Beauty and Butter has various colors of Jennifer Lynn Gel Polish. After too much pondering, I finally decided to go for Turquoise.

The entire process was a bit longer than the normal polish. There’s the primer, the base coat, 2-3 coats of the colored gel polish, the top coat, and the drying process in between layers.

A machine emitting the UV light allows the drying of each layer.

It’s just amazing how I can do everything I want the moment the entire process is done. I don’t need to worry about my nails at all ‘coz it’s completely dry.

After 4 days in Boracay, there was no single chip! More than a week has passed and all sides, all tips are still intact. All I see is the growth of my nails; otherwise, everything’s perfect! In fact, I still have it on until here in my Palawan trip and it’s still as shiny as the first time it was applied!  :)

If you wish to have perfect nails for almost two weeks, go for gel nail polish! I swear by it, especially for special ocassions!

For my toes, I had a regular nail polish in almost the same color. I find it so “beach-perfect”! Haha!

Beauty and Butter is available at:
5/F SM Megamall Bldg. B – 470.4239
2/F SM Mall of Asia (Entertainment Wing) – 556.9383
2/F SM San Lazaro – 353.7576
2/F SM Cebu – 236.9133

By the way, I have an ongoing contest c/o Beauty and Butter. Be my spa date and let’s get pampered together! For more details, check out my giveaway post!

They launched the new Natural whitening range- B&W Pearly White UV (Natural White), B&W Lasting White UV (Papaya & Virgin Coconut Oil) and B&W Spotless White UV (Japanese Rice & Camellia Oil). They now have three times more whitening actives than previous formulations of Block & White intensive whitening lotions.

The first thing I noticed was its new sleek packaging.

When I squeezed a small amount of lotion on my hand, I already smelled their lovely fragrance. Each variant has its own particular scent. My personal favorite would be the Block &White Lasting White UV (Papaya & Virgin Coconut Oil). It has that sweet fruity scent, just the way I like it.

I loved it even more when I tried using it all over my body. I was hesitant at first since putting on lotion in our terrible hot and humid weather is least of my priorities. I know it’s not good, but I can’t take being uncomfortable the whole day. Lotion + Sun / Heat = STICKINESS! I’m not alone with this for sure. But just for the sake of testing the new Block & White, I tried applying generously all over my body. I was surprised how the lotion was quickly absorbed by my skin. It wasn’t sticky at all! It’s definitely one lotion that’s perfect for our hot climate!

If you’re looking for a light lotion that has whitening properties and sun protection, try out the newest Block and White Natural Whitening range. It would probably be the kind of lotion you’ve been searching for!

Block & White is available in leading department stores and supermarkets nationwide.

25ml: PHP 15.00; 100ml: PHP 64.00; 200ml: PHP 112.00; 350ml: PHP 180.00

Now, don’t you want to agree with me when I say summer is not yet over?! These colors from Caronia Tropical Doll collection are just sooo pretty to resist! Pretty much like the fruits they are named after, these colors are succulent-looking and are nothing short of summery: Kiwi (lime green), Tangerine (red orange), and Blueberry (true blue).

Kiwi

Tangerine

Blueberry

It’s definitely not too late to show how much of a Tropical Doll we are!

Caronia is available in all leading department stores, supermarkets, drug stores, and health & beauty shops nationwide. (SRP P33.25/ 8ml)

For more details, log on to www.caronia.com.ph or like Caronia Philippines on Facebook.

PRIZES AT STAKE:

6 interns will be selected for pre-finals to:

• Spend a 3-week immersion at Benefit (includes make-up training, sales and marketing, event planning).
• To walk the runway in the launch of the new lip gloss collection, Box ‘O Powder (see photo above) on June.

2 interns will be selected and get a 3-month internship and freebies from Benefit.

I know you want it ‘coz I want it too!!! LOL! Well, all you have to do is go to Benefit Cosmetics Greenbelt 5 from May 14 to 20 (1:00pm to 3:00pm) and shoot a makeup tutorial using Benefit’s cosmetic line. Makeup and video is on them, of course. You still have time to join!!!

More about the contest at Fashion Intern PH.

The bottle itself is already something to show off. It has the iconic Charriol raised steel cable sculpted around the bottle and a silver plate with the brand’s signature at the center. The bottle is topped with a multi-facetted jewel-like cap, accentuating the precious sophistication of this fragrance.

Its elegance doesn’t stop with its appearance. The top notes has that fresh, fruity and exuberant mix of blackcurrant and bergamot. The precious floral essences of violet absolute, lotus blossom extract and rose petals are at its core. Finally its base notes, amber, musk and cedar, give that mysterious and sensual trail.

Charriol’s lively, sensual and sparkling Show – Off perfume is for the seductive and extroverted woman! So ladies, it’s time to show off the real woman in us!

Show – Off, Eau de Toilette spray (100 ml – Php 5250 , 30 ml – Php 2950).

Charriol Show-Off is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corporation and available in all leading department stores nationwide.

Looks big? It has a width of 13.5 inches and height of 12 inches, BUT you would be surprised how light the material is when worn.

Imagine, having all these small and big brushes and makeup products feels like I only have a thin book on my waist. Seriously, I was surprised myself.

It has an adjustable belt, which can fit anyone.

The textured fabric looks luxe, but more than its appearance, I love how easy it is to clean. We know how hard it is to take off makeup stains, whether it’s powder, foundation, lipstick or eyeliner. With this material though, you just need wipes for the stains to quickly come off.

Now, the best part- you wouldn’t need to wish to be like an octopus whenever you have to carry a lot of makeup tools around. LOL! Charm Pro Makeup Artist Toolbelt has 20 slots for makeup brushes (one slot can fit 2 to 3 small makeup brushes or 1 big makeup brush) and additional slots and pockets for all your other needs- scissors, eyelash curler, tweezers, and even makeup!

In addition to all theses slots, there’s also a big pocket at the back where you can place more tools or even your palettes.

Another good use of a toolbelt is you can separate your dirty brushes from the clean ones. You can place all your clean makeup brushes in a brush case, while the used ones can stay in this toolbelt without having to worry about makeup stains on the fabric. Plus, with the huge flap, your brushes are ensured to stay in place inside your bag.

For those who aren’t into pink, it also comes in black. Of course, the kikay in me would always win- Pink it is!

Charm Pro Makeup Artist Toolbelt is available at Beauty & Minerals. As an introductory price, Charm Pro Makeup Artist Toolbelt is only PHP 999! Buy now before it goes on retail at PHP 1,200.

Also, Beauty & Minerals is having its Midsummer Sale until May 31, 2012. Head on to their website to see items on sale.

Truth About UV Rays

• The sun produces UVA & UVB rays that are harmful to the skin. More than 80% of the sun’s UV rays penetrate the earth’s atmosphere, even on cloudy days.
• UVA rays darken skin color as they penetrate deeply into the skin. Prolonged UVA exposure cause permanent damage on our collagen fiber, leading to wrinkle development and aging.
• UVB rays are known to cause sunburn. The skin surface reacts by becoming inflamed and freckled. Recent research shows that excessive exposure to UV rays may even lead to skin cancer.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the sunscreen index against UVB. The number indicates how many times the skin will be protected from getting burnt comparing to skin without any sunblock protection.

PA (Protection Grade for UVA) is an index measuring the effectiveness of a sunscreen lotion against UVA. The number of + indicates how many times the skin is protected from skin darkening.

PA+ provides 2-4 times protection against skin darkening.
PA++ provides 4-8 times protection against skin darkening.
PA+++ provides 8 times or more protection against skin darkening.

Now, here’s my review of SunPlay Sunblock. Take note that I tried on SPF 47 PA+++ Powdery White and SPF 50 PA+++ Clear Water for daily use, before my makeup. Then, I used SPF 130 PA+++ Super Block and SPF 65 PA+++ Watery Cool during my 4-day beach trip.

Product Information

The SunPlay Difference:

• Highest SPF for maximum sun protection. Lets you have 130x MORE fun in the sun!
• Watery Liquid Formulation
  o Japanese formula
  o Non-greasy, non-sticky
  o Feels as light as water.
  o Absorbs quickly into skin. Does not leave heavy white residue.
• Hypo-allergenic and won’t clog pores. Great for both face and body use.

I love them because…

• they’re travel friendly. The bottle is so compact, making it easy to slip inside my vanity bag.
• my skin doesn’t feel sticky, even right after sunblock application.
• they’re not greasy.
• they don’t feel heavy on the skin. It’s as if I didn’t apply anything on.
• they have unique water-like formula.

• they have different variants- SPF 130 PA+++ Super Block, SPF 65 PA+++ Watery Cool (for sports and outdoor activities), SPF 50 PA+++ Clear Water (for daily use), and SPF 47 PA+++ Powdery White (for daily use).
• they are safe to use for both face and body.
• they have clear finish. As expected, there is still white cast when using higher SPFs, but it’s far less compared to other sunblocks.

• they are easily absorbed by the skin.
• I didn’t get any allergic reactions, irritations or pimples.
• I find them really effective, especially the SPF 130 PA+++. I wouldn’t say I didn’t get dark, but considering my sun exposure during my beach trip, I should be really dark by now. Even my friend who tried out SunPlay SPF 130 PA+++ didn’t get dark too much. Also, we didn’t get any sunburn! Take note, we went cliff diving at 12nn until around 4:00pm!
• I can use them underneath my makeup, especially the SPF 47 PA+++ and SPF 50 PA+++.

  

I wish…

• they come in different sizes.
• they are economical to use. Since they have watery formula, I tend to use more product.
• they are cheaper. A small bottle (about 50ml) of SPF 65 PA+++, SPF 50 PA+++, or SPF 47 PA+++ costs PHP 349, while SPF 130 PA+++ is PHP 399.
• they have a non-scented variant. Some people with sensitive skin prefer unscented skincare products. It’s good to note though that their existing variants all have pleasant smell, without the usual “sunblock lotion” scent.

Application Tips

• Cleanse, tone and moisturize before applying sunblock on your face.
• Shake the sunblock bottle first before using.
• Squeeze product on your fingertips to easily control product usage.
• Spread the sunblock evenly on your skin. Make sure not to skip any part or you might end up having blotchy skin after sun exposure.
• Apply sunblock 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure that the lotion has completely been absorbed by the skin.
• Don’t forget to reapply sunblock every 2 hours.

Overall

SunPlay SPF 130 PA+++ Super Block and SPF 65 PA+++ Watery Cool impressed me. My friend and I used both in our 4-day beach trip. We barely got dark and we didn’t get any sunburn. Just to give an idea how much sun exposure we had, we walked along the shore under the heat of the sun and even went cliff diving from 12nn to 4pm!

I also love the fact that SunPlay Sunblocks aren’t sticky. They are comfortable to wear even for daily use. I can wear those with lower SPFs under my makeup since they have clear finish.

The drawback that can turn off some is the price. They are less than PHP 400, but they probably contain just about 2/3 of other sunblocks. But for a product that really works, I think it’s worth the price.

If you’re headed to the beach or any outdoor activities, I would strongly recommend SPF 130 PA+++ Super Block! It can be your ultra shield from the sun!

Before I end this post, SunPlay has an ongoing contest- Design your own surfboard! Get a chance to win a special SunPlay gift pack. Head over to their Facebook page for more details.

SunPlay is available in Watsons and SM Department Stores.

So, what is this scar solution I’m talking about?

Product Description

Hiruscar is a hypoallergenic non-greasy gel that helps lighten, smoothen and soften scars on both the face and the body. With its quick absorption rate, application is fast, hassle free, and is ideal for all skin types.

Ingredients: It has 6 natural ingredients namely Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, MPS, Allium Cepa Extract, Allantoin- that penetrates into your skin and helps improve and reduce scar visibility

Efficacy: Average scar healed is 93% at the end of 12 weeks. (Proof of Efficacy of Hiruscar from 34 experience users by Info Focus Company Thailand)

Application: Hiruscar can be used on depressed and raised scars that are caused from injury, accidents, burns, as well as pimples. For existing scars, massage gently unto healed wound 3-4 times daily. To protect against scar formation, massage gently unto the healed wound 2-3 times daily. Hiruscar is an effective solution to new and old scars of less than 2 years of age. Continual application will help scars to appear less visible, smoother and softer.

Here’s my review:

I love it because…

• it comes in a tube. It’s travel-friendly.

• it has a very light pleasant floral smell. This can be a turn off to some who prefer using unscented products on the skin.

• it’s in gel formula. No greasy feel. It’s very light, as if I didn’t put anything at all.

• the gel absorbs quickly on the skin. I don’t really need to wait for it to dry up.

• a little goes a long way. Just like any ointment, I don’t need to apply much on my scars.

• it’s surprisingly affordable for an anti-scar product. 5g tube is PHP 319; 20g tube is PHP 852. It’s definitely way, way cheaper compared to dermatologist’s laser sessions.

I wish…

• there’s no need to keep on re-applying. As seen in the directions above, there’s a need to apply the gel almost 3 times daily. This can be quite hard to do, especially when you’re not at home. There’s always that tendency to forget reapplication within the day.

Now, let’s get to the question that has been popping in your head- Does Hiruscar work?

I tested the gel on several scars for a week, but I’ll be documenting two specific scars- a newly formed scar on my ankle due to my carelessness and a friend’s battle scar from childhood that formed to a keliod. Here are photos of the two scars before applying Hiruscar and after continuous application for a week.

Ankle Scar BEFORE

Ankle Scar AFTER

Keloid BEFORE

Keloid AFTER

Overall

To cut the long story short, yes, Hiruscar worked! My newly formed scar on my ankle appears lighter and smoother now, while the keliod is a little bit smoother. As said earlier, these results were documented after one week of Hiruscar application 2 to 3 times daily. Obvious improvement can be seen with my newly formed scar. As for the keloid though, I initially thought there was no difference from what it looked like before. I was surprised to see the before and after photos that the surrounding wrinkled skin smoothen and flattened a bit. I haven’t seen any improvement on my stitches from my surgery and old, deep scars though, but it’s enough for me to know that there’s an anti-scar product that actually works now at an affordable price. With the results, I believe I just have to diligently use Hiruscar to at least lighten my existing scars. Take note though that I can’t vouch for complete scar removal with this product, but it can at least lighten and smoothen scars, based on my experience.

Hiruscar can be purchased in Mercury Drugstores, Watsons Pharmacy, and South Star Drugstores.

For more information, check them out at www.facebook.com/Hiruscar.ph

Just to give a quick background, ARTDECO was created in 1985 and it’s considered to be Germany’s no. 1 selective makeup brand. It’s present in Europe and all over the world.

ARTDECO stands for individuality that customers demand from a premium retailer, just as much as the exclusivity of high-priced international brands. ARTDECO symbolizes trends; it incorporates the trends faster than its competitors. This enables ARTDECO customers to obtain the newest must-have products at affordable prices at all times.

ARTDECO: 100% individuality & uniqueness made in Germany

Last week, I was invited to ARTDECO’s Beauty Bloggers Workshop held at Beauty Bar, Greenbelt 5. Carmen Reyes, a freelance makeup artist and instructor at Make-up Design Academy, demonstrated two makeup looks.

To introduce to us the newest addition of cosmetic brand in Beauty Bar, Carmen only used ARTDECO products. The beauty bloggers had a chance to test everything she applied on the model as most of them were laid out on our table. Obviously, we couldn’t stop trying and swatching them!

Carmen first did a day look with light green shadows.

From this day look, she intensified the eyeliner and smoked it out. She just added a few more dark shadows and she was ready for a night out in 10 minutes!

The next part of the workshop was creating the gorgeous red lips. I wasn’t able to take photos since yours truly was the model. Hehe! Carmen used a red lip liner to define my lips and brushed the High Performance Lipstick on top. She then sealed it with Magic Fix, ARTDECO’s version of lip sealer, for a more lasting lip color. The Magic Fix had a slight tingling sensation upon application, but it was gone in just a few seconds. From a natural lip color, I went out of Beauty Bar with this vavavoom red lips! Thank you, Carmen!

The difference of ARTDECO’s comeback, aside from its new home at Beauty Bar, is that their collection is now more complete. Just take a look all these!!!

Drool…

Now, for the question that has been popping in your head- “How much?” I would admit, the first time I saw ARTDECO’s poster outside Beauty Bar, I didn’t paid much attention to it. Why? I thought it was pricey. Hello, it’s Beauty Bar! Plus, it’s made in Germany! To my surprise and yes, good news to beauty addicts, ARTDECO has affordable price points! Unbelievable? Here are a few examples of their best sellers and favorites- Eyeshadow PHP 350; Eyeshadow Base PHP 450; All in One Mascara PHP 850; Long Lasting Liquid Liner PHP 825; and High Performance Lipstick PHP 895.

*Prices may change without prior notice.

So, expect some reviews of ARTDECO makeup soon!

ARTDECO is available in all Beauty Bar stores.

Caronia Nail Swirls is not your ordinary way of putting on nail polish. First, nail polish is not applied directly on nails using a brush and second, with this technique you can wear two to five nail polishes at the same time. Create your personalized statement nails in just 4 steps: Pick, Drop, Swirl, and Dip.

• Pick the nail polish colors you would like to use;
• Drop the colors alternately in a bowl of water, creating a bull’s eye image;
• Swirl the colors to your desired design, then
• Dip your fingers into the bowl to transfer the design onto your nails

I can’t wait to try it myself! When I get the time, I’ll be posting about it too.

* It is important to note that not all nail polish colors spread the same due to differences in colorant content that affects viscosity and the way it spreads on water. The key to master all techniques is practice.

Be a fan of Caronia’s Facebook page to join their ongoing promo. Click the Nail Swirl Madness Application tab to get a chance to win cash, hottest gadgets, Caronia products and a magazine feature! Promo runs from March 15 to May 31, 2012.

P.S.

On another note, my ever gorgeous and dear friend, Mrs. Martinez, just celebrated her birthday. Happy birthday, Michelle! Now, she’s extending her birthday blowout to EVERYONE! Yes, you read that right. She’s not just treating her family and friends! She’s giving away lots of huge prizes in her blog!!! Check it out HERE.