Though I only have a combination skin, somewhat normal to most Asian standards, I can’t help but put importance to skincare esp the face. It’s bad enough that it’s often exposed to harmful elements, can you imagine the stress of applying makeup on it AND removing it? Poor skin. Sniff.

In one of my visits to Sephora this week, just checking out what’s new and such (who doesn’t know Spehora here???), I came across this skincare product from Bare Escentual in the latest arrivals section.

Bare Escentuals
RareMinerals Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer

Bare Escentuals RareMinerals™ Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer is clinically proven to optimize your skin’s ability to absorb and retain moisture for plumper, firmer, brighter, and healthier-looking skin. The patent-pending, 100% pure RareMinerals Complex uses its unique electrolyte delivery system in combination with an exotic Resurrection Plant Extract to deeply nourish and hydrate skin. Also, the rich, yet lightweight texture provides an optimal level of moisture, minus the greasy, heavy feel.

I reckon it can be a good candidate for a facial moisturiser esp since Bare Escentuals do have a pretty decent mineral makeup line. I’m actually curious on how this will perform. I’m guessing it’ll work well with mineral makeup. It’s one of my concerns in terms of using mineral makeup you see. Application can be difficult if the moisturiser used is too rich. It takes me longer before I finish applying the makeup. Not good for days wherein I’m in a rush.

RareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer, $32.

Image: Sephora.com

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Fresh Soy Face Cream is a beauty ritual must-have for all skin types. This Sephora-exclusive complexion essential is enriched with natural protective soy proteins, restorative rose water, soothing cucumber extract, nourishing meadowfoam, and jojoba seed oils that work together to provide moisture and promote collagen synthesis. It hydrates and renews the skin, creating supple, healthy, firm, radiant results.

After two days of hot weather, my skin took a beating since it’s not really used to temperature hitting the highs of 40s. Hot and cold, literally. It actually had a shock when it experienced lows of around 12-14 (usually at night) and milder temps around 20-24 PLUS all the wind! My skin is dry as the weather! Gah.

One of the skincare must-have (day and night) is a moisturiser. Looking at this face cream from Fresh reminds me of other facial moisturiser options out there. Knowing that this one contains jojoba seed oils is a great thing since I know this is one ingredient that my skin will benefit from.

Soy Face Cream, $42.

What about you? What sort of ingredient do you look for in your moisturiser?

P.S. If you don’t moisturise, please start doing so NOW. Nevermind if you live in a country where it’s usually warm and sticky. You’ll thank us later. Seriously!

Image: sephora.com

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Yes, that’s right. It’s all about BIODROGA Systems for me.

After telling you all about my Morning Skincare Ritual, we move on to the nightly skincare ritual.

I believe that finding the right sort of skincare system you can work into your nightly ritual is a best thing you can do for your skin. I reckon skin needs its much needed pampering and rest for whatever it was exposed to throughout the day. And personally, there are only three (3) things that are the key to a skincare ritual — cleanse, tone, and moisturise.

Anyway, I’ve decided on the switch simply because I’ve been fortunate enough to get my hands on one of the premium of premium lines in skincare in the market today — BIODROGA. I believe it’s currently being used at the Chi Spa (of the Shangri-La Hotels) and is exclusively distributed by Spa Essentials.

Hailing from Baden Baden, Germany, BIODROGA Systems is one of the high-caliber premium skincare brands in the global market today. I have yet to read the literature on the product to learn more but in my own experience of using it, I have to say that it can be a prime candidate to be the holy grail of skincare systems.

As much as I have the luxury of puttin on a lt of gunk on my face and call it a skincare ritual, I believe in efficiency. Why bother with multiple bottles when a three-step system can deliver better results?

Step One – BIODROGA Systems PURAN Formula Cleansing Fluid for Impure Skin

Step Two – BIODROGA Systems PURAN Formula Clarifying Lotion for Impure Skin

Step Three – BIODROGA Systems PURAN Formula 24-hour Care for Impure, Oily Skin / Combination Skin

I actually saw a visible changes in my skin on the first try! No, I’m not pulling your leg nor am I trying to sell you this product. I was actually amazed when I saw my skin soon after going through the 3-step process. Dumbstruck, really.

BIODROGA is scheduled to be officially launched in Manila this coming year, 2009. You can stay tuned for a series of product reviews on these products that’s part of my nightly skincare ritual. You can actually use it in the mornings too!

I have to give credit to Dr. Mike Turvill for introducing me to this wonderful skincare system and for bringing BIODROGA to Philipine soil.

Photo © 2008 Sasha Manuel

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This made me try and come up with ways to manage dry skin. And right now, they’re the following:

1. Drink lots and lots of liquids, esp water and tea (English tea, please!).

6. Religiously following my current day and night regimen. You’ll soon find out what I’m using at night and I’ll probably let you know what my beauty regimen is when I wake up in the morning.

Admittedly, these things are still not enough. I’m actually looking into getting myself a creamy lotion (esp for my hands and feet!). I wish I packed a bottle of Vitamin E, too. Ah, well.

What about you folks? How do manage dry skin? Perhaps you can recommend something to me (and to the rest who are interested)? Much appreciated!

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This isn’t the first time I’ve used the Body Oil, in fact, it was first introduced to me by my friend Bunny when we did an overnight-er in a condo in Ortigas (that was, like, around 1996). I fell in love with it and had bought a bottle of my own. However, it’s been a while since I last bought and used one. I blame the Dry Oil Mist from TBS. Heh.

Neutrogena
Body Oil
Light Sesame Formula

Neutrogena® Body Oil is a delicately light sesame formula that instantly vanishes into the skin, sealing in moisture. Skin feels moisturized, soft, silky and looks radiant.

Experience Neutrogena® Body Oil. Its light sesame formula glides on easily to moisturize dry skin. It’s so sheer it vanisheas into shower-damp skin leaving it soft and silky, with a radiant, healthy glow. No moisturizer can touch this experience.

The original Body Oil introduced the concept of naturally soft, silky, glistening skin in my book. I love how when it’s applied after showering, its light sesame formula seals in moisture and leaves skin radiant. Honest! If I actually compare it with the Dry Oil Mist, the consistency is lighter and the feeling left on your skin is hardly noticeable. I can even use it on a hot day (not ideal when used with sunscreen though).

My skin looks and feels soft and smooth without having it look and feel oily. Scores major points there!

I bought it for around $12 (when converted) and if consider its value, I’d say it’s a good buy but I admit that it’s quite heavy on the wallet for some folks here in my country. If a typical shopper would want a moisturiser, they often go for lotions which will only cost them between $2 to $3.

Weighing in the over-all experience would try to explain the price because it does offer a different (close to a spa experience if you’re not rushing) shower or bath experience.

Two ways to use the Body Oil

After Shower or Bath: While skin is still damp, smooth on a few drops to heal seal in moisture. Let your body dry naturally, or simply pat dry with a towel.

In the Bath: Add to water and soften your skin while you bathe.

On top of that, I love the scent. I find myself inclined towards notes that are not floral or citrus-y. I prefer scents like Sandalwood, Olive and this one, Sesame. I find these scents sophisticated.

Packaging could use a bit of amp-ing up, though. I like the clear plastic bottle but the label (at the back) easily comes off when it comes into contact with water. I like my beauty stuff to still look pretty as it sits atop the glass counter in my bathroom. Also, it’s not tailored for travel. It’s actually nestled in a huge toiletry bag in my luggage right now, occupying a big space. Too bulky. I’m actually scared of spillage. Oh, dear.

What about you, folks? Have you tried the Neutrogena Body Oil? Share your experience!

Photo © 2008 Sasha Manuel

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It’s included in the roster of OLAY Regenerist products which will be launched mid-November 2008 here in Manila.

Of course, this is one of the creams in the OLAY Regenerist line that’s perfect for daytime use. Along with the others and exclusive to Regenerist, it contains OLAY’s exclusive amino-peptide complex together with the UVA/UVB protection with SPF 15. It’s formulated to reduce the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles, enhance firmness and minimise the appearance of pores.

By principle, I have been practicing religiously to have SPF on my skin, particularly on the face. It’s quite important to protect your skin because as I’ve recently learned that even us dark skinned folk are not immune to skin cancer. On top of that, exposure to the sun can trigger pre-mature aging on the skin, i.e. development of sun spots or age spots and higher possibility of wrinkling, which we really don’t want to happen now, do we?

As it is a cream, the texture’s richer than the serum but it still has a non-greasy feel it’s almost light enough to go unnoticed. I compared it with the Elizabeth Arden Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream that I’ve been using, which also has SPF 15, btw. Again, I love how it’s quickly absorbed and makes your skin feel moisturised without the sticky feeling.

I reckon it can work with powder foundations. As for liquid foundations, er, it’s a different matter. Quite a disappointment, really. I use Elizabeth Arden Intervene Makeup, a liquid foundation that I absolutely love. I had tried it yesterday and things turned into a bit of a disaster. I’m not entirely placing the blame on the day cream but seeing that my foundation works fabulously with the Pause & Effect Moisturiser, I can’t help but come up with that conclusion. Perhaps I can only recant my statement once I get to try it with a different moisturiser. I’ll definitely post an update once I get around to doing it.

Oh, yea. I did wash the cream off and applied the Pause & Effect Moisture Cream instead. I needed to put on my makeup. But on other days (without makeup) I use the OLAY Regenerist day cream.

Once again, if you can’t wait till November to try it out, I suggest that you check out the OLAY Regenerist One Day Pre-Sale on Saturday, 18 October 2008. better yet, sign up and be on the Priority list.

Note: The packaging is different from the one they’ll be releasing here in the Philippine market. This one with all the red is for the China market. To see how ours will look like, visit Style Manila.

Photo © 2008 Sasha Manuel

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Sensai Premier
The Body Cream

A meltingly rich formulation that caresses the skin, senses and spirit. Contributes to renewed firmness, silkiness and radiance in the body skin.

I just learned that Kanebo Cosmetics launched a new product for Autumn/Winter 2008. It’s under the Sensai Premier line, The Body Cream.

Reading up on the product, it tells mystic description of having been inspired by the enduring mystique of the moon in all its phases. Sounds poetic, eh? Of course, looking into the actual product, it’s formulated to reach deep inside the skin which will support DNA repair functions and reverse aging. It promises a renewed firmness, silkiness, and radiance in the skin all over.

This cream can be used as a day cream and a night cream. Though, it doesn’t offer any SPF so, I wouldn’t really push anyone into using it when you’re going to be under the sun. However, if you’re planning to stay indoors then perhaps making this one a part of your morning pampering may be a good option.

I reckon the body cream can be used as how you use body lotions but this one is offering a whole lot more in terms of skin care and anti-aging. I do like the idea that there’s a product out there which offers the same kind of care that’s often only available to skin on the face or around the eyes.

I wonder if it’s cool for all skin types. Also, I’m curious as to how long it would take before one would see any result. And, oh, will it mesh well if makeup is applied over it? Ah, I can only find answers to these questions if I get to try it out.

Have any of you tried this product? If you have, do let us know how it is. All I know right now are from marketing copies I’ve come across online.

Image: sensai-cosmetics.com

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Shiseido White Lucent Brighten Up Eye Kit
Image: sephora.com

Shiseido
White Lucent Brighten Up Eye Kit

The Shiseido White Lucent Brighten Up Kit is designed to visibly diminish dark spots, freckles, and dullness. White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment helps you beat dark circles at their own game, supported by a trial-size cleanser, moisturizer, toner, and serum for overall whitening. A coat of mascara adds a finishing touch.

I’m not sure if it’s really working out for me but I’m so attached to beauty products that are concentrated on the care and beautification of the eyes. Actually, I’ve been religiously applying skincare more than makeup lately.

Something new and limited, I came across the Shiseido White Lucent Brighten Up Eye Kit over at Sephora today and I’m interested. Surprise, surprise.

This limited-edition kit contains a 0.54 oz White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment, a 0.84 oz White Lucent Brightening Refining Softener, a 1.1 oz White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam, a 0.5 oz White Lucent Brightening Protective Moisturizer SPF 16, a trial-size White Lucent Concentrated Brightening Serum, and a 0.01 oz The Makeup Lasting Lift Mascara.

The kit centers mainly on the famous White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment.

Though, admittedly, I’m not having problems with freckles or dark spots — unless you consider the crazy amount of beauty marks that seem to pop out all over my face as such — but I am developing dark circles due to wearing my specs a lot. I reckon the Eye Treatment will help in that department. And who would want a cleanser, toner, moisturiser, and serum which will aid in the over-all whitening part? But with my skin tone, I won’t expect too much, perhaps it’ll allow my skin to glow and be lighter?

Bento Beauty Tip: It’s recommended to apply sunscreen while using these products.

Once again, I’m asking for inputs from you beauties who have had the great opportunity to give these products a try. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream, Elizabeth Arden
Image: elizabetharden.com

Elizabeth Arden
Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream

A super moisturizing, all-over body cream, infused with a blend of real honey and fragrant green tea extract, to help calm and condition dry skin.

Over the weekend, I spent loads of time with my good friends in a place that occupies a very special place in my heart, Palawan. Third time around but this time it’s all about new beginnings and growing up BUT what do you get if you throw four (4) women together? It’s actually a given that you will talk about girl-y stuff, swap beauty regimens and such, hence, the discovery of this wonderful beauty, Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream by Elizabeth Arden.

My friend shared that she got a darn good tip from the Oprah Winfrey show about scents. Theory was that you don’t really need to use perfumes at all. That is if you practice the trick of making sure that all your bath products and body creams or lotions are all scent-coordinated. To illustrate, if you use Green Tea and Honey from shampoo, conditioner to soaps and creams long enough, you’ll end up smelling like it without the need of spraying a Green Tea and Honey mist or perfume. Did I make sense?

Anyway, my friend described this cream’s scent to be deliciously great. She further described that it was the honey beads that offers that refreshingly pleasant burst of scent, which makes the experience of applying it onto the skin a fabulous experience. Of course, moisturising the skin is all part of the package.

I had the opportunity to smell it and I have to agree that the scent is indeed fresh and relaxing. I wouldn’t mind giving this product a try if I get the chance. Have any of you tried it? How is it?

The Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream is priced at $17.50 over at elizabetharden.com.

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Image: sephora.com

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream soothes and moisturizes dry skin. This glycerin-based cream is enriched with vitamin E, vitamin B2, and camphor. It has a uniquely high glycerin content and absorbability achieved through a special manufacturing process which makes Yu-Be so effective. Use it to smooth rough, dry patches on hands, elbows, knees, and feet. It softens and reduces tough calluses, including hard, cracked heels, and helps heal and prevent split cuticles. It replenishes lost moisture from water damage or frequent hand washing, helps heal and minimize scarring from burns, and protects and moisturizes skin exposed to cold, wind, and water.

If there’s one thing I’ve managed to take importance in is the intake of vitamin E (I even took Myra E for a time). Yes, I’ve been religiously taking it since 2005. Main reason is skin care. It works wonders in maintaining balance on my skin. Esp since I had switched living from a hot, humid country to a cold one. My skin suffered severe dryness.

However, I noticed that it took more than just the vitamins that I was taking, I needed a skin care product to help induce moisture. Lotions and facial moisturisers did wonders. My skin had come to a more manageable state, it even had a healthy, radiant glow that was awesome.

That explains why when I came across this Yu-Be Moisturizing Cream I immediately thought to share it with you guys. I haven’t had the chance to try it out but reading what the product has to offer made me think that it’s worth the look. I learned that Yu-Be was invented in 1957 by a Japanese pharmacist and is the #1 selling medicated, vitamin-enriched skincare cream in Japan today. It’s also good to note that Yu-Be is safe and effective for the whole family. Sounds really practical, yea?

It’s available for $24 over at Sephora.

If any of you guys have tried this product out, do let us know about your personal experience. We’d appreciate your thoughts!

Meanwhile, any of you guys have a moisturising skin cream or lotion which you swear by?

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