Check out this awesome recipe for a facial toner made out of ingredients in all of our kitchens – and it works great!

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. honey
1 apple, peeled and cored

Directions:
In blender, puree honey with a peeled, cored apple. Smooth over face; leave on 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Image: Honey.com

Post from: eBeautyDaily

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

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!

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Specially formulated to provide clean, refreshing toning without the harsh, drying effects of alcohol. It will not strip your skin of its own natural moisturizers. Special mild purifiers gently remove impurities and recondition your skin, making it feel fresh, clean and soft.

Another product added to my Beauty Bento Box is the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner.

I’m not pretty big on toners but I’ve always wondered on the benefits of using one. I had resorted to astringents when I was younger and was sorely disappointed since it left my skin dry even when I can see that it was effective in removing excess oil and dirt. I knew there has to be some other alternative to astringents. It just doesn’t sit well with my regimen.

Anyway, my first impressions on this product would start from the very clean-looking packaging. It immediately instilled a message in my head that it can be an effective partner in keeping my skin clean and clear. So, now, for the ‘road test’ — of course, I washed my face using the Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub before applying the toner.

A quick review on the facial scrub: I love the light lather and microbeads. Unlike other exfoliating facial washes, it actually feels like you’re ’scrubbing’ your face clean. And it proved the cliché true, it did leave my skin smooth and supple after I patted it dry. It does feel (literally!) clean.

Going back. I have to admit I was impressed with the toner. Before anything else, I’m glad that it’s suitable for all skin types cuz I feel that my skin varies like the weather. Go figure. Anyway, I kept looking at the cotton round I was using, checking for any sign of dirt. I then felt satisfied that it still effectively removed the dirt that’s still there even after you’ve washed while it moisturised and conditioned my skin. It felt like I was just using watery-like substance to clean and tone the surface of my skin. It didn’t sting or even had a funny scent. I love alcohol-free products. Though, I felt a bit icky after the task was done cuz my skin felt slightly sticky but after a few seconds, once the skin was dry, the surface is soft and smooth.

I even tried it on teh boyfriend yesterday and he was impressed, too. He even said, “that toner’s actually ok” and when he felt that his nose was oily once more, he said “oh no, it’s oily again!” I would only tease him, saying that he only wants to use the toner again. LOL.

I’m glad I made the purchase. Have any of you guys used this product? How was your experience?

Quick Tip: Moisten cotton ball with toner. Apply to face and neck with gentle upward strokes.

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Kikay Kits is currently holding a contest that will give you the opportunity to bag a Tri-phasic White Set by Nu Skin, which includes Tri-phasic Cleanser, Toner, Essence, Day Milk Lotion, and Night Cream.

Nu Skin® Tri-Phasic White® System

The Nu Skin® Tri-Phasic White® System targets all three phases of the skin discoloration process. This scientific method works to minimize the activation, synthesis, and expression of melanin, a pigment that causes discoloration on the skin’s surface. In this clinically proven system, the key ingredient technologies featured in each product combine to create the most comprehensive skin brightening system available.

Tri-Phasic White® System Benefits

• Reduces the appearance of existing dark spots, uneven skin tone, and discoloration for a more brilliant complexion
• Helps prevent the formation of new dark spots and discoloration for luminous, clear skin
• Maintains an even, bright skin tone for translucent beauty

Answering the question, “What makes me kikay?”, I reckon it’s because I do keep a vanity corner in my place overflowing with makeup, cream, lotions and tools (on top of all my fashion accessories and jewelry). My bathroom is filled with bath products (I love soaps and body wash!). I love baths. I keep a routine in makeup application. One of the things that occupy my bag is a “kikay kit” filled with — what else? — makeup that was good enough to qualify as a makeup addict. Hehe.

That’s part of the contest mechanics. I suggest you read up now since it ends on the 19th of August!

Important note: This contest is open to Philippine residents.

Post from: eBeautyDaily

A silky, smooth cleanser that effortlessly melts away makeup while toning the skin, reviving the eyelid area and conditioning the eyelashes in the process. A glowing, bright and clear complexion in one simple step!

After the Bento Beauty Project wherein I talked about putting on makeup, we’ll now talk a bit about post-makeup regimen. Yes. Removing the beautiful makeup you’ve laboured to put on. Hehe.

Of course, as much as the next person, I’m a bit of a lazy lady when it comes to removing makeup. I know, I know. Another bad habit. I do make it a point to wash my face now even when I come home dead tired from events I have to go to. Sigh.

Here’s a secret.

I have yet to find a fabulous makeup remover to accompany my facial wash — I’m even open to switching foams should the need arises — but I still believe I need to find the remover. I’ve vowed to stay away from astringents, though effective, I just feel that it abuses my skin. Sigh.

Even when I’ve found the perks of using mineral makeup to assure me that I won’t wake up with raccoon eyes, I still need to make sure that I’ve fully removed the makeup, esp around the eyes (where I usually concentrate on). I find that they’re the hardest to remove, don’t you? I usually end up foaming twice, which then makes my skin prone to dryness. A bit of a dilemma I’ve got there, yeah?

So, here’s a product that promises to “melt away” the makeup plus toning and conditioning eyelid and lashes. Hmmm. Worth a look, don’t you agree? Soy is native of Eastern Asia, more popular as food but is slowly being used — soybean oil, in particular — in soaps or in cosmetics. I reckon it maximises the protein rich component (source of essential amino acids) that the human body needs.

Quick tip: Be informed if you are allergic to soy before proceeding to use products similar to this one.

Available at Sephora

Post from: eBeautyDaily