I've previously shared how I pack toiletries and cosmetics when I'm traveling. It might be weird to some, but it actually takes me ...

Travel makeup kit: September 2014

9:22 PM Joanna C. 2 Comments

I've previously shared how I pack toiletries and cosmetics when I'm traveling. It might be weird to some, but it actually takes me more consideration when it comes to figuring out what cosmetics to bring, as opposed to what clothes to pack. Is anyone else the same way?

It's very easy to overpack makeup and bring a bunch of things you don't end up using. I felt I was pretty successful with how I packed my makeup bag for a four-day visit to Manila in September, because I did end up using everything I brought. Here's what was inside my kikay kit for that trip (some items not in photo):


* Kiehl's Actively Correcting and Beautifying BB cream with SPF 50. Instead of bringing a separate sunscreen, moisturizer, and foundation, I hit three birds with one stone with this. I was really glad I had made sure to bring my BB cream with the highest SPF and good coverage, because it was so hot the weekend I was there.

* MAC Studio Fix powder foundation. I brought my highest-coverage and longest-wearing powder foundation so that it was easy for me to touch up throughout the day, without having to bring a separate foundation and finishing powder.

* MAC Studio Sculpt concealer. I also chose the longest-wearing one I own, because I knew I'd be out for most of the time I was there.

* Brow stuff. I took The Face Shop Design My Eyebrow pencil, Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Kit brow powder, and MAC Beguile brow gel. I could have brought only my Anastasia brow pomade to cover the functions of all three of these products, but it takes time and precision to apply. I knew I wouldn't have as much time to do my face in the morning before I headed out, and I was right. When you know you might be in a bit of a rush, bring your everyday makeup with you since you know your daily brow routine by heart. I also brought my can't-do-without Ever Bilena tweezers.

* NYX Cosmetics powder blush in Dusty Rose. I took just one in a pink shade that wasn't too bright, so that it would go with any eye or lip colors I brought, and in a long-wearing formula as well.

* NYC Sunny bronzer. I brought this one that I like to use everyday because it's matte and isn't too orange or too dark, just to give my face a bit of allover color and lightly contour my cheeks at the same time.

* MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush. I used this as a brow bone highlight. I also applied it after powder blush as a highlight on cheeks. Other times, I used it before powder blush to help it stay in place longer, which proved to be really helpful in Manila's heat, and gave a pretty glow at the same time. This is one of those products that I don't use nearly often enough, so I'm really glad I brought it on this trip.

* Eyeliner. I brought a liquid one in pen form (Rimmel), a black pencil (MAC Ebony), and a dark brown pencil (MAC Lord It Up). I wanted options for whatever mood I was in or what look I felt like going for.

* Small eyeshadow palette. I brought a limited edition one from the MAC Temperature Rising collection that has a taupe shade, gold shade, dark brown shade, and olive green for a bit of color that would complement the clothes I was bringing.

* Mascara and Shu Uemura eyelash curler. I brought along a travel-size Urban Decay mascara, because you don't need a full-size tube for four days.

* Lip products. This is the part where I tend to overpack. I brought Kiehl's #1 lip balm in Pear, Revlon ColorStay Matte balm in Standout (red), a Maybelline ColorSensational Lip Polish in Glam 2 (pink with a hint of coral), a red Victoria's Secret lip gloss, and MAC Rebel lipstick. I picked different colors and finishes that could cater to my mood (okay, moods!). Five lippies in four days isn't bad, especially because I sometimes have that many in my bag on a daily basis!

A version of this story was published in my column in SunStar Cebu on Friday, 26 September 2014.

To some people, the term “stem cell” may seem kind of taboo. I personally would not want something from animals injected into my system. Bu...

Stem cell facial at Lohas Skin and Slimming Center

6:25 PM Joanna C. 0 Comments


To some people, the term “stem cell” may seem kind of taboo. I personally would not want something from animals injected into my system. But I'm okay with non-invasive treatments, so I was interested to try out a plant-based stem cell facial.

Proper prep and labeling is a sign that you're in a higher-end establishment.
The syringes are NOT for injecting into the skin.

After cleansing and toning, cotton pads moistened with a clear solution were laid on my eyelids to protect them from a three-minute steaming session. This was followed by a special tool called a scrubber that helps to remove dead skin cells and unblock pores without using the rather painful pricking tool.

Interesting-looking, painless scrubber

Next, a rejuvenating gel was applied, followed by the plant-derived stem cell formula. A unique cooling machine was used to massage it into the skin for 10 minutes.

Cryocell machine, imported from Korea

Using this machine for cold electrophoresis helps the skin absorb serums and vitamins, without having to use injections. This was great for someone like me, who is wary of invasive treatments. The cooling machine feels like having an ice-cold metal ball massaged on the face; very invigorating, indeed.

Just when I thought my skin already got a lot of pampering, the stem cell was followed by a face mask full of natural vitamins. While it penetrated into my skin, I was given an arm and foot massage, which was nice for further relaxation.

What's cookin, good lookin? hahaha

With my combination skin, I looked pretty greasy right afterwards. When I woke up the next day, I didn't see a visible difference in my skin, but it was very smooth and supple to the touch. You may not see instant results with a treatment like this, but it's a good treatment to maintain radiance, softness and hydration from beneath the surface of the skin.

This type of facial is not recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin because the added oiliness may exacerbate problems, but it is ideal for those with dry or mature skin, as it is deeply nourishing and moisturizing. After the first treatment or over time, depending on the condition of your skin, stem cell diminishes fine lines, prevents wrinkles, and promotes cell renewal (a process that slows with age) to give that glowing look that signifies healthy, youthful skin.

I tried out the stem cell facial at Lohas Skin and Slimming Center on Paseo Saturnino, Banilad. It's a more upscale experience here with your own room, as opposed to being in one large room with dividers, in case privacy is an issue for you. Everything is very clean and quiet without overhearing other patrons, which is exactly how I prefer to have my treatments.

Private treatment room in Lohas Skin and Slimming Center.

All of their machines and products are brought in from Korea and their staff, like my therapist Jennylyn, are highly knowledgeable and know just how much pressure to apply during the treatment. The service, facilities and products used add up to a luxurious treatment session that makes one feel very pampered.

For inquiries, contact Lohas at 032-520-1381, 0916-439-6586 or 0943-273-5739.

A version of this story was published in my column in SunStar Cebu on Friday, 15 August 2014.

Is it just me, or does everyone seem to be getting haircuts lately? I recently realized that it had been six months since I had last gotten ...

Updating my hair

5:55 PM Joanna C. 0 Comments

Is it just me, or does everyone seem to be getting haircuts lately? I recently realized that it had been six months since I had last gotten my hair tended to. The ends had become dry, my color was faded and uneven. Six months is really too long not to get your cut and color attended to! I had to do something about it.

Silly "Before" pic showing the front and back of my hair. It looks dry even in the picture. Ugh.


Before

After

After

Cut
I get my hair cut by my home-service stylist, who is able to follow pretty much any hair peg I show him. This time, I wanted the “lob” or long bob that many Hollywood celebrities have been wearing. The length would remove my dry ends, but still be long enough to tie into a ponytail.

When you're getting your hair cut and you want a certain style, bring more than one photo to your stylist. Make sure to work with your natural hair texture so you don't damage your hair by having to blow-dry, straighten or curl it everyday.

My stylist cut the back of my hair in a soft U-shape, and gave me a few layers in the front. I also asked for some long bangs since I've been wearing my hair with a side part lately.

Color
I had been coloring my own hair at home with Etude House bubble dye for the past two years. It was cheaper and more convenient than spending hours sitting in a salon chair. I was kind of traumatized from the last time I had my hair professionally colored because the dye stung my scalp so much. But bubble dye, which is just shampooed on, is applied to your entire head at the same time. So my ends were already lighter from previous dye jobs, while the top of my head was darker where my hair had grown. I was getting a strange ombre effect, and my color was fading. I had chosen a dark brown dye the last time I colored it on my own, and yet the ends had lightened almost to blonde.

So I went to Skinzone Skincare with Salon and Spa at i2 in IT Park to let the pros manage my color. I discussed with the colorist what I wanted, which was to even out my color but still be a little lighter than my natural strands. She recommended Organique, a milder dye with less ammonia, and I was relieved that it did not sting my scalp at all. It felt cold and refreshing and took only about 40 minutes. The color was applied towards my scalp first where the hair was darker, and then on the ends where my hair was lighter, so that the color would be even. Despite the dye, my hair feels soft, not dry and almost crunchy like with previous dye jobs.

I definitely recommend Organique hair dye if you want to color your hair with less damage. Plus, it's only P1,000 for long hair, which is really affordable for a professional coloring job.

It's best to get your hair cut first before your color, not the other way around. Definitely do it in this order especially if you're getting highlights, so you know which parts of the cut you want to add dimension to.

If you want to inquire or make an appointment at Skinzone, give them a call at 032-238-2795.

Styling
My hair is a little bit shorter than I would have initially liked it, but I really needed to get rid of those dry ends. I'm happy with how it turned out. My “after” picture was after blow-drying so it looks quite straight, but of course I've shampooed since then. The cut and color are working well with my natural texture, especially when I use mousse and texturizing spray to bring out my waves.

A version of this story was published in my column in SunStar Cebu on Friday, 12 September 2014.

I don't go to the mall much unless I have actual plans, so I didn't know until I received the invitation from Zee Lifestyle that Kie...

Kiehl's Cebu Grand Opening

9:26 PM Joanna C. 0 Comments

I don't go to the mall much unless I have actual plans, so I didn't know until I received the invitation from Zee Lifestyle that Kiehl's was in Cebu. I was very excited about this! Kiehl's needs no introduction, since the brand has been around since forever and so many of their products have cult followings.

Kiehl's grand launch at The Gallery, Ayala Center Cebu

This was the night when the rain was so bad, it made headline news the following day and caused a lot of grief on social media. I'm glad I went early and was one of the first to arrive, avoiding the insane traffic. 

The event was very well-styled and had a fun, vintage Americana/New York vibe to it, complete with a classic car, and...

...a bagel station!

Yes, I love my carbs, so I was quite enamored by this pile of bagels with different kinds of spreads and cream cheese. I tried the caramelized onion and raisin cream cheese on one half, and the bacon and cheddar cream cheese on the other. Mmm.


I just have to include a shot of this adorable baby girl literally taking center stage while the big guns of Kiehl's, Ayala and Zee Lifestyle were being introduced!

After the event, everyone was led to the store itself, which is in the new wing of Ayala, beside the entrance of Zara that is across The Gap.



Some of their best-sellers

Special section for men, though I believe Kiehl's products are unisex.

The store is very brightly lit and I love the fun and welcoming vibe. There's a counter where you can sit down and have your skin consultation with one of their staff. 

Kiehl's goodies!

That's my stash of Kiehl's, some I purchased and some that were generously given. Admittedly, I have not used many Kiehl's products before except their lip balm (more about that here) and sunscreen, so I'm glad there's finally a store here where I can read every label that I want and pick up what I need right in the mall.

I also love that they give away samples. I feel like no store really does that except Sephora...which we don't have in Cebu.

So far, I have used the BB cream, Midnight Recovery concentrate and the hair conditioner, and I am loving them so far. I love that they use naturally-derived ingredients. Reviews will be up after I've had more time to use the products and see their effects.

Kiehl's products are pricey, but I feel they are worth it. Based on the products I've tried so far, you don't need much to get them to work - the Midnight Recovery concentrate, in particular, only needs two or three drops and I woke up with some crazy healthy-looking skin after just one use!

I'm not ashamed to admit, I still get so excited when I receive makeup or other beauty gifts. I recently got the new True Dimensions li...

Review and swatches: Mary Kay True Dimensions lipstick in Sassy Fuchsia and Citrus Flirt

9:25 PM Joanna C. 0 Comments

I'm not ashamed to admit, I still get so excited when I receive makeup or other beauty gifts. I recently got the new True Dimensions lipsticks from Mary Kay Philippines.


Mary Kay True Dimensions lipstick packaging

This was the first time I've seen lipstick packaging of this sort. I do like that the top is clear and it feels sleek in your hand. But you have to push down from the top, the tube drops halfway down, and then you pull it out to get access to the product. It's kind of strange and doesn't help the functionality. But I will forgive the packaging because I'm really enjoying the product itself. 


(L-R) Mary Kay True Dimensions lipstick in Citrus Flirt and Sassy Fuchsia


(L-R) Mary Kay True Dimensions lipstick in Sassy Fuchsia and Citrus Flirt


Lip swatch: Citrus Flirt


Lip swatch: Sassy Fuchsia


Citrus Flirt is a sheer tangerine, while Sassy Fuchsia is a true bright fuchsia. I was surprised that the color opacity on both was not the same. But both apply super smoothly, are very moisturizing on the lips, and do not slide around. They feel very similar to the Dior Addict lipsticks that come in a silver tube.

Citrus Flirt is nice for a sheer touch of color but does not wear very long on me. It has a glossier finish than Sassy Fuchsia. I think the sheer colors from this line are great if you prefer a subtle look or are still in your teens.

I am very impressed with Sassy Fuchsia because it gives full color payoff with just one swipe, and it lasted over six hours on me, including through coffee and lunch. Even when its subtle shine had worn off, it still left an even stain, no ring around the mouth. Dare I say it - the lasting power is much longer than those gorgeous but pricey Dior Addict lipsticks, for the same feel!

Both lipsticks leave your lips soft even after the color has worn off, and I experienced no feathering or clumpiness whatsoever. Sassy Fuchsia is definitely one of my current favorite lipsticks!

These lipsticks are P860 each. Mary Kay products have to be purchased through a Mary Kay beauty consultant. I can refer you to a friend of mine (just ask me), or you can visit their Cebu office on Escario Street, in the complex where East West Bank is. To see more of the color selection for these lipsticks, check it out on marykay.com.ph . They are also on Instagram @ilovemarykayph .

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