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.

I love every piece in this outfit.

My trousers is big enough for some air to get in. LOL! And of course, the color is sooo pretty!!! The style and material go beyond casual. Thank you, Unarosa!

I’ve been looking for a nice Aztec long blazer for quite some time now. Thanks Iya Misa for sending this! You’re an angel’s angel. LOL!

Browsing through her online shop was a torture! Haha! I spotted several lovely throw overs right away, until I settled for my final 2. It was a tough choice between a colorful one and this aztec blazer. Since I’ve been searching for a tribal-like cover up for quite some time now, I decided to go for it.

It’s actually made of medium weight jersey knit, great for those not-too-hot-not-too-cold days. The stretch material is very soft and comfortable to wear. It doesn’t crease, which is perfect to tote around even when traveling. It has been my favorite these days so as a warning, expect to see it in my next outfit posts to come. Hehe!

Loving this Aztec Blazer too? Check out Iya Misa’s online shop or her Facebook page. Oh, did I mention that they also have custom-made blazers? Yes, they do!!!

Now for night outs, this corset from Wacoal always saves my day! For those who have been reading my blog, I remember mentioning something about baring it all in this post? Ummm… here it is! LOL! This corset from Wacoal can be worn as an innerwear or as is. I just make sure not to wear it when I know I’ll be eating some good food. It’s designed to be really tight so I tend to feel so full all the time! So if you want to diet, corset is the way to go! Haha!

Aztec Blazer: Iya Misa
Corset: Wacoal
Pants: Unarosa
Wedge: Rubi
Bag: Chanel Grand Shopping Tote
Necklace: Anne Klein
Watch: Gucci

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.

To be honest, I was surprised when I was contacted to be part of Nuffnang’s featured blogger. I can’t believe it myself!!! Thank you to all your support and most especially, to my Nuffnang family! I feel so honored!

For those who haven’t seen the feature, check it out in THIS LINK. It’s time to get up close and personal. Haha! Seriously, you’ll know more about me and my blog.

Oh, and I guess by the time this is posted, I just finished my radio guesting at Mellow 94.7, The Wake Up Show! Sorry, I didn’t really announce since I was too shy! Hehe! I’ll be posting more about that experience soon.

Again, BIG BIG THANKS to all of you and to Nuffnang!

Bloggers United is staging their third bloggers bazaar this June 2 at the Grandview Events Place to once again gather Manila’s top fashion bloggers in one single venue outside of the World Wide Web. After holding two successful events last year, Bloggers United has easily become one of the most anticipated affairs for both fashion bloggers and readers in the metro.  More than just a bazaar, Bloggers United also partners with charitable groups to use and channel their influence in a positive manner.

Through the overwhelming power of social media and blogs in today’s generation, the previous Bloggers United events have successfully joined forces with top fashion bloggers like Laureen Uy, Camille Co, Kryz Uy and many more to inspire their followers and to raise funds for various beneficiaries,  namely KIDS Foundation and GMA Kapuso Foundation. This time around, the event will benefit Operation Smile Philippines.

The event gets better and better every time! To make Bloggers United 3 even more momentous, top Indonesian fashion blogger Anastacia Siantar of The Brown Platform will also be selling alongside Cebu fashion bloggers and our very own top celebrities Divine Lee & Sarah Meier.

So, if you love blog-reading and blog-hopping, Bloggers United is sure to be the perfect end-of-summer bazaar for you. Not only will you be able to bump elbows with your favorite bloggers at the event, but you will also be able to snag some of their own stylish statement pieces as they open their closets to sell to the public. Stay-up-to-date with the biggest gathering of bloggers by following us on Twitter (twitter.com/bloggers_united) and Facebook (facebook.com/bloggersunitedph), and bookmarking our official webpage (bloggersunited.org).

P.S. See you all there! I’ll be part of BU once again and I’ll be selling stuff too. If you missed BU 2, I tell ya, it was really awesome!!! Don’t let this day pass once again!!!

The collection features jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, bags and a trolley. With that being said, I’ll just leave you a video of Anna Dello Russo to explain more about the special collection of accessories for H&M.

Anna Dello Russo’s H&M collection is available from October 4, 2012, at the peak of the global fashion weeks tour, in around 140 stores worldwide and online.

It’s one of my fave colors- Tangerine Tango! Despite the summer heat, I didn’t hesitate to wear a light blazer. It’s bright, anyway!

I was also wearing a sheer lace blouse inside so I just find it appropriate to use a cover up.

Check out who wants to have a picture! It’s not his/her first time here in my blog. He/She had his/her photo taken too before, as seen in my sheer and romantic outfit post.

Blazer: Lush Angel
Lace Blouse: vintage from my Aunt
Shorts: H&M
Bag: Chanel Medallion Tote
Wedge: online
Necklace: Primark
Watch: Michael Kors
Belt: vintage from my Aunt

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

Beauty and Butter was the one responsible for my last two lovely nail arts, Jamaican Summer Nails and Fiercely Sweet Nails. They’re good, right?! So, let’s??? I’m picking 3 winners to go with me! Here’s how to join:

1. Be a fan of lushangelblog on Facebook AND follower of @lush_angel on Twitter.

2. Be a fan of Beauty & Butter on Facebook AND follower of @beautynbutter on Twitter.

3. Share this giveaway on Twitter and tag 3 of your friends. Tweet as many as you like!!! Don’t forget to tag me and Beauty & Butter too, as seen below.

“PLS RT: Win a spa date with @lush_angel at @beautynbutter. Join here: http://bit.ly/JU9y89 @friend1 @friend2 @friend3″

4. Comment on this post why you want to go on a spa date with me at Beauty & Butter.

For those who experience problems posting a comment, please e-mail me at admin@lushangel.com. I’ll be the one to post your answers in the comment section.

Reminders:

• Giveaway will run until June 8, 2012 (Friday).
• I’ll be choosing 3 winners based on the answers, so make it kikay and entertaining as possible. You can have as many answers as you want – as long as they’re unique!
• Make sure to do all the four steps above to count your entry/ entries.
• Each winner can avail of PHP 1,000 worth of services done at Beauty and Butter.
• Promo is limited to Metro Manila Residents only. Take note that Beauty and Butter branches are in SM Megamall, Mall of Asia and SM San Lazaro.
• Once I’ve identified the winners, we’ll schedule the spa party together. If time doesn’t permit, I can just give the PHP 1,000 gift certificate so you can claim your service at your own free time. BUT, let’s try the spa party please??? I’d love to meet YOU!!!
• Winners will be announced here in my blog.

Share the love!

xoxo,
Lush Angel