A Pinay's skincare regimen

   There is something to be said for having very good genes and this is what  I attribute my quick recoveries when it comes to maladies of the skin.

 

    Let me be more specific. I am Asian and Pinay in original. My mother (bless her heart and may she rest in peace) was blessed with very good skin and never a cellulite or varicose veins. She took pride and time in her very good looks. I am fortunate to not have vericose veins on me now that I am an adult and I have worn high-heels since my college days.  No cellulite either, I thank my lucky stars.

 

   Let us break this down a little bit more. Being Asian, I think and being in a humid climate most of the time, allows the humidity to clean our pores better than our Northern Hemisphere counterparts. Though we have the sun most of the year, we are cautious about sun exposure and the damage it can do to our skin. In the light of skin cancer and all the toxins in the environment we take skin care alot more seriously than our parents did.

 

   Being Filipina (Pinay), I personally, am out in the sun more than I would like to be. I am on the tan side. I have friends who are very light skinned and fair. Filipinas come in different shades of tan, FYI. Me, I tend to burn easily even if I am on the darker side of beige. I take very good care of my skin by removing makeup before bedtime. I never go to bed with a smidge of mascara on me. I take it all off. Being summer and all, and since I am in the US, I use ALMAY as my makeup remover. I can use anything to take my makeup off as long as I do. Most important night regimen step. I wash my face with SEA BREEZE face wash. I use a sponge exfoliator when I do this in the morning. Twice a week I use a face mask, I like the Dead Sea mask (see picture below), it clears out the pores and the tightening feeling as you are waiting for it to dry on your face, had a lasting tingling feeling that I like. After removing my face mask I always use a moisturizer. Skin needs water and moisture. I give it a good dallop of Garnier moisturizer for dry skin. I spritz my face with Caudalie raisin water (most right item on the picture below) when I feel dehydrated and have my makeup on. Refreshing!

    These are the products I use. It helps me maintain a very good face skin. It is the first thing people look at when they meet you. But I also drink lots of water all through out the day.

 

     I think with effective and affordable products combined being consistent about it, one can be as blessed as having good genes as well.

 

     I do not stick to one brandname as you might notice. My skin is different than yours. So my advise is, do what it best for your skin. Give it what it needs and never what you want it to have. Be complete in your regimen as long as you have one. And the beginning of all skincare regimen is to have a makeup remover that takes all that stuff we put in our face in the morning. When we rest at night, we want our pores to be able to breath so we have nice, fresh and tight skin when we wake up in the morning.

 

   Before anything else, it is the skin that is our canvas for all the makeup we use, so we should take very good care of it. Clean it and clean it well. Wash face twice a day with a mild face wash and a good toner also gets the last remnants of makeup you might have left behind. Take your time when doing this at night. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

 

    As an Asian, I know the environment that I surround myself with is not at all ideal for the skin I desire, so I do what I can to combat the bad elements of pollutants. As a Pinay, I know and I have seen that having great skin is possible. Pinays have an inherent know-how in caring for their looks. I love that about them. Vain, just like any girl but not too overly obsessed by it. They do what they know they need to do to take care of what needs to be addressed when it comes to skin issues, and I see how good attitude helps them on this as well. Pinays love to primp themselves and I do too. We take pride in looking good for ourselves most especially. We want to look very good because we know we can and we should.

 

   Well, for me, these are the products I use. Summer of 2013 has been hot in the US and I do my best to stay cool and not subject my face and skin to the harsh elements of the sun. Sunscreen is something I also put on my face everyday. I still am looking for the best one to review here.

 

    I want this blog to be mostly positive rather than bashing a product. That never helps anyone. But is it sucks, like I said, I will call it exactly what it is. Promise.

 

   Well, the best part about a skincare regimen is we may have staples and holy grail items but in general we change them and the search continues...we love shopping for the next best thing.

 

   Have a great weekend everyone.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation

   L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation, is my go-to foundation.

 

   It did not used to be that way. I have tried MAC foundation, Tarte foundations, Revlon Photo Ready Foundation and even the FIT Maybelline foundation, they are all good and worked very well for me, but after experiencing some drying of the skin on the face and some occassional flaking around my cheeks and upper lip area (weather have been dry lately and some recurring allergies) I have finally seen the error of my ways.

 

   Foundation choices are aplenty. You have everything for everyone. The dilemma is finding the right one for you; right color, right shade for your skin tone, reflecting or non reflecting, dewy or matte, coverage and the list goes on and on and on...

 

   I have seen this at Walmart, Target and other places that carry cosmetics. I love to challenge myself in finding that best product that brings out the best of my skin. If at times, it is dull, I reach for my foundation that makes my face dewy. If I have blemishes, I opt for the ones that give me best coverage and conceals any imperfections (e.g pimples, discoloration, etc.). And that is all and good, but how many foundation does one really need? I mean I have upgraded my cosmetic container twice in the last month, because I keep buying cosmetics that will "help" me. I mean, come on!! Even I have to recognize the hype some of these products put out there for consumers to just "try this one, maybe it will be THE ONE". ARGH!!!

 

   So after debating about it for awhile, I decided to try yet again another foundation. I watch youtube reviews and all that for reviews on this product but by nature I am a skeptic when it comes to rants and recommendations by beauty gurus on products they tend to favor over another. But here I am, blogging about one foundation that has so far worked very well with my dry skin and give me medium coverage (it's summer ladies!).

 

  Let me count the ways, first I love it that they have a color that best matches my skintone. The consistency is very blendable, for me it works like melted "buttah"..I apply it with my Sigma F80 and should further blending be needed (in conjunction with concealer) I use a damp sponge. Works wonders. It is very buildable to full coverage just let the last application dry a bit before adding more. No caking or settling in any fine lines. Just blend properly. It leaves my face dewy and photographs nicely. I do not set with powder at all, my skin soaks it all up and makes it look like skin..really!

 

  An added plus is that it is dispensed with a pump (hurray for pumps!) and is in a nice hefty bottle container. Love it!! No mess, no fuss. You get 1.0FL oz/ 30ml. A pump of foundation on the back of your hand is more than plenty for the whole face. It does not run after a couple of hours running around doing errands. It has SPF20 but my moisturizer and sunscreen have SPF anyways so I can work with the SPF20 it comes with. It does not have any funky smell. The lid is clear plastic that seals the product very nicely. REMEMBER, to shake the bottle before pressing the pump. At times, I use my fingers to apply it, especially in the morning when I have to step out and run out for my morning java..

 

  L'Oreal have some outstanding products out there and  I have to re-acquaint myself with them again. I have a love-hate relationship with L'Oreal but this LUMI is a winner. And if L'Oreal is trying to win me over as a customer, I think they are doing a very good job with this product.

 

  With all L'Oreal's competition out there, I think LUMI can stand on its own. Love this product. My skin thanks me each morning when I apply it on. It makes my oftentimes sallow skin (during THAT time of the month, most especially) and as a mature consumer, I think L'Oreal has not forgotten about my age group and our needs. Thanks L'oreal!!

  You will be happy to know this foundation is MADE IN THE USA. I love that as another bonus.

 

   This foundation works for me and my dry skin. Now, I do not have to battle with the dryness (though I moisturize) I let L'Oreal True Match LUMI do it's magic for me and my skin. Flawless skin can be achieved, allow me to introduce you to LUMI. Oh, btw, it does not turn yellow on me after wearing it for the day. Love, love it!!

 

  Dry skin, no problem. Blemishes, see what this can do. You want dewy looking skin, try LUMI. Long lasting, boy, let me tell you, this lasts. Finding that perfect match for your skin tone, I am sure they have one just for you. If L'Oreal has one for me, I am most certain, they have one just for you. True Match LUMI, I mean, where have you been and if there was one product that I really needed it was a good foundation. And I found it in this product. Hands down, the best. Expensive brandname products, you can buy anywhere but will it do what LUMI does, now only you can say for the money that you spend if you will ever buy that $40 plus dollar foundation ever again, if you try this and apply this correctly, who would not think you bought that expensive brandname one. It is really good and a must have for those wanting to start their own personal makeup collection.

 

  Does this mean I will not try other foundation? NO! What this means is that, I now can feel confident that I have one foundation that works for me and my skin type; and that I can reach for it anytime and I know it won't fail me. And isn't that what we all are looking for? Right!

 

  I have been using it for 3 weeks now, no breakouts, no flare up. Loving it!

 

 

The best soap for Sensitive to Dry or Itchy Skin

   Basis. That's the name of the best soap for your sensitive, dry or itchy skin.

 

   I am not sure exactly what happened to my skin this summer but it has been dry and itchy. Oh, I put lotion on all over my body and hands almost obsessively since ages ago. I use gels, lotions, essential oils in various stages of the day. I have lotion for taking off makeup, to moisturize, to maintain moisture, to take off makeup, anti-wrinkle, anti aging, oh I keep the lotion industry alive and well.

 

   But again, lately..the dry heat in the West Coast has been causing my skin to be extra dry and super sensitive (deodorants, anti-perspirant, perfumes, soaps, shampoos, everything...!). So I asked a medical person, my father, and I believe it all starts with using a non-perfumed, no dyes or harsh ingredient in it soap..just clean and pure soap.

 

   I have walked the aisles of all discount chains and pharmacies looking for THE SOAP...and I saw this...

 

 

Hallelujah!!!

 

THE SOAP! This baby has "natural calmin agents of chamomile and aloe vera to soothe and comfort skin"! I mean..duh, hello?! This is what I need. NOW!!

 

On the front part of the packaging it says it is dermatologist recommended..for purest, mildest clean ever. Oh baby! This soap is so gentle you can hum in the shower. I do not need lather in my soap. Most lathering soaps tend to be too harsh on my skin. But this, is perfect.

 

   Simple, white, oval shaped piece of heavenly soap that most importantly relieves the itch that dry skin can bring. I have been experiencing some food allergy hence the dry skin. So I start with revamping my diet, and while I am doing that, I still have to take my showers and nothing is getting between me and my Basis Soap. But remember to RINSE IT WELL.

 

     Not alot of lather from this soap, but it lathers some. Not too perfumed but I smell clean after a nice shower. This soap has just the right scent and it does help moisturize the skin, it has almond oil in it. It is so gentle, you can even use it to wash your face. I mean if it is safe for your face, it sure is safe for your body, I say. And it might just be me, but it's scent has a hint of fresh milk.

 

    I am sure there are expensive, brandname but gentle soap out in the market as well. But for me, I frequent the discount chains since they are so close to where I live and the pharmacies that are open til late at night, I like to walk the aisles of these places and check out their stuff. Since I always in a hurry in the daytime, I go at night when it is empty and I read the labels, smell and most times buy a thing or two. In one of those nights, I found the Basis Soap. Wow, that was a good night.

 

   Now I have THE soap that I have been looking for the longest time. If you have a chance, go to your nearest pharmacy and read the label on a Basis Soap packaging.

 

   Beauty gurus always recommend not sleeping with makeup on. That we have all kinds of makeup removers for this job but after all that, we still need to wash our face to get all the "dirt" off. Basis Soap has been very kind

to me and my face. It does a thorough job of removing all that lotion I put on my body and hands all day.

 

   I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

 

   It comes in travel size as well, so like me you can travel with THE soap that will never disappoint you and your skin.

 

 

 

   

ELF Golden Glow single eyeshadow

   Today, I will be reviewing the very affordable single eyeshadow that is produced by ELF Cosmetics.

 

    For those new in the cosmetic/beauty mania, let me tell you that starting with an ELF product in your kit as a start-up collection, with some guidance will definitely point you towards the right direction in price and quality. Oh, don't get me wrong there are some products they have that looks so dang good in the their respective packaging and NO color pay-off, but if you do your homework and read reviews on it (like this, wink,wink!) you will never go wrong.

 

   Let's start with some simple eyeshadows, shall we?

 

  Why the Golden Glow, you might ask? Well, it being summer and all, bronze look is in. Everyone's working on their tan and nothing says you look good like a nice tanned skin, luscious and exotic..well, almost. But anyone can pull of the "I am in the summer mode with makeup" like a neutral with a touch of bronze/ very light copper (NOT brassy!!) eyeshadow.

 

Affordable. Everyone loves that in the economics of cosmetics and beauty. Why pay more if you can get the great look for less. Inexpensive never means cheap!! Got that? Good! This is a 1.5gram eyeshadow. Again, very affordable.

 

Packaging is very good.

It has a sturdy plastic case for the pan that is nestled inside the box. Protects the product from falling apart should you drop it (I hope NOT!) from the store.

This is how it looks after I removed it from the blister pack casing and as it appears in the pan. The color here is almost as close as it is in person. I am medium tan, tingle of olive hue on my skin and this color ROCKS!!

For better color pay-off, use a base to make the copper tint of it, pop. Your eyelids will thank you. See that illustration to the left (you, facing the box) copy that and again your eyelids will thank you.

This color goes from day to night look with a heavier eyeliner for night and some light taupe on the crease to bring some "upmh" to your look. Wear nude lipstick for day and work that red lipstick for night look.

 

This is what I created. Not quite as accurate in color as it was in person but you can see a fine line of eyeliner and no mascara..so you can see the color better...highlight the browbone and a nice skintone eyeshadow on the crease. I love it!

Bronze it, baby! Summer is here and enjoy the sun without really getting out too much in the sun.

I hope this helps, I had fun posting this. Ok, I had way too much fun taking photos..enjoy!

 

NYC Instant Lash Mascara (Extreme Black)

Viola! Long, luscious eyelashes! And who doesn't want that, right?

 

Welcome! My first review is for an all time personal favorite, the NYC Instant Lash Mascara. This particular mascara is Made in the UK (Fabrique au Royaume-Uni), love, love it!! It never fails me. A trusted and true friend. It will never betray me. Always there making me look very good.

 

First and foremost it comes with a long applicator. Nothing short here. With even bristles and no clumping either, baby! The brittles provide precise application of mascara. It almost combs your lashes as you apply them. Glides like butter, I say. Try to wait for the intial coat to dry before applying a second or third coat to avoid smudging. I never pump the wand back into the container. I gently swirl the wand to get more product for my second coat application. Pumping the wand only introduces air and drys the product faster. Be aware of this. This mascara does not flake if applied like suggested. Flaking can be caused by having a product that is already dry in consistency before application. I have a tendency to scratch my eyes too when my lashes itch, this does not cause itchiness or anything. I have sensitive skin around my eye area and so far no complaints here. My favorite color is Extreme Black, an everyday mascara that is so ever reliable and a charm to apply. Nothing but beautiful long lashes with some eyeliner and lipgloss as a go-to I am just running about town makeup.

 

This comes in a blue tube. 0.23 FL ounces, this lasts me forever. Just remember to twist the top securely so it does not dry so fast. Best way to keep it in cool place and away from sunlight.

 

Best applied on curled lashes. Use any lash curlers you prefer and then run a coat of this from the root upward (away from the face) as you wiggle the wand to really get those lashes fully coated. I start from the middle of the eye, then the outer back to middle then inside corner of the eye. Two to three coats of this NYC Instant lash mascara is plenty. I personally do not put mascara on my lower lashes, it is just a personal preference; but if you do you will love the wand, again, it does not clump the product and makes a mess. The trick is to apply with a steady hand and wiggle the wand as you coat your lashes. Store in cool place and the clumping will never happen.

 

This is not marked as Waterproof. It is an All Purpose Formula (do not know what that means) so I guess, as long as no excessive sweating and crying is involved, this product will hold up and hold up nicely. Sometimes those waterproof mascara looks so heavy and "Tammy Faye-ish"..yikes!!

 

I love this NYC mascara and so "skinny" it will fit in your purse. I personally do not need to carry one because if you apply it correctly in the morning, you will not need to reapply or touch up by the end of the day. Use a good makeup remover when removing this from your lashes. It stays in there good. I prefer the wipes personally. Just a choice.

 

If you are looking for a mascara to start your makeup kit with, try this. I am sure you will be hooked. And fro travelling, this baby spells handy and effective. yeah, fancy brand names can be attractive and all, but if this product gets the job done and then some, I stick to this. Try it and let the word out that this NYC mascara is good and affordable. Really would someone really be able to tell if you slathered some brandname mascara on or this NYC on? I bet you no one can tell and you are the wiser!!

 

Another idea is to give them as part of a cosmetic gift set. When girls start their own makeup collection encourage them to start them with products that work and are affordable and of course, great quality. Not everything that is expensive works great. Here is one product that delivers what it says it can do. There, now try this out and let me hear from you.

 

And curl, then bat those long lashes courtesy of NYC Instant Lash Mascara. Oh, you will be so lovin' them....