Specially formulated to provide clean, refreshing toning without the harsh, drying effects of alcohol. It will not strip your skin of its own natural moisturizers. Special mild purifiers gently remove impurities and recondition your skin, making it feel fresh, clean and soft.

Another product added to my Beauty Bento Box is the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner.

I’m not pretty big on toners but I’ve always wondered on the benefits of using one. I had resorted to astringents when I was younger and was sorely disappointed since it left my skin dry even when I can see that it was effective in removing excess oil and dirt. I knew there has to be some other alternative to astringents. It just doesn’t sit well with my regimen.

Anyway, my first impressions on this product would start from the very clean-looking packaging. It immediately instilled a message in my head that it can be an effective partner in keeping my skin clean and clear. So, now, for the ‘road test’ — of course, I washed my face using the Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub before applying the toner.

A quick review on the facial scrub: I love the light lather and microbeads. Unlike other exfoliating facial washes, it actually feels like you’re ’scrubbing’ your face clean. And it proved the cliché true, it did leave my skin smooth and supple after I patted it dry. It does feel (literally!) clean.

Going back. I have to admit I was impressed with the toner. Before anything else, I’m glad that it’s suitable for all skin types cuz I feel that my skin varies like the weather. Go figure. Anyway, I kept looking at the cotton round I was using, checking for any sign of dirt. I then felt satisfied that it still effectively removed the dirt that’s still there even after you’ve washed while it moisturised and conditioned my skin. It felt like I was just using watery-like substance to clean and tone the surface of my skin. It didn’t sting or even had a funny scent. I love alcohol-free products. Though, I felt a bit icky after the task was done cuz my skin felt slightly sticky but after a few seconds, once the skin was dry, the surface is soft and smooth.

I’m glad I made the purchase. Have any of you guys used this product? How was your experience?

Quick Tip: Moisten cotton ball with toner. Apply to face and neck with gentle upward strokes.

Originally published at Beauty Bento Box

L’Oréal Kérastase Nutritive Sérum Oléo-Relax

• Formulated to groom dry, frizzy, unmanageable hair
• Controls hair with long-lasting smoothness
• Provides extra nourishment to hair
• Leaves hair feeling soft, supple, manageable & shiny

Asians are known for their dark, and oh-so-straight hair that others seem to think that “being born with it” means there’ll be none of that dry and frizzy days. But we still do get to experience such days (weeks even) esp if we develop poor nutrition, extensively expose it to sun and pollution, subject it to frequent styling or chemical treatments, and, sometimes, over-washing. Hence, we need help in this particular follicle battle.

A couple of key things to this predicament are moisture and lubricants. As much as we’d like to remove the rough texture on hair that develops over time, results can take time before we can fully achieve the healthy hair. Operative word being “healthy”, which means we need proper diet and nutrition, ample sleep and water intake, which will help give us better and more lustrous hair.

However, there are a couple of great products that I’m thankful to have come across and today, I’d like to put the spotlight on one. It’s the L’Oréal Kérastase Nutritive Sérum Oléo-Relax. My hairdresser recommended it to me back in 2000 and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Maintaining a 20-inch hair length then is no laughing matter. Not to mention the extensive styling needed to perform on it during my projects, aside from the normal daily styling I needed to do as I revert back to my corporate self. I knew I needed a healthy hair regimen so I can bring back my hair’s softness and luster. Because of time constraints and other practical reasons, I knew I can’t go to the salon for daily hair treatments.

The Sérum Oléo-Relax does everything that’s enumerated above. It has that oily texture (though it doesn’t feel uncomfortably greasy at all), which creates an impression that it can be absorbed and can stay on your hair for an extensive period of time, controlling, conditioning and protecting it. I particularly like the fact that it leaves my hair smooth and glossy plus that it smells really good, too! (None of that scent that would remind you of tacky salons) The scent distinctly reminds me of oranges. It’s so quick and easy to apply.

Beauty Tip: Apply 2-4 pumps to towel-dried hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Style as usual.

Originally published at Beauty Bento Box

I toyed with Baby Oils when I was younger and I had given Neutrogena’s Body Oil a go a few years back, though, I had found it greasy. I don’t want that “oily” feeling underneath my clothes or the idea that oil gets absorbed by the fabric I’m wearing. Gah.

Then I discovered The Body Shop’s Dry Oil Mist in Olive. Oh, boy. I’ve never looked back.

Olive Dry Oil Mist, The Body Shop

Spray on this skin-softening mist and the watch it disappear into skin, leaving it extra smooth. With bonus sunflower seed oil.

You can use this product on wet or dry skin. Personally, I prefer applying it after taking a bath or shower cuz, somehow, it creates the impression that you trap water or moisture in. Thus making your skin feel refreshed and cool for an extended period of time. And not to mention, your skin ends up smooth, supple and scented, too.

I love the scent of Olives that is left on the skin, which is a great alternative to perfumes or colognes.

This is a great option for individuals with dry skin since it promotes moisture retention. The organic Olive oil from Italy helps to condition the skin.

Bento Beauty Tip: Apply after bath or shower then just pat excess moisture with towel. Don’t use if there’s an imminent sun-exposure expected.

Originally published at Beauty Bento Box

Tip #1 Hair health check

Tip #2 De-tangle

Tip #3 Brush & comb moderately

Tip #4 Use a conditioner regularly

Tip #5 Go easy when drying your hair

Tip #6 If you must straighten your hair, use irons

Tip #7 Pump up the volume

Tip #8 Keep out of the sun

Tip #9 Eat a nutritionally balanced diet

Tip #10 If it’s too late…

If you want to find out (esp the last tip), check out the 10 Tips to a sleeker style article that’s available over at Unilever’s Beauty & Style Portion.

I happen to think that hair care is important, don’t you?

Originally published at Beauty Bento Box

Kikaykits.com tells the tale of the search for the right eyelash curler for right lash profile, a decision has to be made between lash curlers of Shiseido and shu uemura. She even presents a few case studies to better compare the two brands.

Key things I’ve learned from her post regarding the art of curling the lash are:

• The curler should produce a lasting curl, preferably the whole day, without needing a re-touch.
• It should not create an L-shaped curl instead a natural-looking curve.
• Give the curler a go before purchasing it.
• You should determine your lash profile, on whether you have short, medium or long lashes.
• You should also consider your budget.

Taking a closer look at the preferred brand, shu uemura, I further discovered what makes their curler a good choice.

Though, as mentioned, the only notable disadvantage of getting a shu uemura is that there’s only one extra silicone rubber pad, which already comes with the curler, and they don’t sell the pads as refills. Sad, really.

But shu uemura states that a normal lifespan of the curler itself is exhausting two silicone rubber pads (making it the entire pack you purchased). The latter lasts for three months with daily use, thus, making the lifespan of the curler six months. The reason for the need to replace curlers are to maintain maximum precision and to prevent eye or lash damage.

Any ordinary beauty shopper and, more importantly, someone who is new to the whole concept of beauty products and tools, would see an eyelash curler as that, just an eyelash curler. Makes no difference if it’s any of the brands in question or even others. They’d simply think, “whatever gets the job done.”

However, this is where knowing things like lash profile and ergonomically designed curlers come into play. These things does matter esp when you realise there are specific needs that need satisfied — like achieving the perfect curl for your eyelashes.

Bottomline, for every lash profile there’s a perfect lash curler. I recommend that you start getting to know your eyelashes better esp if they matter to you, beauty-wise. You can read up on the short study for starters and find out for yourself if shu uemura is the brand for you.

Quick tip: Always squeeze gently to prevent lash breakage or pull-outs

Available at shu uemura

Originally published at Beauty Bento Box

Get your skin silky smooth and ready to bare all with this tantalizing tropical scrub. The gentle glycerin base leaves skin feeling soft, never oily, and natural extracts help moisturize and smooth skin while you exfoliate.

One of the most luxurious things in my book (apart from Manolo Blahnik shoes) is taking a long bath. I wish I own a tub so I can have one whenever I want to. That is, if only I won’t have to worry about water bills. Gah. For now, I resort to maximising the bath in hotels so long as it’s 5-star quality. Hehe.

The beauty of using Salt Scrubs (like this product from Philosophy) is that it helps in washing away dead skin cells, leaving soft and even supple skin in its place, hence, you’ve successfully achieved the process of exfoliating.

Exfoliation

It is a cosmetic technique aimed at improving skin’s appearance by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Removing excess dead skin cells can reveal the younger and healthier-looking skin underneath. (Wikipedia)

Exfoliating regularly will help keep your skin radiant and healthy.

Achieving a smooth skin doesn’t mean you have to use Coconut Milk. I simply recommend it because it is abundant with natural antiseptic fatty acids that will gently remove impurities without drying your skin esp when you have sensitive skin.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a sweet, milky white cooking base (substance) derived from the meat of a mature coconut. (Wikipedia)

Though, normally used for cooking a variety of popular Thai, Malaysian, Burmese or Filipino dishes, the milk has proven to be valuable in manufacturing cosmetics and skin care products.

Coconut Milk’s medicinal properties:
The monolaurins in the coconut oil have been found to be very powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents. (Wikipedia)

So, I’ll leave you with these tips to remember: Exfoliate and Coconut Milk for a more smooth, supple, healthy and radiant skin. Make it a regular practice. Let me know how it turns out for you!

Available in Sephora

Images: sephora.com

Originally published at Beauty Bento Box

Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment

A silky cream that hydrates and revitalizes the delicate eye area.

It said that this product has amino acids and powerful antioxidants to help hydrate the skin from the inside, which will improve its softness and prevent the signs of aging, reduce puffiness and diminish dark circles, help accelerate cell renewal and smooth the appearance of fine lines. All around the eyes.

Here’s how to use it:

Apply a small amount to fingertip and apply around orbital bone with a gentle patting motion. Use morning and night.

If there’s something I want you guys to know, it’s the importance of taking care of the eyes and the skin around the eye area. Apart from using non-harsh chemicals on the skin, it’s proper rest and non-abuse of our eyes. That’s probably why I was curious about the Japanese brand, boscia, and this particular product. No preservatives and eye treatment.

Let me know if you get to try it. I’d love to hear about your experience.

Available in Sephora

Image: sephora.com

Originally published at Beauty Bento Box

Here’s a chance for you to brush up on your makeup skills as beauty expert Bobbi Brown visits Bloomingdale’s. You can learn her signature tips and tricks, ask the toughest and dying-to-know-about beauty questions, and get the chance to receive complimentary makeup lessons and customised face charts from Bobbi’s Beauty Team.

Pencil this in:

Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Cosmetics on 1
Bloomingdale’s 59th Street

Day’s itinerary:

Meet Bobbi Brown: 11am to 1pm
Meet Bobbi’s Beauty Team: 10am to 6pm

You can call to reserve an appointment at this contact number, 212 705 2057.

Image: nytimes.com

The Regenerist product roster which will be available in all Watson’s Stores by mid-November includes the following products:

OLAY Regenerist Cream Cleanser
OLAY Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum
OLAY Regenerist Night Firming Cream (Revitalising Cream)
OLAY Regenerist Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream)
OLAY Regenerist Regenerating Serum (Micro-Sculpting Serum)

The Cleanser is priced at Php 299.00 and all the rest, Php 999.00.

More info on the products can be found here: Welcome the Olay Regenerist Line in Manila.

All I can say is — it’s about time!

Image: olay.ph

I’m one of the lucky ones who hardly gets any zits. Funny cuz I used to get more breakouts when I was younger (probably due to puberty) but nowadays, I hardly get any even with the late nights and long work hours. Not to mention the dirt, pollution, and humidity.

Anyway, I recommend that you grab yourself a bottle esp if getting zits is one of your major skin problems.

Here’s how to use it:

Dab a small amount directly onto skin at the first sign of a blemish, using a clean cotton wool bud on your fingertips.

If you do it before you go to bed, you’ll notice that the zits will be drying up (or dried up even!) when you wake up. Believe me, it’ll be gone in a day or two.

Image: thebodyshop.com

Originally published at Beauty Bento Box.