models in the glossies, change your visual scenery. Get rid of images that make you feel inadequate (check out these curvy celebrities who flaunt their curves instead, for example). 
“Put up pictures of yourself that make you happy—whether it’s the way you look, what you’re doing, or who you’re with in the pictures,” advises Laura Berman, PhD, author of The Passion Prescription: Ten Weeks to Your Best Sex—Ever! Her suggestions: Choose artwork that celebrates various female shapes, and limit the time you spend watching TV shows or films populated by completely unrealistic women and men. “This is the perfect setting in which to begin rediscovering some body confidence.”

3. INVEST IN SENSUAL LINGERIE.

Don't just wear them when you're planning to have sex. Donning a soft lace bra and a matching pair of knickers under your everyday clothing will make you feel sexy at any time of the day. It’s really all about finding the right material and fit. If you must buy it in a size that doesn’t sound sexy, just do it (snip off the tag to feel better). Make sure your underwear gently hugs the curves of your body and makes you giggle with pleasure when you see how hot you look in the mirror.

4. HEAT THINGS UP.

If you can’t stand working out in the gym, burn calories while doing something that makes you feel sexy. Dance studios now offer belly dancing, exotic dancing, and even pole dancing classes—workouts that reshape your body and encourage you to let go of your inhibitions. Carla, who took a pole dancing class, says, “At first, I kept laughing at how silly I looked in the mirror. But after a few sessions, I got into the music and the moves! It was very liberating and made me more confident about my body." 

5. STRIP DOWN TO YOUR BIRTHDAY SUIT.

When you get some alone time, walk around your home in the nude. It’s the easiest way to feel comfortable in your own skin. “As you pass mirrors, glance and appreciate the beauty of your body,” writes Hilda Hutcherson, M.D. in her bookPleasure: A Woman’s Guide to Getting the Sex You Want, Need, and Deserve. If you have a private backyard, get naked outside. Feel the sunshine against your skin, the wind tickle every part of you, and how good it all feels. 

6. FIND A GENIE IN A BOTTLE.

Sometimes, a little beauty product can work its magic to make you feel more confident pronto. A silky body oil applied on skin can make shoulders and legs look sleek and sexy.Self-tanning lotion can lessen the appearance of cellulite and give the illusion of looking slimmer. The right scent sprayed on your pulse points can make you walk with a spring in your step. 

7. STRAIGHTEN UP.

When you hunch your shoulders, your gut sticks out, your breasts disappear, and you look shorter than you are. On the other hand, proper posture encourages you to pull back your shoulders, suck in your gut, and walk tall. You instantly look better, slimmer, and happier. Want to get into the habit of standing tall? Yoga and Pilates can work wonders. 

8. THINK LIKE A MAN.

 Men are not as critical as we women are about our own bodies. Men who are dedicated to their partners love them for who they are—including their imperfections and wobbly bits! What’s important is that you’re confident about your body. A spunky attitude and healthy self-esteem are two things that are appealing and sexy to men. 

 9. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE.

Take an inventory of your best assets: Do you love your bow-shaped lips? Your head of naturally curly hair? The rich caramel color of your skin? Show it off! Emphasize your clavicle with a stunning pendant. Dust body shimmer onto your shoulders, then slip on a halter top. Dare to wear a shorter skirt to call attention to your toned calf muscles. When you hone in on your most pleasing traits, you shift the focus away from what you don’t like to attractive qualities you feel more confident about.

10. TAKE PLEASURE IN YOUR SENSES.

 Believe you are entitled to deriving joy and pleasure from your body right now—not once you’ve shed 20 pounds. Whether it’s the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the trill of birds chirping, or the soft sensation of pure Egyptian cotton on your skin, make a habit of stimulating these senses every day. 

When you pamper your body with lots of TLC daily, you send a message to yourself that you are worth all the fuss and attention just the way you are. This growing confidence will reward you with courage to allow yourself more “perks,” including truly satisfying sex. “Learning to love and accept your body will make it easier for you to abandon yourself to sex, alone or with a partner,” says Dr. Hutcherson. 

 

The 10 Biggest Skin Mistakes You Can Make

According to Leslie Baumann, M.D. of Yahoo Health.

1. Using tanning beds. In case you haven’t heard, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified tanning beds as a known carcinogen (i.e. cancer-causer). And if you want to accelerate the formation of wrinkles and/or get skin cancer and unsightly brown spots, using a tanning bed is the best way to do it.

2. Not using SPF daily. One unpublished study by Unilever showed that using just SPF 5 every day for five years prevented significant sun damage. Do yourself and your skin a favor and use a moisturizer with at least SPF 15. You’re moisturizing anyway, right? Most people do not apply enough sunscreen, so using an SPF of 15 should give you at least an SPF of 5.

3. Getting too much sun. 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun a few times a week can help your body get its vitamin D fix, but if you’re sitting outside at Starbucks for an hour a day without sunscreen, your skin will remind you years from now.

4. Using the wrong cleanser. If dryness is an issue, a foaming cleanser will only make matters worse. Two of the best cleansers for dry skin are Estée Lauder Soft Clean Tender Crème Cleanser and CeraVe hydrating cleanser. Oily types beware! A cleanser that’s too rich can send oily skins’ sebaceous glands into overdrive. The best cleanser for oily skin is a foaming cleanser such as Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel. Combination skin types will like Paula’s Choice Hydralight One Step Facial Cleanser. If you do not know whether your skin is oily or dry, take the free quiz at www.SkinTypeSolutions.com. (Lists of cleansers that are best for each skin type can also be found in my bestselling book, The Skin Type Solution.)

5. Not using a retinoid. I am often asked “What is the best night cream to prevent aging?” In my opinion, the family of vitamin A creams known as retinoids are the best night creams and I believe that everyone over the age of 20 should be using aretinoid at night. This may help prevent aging and will smooth wrinkles you already have along with preventing acne and exfoliating the skin.

6. Over-exfoliating. How do you know how much to exfoliate? The answer is… It depends on your Baumann Skin Type. If your skin is dry, too much exfoliation strips lipids from the skin, and sensitive types can experience even more inflammation. Exfoliation is best for oily, resistant types.

7. Using daytime moisturizer if you have oily skin. If you’re on the oily side, skip the moisturizer and go straight to the sunscreen. Sunscreens have hydrating ingredients and very oily types make their own fatty acids, so they don’t need a moisturizer. (If you have dry spots, apply moisturizer only to those areas.) Everyone’s skin feels tight after cleansing, since it takes about 30 minutes for oil glands to replenish the skin—so see how your skin feels after 45 minutes and then you’ll know if you need moisturizer. Even better, take the quiz atSkinTypeSolutions.com to determine if your skin is oily.

8. Paying too much for skincare. Are expensive skincare products better? You don’t always get what you pay for. Check out this article to learn when to save and when to splurge on skin care products.

9. Not knowing your skin type. If you don’t know your Baumann Skin Type, you’re probably using the wrong products. Using the right ingredients can make a significant difference in the appearance of your skin.

10. Not getting a full-body skin exam every year. Think of this as a birthday present for your birthday suit—especially if you’ve had two or more bad sunburns in your lifetime. 

Nail Arts

What is your say about nail arts such as these:

Sure its an art but for me it looks untidy! I can't even bring my nails grow that long how much more decorate it with such embellishment.

No, thank you!

Foot Scrub

Don't you just love Watson's?

I do.  Because the store seems to have everything or every girl needs when it comes to beauty essentials and it also has pharmacy that makes it like a one-stop shop already.

And what I want more is when the store is on sale. I feel like grabbing everything, hehe! Especially if their promo is buy one take one, oh boy! I will definitely go home with a bag-full of stuffs from Watson's.

Anyway, here's what I got the last time I visited their store here in the province. Since I don't have the time to go to salon for foot spa, I bought a foot scrub instead. So whenever I feel like scrubbing my feet, I can do it anytime I want. And I just love the effects on my feet  after applying it. It becomes smooth and soft to feel... You must try it too.. :)

Related to the topic, don't you know we can actually use sugar as scrub? Of course I'm sure majority of you heard about it already.

Anyway, instead of buying products for foot scrub why not try brown sugar as substitute and enjoy the many benefits it offers...

Skin Moisturizer

• Unlike a salt scrub, sugar scrubs do not dry the skin. A sugar scrub is alpha-hydroxy rich. Alpha-hydroxy is an active substance with exfoliating and emollient properties.

Will Not Clog Pores

• Sugar scrubs will not clog the pores and are safe to use on children. They are healing for individuals who suffer from eczema and psoriasis.

Gentle Brown Sugar

• Brown sugar scrubs are especially gentle and can even be used on the face or on individuals who have particularly sensitive skin.

Non-abrasive

• Sugar scrubs are non-abrasive and can be used frequently. They help to restore and moisturize the skin. Sugar is a humectant, which means it cannot draw moisture out of the skin like a salt scrub can.

Get An Even Tan

• When tanning, sugar scrubs help remove flaky skin on elbows, knees, and feet, giving a more even, all-over tan, especially when using a tanning service.

Purchase or Make Your Own

• Sugar scrubs are found readily in department and health-food stores. They may also be prepared from scratch at home. www.ehow.com

Web Finds: Nail Polishes

I remember one time when I visited this certain nail salon (sorry I forgot the name already) few months ago, the manicurist asked me if I want my nail polish special or just the ordinary. Then out of curiosity and because I was asked about that first time, I inquired what's the difference. She then told me that the special nail polish would last a month compared to a week life-span of that from a regular.

So I opted for the special, knowing that I'm not a frequent customer of nail salon, I have thought of trying it for the first time and see if it will last for a month.

And yes, it almost reached 4 weeks. I'm not kidding folks. I just don't have a photo to prove that though! ;)

Anyway, related to the topic are these:

Orly Happy Go Lucky! Nail Lacquer in Frolic, P349.75

Orly Happy Go Lucky! Nail Lacquer in Flirty, P349.75

Orly Happy Go Lucky! Nail Lacquer in Fresh, P349.75

Orly Happy Go Lucky! Nail Lacquer in Frisky, P349.75

Orly Precious Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain, Php349.75

Orly Precious Nail Lacquer in Guilded Coral, P349.75

MAC Surf, Baby! Nail Lacquer in Hangin' Loose, P700

MAC Surf, Baby! Nail Lacquer in Ocean Dip, P700

MAC Quite Cute Nail Lacquer in Ice Cream Cake, P650

I remember Orly was the brand the manicurist used.

Now aren't they pretty? Only expensive though. :)