No 'Poo Hair Care

My hair and scalp went haywire and this was due to an overabundance of chemical buildup on my scalp from chemical treatments, residues, as well as dirt and sweat. Aside from dry, parchy hair, my scalp was in an embarassing state of flaking and I would see some red, irritated patches. It would also itch and sometimes, I would see rough eczema patches on my left ear and my neck. I planned to color my hair for the Holidays but with my hair in this situation, hair color might make it worse. So just like being supersaturated with the toxicity of social media that we unfollow, my hair had to go on forced detox.

This detox didn't mean that I should stop washing my hair because that would be gross. So what to use to clean my hair? DIY 'poo-free shampoo, meaning a shampoo that's free of sulfates, silicones, and all these chemicals my hair is already quota na with. You can make your own shampoo with a few things. Some of them can even be found in your own kitchen such as apple cider vinegar, olive oil, VCO, water (distilled), baking soda, lemon juice, etc. As natural as it can get with ingredients that are easily pronounced and uncomplicated.

For my DIY chemical-free shampoo, I googled recipes with ingredients that are not hard to find. I found a recipe that uses castile soap. Since castile soap would be too harsh for my colored hair, I found another soap/shampoo base alternative - Coconut Oil soap, which I purchased from Naoe, a local online shop that sells raw materials to make your own DIY home and body care products. Coconut oil soap can both be used as soap/shower gel and shampoo. The ingredients for this soap base are just water, coconut oil, and vegetable glycerin.

Naoe essential oils  for my DIY products, prouldy local

To make my no 'poo shampoo smell better, I use essential oils, which made my hair product (and other things I can make on my own) smell better and more spa-like Even before essential oils became a thing, I've been using them just in my air purifier or burning them in my oil burner (I got one as a wedding favor from a wedding that I did many years ago). It was mostly for aromatherapy really but I didn't know these oils had awesome uses aside from smelling good. Naoe also has essential oils (starting at Php 180) but you can also purchase essential oils from Ilog Maria, which is also the same that they use to make their soaps.

DIY shower gel ingredients

The procedure to make this is simple. All I had to do was combine coconut oil soap base, almond oil (or jojoba oil) for moisture,  lemon EO, rosemary EO, and peppermint EO (peppermint feels so good and soothing on my scalp. Not to mention I smell like a Christmas candy cane after). Topped this with distilled water and gave it a good shake and I'm ready with my shampoo. I sometimes follow up with an ACV rinse (a 1:1 ratio of apple cider vinegar and distilled water) to balance the pH of my scalp. If there's no ACV, a squeeze of lemon or juice from two calamansi would do the trick just fine. I actually prefer the latter because the ACV smell still lingers even though very mildly.

We can purchase bottles to store our DIY care from Beabi, True Value, or The Oil Lifestyle. The Oil Lifestyle also has mini funnels (Php 18 for a pack of 2) if you would want to make small batches of these products. 

going hipster with pastel labels

A little over a week into this and I've noticed that my scalp does not itch even if I didn't wash it in the morning. There's no more eczema on my hairline and ear and the flakes slowly disappeared as the days went on. My hair doesn't have that gross "hasn't been washed" smell or feel. I do not itch after a workout, even a sweaty Corewell session. Also, less hairfall when I brush or blow dry my hair.

a literal I-woke-up-like-this look daily

There's one con to this DIY product though: How my hair feels. It may smell really great and my scalp and ears are so behaved but my hair was in a state of stickiness. I thought I totally murdered my hair at the expense of my scalp but when I googled about it, it was actually a period of my hair detoxing and going through a withdrawal phase from all the chemicals it has been used to -all the silicon coatings, the chemical buildup, and my scalp producing more sebum than it should thinking my hair is so dry. It does go away though.

To make me look less like Professor Snape, I periodically brush my hair to redistribute the oils so they don't get stuck at the roots. This made my hair look smoother and shinier instead of taong grasa waves. Blowdrying in a cool setting also helps it "set" better after a shower. If I still look horrible, I just tie my hair and no one notices my roots.

I didn't have that "detox" period on my skin though as my skin loved the DIY shower gel. It was great for a nighttime bath since I scented it with lavender, ylang ylang, and frankincense. My hair rebelled though when I used it as a shampoo but this is my chemical-dependent hair still undergoing a detox.

The fun part though was making other things from the raw materials. I made my own linen spray when I ran out of linen spray (a mix of witch hazel, lavender, and distilled water) which also served as a dusting spray and since these are so mild ingredients, I used them also to tame my greasy hair.

A DIY spray for home and even hair

I also noticed that my hands do not crack as much with these DIY home care products or do my nails break like crazy from harsh chemicals (I do wear gloves just in case). Since I have pets, I steer clear of EOs that are not good for pets and give a good rinsing on  surfaces and keep my materials away from them. I also make sure that I do not use phototoxic oils on surfaces that would be exposed to sunlight. Caution should always be exercised and if an oil is not safe due to allergies or whatever, it's best to stop using it.

I do would like to continue using DIY skin and home care, even the DIY shampoo. The shampoo though isn't for me to do so forever, but I can use it on the occasion that I would want to go on a detox. I can continue on using my DIY home care, knowing that linen and dusting sprays can cost so much money when I can make something on my own.  I should also remember to make small batches since these, being freshly made in my own kitchen usually do not last longer in storage than commercial products. I can try mixing different blends too, to match my mood. Any blends for me to try out?


Store Directory

Beabi
www.beabi.com.ph; facebook.com/ilovebeabi; instagram.com/ilovebeabi

Ilog Maria
www.ilogmaria.com; 

Naoe
available at Retail lab Glorietta and Ayala at the 30th and The Park, Shangri-La Plaza
www.naoe.ph; facebook.com/naoe.ph; instagram.com/naoe.ph

The Oil Lifestyle
facebook.com/oilifestyle; instagram.com/oilifestyle/

Ever Heard of a Brazilian Facial?

I've been getting Brazilian waxes done professionally for years now and I've gone from hot wax to cold wax to warm wax and now I settle for hot wax. For me, this one is the one that's less painful because the wax preps up your pores and relaxes them a bit so that whole hair removal process isn't super excruciatingly painful. If you go to the right waxer, it will be done well.

Brazilian waxing has been so popular nowadays. I actually prefer it because it's cleaner and more comfortable. I don't have to also worry much when I'm at the beach, swimming at the pool, doing pole, practicing yoga, or even teaching yoga with like hair peeking out from my swimwear or tiny pole shorts. It's just so perfect now that these super sexy 90s French cut swimsuits are coming back in fashion. Actually, sexier swimsuits and all-year-long swimwear weather that gives us excuses to wear shorter clothes are not the ones that constantly evolve. Even waxing has evolved to different styles. You can choose to leave a small landing strip or have a shape, or add bling like Jennifer Love Hewitt did, and even add-ons to care for your intimate area.

Each month is not complete without a visit to my favorite Strip branch

I recently tried new add-on to your waxing experience a few weeks ago at Strip: Ministry of Waxing. I've been going to them for around 5 or 6 years now since my friend introduced them to me as super fast, hygienic, and most importantly, virtually pain-free. I recommend them to anyone getting waxed for the first time ever or to anyone who wants a very good waxing experience. Their different yummy-scented waxes also have different purposes - chocolate for coarse hair, cucumber for extra TLC for the skin, and lemon for whitening and brightening. They also have other add-ons to prevent ingrown hair, soothe waxed skin, and slow down hair growth to make your waxing experience better.

Anyway, what I did try is their Brazilian facial, which just like their waxing, is fast and pain-free. It's kind of weird when you say Brazilian facial since it's not exactly done in the face and it's done in a part where it's not usually seen. However, just as we take care of the skin on our face, arms, legs, whatever, we also should care for the skin in our intimate area. Tight clothing (skinny jeans, leggings, stockings, and the tight, malfunction-free pole shorts we have), exercise, sweat, and dirt can contribute to darkening of the skin, ingrown hair, acne, and discoloration. No matter how sexy your shorts or bikini cut is, the discomfort of ingrown hair and acne plus the dyahe of discoloration in your bikini line can really affect your confidence. I cannot stress as well on bacterial buildup, which can lead to infection. So just as we clean the skin on our faces and do our monthly waxing, we should also take care of the skin down there.

 A Brazilian facial typically takes around 30 minutes and this involves a non-invasive exfoliation to remove dirt while delivering a pharmaceutical-grade solution that caters to a specific need.  I had this done right after my waxing, in fact (this service is called Wax and Polish). The machine for the Brazilian Facial looks like this.

With that machine, comes a wand (shown below), which deposits the solution. This solution treats a specific skin concern such as dull skin, acne, ingrown hair, and dry skin. The wand has a suction action kind of like the vacuum apparatus therapists use when giving regular facials. The suction effect stimulates blood circulation as well as remove dirt. The solution didn't sting at all and practically felt like water. For those with painful derma facial experiences, you need not fret with this as with regards to pain.

This wand gives a new meaning to "Lumos!" as it whitens and brightens dull and dry skin and decreases pigmentation

I kinda let the skin absorb the solution first before getting dressed so the skin gets all the benefits of the solution. When I asked when I could usually get this procedure done, monthly is usually recommended (you can even include it with your monthly Brazilian waxing). Results can vary depending on the skin type and actual condition of the skin. Due to me wearing compression pants, pole shorts, and yoga pants, which are quite tight on an almost daily basis, I'm quite prone to ingrown hair growth. This month, I didn't see those bumps much as I used to, If  you're the type of person who loves wearing jeans or if you're super conscious with your bikini area you may want to include this in your monthly waxing.

Aside from your intimate area, this procedure can also be done in your underarms, elbows, kness, belly, and even the buttock line, which can often be neglected. So go ahead and flaunt that bum with the squats you worked hard for in those cheeky shorts or bikini bottoms for a #SundayBumDay IG photo.

work on that perfect #SundayBumDay photo with squats, leg day, and proper skin care

Brazilian facials aren't just there to be sexy or have an excuse to wear sexy bikinis or one-pieces or wear those cheeky shorts which are becoming quite popular. They're there to help us care for our skin better, not just the skin that's exposed. This helps prevent bacterial infection and discomfort, and those stuff are definitely not sexy not to mention they're so much hassle because of the discomfort, the medicines, and so on.

This is probably the best #pdmachinegun I ever did because my knees are locked and my feet didn't sickle. I am smiling but that doesn't mean that I'm not in pain. Pula na balat ko guys! Maybe teaching those two hip opening sequences got me in splitty form. I pity my myotherapist tomorrow. #fitmua #flexifirst #powerful2016 #happyhips

A photo posted by Bambi De la Cruz 🐱🐯 (@bambikitty) on Jul 17, 2016 at 11:37pm PDT

The lighter, smoother bikini and buttock lines can also build confidence when doing those splitty and straddle-y pole tricks in a performance or competition or even if you're like me, the yoga teacher wearing the tiny pole shorts who does super deep hip openers.

Willing to try this new service at Strip? Then book an appointment with them by calling the Strip: Ministry Of Waxing branch near you.

Photo Credit:
SundayBumday photo by Dix Perez

A Tour Inside The Pond's Skin Institute

If you have been in Bonifacio High Street recently, you may have seen a building in front of Halal Guys amd Fully Booked, which I posted in my Instagram account.

Ponds helps us take good care of our skin and the newly-opened Ponds Institute here at Bonifacio High Street gives us access to great skin care especially now that we have to be conscious about aging. The institute offers derma consultation and skin analysis so we know how to take care of our skin better. #theskinexpert #pondsinstitute

A photo posted by Bambi De la Cruz 🐱🐯 (@bambikitty) on Feb 4, 2016 at 8:41pm PST

That's the Pond's Institute, your one-stop guide to every Filipina's skin care needs.

I had the chance to visit this place last week so I dropped by after work to check it out and let me share what's inside.

I may not wear a lot of white (#MUAproblems) but I appreciate white interiors in workplaces. White walls and floors light up the place quite nicely (perfect for photo-ops) and naturally and it gives a pristine appearance. If ever I had a makeup studio, expect a lot of white in it (with accents of black, red, and leopard print).

The first step was to have my skin analyzed with the skin analyzer. The skin analyzer is super accurate. It works even if you're wearing makeup, but I removed my makeup just in case for this because I wanted super clean results.

After that, a Pond's Skin Expert would recommend you the Pond's line that's perfect for you, based on your skin analysis and your lifestyle. Pond's has a whole range of products addressed to specific skin conditions and we of course want to have what's good for us.

What are these mirrors for? To find out the BB cream that's right for you, of course. The BB cream is the answer to every busy Filipina who wouldn't want to bother with a full face of products but would want to have a flawless face - it's skin care and makeup in one. It also contains sunscreen to combat both UVA and UVB rays. It also has the consistency of a tinted moisturizer instead of the super thick "paint-like" consistency of the BB creams of the past.

I've been swimming again recently as an added sport for arms and back day and since I'm still in peak season, I've been shortcutting my skin care so I guess I need a bit of help in the dryness/roughness and UV spots department. My skin age still matches my real age, though.  Of course, having my skin age younger than actual would be better. The line recommended for me is the Pond's Age Miracle line.

The Pond's Age Miracle line contains anti-ageing ingredients as well as boosts collagen production and can make the skin look up to 10 years younger. This was the line recommended to me.

As of the moment, my current facial wash at night is the Pond's Age Miracle Face Wash, which is non-drying for my skin. I guess it's time to try the rest of their line soon.

The selling area contains the Pond's products should you wish to purchase anything. Aside from popular ranges like the White Beauty and Pond's AcneClear Face Wash, it contains the ever-so-classic Pond's Cold Cream, which still remains a favorite makeup remover and cleanser for longtime fans at the end of the day.

As a makeup artist, I know very well the importance of beautiful and clear skin, which I always emphasize in most of my posts. If you want to jumpstart your way to beautiful skin and would want Pond's to help you with the journey, then feel free to drop by the Pond's Institute at Bonifacio High Street in BGC. They are located in front of Fully Booked/Halal Guys and facing Serendra. The Pond's Institute would be here up only until June 4, 2016.

What's in my Gig Makeup Bag? L'Oreal Revitalift Laser x3 Total Care

If the fountain of youth existed, I would be climbing hills and mountains lugging pails and bottles and filling them up with the clear liquid that would make me look young forever, or as my friend said, make me seem that I have vampire genes. In real life, however, we deal with ageing.

I didn't mind this when I was much younger, and I actually avoided anti-ageing products. It was also the fact that they somehow didn't agree with my skin back then. My classmate from makeup school said that my body probably didn't need it yet and the formulation of an anti-ageing product would be too much for my early 20's skin. I started using anti-ageing products when I reached my late 20s, from my cleanser to my facial wash and my classmate was right because then, skin was now more tolerant to the products. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, I am glad that for years, I still had the same skin quality with hardly any visible signs of ageing. In fact, when I had my skin analyzed, I had no wrinkles, no excess oil, and normal pores. Healthy skin!

Ageing is a natural occurence that happens to anyone. Exposure to free radicals, stress, pollution, makeup, and even poor health habits can actually hasten our ageing process. Eventually, I know that I won't have this same skin quality when I'm much older. But it doesn't mean since it's inevitable I'll just be lax. I can delay the process too! Also, even if I have a healthy diet and teach and practice yoga, there are factors also that can contribute to signs of ageing. I live in the city, so I get exposed to pollution. I can't wear sunscreen all the time since I might be training that day and also I may slip. Since my other job tells me to wear makeup, my skin gets exposed to minimal tugs and forces, so I should really be very careful.

In my pro bag, I carry basic skincare that's safe for all skin types. I  carry organic or hypoallergenic products, since I can use this for various clients with different skin types. Aside from that, I also carry an anti-ageing product. Last month's Stellar summer, where I did makeup, I used the newest skin care from L'Oreal - The Revitalift Laser x3 Total Care

It actually sounds like a mouthful, but it really isn't super complicated. This sleek bottle contains an oil-in-water emulsion that feels light on the skin and is easily absorbed. The smell is pretty much quite tolerable and when I used this alone, I'm glad that my face stayed shine-free and less slick and slippery even at the middle of the day. This also acts as a sunblock, as this contains SPF 27 PA+++. Also, will the high SPF cause a flashback on flash photography? The answer is no. None of the people I used this to had a white flashback and I didn't have also a white flashback myself when I took a photo, so it's perfect for a photo-heavy event during the day when you know that you'll be exposed to sun. For beach weddings or outdoor receptions, this can be your best bet for the moms of the brides and the brides. When to use? ideally in the morning, before you go to work. And you also need probably just a pea-sized amount before using, so one Php 1499 bottle has a long way to go. I like massaging the product onto the skin. It boosts circulation and gives the skin a glow from within. Plus it feels really good! The sleek red packaging looks great too on my display for BTS shots.

This product is already available in Department stores.

Review: Cure Natural Aqua Gel

Another why-did-I-just-learn-to-love-you-sooner item to add to my list is the Cure Natural Aqua Gel. Cure Natural Aqua Gel has been around for quite some time already. In fact, it's quite popular in Japan with one bottle sold for every 7.5 seconds. A lot of Bellas love it.  It has only been recently that I got to try it after I received a sample from our BDJBox Makeup Party. I know, I know, it's quite late that I did because honestly, shame on me because there are quite a number of guys I know who use this.

image source

This bottle isn't a cleanser or a moisturizer, but it's just as important as the two because it's an exfoliating gel. Our skin tends to get dull because of the buildup that we do not see on the surface- the dead skin, dirt, and grime. The dead skin doesn't just make our skin look dull, but it actually blocks out the good things that our skin needs, such as moisturizer or lotion. 

Dirt, grime, and oil are taken care of in the cleansing part but for dead skin, we need exfoliation to do that. Traditional exfoliation (i.e. scrubs) uses rough surfaces (like files and abrasive surfaces) or  particles(seeds, grains, salt, or sugar) to help slough off dry and dull skin. For sensitive skin, this can cause a lot of redness and irritation. Cure on the other hand, if you look at it, is super clear. No grain or bits.

It is also preservative-free, artificial fragrance-free, coloring-free, and mineral oil-free.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel should be used on skin that has just be cleansed. So here's my guinea pig - the back of my hand - which has been cleansed. I use just a pump for this. I then rub the product gently in  a circular motion for 30 seconds. I stress on the gently part. Be kind and don't use any pressure. Your face is not a floor. 

As you rub, you will see white (or gray) bits and particles. These are actually the dry, dead skin which has been dulling your complexion and later on blocking your pores.

Rinse and look! smoother skin! Now proceed with your skin care. 

I personally prefer using this at night, and I only do so twice a week, just to rid my skin of gunk, because I don't want to overdo it.  

Why I like it:

• It works. My skin feels a lot smoother after, And moisturizer seems to seep through it more.
• Gentle. It's great for sensitive skin. No sting. No redness.
• No smell. It's too hot for heavy scents.
• No scratchy particles.
• Environment-friendly. We all know how the microbeads are actually very harmful to the environment. This one has no microbeads to clog our waterways. What washes out is just your dead skin.
• Bang for your buck. A bottle lasts for an average of 4 months.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel may also be used on rough patches, not just on the face. I used this on the soles of my feet to get rid of the dry skin since I'm barefoot most of the time. I also use these on my cuticles to get rid of the hangnail-causing dry skin. Use this on the bikini line and underarms to get to be bare-it-all confident in your beach trip.

Cure retails for Php 1500 and is available at  Rustan's (Shangri-La, Makati, and Alabang) and at Beauty Bar. Like Cure Aqua Gel in Facebook to get more updates or follow them in Twitter and Instagram.

Beauty Tips for the Busy Lady From Ponds.

A beauty routine need not be complicated. Just last Saturday, I attended an event where Cheska Garcia-Kramer shares with us her beauty secrets that are quick and simple. Cheska started out in the 90s as a teenybopper star and now, she not only is an actress but she is also a model, designer, and a mom of three children. She is a hands-on mom and she describes how she takes good care of her family. However, as she takes care of her family, she never forgets to take care of herself and it could definitely be seen by her glowing skin with very minimal makeup.

Although I'm not a mommy to humans, I could still learn a thing or two from her tips. I wear a lot of hats - makeup artist, yoga teacher, cat mom (yes, it's a hat. taking care of pets is not an easy task), pole dancer, the list goes on. On a normal day, I'm not really into the whole 2 hours of hair and makeup kind of thing (I save that for special events or shoots), especially for everyday and more so in today's weather. However, there is a need to take good care of your skin and to look just a bit better. I emphasize on the skin. We should take good care of our skin too, because no matter how expensive the makeup is, if the skin is in bad condition, how will the makeup still look good? Also, with good skin, there's less to cover, less makeup, less sticky feels.

Here are some tips I learned in simplifying my morning routine:

Have your makeup kit ready and organized with your essentials

We have our big baul of makeup that stores our palettes and magic tools. On a normal day however, let's stick to the essentials and keep this in a smaller kikay kit ready for us to use. An eyebrow pencil, lip and cheek tint, eyeliner, mascara, lash curler, a few bright lipsticks, BB cream/tinted moisturizer and powder are all you need to look just a tad better. Sneak in a few brushes (clean of course!)  It's summer still. Go have fun.

Get that checklist and tape it where you can see it.

#ChekasChecklist is all the tutorial you need on a busy day. It's simple and fast and gets the basics covered. One thing about Cheska's super fast and super efficient makeup tutorial is that she really stresses a lot on brows. Brows are what frame the face. In one shoot I did, the designer client also noted how the brows change the entire face. I personally prefer using my favorite trusty eyebrow pencil (Shu Uemura hard 9 formula) to give my brows some shape and definition. They even last an hour of pole class and a quick ashtanga workout.

For beginners, I would recommend what Cheska used here, which is brow powder or a nice matte brown eyeshadow that's a step lighter than the head hair color.

Caring for your skin is as simple as 1-2-3!

Clients would know me as aside from being very OC with brows and blending, I really have to start makeup with clean skin. Either tell my model or client to get their face washed or I would cleanse it myself using facial cleansing cloth or makeup remover and Evian water (wiped with facial wipes). Toner and then moisturizer come next and we don't have to put a lot.

Pond's  Age Miracle Cell ReGEN Day Cream is a non-sticky facial moisturizer

We just need a pea-size amount. The best way to apply moisturizer is to massage it to the face in an upward motion because this will counter the downward moment of sagging (one tip I learned). The massage also boost circulation and creates a glow from within.

Pond's Age Miracle BB Cream is a primer, foundation, concealer, and sunblock in one awesome tube.

 A layer of BB cream protects the skin and enhances its glow. Pond's BB Cream has SPF to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun and it's tinted so it also acts as a foundation evening out the skintone. I also like that it's light enough and perfect for warm climates. Now do your makeup and you're finished! Not hard!

Looking good doesn't have to be hard, and no matter how busy we are, we should always take time to take care of ourselves, because it's something we owe to ourselves and keep ourselves balanced, mom or not.

The Bare Minimum Look with Ponds

Even if I studied makeup and how to apply it the professional way, it's quite ironic to know that nowadays, I feel most comfortable makeup-free, or at least with eyebrows and lipstick (and the lipstick at sometimes can be optional). I remember back then when I thought less was ugly and more was fab. Name it - colorful eyeshadows (I hated browns and neutrals then), smoky eyes, a full face of foundation and two hours of makeup. When it was a shock for me to be makeup-less many years ago, right now, people do a double-take when I actually have production number level makeup on. Because really, who has the luxury of two hours and the hassle of setting up things and packing them back up when there's so much things to do?

I think the makeup gods heard me when I attended a Beauty Trends Talk yesterday led by beauty expert Agoo Bengzon. Guess what? This season, the look that is in is - the bare minimum look or no-makeup look, or what we called in makeup school as the Ponds look. Okay, that flawless face we see in TV is actually a face full of makeup applied by a makeup artist who applied that thick layer of makeup artfully in such a way that the face looks absolutely flawless (and lights, softboxes, the whole shazam). There is, however, a way to recreate that same look without having to hire a glam squad. The best thing I like it is that it's fast and it uses multitasking tools that do not take up a lot of space in our gym bags, handbags, or travelling bags. To sum it up, it's like a better version of yourself with no makeup. Since it doesn't take a lot of time and makeup kit real estate, you have more time to do other things, like have an extra cake or go ahead and fix your hair.

Multitasking tools are probably one of the best inventions in makeup world. Makeup noobs will love it and so do people who hate bringing a lot of things.

A BB cream acts as a moisturizer as well as makeup primer or tinted moisturizer. Back during the day when BB creams were appearing left and right, I really steer clear from them because the formulation was super thick, almost like a foundation and most of the super potent formulas look and feel more like a mask. I'm glad that local brands like Ponds came up with a BB cream that has a lighter formulation on the face with a non-oily finish. I used it this morning on my way to a shoot and I was quite impressed that it looked like a better version of my skin instead of foundation or a mask. Tip: massage the BB cream onto the face, giving your face a mini-massage to boost circulation and give skin a glow.

Lip and cheek tints give you some color so we look alive, especially since I tend to get pale-looking if I'm in my non-tanned skin color. Bobbi Brown Art stick in Rose Brown is a neutral rosy color that glides on the lips in a sexy matte color (a la Kylie Jenner) and can also be used on the apples of the cheeks as well.

After lightly powdering the T-zone and oil-prone areas, You may go ahead and do your eyebrows or if you still have time, lightly sweep the lids with your eyeshadow. Inglot;s Rainbow eyeshadow is a 3-in-1 pan with 3 shades that you can use together without taking up a lot of space in the teeny makeup bag or the hassle of carrying a lot of eyeshadow pots. This particular palette can also double as blush too.

Busy ladies who need to have pretty polished nails minus the chips despite doing a lot of work can finish off with gel polish, which gives shiny nails sans chips up to 2 weeks or until you cry because you want to take it off,

Of course the skin itself should be taken good care of before and after (most especially after) makeup. I always emphasize on skincare because good skin is the perfect base for makeup, whether it be that full glam-on face or the relaxed everyday makeup for going out. Ponds launched yesterday the newest addition to their skincare line - the Ponds Pearl Cleansing Gel.

I am recommending this to those with extremely dry and/or sensitive skin because this really cleans the face when I tried it. Most people with dry or sensitive skin tend to get that tight, stingy feeling after they wash their face. For those who wash their face with regular bath soap, they feel this too. While the tight and tingly feeling may feel oh-so-nice and clean, it actually means stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Although some opt to just clean their face with water, this still does not feel clean enough. This gel cleans the face so you get the nice clean feeling without the stingy, dry feeling after. This feels lighter than the other Ponds facial washes that I'm familiar with, especially those formulated for oily and acne-prone skin.

The cost is also light on the pocket (100 g for Php 155 and 50 g for Php 85. You can take the 50g with you on the gym and you still have extra space in your bag). This will soon be available on March but if any one of you would like to be one of the first to try the Pond's Pearl Cleansing Gel, log on to Zalora on February 20 . If you are on of the first 100 shoppers, you will get this with free shipping.

My Take on Elizabeth Arden Visible Whitening Line

As of this moment and to help my skin get Stellar-ready (at least the skin on my face), I am using Elizabeth Arden's Visible Whitening skincare line, the newest breakthrough regimen-based skincare for whiter and brighter skin, which is already in all Elizabeth Arden counters here in Manila now. For me, who tans and swims and walks around Ortigas and Fort at high noon from errands, this helps in evening my skin tone. I really wouldn't want to call it whitening that I'll be like part of the cast of Twilight. Realistically speaking, the fairest I can go is just up to the skin on my inner arm. It's more of evening up the skin and making it look brighter and better, even without makeup.

Elizabeth Arden is a brand I'm familiar with. I've been a recipient of their makeup GWPs from relatives who would give them as gifts when I started using makeup. Also, I'm a fan of the Green Tea fragrances and I always recommend it to clients and friends who want a light, fresh, and clean scent. Aside from their familiar favorite fragrances Green Tea, Pretty, Pretty Hot, 5th Avenue, and Red Door, they are also known for skin care and even including skin care in their makeup products, such as ceramide lipsticks.

The Visible Whitening skincare line controls melanin production (melanin is what is responsible for those dark spots we get from ageing and lifestyle) while enhancing the skin's ability to reflect light. It's got licorice root, vitamin C derivatives, and SpectraBright to help control melanin production. For the instant effect of brightening like we're naturally flawless like that, pearl powder, mica, silicone, and pigment plus - get this - diamond powder reflects light giving that instant radiance boost. With or without makeup, we've got glowing skin. Glowing not like a discoball but glowing like flawless glowing.

There's a whole lot of products on this range but I will just focus on a few products, which caught my fancy. The packaging is quite pretty too right? True to the diamond powder in it.

Visible Whitening Smoothing Cleanser Php2,400 (125 mL)

Horray for this cleanser being mildly-scented and non-drying. I like how clean my skin feels without it feeling cracked and dry. I haven't tried using this to clean my sponges but a few extra drops of this on my sponge would be great.

Visible Whitening Illuminating Eye Serum Php 2,950 (15 mL)

The eye serum is light enough for the delicate, soft skin around the eyes. It also decreases puffiness and brightens undereyes. It also moisturizes the skin around the eyes for concealer to glide on so much better without cracking or going creepey. The applicator does remind you of a Star Trek gadget right? It can be used to help apply the product on the skin while giving a cooling, comforting sensation.

Visible Whitening Melanin Control Night Capsules Php 4,950 (50 capsules)

These capsules are to be used during the night, after cleansing and toning and before moisturizer. It's actually more of a treatment too, to give the skin the TLC it needs. One capsule actually holds more than enough product for the face. You can actually maximize the capsule's contents on the neck and trouble areas like elbows, knees, underarms, and back-of-knees.

Visible Whitening Smooth and Brighten Emulsion  Php 3,850 (100 mL)

This emulsion is my day and night moisturizer, and with this summer's heat, has a light and easily absorbed consistency that doesn't irritate my pores, skin, or nerves during the weather where I forgo anything that seems to suffocate me. It's just quite hard to take this with me though during travels as the pump bottle has no "lock" function but maybe what I can do for travels is to pump a small amount in a travel-size container or something.

Not to worry for our ladies who love our naturally warm sunkissed glow, with 2 weeks of usage, the skin on my face and neck isn't significantly whiter than the rest of my body. It just looks more even and smoother. I also noticed a bit of reflective particles on the emulsion at the back of my hand too. They aren't chunky like glitter but they aid in diffusing light giving the skin a more radiant appearance.

Another mentionable is the BB Cream, which is available in two shades (1 and 2) and transparent. For those who love BB cream effect on their friends but can't find that one suitable for their own skin tone might be glad to know the existence finally of a transparent BB cream, which is great for all skin tones.

Ladies and gentlemen may start using this regimen at the age of 21, and would be recommended for anyone who would want to keep their radiant glow. I've tried this also on clients and even in flash photography, they didn't leave a grayish cast. I can recommend the emulsion, eye serum, toner, to be used on brides for weddings (for weddings we might need to skip the BB cream though, because that may reflect in flash photography).

Shiso White BB Serum : A Quick Flawless Fix for Summer.

During summer, the sun is shining and really, spending 2 hours cooped up at home doing makeup when it's just so pretty outside isn't in anyone's agenda. Besides, all that layers of makeup, moisturizer, primer, and foundation is bound to melt one way or the other. It's during the summer when I try to simplify most of my routines, making me subsist on eyebrow pencils, lipstick, bronzer, and mascara (sometimes, there's eyeliner  too). For those blessed with amazing skin and features, then congratulations, you do not need makeup during these two months of hotness. There are times when we need a bit of help, and when too much layering isn't in our agenda, we must say all hail to multipurpose magical things.

BB creams are loved by many, as they give flawless results while caring for the skin with its moisturizing properties with built-in sunblock to boot. If you're fair-skinned with a beige-y undertone you may find that BB creams work well for you, as most BB creams are this shade. Some who find it too white on them may tame things down by correcting with a darker powder or bronzer. Personally, I've had that same problem with BB creams though, but in the course of time, I've learned to adjust.

The Body Shop's newest Moisture White Shiso BB Serum meets me halfway in addressing those needs. I like the benefits BB creams and serums have but I'm kinda off with the grayish whitish case it has, as most of them seem a bit dark for me. This newest product adjusts to my tone just a tad (not exactly a complete match but it will do) so I still get the benefits I need without looking like my face is whiter than the rest of me.

Natural ingredients like Vitamin C, Licorice, shiso (an herb in the mint/basil family believed to reduce early melanin-making signals) help brighten skin. I prefer using the term "brightening" which means it just evens out skin tone and makes it less dull. There is also community trade aloe vera to help soothen and cool skin during hot summer days. There's also SPF 25 PA+++ which protects our skin from the sun.

The bottle though, if you can see is quite tiny, only 30 mL, but really, this is only the amount you need. Otherwise, it would be too much.

I think the amount here is practically less than pea size and I really spread it on my face to even out my skin. As you can see, there's a beige tint so it's like a tinted moisturizer with more coverage. It can cover redness to a certain extent while looking natural. For early mornings to work when we don't have much time, this can be our base. We don't need much makeup on ordinary days. Just on special occasions. Hey, it's summer. As our hemlines go higher, keep our makeup simpler.

It really doesn't feel sticky though, despite the fact that it's very potent. I still have to set it with powder after applying my cheek tint just to make sure things don't slide. I do a bit of contouring just to make sure that my face doesn't look white flat and to add a little warmth, to balance the brightening effect and to make the look more natural.

I can use this as an everyday base if I'm going out and want my skin to look a bit better. It's quite hard to remove though. I tried removing the swatch at the back of my hand with soap and water and there's still residue left. I guess this means I can take this with me on trips too, when I'll be doing a lot of walking.

This is a new product now available at all The Body Shop stores.

Finally! A Pole-Friendly Lotion To Use!

Before that Saturday that I went to my first-ever pole dance class, the warning given to me by all my pole teachers was this: don’t wear lotion, oils, moisturizers, creams, and body butters. It also follows not to use moisturizing soaps or shower creams. Why? Because it will make you slip and since the lotion sticks on the pole, it will also ruin the day of the next pole user because she will slip as well. As a result, my skin care has drastically changed. During my pole days, I stick to my usual strong soaps and only wear lotion at night. With a pole at home, and working hard on an audition video, it was unpredictable to know when exactly to pole. Just to be safe, I’d been skipping moisturizing stuff like the plague during the day.

As a result, not wearing moisturizers has made my skin really dry, scaly, and blotchy. I actually thought before, that the drier the skin, the better to pole. On the contrary, dry skin is prone to burns, chafing, and also slipping. The chafing and burns probably explained the scabs on the top of my climbing foot.  It kind of made sense that dehydrated and dry skin is weaker. Healthy skin is actually stickier on the pole. Now the question is, how can we make our skin achieve that healthy state that enables us to stay put on the pole without slipping or scabbing?

I’m glad that there are innovative people out there who understand our needs to achieve that perfect balance of skin conditions and keep our love for pole.  There is in fact, a lotion that’s enriched with vitamin E and still pole friendly. Talk about the best of both worlds! No slip, no slick, no problem! 

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Pole Physics is a lotion especially formulated for pole dancing that gives the skin the nourishment it needs without compromising our performances. It used to be available only abroad but now, it’s available here locally at my second home  - the PolecatsManila studio! This lotion feels absolutely lush on the skin,. You can use it in the morning after a shower, then you can go to work, or go about your regular day and then attend pole class at night without having to wash or rub alcohol on your skin. It’s also non-greasy, so you could even use this in summer, where it’s humid but the skin’s absolutely dry during the day. No ick and stick factor during rehearsals at noon, say Stellar Summer show. It’s also fast-absorbing on the skin. Actually, I’ve tried this on the studio and then poled after like 20 minutes of warm up and I didn’t slip, even during cross ankles.

This is the formula  that I’m currently using. The gradual tanning formula gives a warm summer glow when we need it and there’s no beach available. The faux tan actually looks quite natural. Always remember though to exfoliate before applying this lotion and wash hands immediately to avoid the telltale sign of orange palms. Wait too until the lotion is fully absorbed before putting on clothing. Another thing I like about this too is that it does not smell chemical-like like other self-tanners that have that typical self-tanner scent.

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The scented one is perfect for summer, with as the label says an invigorating summer scent. This citrusy fresh scent is a great pick-me-upper on days where we feel sluggish.

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For those who don’t want too much on the scent factor can go with unscented – clean, simple, and still nourishes the skin.

With a week of using this, my skin has been thankful before and after pole. It’s healthier with less of the blotches and scales and my pole life didn’t have to suffer for it, and so do the people after me since they don’t slip too. It’s an awesome Christmas gift to a pole dancer friend (hint hint! J ) and a perfect addition to my pole dance kikay kit. Oh, and the pump bottle makes it an easy way to dispense product without the insides drying out.  Do take note though, that this is not a grip aid. This is something that will help care for the skin without compromising our need to pole.

The cost of a bottle of pole physics lotion is Php 1,500 but now they’re offering it at an introductory price of Php 1,200 at the Polecats Manila studio. I’m also happy to tell you that this is a product that does not do animal testing. For more information, you can check out the Pole Physics Facebook Page.

Reviewing Benefit Cosmetics' the POREfessional

Primers may be an extra step to makeup application, but promise, they help a lot. Just like the primer in the world of painting walls, in painting faces, face primers do the same thing - they prepare the surface for makeup application, evening and smoothing out the surface so makeup glides and sits on so much better.

A primer I was introduced to is Benefit Cosmetics' the POREfessional, a PRO balm designed to help minimize the appearance of pores. It's oil-free and it's said to not only minimize the appearance of pores but also fine lines.  I understand that there are quite a lot who want to have the airbrushed, satiny smooth skin look and this may help, and I did a test run of it. I received a sample pack from our Stellar 2 goodie bags (yaye!) and I gave it a try one hot June afternoon pole class (yes, I do love subjecting things to high temperature, high stress, and high endorphin levels of life). As I don't have a photo of the actual product, I saw some pictures in the Internet and this is how it looks like, full size.

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When I first posted about Benefit Cosmetics, I raved about how cutesy and non-intimidating their packages were, no matter how hardcore the purpose may be. This one does not disappoint. Take me to San Francisco candy stores!

The POREfessional is supposed to be applied on clean skin after moisturizer sinks in. Apply this product outward from the center of the face. Focus more on problem areas such as the T-zone, forehead, or anywhere shine usually sits too much. Let sink in before applying makeup so it sits on better.

So that's first a clean face devoid of makeup.

I applied the primer as the package says. The primer on its own is a bit tinted and I was glad that it didn't interfere with my skin color. It felt velvety on the hands and also on the face. There was an improvement on the feel of the texture of the skin. I also noticed some areas have been mattified. I have this humongous problem in life where my T-zone naturally shines even without the presence of oil. So anyway, on to my makeup.

Fresh look, since it was daytime.

I took the makeup to the ultimate road test - that is, to pole during lunch class. Travelling in Metro Manila during lunch hour, the sun blares like it's mad at the world and wants to burn it to the ground. Doing pole on lunch class with all the intensity will put it to makeup meltdown test.

But wait... what makeup meltdown?

My makeup practically was almost baseline state as I got home. The makeup I used here is a full face of makeup - liquid foundation, powder foundation, contour, blush, eye makeup, lipstick... the works. My face doesn't feel sticky and heavy and at most, a bit of tissue blotting away the dirt and powder was all it needed to freshen up.

With flash. I love how the usual shine is minimized here.

There is a bit of product that somehow got tissued off along with the dirt, but hey, I still look normal and not like a raccoon dipped in a vat of oil.

Is the POREfessional something I recommend? Definitely and most especially if you have the budget for it. This can be used if you're:

• a bride (if your wedding is outdoor) who wants to look fresh on her wedding, whether the makeup is traditional or airbrush.
• a performer (actor, dancer, singer) and your face would be cooked in stage lights. This was the primer used at our Stellar 2 show. We looked fresh up until curtain call.
• a model in a photoshoot
• a girl having a long day/event ahead and you want minimal retouching on your fabulous makeup.

A primer is something I'd recommend if you would be needing to wear full makeup the whole day and if you want makeup to last longer. If you do, however, wear makeup the whole day everyday, then you may use this too. Always do a patch test in purchasing products, especially for the first time to see how it reacts to your skin.If you want to save products you can just tap and target this on problem areas just to even things out.

Benefit Cosmetics is located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 5 mall and also at Rustan's Shangri-La Mall.