Laura Mercier Dark Spell

Laura Mercier launched and relaunched a lot of interesting and bold items for the Holiday, including one interesting collection called the Dark Spell which I'll be focusing on. You can see below a captivating set of products to achieve a smoldering look.

MAC World Aids Day 2013

The MAC AIDS Fund, also known as the heart and soul of MAC Cosmetics, was established in 1994. It was created to support men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. MAC Aids Fund is a pioneer in HIV/AIDS funding, providing financial support to organizations working with underserved regions and populations. As the largest corporate non-pharmaceutical giver in the arena, the MAC Aids Fund is committed to addressing the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS by supporting diverse organizations around the world that provide a wide range of services to people living with HIV/AIDS. To date, the MAC Aids Fund has raised US$300 million exclusively through the sale of MAC„s VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass donating 100 percent of the sale price to fight HIV/AIDS.

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RiRi Hearts MAC Holiday 2013

Gift of Freedom and Self-Expression

Giving makeup as gifts is actually a bit tricky because cosmetics is so diverse and personal. Let me give you some tips and recommendations on how you can select the right palettes or "beauty holiday sets" for your siblings, friends or girlfriends. Of course, asking them what they want and like eases everything but you would want it to be a surprise right?

Best Lipsticks of 2013

It was 2013 when I really got used to wearing and consuming lipsticks.

My Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Workshop

Just few weeks ago, me and Alyssa met with our blog readers for their personality-driven makeover in line with our blog anniversaries. This site changed a lot in my life and it's one force for sure that makes me want to wake up in the morning, write, and just let people know what's in my head (which is quite weird actually haha) and in my skill set. So this giveaway and event we planned was super special for us.

Neon Human

So here's the makeup I wore to the Avicii concert! Neon is just color to the 2nd power and my goal is to be one with the lights. Neon works extremely under violet back light, but also with very bright night lights and it changes according to the color of the environment. It's just so exciting, fun and cool for me. So let me be a neon human!

Photo with creative filter

Here are the products I used, neons mostly from BYS
Eyebrow: Majolica Majorca Brow & Lash colorist + Benefit Brozings
Eyeshadow: BYS Neon Eye shadow
Eyeliner:  (upper) Catwalk Cosmetics Harajuku black Liquid liner (lower) BYS Kohl Eyeliner in White

Falsies: Flutter False Eye Lashes in Drama Queen

Mascara: (lower) Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Meister
Lip color: MAC Nicki Minaj 1 Lipstick
Lip gloss: BYS Neon Lip gloss in pink

The focus is both eyes and lips. On eyes, I used different colors of matte neon shades from BYS which Ill review soon! i made sure that the adjacent colors blend well.

On lips, I published in my IG account a photo of the pink lipstick which changes color when under different bright lights! And oh, the BYS neon lip gloss has a very perfect consistency, coverage and color payoff! Reviews next!! 

The bold liner and falsies gave more drama and contrasy to the colorful eyes.

White eyeliner gave bigger eyes, and the yellow shadow on top further opened it.

If I would name it other way, maybe Hawaiian? hahaha and Oh, I ate a lot of Hawaiian food in Boracay!!

I also wore some of the eye colors here in my Boracay vacay (or parties) and they really pop out with color!! They called me lady in pink! hahaha

So, fresh from the Avicii concert which was quite overpowering and oh super amazing with great visuals and lights, My favorite part was Silhouettes! It was really empowering for me!

I came with bloggers Tracy Ayson, Aisa Ipac, Tin Iglesies and Ana Gonzales and oh while I flashed myself with colors, they did with their Ray-Ban's! I really like the flash lens! I'll get one real soon and maybe teach how to wear it with the right lipsticks? Yeah?

I will be going to the Wanderland Music & Arts Festival tonight again with them and I'm so excited for Neon Trees and Temper Trap. I know 1 song from each. hahaha but I just I wanna listen and expose my ears to more indie rock bands! Below's my fav from Neon Trees! At any rate, did you like the Neon LOTD?

Eye of Horus

ISKIN

This is perhaps one of the most arguable subjects in the beauty industry today, and for good reasons. As more and more cosmeceutical companies (both local and abroad) look at our country as a viable market for their products, it has become much easier for the rest of us, 21st century simpletons, to find ourselves trapped in the middle of a fierce marketing battlefield where messages with somewhat contradicting information are regularly thrown.

“Some international cosmeceutical companies tend to apply the same science and principles that gave them success in western countries here in our region,” says Dr. Evelyn San Luis, a Medical Aesthetic Professional at Flawless Face and Body Center (Flawless). “Although not entirely a bad thing, this practice could pose major disadvantages for both these companies and their consumers primarily because of the fact that our skin is structured differently, and therefore, have dissimilar needs.”

(Above is a photo of Maxene Magalona, a GMA Star, for the iSKIN transformation)

Citing not only the difference between the composition of Asian and Caucasian skin, but also the external factors that affect our biggest organ’s condition, Dr. San Luis says that maintaining the optimum health and natural beauty of oriental skin calls for more specialized and thorough regimens.

“There are several factors that greatly affect the health and appearance of our skin,” she explains. “Clearly, we have a lot more on our plates. Compared to Caucasians, we have more sebaceous glands, larger melanin cells and a thicker epidermis. We are also more prone to darkening and pigmentation due to the fact that our skin has more melanocytes (mature, melanin-forming cells). That’s why it’s really comforting to know that there are now companies like ISkin New York who are into formulating beauty products thatcater to our specific needs.”

Well renowned and a favorite brand especially among celebrities like now very very youthful Maxene Magalona, ISkin New York is a leading provider of premium skincareprograms that deal with various skin issues through the process of cell renewal; that is to say, product lines that initiate a chain reaction of cell rebirth from deep into the skin. Even more impressive, they also offer products that contain specialized peptides—chains of amino acids that perform specific functions like anti-aging and skinlightening agents. These specialized peptides allow everyone to enjoy the brand’s benefits for longer periods of time and without subjecting themselves to harmful chemicals.

ISkin New York’s flagship program, the ISkin Transformation Kit,is designed with the Asian skin in mind. Its advanced formulation promises to increase the skin’s tolerance to environmental factors and diminish any visible sign of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentations and rough skin. According to Dr. San Luis, the program is perfect for those who, due to their fast-paced lifestyle and constant exposure to free radicals, have skins that are aging faster than they should.

“Each individual product included in the ISkin Transformation Kit has been carefully blended and tested several times to ensure quality. They work deep into the skin to stimulate new cell growth, improve circulation and help rebuild collagen.”

ISkin’s Transformation Kit is composed of top-quality products that promise to bring out the best in your Asian skin. It includes: a mild plant-based deep cleanser that effectively removes dirt and otherimpurities without harming your skin; a balancing toner restores the skin's pH balance—boosting its ability to absorb nutrients in preparation for the creams that will follow; a lightweight whitening moisturizer that targets pigmentations; a broad spectrum sunscreen that doesn’t leave a greasy feel on the skin; and two patented rejuvenating creams that effectively stimulate cell activity and collagen and elastin formation.

ISkin New York’s newest brand ambassador, Maxene Magalona, says she owes her youthful glow to the brand’s Transformation Program.

I am really excited to try this product especially because of this and positive feedback from blogger friends. I have tried a few Flawless products and off hand, when it comes to products that maintain youth and glow, it delivers for the skin. Reviews coming up soon!

Anyway, you can get a starter kit worth 9000 and try the product as well when you join their photo contest. Visit @myflawless and @maxenemagalona's IG pages. Good luck! 

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ISkin New York is a U.S.-based skincare laboratory whose range of premium products caters to the lifestyle needs ofmodern men and women. The brand is famed for integrating cellular and nutritional sciences into the development of its products' formulations—helping everyone achieve visible transformation and producing healthy and radiant skin regardless of age and skin type. In the Philippines, ISkin New York is exclusively distributed by Flawless. For more information, you may visit www.flawless.com.ph or contact584-6807.

Source: Press Release

What is Stem Cell

Foryears now, stem cells have been making headlines in both the medical and healthindustries and for good reasons. An undifferentiated (unspecialized) type ofcell that has the ability to reproduce and turn into any other cell, stem cellsplay a key role in the development and rejuvenation of tissues and theproduction of new cells.

Morerecently, stem cells have emerged as a buzz phrase in the cosmetic industry. The phrase has also cropped up on several product and treatment names andingredients lists, as more and more cosmetic companies lay claim of using thetechnology. According to claims, stem cells (human or plant) are ideal for anti-agingskincare due to its ability to stimulate the skin to grow new, younger cellsand reverse the signs of aging. However, despite all the hype, a majority ofthe public is still apprehensive to try products that claim to contain stemcells, doubting its ability to deliver its big promise.

Photo Source: Lancome

Doesit really work?

Accordingto a study done by a biochemistry laboratory in Switzerland, stem cells derivedfrom one specific apple specie does. Malus Domestica, a rare apple variety rich in proteins, long-livingcells and phytonutrients (nutrients derived from plantmaterials that are necessary for sustaining human life), containproperties that have the ability to significantly decrease wrinkle depth, delaysenescence (cell aging), repair DNA, and protect the skin against oxidativestress and UV damage.

Ingeneral, all stem cells contain factors that function to preserve the capacityof other cells to repair itself. However, in contrast to human and animal,plant stem cells have the ability to regenerate new organs (roots, leaves,flowers, etc) or even the entire plant. “Human stem cells may have more potenteffects, but all plant cells can dedifferentiate and become a stem cell. Thisproperty makes them ideal for cosmetic purposes,” explains Dr. Jennifer Camat,a professional aesthetic doctor at Flawless.

Recognizingthe great potential of stem cell technology, the country’s preferred clinic forface, body and aesthetic services, Flawless partnered with a local industryleader to develop the country’s first ever mass-marketed skincare line withplant stem cells. Dubbed “superfood for the skin,” Flawless’ StemCell Line is the epitome of skin nutrition.

Divine Lee for Flawless

I'm really exploring this type of technology in skin care and I will share with you soon reviews of products with different stem cell sources. I'm just so excited!

1. From Malus Domestica - Apple Species - "Flawless’Stem Cell Line’s innovative formulation utilizes plant stem cell technology torevive the skin’s youthful appearance by protecting it against oxidative stressand boosting the skin’s repair and rejuvenation systems." Now available in Flawless clinics

2. From Malus Domestica - Apple Species - "INITIALISTE is the first Kérastase serum based on native plant stem cells that acts from the birth of the hair, enabling it to grow stronger, brighter and more beautiful than ever." This was launched in other countries and I'm really hoping they would it bring it here! I need thicker stronger hair really.

3. From rose petals species -Lancome Each jar contains up to 2 million Lancôme rose stem cells. Transposed to the skin, they extend their vital properties to enhance the self-renewal
potential of dermal stem cells. They trigger a spectacular regenerative wave on both dermal and epidermal levels. It's worth P20,000!!! Stay tuned for my review of this too! I have a 5 ml jar which is worth 5000 PHP already ;)

Have have you tried so far? Stay tuned for my reviews!

Source: Press Release

A Pastel Lining

One of my favorite lines from the Silver Linings Playbook is this: “If clouds are blocking the sun, there will always be a silver lining that reminds me to keep on trying.”