My mum came home one day and showed off this styling product, bench FIX Hair Gel, saying that she hopes it will help her style her short hair into something sophisticated. A hair gel?!, I had silently exclaimed.

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

Personally, I’m not too keen on using hair gels. I find them too sticky, greasy. I always end up making a mess and needing to wash my hands thoroughly every time I use it. And when I had the product on my hair, it usually ends up feeling icky. And it’s a dirt and dust magnet!

I have yet to ask my mum how her experience is with this hair gel. I’m curious to know if it does satisfy her styling needs. Meanwhile, I’d like to repeat the question I had asked earlier, do you use hair gel? Plus additional questions from your ever curious beauty blogger: is there a particular brand you prefer? Why do you like the hair gel you’re using? Do share! I’d really love to know!

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Kills germs even without water. To keep hands clean and sanitary anytime of the day. Dermatologist tested.

Apart from the handy and invigorating facial wipes I told you guys about, another thing that’s in my bag during my trip was this particular product, an Instant Hand Sanitizer. It’s ALCOGEL with Aloe from local brand bench/.

I reckon my trip to First Aid, after I had my nails done, allowed me to browse through various products that proved useful for my trip. We all know that traveling will entail a lot of sacrifices, esp if it means long roadtrips via public transport at that. This can mean you will subject to an uncontrolled environment, which can test your tolerance of dirt, grime and, hey, we’re not all built to have a strong immune system, right? So, we do have to think about hygiene and disinfecting procedures when visiting a foreign land. This is not saying that the place I’ve been to was dirty, it’s just a matter of not taking unnecessary risks.

Having this instant hand sanitizer was awesome since it allowed access to clean hands before and after snacking, banking on its promise to kill 99.9% of germs. It lessened the risk of irritating the skin on the face (when the need to touch it arose). It didn’t dry up my skin (hands) and it didn’t emit a strong smell. It’s very gently and non-intrusive. It feels a little like using water on my hands. Twas refreshing, too.

It’s very handy — I opted for the small 50ml bottle — and was allowed to be carried inside the plane (according the new policy on such things). It fits in my vanity kit just right. This bottle only costs Php 28.00 (around $ 0.70).

Suggested application: Apply a small amount on hands. No need to add water. Rub lightly until dry.

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

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Think baby wipes but used to clean and refresh facial skin. I came across this product during my last minute shopping for my trip (I’m back in Manila btw). I reckon it’ll prove to be a handy thing for travels esp something like what I just had.

A couple of things I expected were issues on time constraints and mobility. I still had hygienic needs esp my face. Will I have time to dash off to a powder room to freshen up? Would it be too bulky to bring soap and a towel while I walk around? What about the long bus ride I was planning to take? These things I had consider. I had to choose between thorough cleansing or something I make do with while on the move.

This Green Tea Invigorating Facial Cleanser from a local brand bench/ provided a certain amount of comfort in terms of immediate needs. It’s very travel friendly cuz of its size (you can easily shove it in your pocket), resealable pack and economical use. I can’t guarantee that it does nourish the skin — it says it has Vitamins E & C — but it is refreshing. This facial cleanser can remove makeup and dirt.

I got this feeling that I was using an astringent of some sort but somehow I also felt that it’s too gentle to be one. It didn’t make my skin feel “stretched” if you know what I mean. It didn’t dry up my skin either, which was great!

I still prefer facial foams but if you need something to bring with you that can do the job quickly, this one ought to be a good option. It’s very affordable, only Php 12.00. I bought mine at First Aid in Greenbelt.

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

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Bench™ Fix
Sooo Polished
Shine Wax

Gives hair definition and shine.
With Olive Oil

To keep my hair from going all over the place. Yes, tame it, so to speak. I use this particular styling product from Bench™, a local clothing company that branched out to offering beauty and hair products.

I’ve been using this one for more than two years now. I like how it’s not a mousse or gel or any of those sticky hair products, it’s just a styling wax to help me take away the frizz and add a bit of shine to my otherwise dull hair. It’s quite helpful esp since I have bangs. So, yea. It doesn’t turn my hair into stone, keeps it sorta’ natural looking. And the scent’s not too bad.

One thing that I really don’t enjoy about it is that it’s a bit greasy. I always make sure I apply this last whenever I’m getting ready cuz I wouldn’t want to soil my clothes or have it on my fingers when I do my makeup. I always, always wash my hands thoroughly after applying. Gah. What fuss. Heh.

Available at Bench™

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