This photo was taken late in the afternoon, probably between 4pm and 5pm, while inside an ex-Royal carriage I had found myself in when the family decided to take the Cockle Train (old-fashioned steam train) from Victor Harbour to Goolwa (Australia) and back.

I was fascinated with the mirrors, wooden blinds, rich mahogany interiors, complete with chandeliers, that I saw in a surprisingly empty carriage. We all wondered why there weren’t any other passengers inside that particular carriage. It was absolutely wonderful, which made the experience extra special. We had an opportunity to feel like “royals” for half an hour. LOL.

Once the photo was snapped, I wondered, will this look pass the royal standards?

Face
Regenerating Serum, OLAY Regenerist
Pause & Effect Moisture Cream, Elizabeth Arden
Intervene Makeup in Soft Sunbeige, Elizabeth Arden
Clear Smooth Face Powder in Natural, Maybelline
Flawless Finish Maximum Coverage Concealer (Fair), Elizabeth Arden
Tea Tree Oil Cover Stick (02), The Body Shop

Eye
fafi Eyes Vanilla, MAC
fafi Eyes Hey, MAC
Fluidline in Blacktrack, MAC
Eye Definer in Taupe, The Body Shop
Smokey Eyes Powder Pencil (Smokey Black 01), Elizabeth Arden
Volum Express Brown Waterproof Mascara, Maybelline

Eyebrow
Shimmer Waves in Bronze, The Body Shop

Cheek
Blush in Super Orgasm, NARS

Lip
Rouge Crème Lipstick #270, Shu Uemura

Probably not but it’s okay to dream, yea?

Anyway, my makeup’s been on for a few hours; been exposed to sea wind, sun, and the cold weather. Worn off a bit but it still looks alright. I reckon the only thing I had touched up on was my lippy. Shu’s been a fave since I got here. Love how it moisturises my lips and looks so natural, too.

More on this look (particularly the oufit) over at Style Manila: Mirrors in Trains

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Anyway, without further ado —

Makeup
Eastern Experiments: Intervene Makeup by Elizabeth Arden
Shimmer Liner Pencil in Golden Bronze, The Face Shop
Eastern Experiments: Gel Liner Addiction
Eastern Experiments: ARTISTRY™ Lip Colour Creme in Neutrale
Eastern Experiments: ARTISTRY™ Lip Colour Sheer in Sandrine
ARTISTRY™ Light Reflective Lotion SPF 15, Blushing Radiance
Eastern Experiments: ARTISTRY™ Waterproof Mascara in Brown
Eastern Experiments: Maybelline BlushStudio Mousse
Eastern Experiments: Maybelline Volum Express Turbo Boost Waterproof Mascara
Eastern Experiments: Elizabeth Arden, Color Intrigue Bronzing Powder Duo
NARS Super Orgasm’s Day Out

Skincare
Eastern Experiments: Elizabeth Arden INTERVENE Pause & Effect Moisture Cream SPF 15
Eastern Experiments: OLAY Moisture-Balancing Foaming Facial Wash with Vitamin E
A Night with OLAY Regenerist
Day Cream: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream)
Battle of the Day Creams: OLAY Regenerist Vs Pond’s Age Miracle Vs RevaléSkin Vs Elizabeth Arden Intervene
Eastern Experiments: OLAY Regenerist Eye-Lifting Serum
Eastern Experiments: Neutrogena Body Oil
Eastern Experiments: Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O

Hair
Eastern Experiments: Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Haircare System
Eastern Experiments: VITRESS Hair Solutions, Hair Spa
Eastern Experiments: Dove Advance Colour Care Shampoo and Advanced Colour Therapy Conditioner
Eastern Experiments: Pantene Ice Shine Shampoo

Bath
Eastern Experiments: Olay Body In-Shower Body Lotion
Eastern Experiments: Olay Body Ultra Moisture Soap with Shea Butter
Eastern Experiments: VEET Hair Removal Cream
Eastern Experiments: DOVE Beauty Body Wash, Calming Night

MISC
Eastern Experiments: PCA Skin and the Skin Peel
Eastern Experiments: Careline Extra Wear Nail Polish
Eastern Experiments: Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Lotion

Perfume
Eastern Experiments: Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana
Eastern Experiments: Dior ‘J’adore’ Eau de Parfum Spray

Whew! Quite a list, yea? I didn’t realise that I had tried this much beauty products throughout the year. Can you imagine the ones I may have failed to include in the list (cuz I know I’m missing some!) and ones I have yet to write a review for? Gah. It’s a wonder that my skin’s taking it well. This list will remind me that there should be limits. Hahaha!

Ah, well. Let’s hope that 2009 will be as interesting as this year’s! Wishing y’all a beautiful and an eventful year in beauty for 2009! Cheers!

Post from: eBeautyDaily

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!

Post from: eBeautyDaily

OLAY
Regenerist
Eye-Lifting Serum

Visibly lifts, smooths and brightens the entire eye area for firm eyelids, smooth corners and even-tone under eyes.

The OLAY Regenerist line introduces the amino peptide complex which provides skincare at the cellular level. It claims to produce results like as if you had laser surgery. The amino peptide complex hydrates to firm and visibly lift skin around the entire eye area.

There are two things that came out notable from my experience with the Eye-Lifting Serum. One, consistency is light and smooth enough that you can apply it day or night. Upside is that you can apply this skin care product anytime and as frequent as you need or want to. Downside, a 15ml tube won’t last you very long. And two, the light formula is workable even under makeup. I can’t say it’s a good primer but since it’s easily absorbed by the skin, applying makeup over it didn’t cause any problems.

Suggested Application: Use morning and evening, apply on cleansed skin. Place small dots around the eye area – under eyes, outer corners, eyelids – and smooth in until thoroughly absorbed.

What the Eye-Lifting Serum looks like:

Of all the eye creams (serum for this matter) I’ve tried, this one will definitely NOT take home the prize. I admit that I’d choose the Nivea Visage DNAge Cell Renewal eye cream over this eye serum.

Though it’s true that the skin around my eyes is “velvety” smoother, it still lacks the firmness that I had expected. This is after using the product for more than a couple of weeks. It did even out the tone, thus, making it look brighter but I have problems with puffiness under the eyes and am experiencing fine lines (laugh lines) in which the serum didn’t help me out. Still haven’t finished my tube yet so there’s still room to see if it’ll work down the road.

My aunt, who came from Canada, is a huge Regenerist fan, though. She believes that it’s perfect for women her age (she’s in her early 50s) and Total Effects are for women in their 30s. Does this mean I should really look into the other line? My mum (in her 60s) just started using Regenerist so it will take a while before we can see notable results.

OLAY Regenerist Eye-Lifting Serum, Php 999.00.

Photos: Copyright © 2008 Sasha Manuel

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Today, I’m fortunate enough to have tried not just one (1), not two (2) but FOUR (4) kinds!

First ever day cream I’ve tried and religiously used is the Elizabeth Arden Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream with SPF 15.

Elizabeth Arden Intervene Pause & Effect Moisture Cream

In terms of packaging, this one takes home the prize. It screams elegance right off the bat. I’ve noticed that of all four, this one has that rich moisture you’d associate with most creams. There’s no question that you’re skin will be hydrated and moisturised. Lightly scented and cool on the skin. It’s a bit on the heavy side; you’ll definitely feel the cream on your face. It takes a while for the skin to absorb it but it’s an excellent moisturiser used together with liquid foundations. There’s always a need to dab excess moisture off, though.

Damage: $55.00 (Php 2,640.00 converted)

Next is the RevaléSkin Day Cream also with SPF 15.

RevaléSkin Day Cream

I have to admit that I’m the least impressed with this day cream. I only tried it for a week but it seems to lack the consistency that I want in a day cream. General absorption is typical. I do give it above average marks for its moisturising and nourishing factor. You can’t beat its ORAC score of between 15,000 and 17,500 higher than known antioxidants like green tea, pomegranate extract and Vitamins C and E. I had used the facial cleanser and night cream more often. I did find a use for this one though. I treat my underarms to this expensive moisturising cream regimen. Ah, the luxury!

Damage: Php 4,300.00 (around $89 converted)

I’m currently alternating Elizabeth Arden and this latest day cream find, the OLAY Regenerist Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream) which also has SPF 15.

OLAY Regenerist Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream)

What I love about this product is that effects are instantaneous. You will see and feel a brighter and smoother skin, respectively, upon application. It’s lightly scented that’s also soothing and relaxing. And I’m absolutely raving about its brilliant absorption. You’ll actually forget you have the cream on. I have indeed noticed that my skin is firmer after weeks of use. The Regenerist line has the exclusive amino-peptide complex and in theory it works like laser therapy by triggering our skin’s natural ability to heal itself, producing more structural proteins such as collagen and elastin. The amino-peptide also doubles up as a powerful antioxidant, claiming to be more potent than other natural sources like broccoli, avocado, and red grapes. My only problem with it is that I can’t use it with my liquid foundation and I seem to only use it if I have the Regenerating Serum on. Of course, that means I have to spend more cuz I need to buy two (2) products.

Damage: Php 999.00 (Around $20 converted)

Finally, I came face-to-face with the latest from Pond’s, the Age Miracle Daily Resurfacing Cream with SPF 15 PA++ that P is currently using.

Pond’s Age Miracle Daily Resurfacing Cream

Unfortunately, I don’t own one nor am I currently using it. I was only able to try it out on a portion of my skin and take mental notes. Scent-wise, it’s fairly unattractive straight from the pot. However, once applied onto the skin, it changes into this light floral scent that’s quite reminiscent of roses. Pond’s had made use of Retinol in the form of patented formulations like the Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA anti-aging technology, was the main ingredient in the old formulation of Pond’s Age Miracle, has been blended with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Retinol and Retinol Boosters to form the new Advanced CLA 4 Complex. It has great absorption. Packaging is very feminine and young.

Damage: Php 852.69 – eBay.ph (Around $17 converted)

I was able to make a small comparison between the OLAY Regenerist and Pond’s Age Miracle.

Pond’s has the more attractive colour for the cream but Olay scores major points for packaging, scent and absorption. Texture and consistency is almost the same but in terms of effectiveness, I can vouch for Olay and as for Pond’s P is still taking careful note if it is truly effective (no conclusive visible signs yet) or it’s the RevaleSkin night cream that’s working its magic. P’s major concern over the Pond’s day cream is the scent.

Bottomline, all four (4) day creams are anti-aging day creams, pushing the importance of sunscreen via the UVA/UVB protection. SPF 15 is the recommended strength for daily sun protection for the face. All give importance to antioxidants (though they differ in amounts) and regular moisturisation. It’d be great if you can treat your skin to rich nutrients that will help boost skin cell renewal, and improve your skin’s elasticity and firmness. And yes, the bright, rosy glow as a sign of a healthy skin!

This will now depend on your skin type, budget, and dire need. I hope I was able to note the important points per day cream to help you make a decision. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!

Top image: elizabetharden.com

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Mornings usually mean a mad rush to prepare for the day’s itinerary. May it be us getting ready to go the office or preparing things needed before the rest of the members of the household wake up. We, women, often put ourselves last.

Another thing I’ve also noticed is that, oftentimes, we associate skincare with just the practice of beauty rituals at night, right before we sleep. We often overlook its need during the day. Most of the time, we’re okay with just showering, applying lotions and/or sunscreen, and avoiding the sun.

Having been introduced to the OLAY Regenerist skincare system, I’ve learned that we can practice good skin care round the clock. They’ve given us the option to be able to reap the benefits of a full anti-aging product line that’s formulated to be gentle and light AND potent enough to be used during the day.

I’ve always thought that such rituals are only effective when applied during the night but now I’ve discovered that there are products that I can use even during the day, under all the makeup I usually wear when I step out of the house.

The OLAY Regenerist Daily Treatment suggests the use of their Cream Cleanser for cleansing (obviously), then the application of the Eye-Lifting Serum and the Regenerating Serum; these two are for correcting (minimising pores, fine lines, and wrinkles), hydrating, and increasing firmness of the skin; under the Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream), which has SPF 15 to protect your skin from UVA/UVB and it moisturises and works with the correction process.

After applying all the products, it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and is still adept to makeup. You can have the confidence of having your skin cleansed and protected while the formulation helps maintain and correct or even reverse the skin’s aging process.

You can read more on the following OLAY Regenerist products:

Regenerating Serum
Regenerating Cream (Perfecting Cream) – Day Cream

I’m working on the review of the eye-lifting serum, so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, do any of you have a beauty routine during day time? How do you protect your skin from the sun, dirt and pollution? Do you know of any anti-aging product line that’s used during the day?

Image: CaPRI

Post from: eBeautyDaily

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

As the excitement builds up, with the arrival of OLAY Regenerist in the country, I decided that it’s time to let you guys in on my own experience with testing some of the products included in the roster. Slated to be launched mid-November, OLAY plans to start of with five (5) products from the Regenerist line, which will be exclusive to Watson’s Stores until January 2009.

I reckon each deserves their own 15-minute fame, so tonight I’m putting the spotlight on the “star” of the lot, the OLAY Regenerist Regenerating Serum (Micro-Sculpting Serum). I reckon this one plays a huge role in optimising and maximising the efficacy of the Regenerist line. I’ll tell you why later on. Moreover, it’s packed with Olay’s exclusive amino-peptide complex, which is proven to harness the skin’s natural cellular repair abilities to regenerate and rejuvenate, plus potent anti-oxidants and hydrators to protect and deeply nourish, respectively. Basically, the serum has taken on the functions of a laser without the, er, laser. (Get it?)

The serum contains two (2) kinds of Amino-peptides which work deeply in the skin surface level and enhance its natural renewal process, meanwhile helps make your skin firmer and more elastic, and visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The serum is part of the suggested Daily Treatment. It’s formulated gently enough to be used frequently. I normally apply it after showering in the morning even when I’m staying in (would apply the day cream if I’ll be stepping out of the house) and again at night, right before I apply the night cream and eye-lifting serum. This is what I mean by frequently.

Application is easy and has brilliant absorption. The serum has non-greasy texture and feels like silk on the skin. It’s so light that you’ll even forget that you have it on (even with the other two creams on).

OLAY Regenerist is perfect for women in their 30s through to 50s. It is, after all, OLAY’s premier anti-aging line. Perhaps women in the their late 20s who wish to reduce the obvious signs of aging can consider using the Regenerist line, too.

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.

Photos © 2008 Sasha Manuel

Post from: eBeautyDaily

The reason behind the existence of a Priority List is cuz the available stocks on that day will be limited. A total of 1,750 products which will consist of:

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

Being on it allows you to shop with fellow priority list-ers, you get the benefit of getting first dibs on the product that you really want to buy without worrying if it’s still available when you get there.

You can sign up directly over at the OLAY Philippines website or just leave your full name and valid email address on the comment area below and I’ll make sure to forward them to the organisers.

The One-Day Pre-Sale will be held during mall hours on Saturday, October 18, at SM Makati Dept Store, SM Megamall Dept Store, SM North EDSA Dept Store, Watsons SM Mall of Asia, and Watsons SM Cebu North Wing. The services of OLAY Beauty Consultants will be available the entire day.

Post from: eBeautyDaily