I’ve noticed a lot of changes since I started and one of them is my body clock. I actually sleep a lot and at the right time. I’m awake in the morning and asleep at night. I do feel tired a lot lately but I reckon it’s due to the fact that my body is telling me that I do need energy boosting food. And yea, I’ve been eating a lot, too.

As for breakouts, I’ve never had that sort of skin problem but I hardly see any signs of breakout wannabes either or skin bumps esp in the forehead region, which I do suffer from. And I’m noticing an equal skin tone or at least it’s on its way there. And it’s only been two weeks! Very cool.

I don’t know about you guys but I think keeping a healthier outlook in terms of beauty and skincare is a good thing.

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Kinerase Multi-Vitamins Minerals and Nutrients available at Kinerase.com

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What it is:
A divinely rich, guava-scented smoothing cream for dry elbows, heels, and knees.

What it is formulated to do:
The emollient balm can also be used over the entire body, preferably onto warm, damp skin, after bathing to lock-in moisture.

This may be synthetic and the glorified version of the Guava treatment on the skin but I reckon it’s a start. If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, well, here in my country we have this practice wherein we use Guava on the skin. I’ll save further explanation on the treatment for a later post.

I recommend creams or lotions to smoothen problematic areas of the skin like the elbows, heels and knees due to it being prone to dryness over other areas of the skin. It’s something I wish I can do everyday, if only it weren’t too warm and humid in my country. Also, a nighttime ritual of putting on cream on your heel will help soften the skin in that area.

I haven’t tried this one but natural products have that reputation of being safe to use, right? This reminds me, I want to a cream that won’t smell so manufactured, know what I mean?

Available at Sephora

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Sunsilk Hair Fall Solution Intensive Treatment – enhanced with the strengthening power of Ginseng and Soya Protein Complex, gives deep nourishment and conditioning for extra strength and protection against hair fall and split ends for up to 95%.

A couple of months ago, I gave Sunsilk’s Intensive Treatment line a try when I went and bought their Sunsilk Intensive Treatment Damage Repair. I immediately fell in love with how well it went with my hair and was extremely satisfied with its results. However, since I also knew that there was another in that same Intensive Treatment line available, I was naturally curious about it, too.

So, new at my Beauty Bento Box is Sunsilk Intensive Treatment Hair Fall Solution. I thought it perfect for a current hair problem, hair fall. And that’s not just to sell the idea of this product I’m currently testing out. I do have problems with hair fall. The amount is quite abnormal, which worries me sometimes.

First impressions of the product (since I have yet to give it that first try, I haven’t finished the other pot, you see), I’m quite excited with the promise of extra strengthening properties, which will help prevent hair fall and split ends. I guess coarseness isn’t the issue but strand strength. If you have stronger and hopefully healthier hair strands, you won’t have to worry about it falling out or being brittle, prone to split ends at that.

Noting the strengthening properties, they’re referring to key ingredients, Ginseng and Soya Protein Complex. I’ve always been curious about Ginseng, wondering what one can actually benefit from it. I guess I’m about to find out. I’ll keep you guys posted within the next few weeks. I’ll let you know how this test run will turn out. But with the initial sampling of Sunsilk’s line, I’ve high expectations since I’m generally satisfied with what the first one did for my hair.

The Hair Fall Solution range comes in shampoo and conditioner, Steps 1 and 2, respectively. This Intensive Treatment is the third step but I’m skipping the first two steps by not using the products because I’m trying out two other products in its place. I’m not sure if it means I won’t be maximising Sunsilk’s preferred “solution” but I’m more after the scent in that area.

Bento Beauty Tip: Make sure to apply the treatment after you’ve shampooed and conditioned your hair and have removed excess moisture. Massage on and leave it on for five minutes.Rub a generous amount on tips. Remember to rinse it off thoroughly.

Meanwhile, let me get your input on this product. Have any of you guys tried it out? Feel free to share your own experience. I’d actually appreciate it.

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Australian Tea Tree Oil, known for its anti-bacterial properties, combined with moisturizing Olive Extracts deeply cleanses by removing oil and dirt that can cause blemishes without drying or irritating your skin. Safely lifts dead skin cells and stimulates skin renewal for younger, healthier, more radiant looking skin.

While I was out shopping yesterday, I was checking out the Neutrogena facial scrub, I spotted this particular facial wash, Sensa’s Tea Tree Oil Foaming Facial Wash, on the same shelf. I almost gave in on the whim to buy it, just out of pure curiosity, but I successfully controlled it. Though, the curiosity remained. Hence, my googling for it.

Apart from wanting to learn more about the product, I also wanted to show you guys that there is a more affordable alternative to the usual tea tree oil products available in the market, i.e. the tea tree oil line from The Body Shop. The Sensa brand offers this particular product with the very effective skincare ingredient in its own line, which includes this facial wash, a toner and even a bar soap.

Tea Tree Oil is very effective in combating acne, or preventing and even curing blemishes on the skin. Imagine the convenience of having it in a facial wash? It’s like a very pro-active way of preventing break-outs or clearing out early signs of pimples. If there’s one thing I can really recommend, it’s the use of tea tree oil on your skin. If you haven’t tried it, I suggest that you make room on your medicine cabinet for a bottle. You won’t regret it.

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Christina of eBeautyDaily had requested a more traditional approach, which I interpreted as finding an authentic set of makeup to create the Geisha look esp since there is that bit of a problem when it comes to the white face paint, a vital if not the most important part of the whole look.

Since I already briefly told you about the process that’s involved in the application, not to mention, the useful video included in the previous post, this time I’d like you to take a look at the Japanese makeup and tools you can use. Note that these are similar to or the actual makeup and tools used by Geiko (Geisha) or Kabuki actors.

Base and Prep

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kabuki Abura

This is the oil undercoat for use with the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ Shiro-Nuri (Doran) face paint. It is softened in the hands and then rubbed over the entire face or other areas to prepare the skin for the white face makeup.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Ishineri Hair Wax

This is the stiff wax used to flatten out facial hair such as the eyebrows prior applying the Kabuki Abrua, exactly the same as ‘Taihaku’. It is softened between the fingers and rubbed over facial hair. After applying the complete Shiro-Nuri makeup over this, you may then draw new ones with Stage Liner or Lining Colour #1 Black & #4C Red.

White Makeup – Paint or Foundation for Face, Neck and Nape

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kabuki Oshiroi

This is the Shiro-Nuri (Doran) white face paint. It is diluted in a dish of water and then painted on over the entire face, neck or other areas with a #60 Itahake, smoothing it out and removing excess water with a Sponge Pad. A 2nd coat is often applied to the upper part of the face after this adding ‘Tonoko’ Rouge.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kona Oshiroi

It is applied with a soft pad over the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ (Doran) white face paint to soften and blend the makeup.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Tonoko Rouge

It is either dusted on with a #24 Naga-Itahake over the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ (Doran) white face paint or sometimes blended into a second coat of the Doran. It is used on the upper part of the face to soften the harsh white.

Japanese Kyoto ‘Maiko-han Oshiroi’ Compact & Brush Set

This one’s ideal for small re-touches since it’s suitable for travel.

Eye and Lip Makeup

Japanese Geisha Maiko Black Eyebrow & Red Lip Pencil Set

The black one is for drawing fine lines on the eyebrows and the red one for the outline on the lips.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Black Stage Liner

It is used over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the fine-line eye details.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Black Lining Colour

It is used with a pointed ‘Hake’ cosmetic brush to apply over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the eye and lip details.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Red Lining Colour

It is used with a pointed ‘Hake’ cosmetic brush to apply over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the eye and lip details. It is even used as lipstick.

Makeup Tools

Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Itahake’ Cosmetic Brush 60

This traditional, hand-made ‘Itahake’ Brush is used for painting the face and other large areas with Kabuki Oshiroi (white face paint). It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.

Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Nagae Itahake’ Cosmetic Brush 25

This traditional, hand-made ‘Nagae-Itahake’ Brush is used for painting hard to reach areas – for example, the nape of the neck with Kabuki Oshiroi (white face paint). It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.

Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Yachiyo Hake’ Cosmetic Brush Medium

This traditional, hand-made ‘Yachiyo-Hake’ Brush is for dusting your cheeks and the area around the eyes with ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder. It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Sponge Puff & Dish

This absorbent sponge puff and plastic dish are for mixing and applying the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ Shiro-Nuri (Doran) white face paint. The #60 Itahake brush is recommended for mixing and actually painting on the Doran but this pad is used to remove excess water and to smooth it over prior to applying the ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Face Powder Puff

This soft acrylic Powder Puff is for dusting your cheeks and the area around the eyes with ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder.

Japanese Geisha Maiko Kyoto Lipstick Cosmetic Brush Medium

It is made of natural bristle and has a beautiful dark red & black lacquer stem with the characters ‘Tokusei’ or ‘Specially Made’ in gold. It measures 4½” (11 cm) in length and has a clear protective cover for the point. The is excellent for applying lipstick or for eye makeup details.

I’m somewhat certain that I got you all excited and are now wondering where you can actually get these makeup and tools. Well, bad news is that, as far as I know, there are no stores that offer them. Good news is that they’re available online. I’ve been searching and earlier I finally found them over at Hannari-Ya, an eBay power seller.

If you’re looking into trying out the Geisha look, Hannari-Ya also offers a Geisha or Kabuki Real Pro White Makeup Set for US$225. See the image below for product inclusions.

Disclaimer: Product labels were lifted from Hannari-Ya.

Geisha photo courtesy of TPOTY.

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I’d like to list the actual cosmetics used in Geisha makeup but I reckon it’ll be more practical for most to make do with what makeup are readily available but can also work. I hope traditionalists won’t get offended by this.

Things you need are:

Wax or oil substance
White powder and water
Pencil Eyeliner Brown/Copper
Liquid Eyeliner Black
Eyeshadow Red and Brown/Copper
Red Lipstick

There are key things you should remember when applying the Geisha makeup. The wax is important so that the white foundation that you will apply all over the face, neck and nape will stick or last. The red dots applied at the corner ends of both eyes are key to the look. The red lipstick will prove to be a handy cosmetic since it can be used for the dots (just don’t forget to pat and blend). Finally, the lip makeup is meant to illustrate a small mouth because I learned that, by custom, Japanese men find them attractive and sensual.

The video will help you learn how to apply the makeup and look like a Geisha makeup. If the video isn’t enough, here’s a fantastic illustration of the Geisha makeup application process. If you wish to learn more on the history behind the makeup and all things Geisha, Wikipedia helps.

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Shimmering, colored powder beads with light diffusing particles and pearl pigments to brighten and add color to the face, cheeks, and decolletage.

I’ve been eyeing a pot of the Brush-On Beads over at The Body Shop for quite sometime now. Finally, I’ve bought one and tried the product out and I’ve got a thing or two to say about it. Colour is something I value in the use of makeup. I go for the more natural look, hopefully, I’d look fresh and polished. I love blushes and eye makeup. But let’s focus on the former today.

I reckon I’ve got three alternate forms of blushes in my vanity kit. One, rosy and the other two more on the “bronze” part. I like to highlight my skintone, you see. I am not fair but I’m not at all dark. That’s probably why I sometimes end up looking like I didn’t apply any makeup at all. I sometimes lack colour or the “vibrance” in my makeup application. Hence, my need to better myself or at least, find the right product, one that’s best suitable.

Using the beads have been satisfactory. I like how it creates shadows and emphasis on my cheeks. Application is easy. It comes with a sponge but I prefer to use a brush. It’s pretty useful to even out the skin on the face and the decolletage. Makes everything look very well polished.

I like shimmer in my makeup. I was not much of a matte person. Perhaps during my college days, yes. But since 1999, I’ve always prefered shimmer.

The Brush-On Beads gets a four out of five stars in my book because it offers both form and function. It’s a multi-tasker. It serves as a blush and highlighter. It also covers a wider area of the skin. Also, the two key ingredients it has are pretty much good for the skin:

Marula Oil
Marula oil comes from the marula tree, native to Southern Africa. The oil is rich in oleic acid, essential to the maintenance of healthy-looking skin.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E conditions, nourishes, and protects the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and healthy.

I also like the fact that it leaves a freshly sun-kissed look on my skin. It’s like I’m a bronzed goddess. Who wouldn’t want that?

Bento Beauty Tip: I use it mostly as a blusher, applying it on the apple of my cheeks upwards. Moderation is key since I don’t want to look to “burnt”, if you know what I mean.

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This foaming facial cleanser works into a rich lather that deeply cleans and moisturizes your skin. Gently cleanses tired, stressed skin and leaves your face refreshed and hydrated.

I’ve been using this facial foam for weeks now. Actually, I use two different foams, one is for exfoliation purposes from Pond’s (which I’ll probably tell you guys about in a later post) and this one from Dove, which mainly addresses my need to moisturise, and hydrate my skin. I reckon I already mentioned just how frequent I wash my face in a day. With the rate I’m going, I don’t want to scrub my skin too much with the other facial scrub that’s why I opt to have one that doesn’t have the beads in it.

I’m a Dove user. I have their exfoliating beauty bars and shower creams plus I also have their moisturising cream bars on top of the facial foam. I’m sort of used to using the bars so the idea of trying out their facial foam was a given. I wasn’t disappointed.

This foaming facial cleanser is said to contain pure cucumber extract, calming green tea, moisturizing cream (it moisturizes your skin as you cleanse), gentle formula with vitamins A & E, minerals and anti-oxidants (leaving you with healthy glowing skin). It’s also Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic, which is suitable to sensitive skin.

Green Tea is said to aid in neutralizing the spread of free radicals (source), on top of its soothing effect and the use of extracts like the Cucumber normally means it allows its nutrition to be absorbed by the skin. The presence of the moisturising cream is vital to the prevention of the skin drying out.

To be quite frank, it truly does feel like I’m moisturising my skin while washing. I love the fresh and calm feeling it leaves on me and my skin.

Bento Beauty Tip: Daily use of exfoliating facial cleansers are alright, keep the frequency to once a day. Use moisturising and hydrating facial cleansers for other washes.

Available at AmericaRX.com

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When I shared my version of the natural-looking curly hair styling tip, Dexie Wharton of Style It Less and I got to talking about her “Les Curles”. I had wanted to see how her curls looked like and she not only sent a couple of photos but also shared a set of instructions on how she worked them curls.

Take a look at another woman with Asian straight hair gunning for some curls.

1. Apply mousse while wet then blow dry.
2. Holding the curling iron, vertically, gather sections of hair in between the barrel of the iron. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Depends how curly you want it. Keep holding the iron in vertical position.
3. Repeat process. Don’t pick the curls until all sections are done.
4. Use finger tips to pick the curls.

Dexie’s Important Tip: “The key is holding the iron vertically.”

Aren’t we all glad to learn a new way to style our hair? Thanks for sharing Dexie!

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Some might cry out, “why in the world would you want to do that to your straight Asian hair?!” Simple. Most people want what they don’t have. Agree?

Well, I’ve tried perm and I’m never and I repeat, NEVER going to go that route again. EVER. I feel so strongly about it, huh? Traumatic experience, I tell you. Zigzag curls! Good thing I was just in third grade. I let the hair grow out of it and simply chopped the remaining evidence of the horrific state. Never had my hair curled until I stumbled upon an old set of curling irons that my mum brought home from the US. It was my first time to curl my hair on my own. I thoroughly had fun styling it! (Probably because I knew it wasn’t permanent.)

Here are some tips that may help you, beauties, out as you go about styling your locks with a curling iron:

1. Make sure you blow dry your hair completely.
2. Twist portions of your hair from ends to root into tight curls around the barrel.
3. Clamp down and hold for around 20 seconds then release.
4. Style or shape your hair with mousse or gel by lightly smoothing that portion then letting it fall naturally.
5. Apply hair wax for definition.

Don’t laugh but here’s a photo of my first try. See me pouting.

It’s the best photo of the curls I could find! Not bad considering it’s my first try but I realise that I need to curl it up to the roots but, sheesh, twas taxing. And I got blisters as proof of my efforts. Such a n00b, huh?

Anyway, if you do get around to trying out the tips, do snap a photo and share! I’ll definitely try harder. Much harder.

Beauty Bento Tip: Don’t brush or comb your hair, use your fingers if you must but in moderation.

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