Manila Shopaholic

Around June/July, I suffered from having a lot of white heads and black heads. I did some research and found out that whiteheads are form of acne. It’s actually a build-up of oils, serum and dead skin that plugs up your pores. I was actually a bit surprised that I was undergoing this problem because I was never really the pimply kind. Actually, I only had breakouts recently – probably because of stress. BUT, it’s all good – stress is a part of life and if you don’t have stress, you’re not alive. ;)

So anyway, I went to Watsons (my favorite store) and saw this – Watsons Green Tea Nose Pore Pack. It contains essence extracted from Japanese Green Tea which is supposedly a powerful antioxidant which helps protect skin from environmental damage and the signs of aging. It is cut to fin the nose contour and is used to remove impurities and blackheads as well as excess sebum on the nose.

How to use this product?

Make sure that your nose is clean and dry. So I suggest, you wash your face first before doing this. Dry your hands before applying the nose pore tape. Remove the strip from the clear backing and apply to the nose with the smooth side down against the skin. Smooth and press down firmly over the nose and leave the strip for 10-15 minutes. Peel of the strip, starting at the edges and pulling towards the middle of your nose. Wash your face again and make sure that you wash off the entire residue.

Some things to remember:

This should be used only on the nose. Do not use on acne, blemishes, swollen, sunburned or excessively dry skin.

If all else fails, go the derma.

Cleaning at Skin (Dermatology and Laser Center)

This product actually helped me. It was a quick and easy fix-for-the-moment for me especially when I was totally irritated with how my nose felt. But, admittedly, it didn’t really take all of the white heads and those irritating things I saw on my nose. I still had to resort to going to the derma. Which derma I went to? Well, I went and tried out Skin at the Fort (in the building of The Spa). It was pretty expensive, I think around PHP2,200 for the cleaning but it really did help a lot. Dr. Esther Leynes was able to remove all of those unwanted white heads out of my nose. It was actually my first time ever to have a cleaning and I was soo scared because I have friends who had black spots all over their face, after they went to their own dermas. Luckily, I didn’t have any!

After the whole cleaning, you will then be asked to consult the doctor and you will have to buy stuff. As for me, they recommended toner, tretinion cream and sun block. So that already became my daily routine. So far, I think it has worked. If ever there were lapses, it would probably be because of the hormones but so far, so good.

P.S.If you’re wondering how much Watsons Green Tea Nose Pore Pack is, I’m sorry but I can’t remember anymore. SORRY. But it’s not that expensive. Probably around PHP100-PHP200.

Yesterday, I shared with you the product that Anne Curtis is endorsing – San San’s Mouse Collection from HBC Philippines.

First of all, what is Mouse Foundation all about?

Mousse Foundation is just like any foundation (liquid, cream, etc.) but has that perfecting coverage for 100% matte finish. Since it’s matte finish, it is ideal for normal to oily skin. Since it’s easy to control, you can apply it easily by smoothing it over your face and blending it evenly using your fingertips.

What’s so good about San San’s Mousse Foundation?

Since it’s not very liquidy and messy, you can easily control the amount that you get. You will never say that you have gotten too much foundation and have wasted the product that you have.
Also, as I have mentioned earlier, since it’s smooth, you won’t have a hard time blending it over your face. It has a very light consistency.
The good thing about San San’s Mousse Foundation is that it has 3 different shades. This makes it easier for you to pick which shade suits you perfectly and you will always be sure that there is a shade that perfectly matches you and your skin tone.
I believe that this kind of product would be perfect for any kind of skin type because it blends well and makes your skin appear very smooth and silky and matte!
Coverage is medium, meaning you won’t have that heavy feeling on a day-to-day basis but you’re still sure that you look blemish-free.
A big PLUS factor for this product is that it is enriched with Vitamins A, C, and E which allows your skin to be healthy even with make up on.
At PHP 150.00, it’s very affordable especially for young girls who are still not earning money and entering the world of woman-hood.

For more information on San San Cosmetics, visit www.hbc.com.ph or contact HBC Customer Care at (+632) 984-5555 loc 228/ (0918) 921-5520. Lahat tayo, tatak exclusibo!

Thinking of dessert? San San Cosmetics endorser, Anne Curtis dares you to try mousse in a makeup. Introducing San San Mousse Collection from Pinoy personal care retailer HBC, Inc.

HBC Mousse Collection

“San San Mousse Collection has an air whipped formula that provides long lasting colour. It glides on smoothly and blends easily for a natural radiant finish. The products under the Mousse Collection are enriched with Vitamins A, C and E and are sold at a price affordable to the budget-conscious beauty shopper because HBC believes that everyone has the right to be beautiful,” says San San Cosmetics brand manager, Maureen Joy Tiquia.

HBC Mousse Collection 2

San San Mousse Collection is available in two product types – San San Mousse Blush, P120 (mocha, pink, rosy) and San San Mousse Foundation, P150 (beige, natural, olive). The products are available in all HBC stores nationwide.

Popularly known as the “Makeup with Vitamins,” San San is HBC’s exclusive makeup line with products ranging from lipsticks, face powders, nail colours, scents and a lot more!

For more information on San San Cosmetics, visit www.hbc.com.ph or contact HBC Customer Care at (+632) 984-5555 loc 228/ (0918) 921-5520. Lahat tayo, tatak exclusibo!

During the Lory’s Giveaway, I asked the readers to send in their hair problems and I asked my friend Aleya Bamdad to give advice for the problems of the girls.

Hair Problems Solved

So here they are:

E.C.L. – My hair is really straight. It’s so straight to the point that it’s limp! :(( I like it better when it’s short because less weight means more volume and if my hair is well conditioned, it looks a bit puffier than usual.

A.B. – You Could Take your layers up shorter if you want to keep the Length!

E.C. – dry and frizzy hair with spiit ends and it’s a wavy hair.

A.B. – Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and regular trims

T.A. – ever since I’ve discovered the wonders of digiperm, I’ve been regularly having my hair done and alternate it with hair color. As a result, I’ve experienced falling hair and hair tends to be dry. I want to restore my hair’s natural shine, silkiness and manageability. Hope i win :). Thanks in advance! God bless!

A.B. – Use Deep Conditioning Shampoo and Conditioners and Hair Masks!

C.Q. – I have damaged hair because I had my hair colored and permed this year. Now they look dry and frizzy. I have lots of split ends, too.

A.B. – Trim ends regularly- deep conditioning treatments

A.R.G. – my hair used to be out of control so it has been chemically treated and that is one of the many reasons why my hair becomes damaged.

A.B. – Need to make sure you are doing treatments before or after being chemically treated

M.S.T. – My hair is dry, probably for using too many products and too much hair drying :(

A.B. – Heat Protectors, Deep Conditioning Treatments and make sure you use a heat protector!

B.S. – I have dry and wavy hair. I had my hair rebonded so that it will look flat and manageable.

A.B. – Moisturize!

J.C.M. – I have rebonded hair and I need extra care for it. :) I don’t want to go back to having frizzy hair.

A.B. – Keep a conditioning treatment like extreme and a product w/ oil to style (moracaine oil)

A.M. – Dry hair

A.B. – All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner

S.J. – My hair tends to get frizzy. And if I don’t use the right product they weigh down

A.B. – Smoothing Serum

M.C.Z. – I have very dry hair caused by rebonding and ironing so I really need hair cream that works for my crowning glory :)

A.B. – Moisturizing shampoo and Conditioner leave in Treatments

K.S. – dry hair

A.B. – Moisturizing Shampoo and conditioner

On the other hand, here are some of the comments about Lory’s:

M.A.N. – I’m an avid user of Lory’s hair cream. Because my hair is super as in super chemically treated with relaxing I used Lory’s snake oil, definitely a winner to my undying hair, but recently I’ve won a Lory’s fruit cocktail from a blogger contest and i love the scent and bounce of my crowning glory, which in fact my husband noticed that for the straight 6 months of using Lory’s hair products my hair becomes shiny and manageable.

C.G.G. – I think my hair is okay, I think I needed Lory’s Fruit Cocktail because it is developed for the care and condition of all types of hair and also to protect my hair.

Manila, Philippines — Filipino personal care retailer HBC, Inc. formally launches its newly-redesigned website which went live this year on the World Wide Web.

HBC Website

The new website, www.hbc.com.ph aims to reach out to more customers anywhere in the world by providing them with the latest information on HBC products, promos and services. The redesign incorporates completely new navigational tools and features such as categorized product types for online shopping, user reviews on HBC products and past TV commercials, franchise inquiry quick forms, and links to social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

“Even in the virtual world, HBC continues to bring its vision of giving everyone the right to be beautiful. That’s why aside from the new look and feel of the HBC website, we would soon be launching the local and international online shopping, a convenient way for customers to shop for HBC products,” says Mr. Marlon Mendoza, HBC Developmental Business Manager.

Online visitors should also watch out for the new website’s Makeover Zone page, which will include tutorials on makeup techniques and hair styling.

HBC, Inc. is a world-class retailer of health, beauty, personal and home care products and services with over 200 stores nationwide. For inquiries, contact HBC Customer Care at (+632) 984-5555 loc 228/ (0918) 921-5520 or email custcare@hbc.com.ph. Lahat tayo, tatak exclusibo!

Thanks to everyone who joined! I got an overwhelming 54 responses in the past month. This just goes to show how many people out there would really like to try this product. As much as I would want to give all of you guys this product, I only have 5 to give away.

How, I chose the lucky participants?

Everything was done electronically via Random.org. When I draw, I check what you wanted. If what you wanted was not yet won, then you get it. But if what you wanted was already tagged to someone who was drawn before you, another draw was done. This would ensure that you would really get what you wanted.

So here are the lucky participants:

1.) Monine Marie Cardenas – 1kg Fruit Cocktail

2.) Leah Jane Mendoza – 1kg Duo Chocolate

3.) Racquel Lao – 450g Shea Butter

4.) Ma. Elinor B. Semira – 250g Snake Oil

5.) Michelle Natividad – 450g Duo Chocolate

Congratulations to you guys! Please check your emails. I will be emailing you shortly. Hopefully, you will like this product when you use it. :)