The beauty benefits of Green Tea

Traditionally, many types of make-up, lotions, creams and beauty preparations have used chemical antioxidants, or vitamins A, C and E as preservatives for their products. Now, with research indicating that green tea has even more antioxidant properties than these powerful vitamins, there is a surge in products capitalizing on its natural benefits.

 

A variety of encouraging studies reveal that the topical application of green tea extract provides broad-spectrum protection against skin aging. These published studies indicate that people can derive anti-aging benefits from green tea extract applied topically on a consistent basis. Animal and human studies have credibly demonstrated that topical green tea formulations reduce sun damage and skin cancer.

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In the pink

Yesterday I was hit by the classic OMG I Don't Know What To Wear Syndrome. I was terribly late, but I managed to spend more than an hour staring at my closet and trying on several outfits. It's a nightmare. When I finally got out of the limbo, I belatedly realized that my outfit was...meh.

It's okay but it's not something I would normally wear to a luxury hotel.

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Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm review

One of the biggest problems when it comes to lip color is actually getting it to stay on. Eating, drinking, and even just normal talking will remove or considerably fade any lip product - no matter how expensive it is. It's just a fact of life, unless you get a lip tattoo!

This is why a lot of people became curious about Revlon's latest lip makeup called the Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm. Aside from the promise of lasting power because of the stain formula, the product is a novelty because of the felt-tip applicator and lip balm at the other end of the tube. So, I'm sure you want to know: does it deliver?

What I love about the product

• Intensely pigmented. A couple of layers topped with the moisturizing and slightly glossy lip balm will give you the effect of a lipstick! It certainly won't make your lips look "just bitten", which, in my book, is perfectly alright.
• I really like the lip balm included. It reminds me of my HG lip balm, Aquafina, but without the minty feel. I like the slight sheen it gives on the lips. 

 

• Pretty good staying power. I give it around 4 hours, even with eating. The first couple of times I used this the color faded rather quickly, but I discovered a trick to it

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SM MOA Grand Parade

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New kicks from SM Parisian

If it's not obvious yet - I'm on a terrible shoe phase! All I ever seem to want to buy are shoes! I'm sure I'll snap out of it soon enough. I mean, I only have one set of feet after all!

Now, in case you missed the memo, SM Parisian now has awesometastic shoes. They're fashionable, of good quality, and priced nicely! They're too good to be true, if you ask me. I can't wait for the next collection that SM Parisian will be releasing. As for now, these laced tan booties are my favorites out of the lovely bunch. They're only P1,300!

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Unsung hero: Paul & Joe Eye Crayon

One product I've been using ever since I got it last September is the Paul & Joe Eye Crayon in 01. It's a shimmery beige pencil that, at first, I didn't know how to use. The point was too big to line the upper lids with any precision, and it was too shimmery and creamy to be a useful eyeshadow or eyeshadow base. So I decided to use it on my waterline and poof, problem solved!

It's the best thing I've come across to line the waterline. It provides that instant brightening effect (indispensable for puffy or tired eyes) when applied. I use it on the inner corners of my eyes as well as the inside of the lower lash line, or the so-called waterline.

What I love about the product

• Creamy, shows up nicely with just one swipe. This is an admirable feat when you're lining the wet waterline.
• Stays on all day! This is the best thing ever, since it sticks even after I wash the makeup off. 
• The shimmery beige color looks very natural when applied; I don't want any of those white eyeliners that look weird on the waterline. 

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NYX is now officially available in the Philippines

So the rumors are true! Our favorite NYX Cosmetics is now officially available in the Philippines. The brand will be distributed by SprintAsia, the same distributor of Temptu, Makeup Designory, and Wet n Wild to name a few. Right now, you can find NYX in Beauty Cocktails, Greenbelt 4. I don't know where that store is exactly, so if you know, please tell me in the comments!

According to NYX SprintAsia's Facebook page, new stands at PCX Rockwell, Marionnaud in SM Mall of Asia and PCX Alabang Town Center will open before this year ends. Yay! Oh, since we're on the topic, here's a primer on NYX cosmetics courtesy of thePOC. You can also read some of my NYX reviews here.

Take your time off at Qiwellness spa

More than a month ago I visited a spa in Makati called Qiwellness. The spa distinguishes itself from others all over the metro because of its focus on centuries-old acupressure combined with modern massage techniques. The spa's clean, elegant minimalist interiors are very relaxing, a quiet retreat in the middle of a bustling city. Of course, it helps that the spa is located in the more "genteel" part of Makati, just besides Picasso Suites in Salcedo.

The waiting lounge. They serve tea once you're settled in.

I decided to try out their latest treatment called Mother of Pearl (P1,680 for 90 minutes). It is supposed to smoothen and brighten the skin with the help of exfoliating sea salt and a body polish/wrap made entirely of powdered pearls. Yep, you heard that right! Powdered pearls! I wouldn't know if the pearls are real or pure, but the very idea tickles my mind. Just the thought of being wrapped in pearls is priceless.

Ingredients

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Shop at Beauty Bar online

Exciting news! Beauty Bar, the Philippines' closest thing to Sephora, is now selling online. Brands like Burt's Bees, Smashbox, Styli-Style, Youngblood, Prestige, etc. can now be purchased directly from Beauty Bar's online store. Neat huh? 

I like that the prices are prominently displayed, with clear pictures of the product one can zoom in. I also appreciate the feature on top ten best sellers in front; very useful for those who come just to browse. Lastly, I like that the online store pretty much has everything a walk-in Beauty Bar store has. The selection is pretty comprehensive!

Of course, the shipping is door-to-door, so this saves us busy gals from having to go out of our way to visit Beauty Bar. This is also good news for those who live in the provinces.

Now on to the cons.

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Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules Book and Face Palette launch

Hola! How's your long weekend? Me I didn't do much except shop, eat, read and watch fantasy movies. It's cool. I spent it with my family. 

At the Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules classroom!

So! I'd like to tell you what's new at Bobbi Brown. They recently launched the Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules Book and a Face Palette to go with the theme. The book is about makeup for teens and young twenty-somethings, so that's something you should own if you want to learn new techniques on the best possible makeup for your age and features. Of course, it also features Bobbi Brown's philosophy not only on beauty, but motherhood as well. 

pictures from Temptalia.com

The Beauty Rules Face Palette ($45, around P3,000 locally) is created for girls who are just starting to use makeup. It has the colors you would need for a natural day to an evening party look, and the makeup is formulated in such a way that you don't need to use a lot of tools. In fact, the makeup artists recommend using your fingers! Bobbi Brown Singapore makeup artist Cecilia Tay demonstrated how to pull it off to the press:

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