My Top 5 Must-Have Lip Products + Mini Review

I got this one from a Sophie Business Center in Alabang.(Actually, I'm a member of that business center :)) At first, I really doubt the quality of the product because of its price. :)) I never imagine you can still have a quality product with your Php 79. I have four shades of this lipstick, I have Red Wine, which is a plum color, I also have Caramel Sugar, which offers a pinkish nude shade,  then I got Red Pepper, a warm red color and the last and my most favorite is the Velvet Nude, a beige nude more of a skin tone lipstick. 

Im a big fan of nude lipsticks :))

This is my go - to lipstick, Snob from Beauty UK. I really love the shade of this product. Some might think that the color looks pale but when you apply it already in your lips you can have a gorgeous pinkish plum colored lips. I really love lipsticks in plum or nude shades. :)) I usually put a clear gloss on top of it to make my lips look more full :>

I love the creamy consistency of this product. My friend has 3 of this shade and she always say that she will continue to buy this lip cream. I told myself that i should get one also just to try the product. I like the coverage and it glides smoothly on your lips. You can put a lip spackle or concealer to your lips before applying this cream, 
to help it stay longer.

NYX Xtreme Lip Cream in Buttery Nude has the benefits of a lipstick and a lip gloss all at once :)) For me this is a good product if you are a busy girl and in a tight budget. Lipstick plus gloss in one swipe, how's that? I like Buttery Nude because of its brownish nude glossy finish. :>

Coral and plum shades are my choice for lipstick. One of my friend recommend it to me and will definitely recommend it to you also. :)) I've been using this lipstick for 2 years now, there are also other shades but I only got this one. This is a very neon pinkish coral that has no shimmer and a nice creamy finish. I  really love Maybelline New York products, they offer quality but cheaper cosmetics. 
Try this one! You will definitely love it. :))

-- I usually prime my lips first with concealer or lip spackle (Lora Geller Lip Spackle is a 
   good one but expensive- it a white creamy base that will neutralize the redness of 
    your lips and will enhance or show the true color of your lipstick)

-- Sometimes I use lipliners but most of the time I directly apply lipstick  :)) Lipliners 
    will just guide you on where to put your lipstick (Helps to make your lips fuller)

-- I like putting gloss on top of my lipstick, a clear one will do, but a rosy nude color 
    will add plumpness to help your lips look fuller :))

-- Dont forget to remove chapped skin on your lips before applying lipstick, 
    it will make your lipstick bleed ;>

You can buy this products from my online shop : The Thirteenth Collection http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Thirteenth-Collection/187425124718678

Hope this helps :)) 

MYRA VITAGLOW 

TINTED FACIAL MOISTURIZER

6 BEAUTY BENEFITS in  1 TUBE

This is one of my favorite drugstore product that gives me all i need to look naturally beautiful. For ONLY Php 100-150, you too can have a gorgeous natural glow. :) Again, I'm not getting paid by anyone to do review on this product. (You can see full review on my older posts :> )

How to Avoid Cake Face

Plus, what exactly is "cake face"

You know those women who wear so much foundation it looks like they have to remove it every night with a trawl?

That, dear readers, is a fine example of "cake face," wherein one slathers on too much foundation and concealer, the result being a pancake, mask-like makeup. If you have makeup covering every millimeter of your face, it's simply too much and the first thing people are going to think when they see you is, "She wears a lot of makeup." Why not play up, rather than cover up, your natural beauty?

The following are my best "how to avoid cake face" tips.

The Right Way to Wear Foundation & Concealer

Foundation is meant to cover up only your uneven spots like the cheeks, around the nose and maybe the chin. Once the foundation is in place, you can then dot concealer on any ruddy or pimply spots the foundation doesn't cover.

Remember, with foundation, apply only on the spots that need it.

Matte is Out, Dewy is In

As we age, our skin loses not only its elasticity, but it also tends to lose moisture. This can lead to "cake face." A matte face is not a youthful, dewy face. Our goal is to make our skin appear dewy and as youthful as possible, even if we are 70. This means keeping skin as moisturized as possible. So how to get dewy skin?

What to Do About Those Freckles?

Some women and girls with freckles try to cover them up with thick foundation. Don't! Try to embrace your freckles and grow to love them. Freckles make you unique and accepting them will make you more beautiful. After all, it's almost impossible to cover up freckles without achieving "cake face."

Foundation Primer is Key

The key to perfect skin tone is to create a barrier between your skin and the foundation by applying first a foundation primer. A foundation primer works in the same way as paint primer does, it settles in your pores, fine lines and wrinkles and evens over pimples so that your foundation glides on smoothly.

If you don't have a primer, moisturizer works, too.

Choose the Correct Foundation & Concealer

Cake face is worst when someone's wearing the wrong foundation shade.

It's really important to find the right shade of foundation or tinted moisturizer. You want the foundation to blend in seamlessly with your skin color. I recommend trying out foundation at a place like Sephora so an expert can say "yay or nay."

A couple rules of thumb is to choose a sheer liquid rather than a powder foundation if you have dry skin. If you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free tinted moisturizer or foundation and keep blotting papers on hand to blot your skin as the day wears on.

Keep Skin Hydrated as the Day Wears On

If you have dry skin, it's really important to keep skin hydrated and moisturized all day long. I like to spray mineral water on my face to add moisture. I will also dot on a bit of moisturizer on any "cakey spots."

source: yahoo 

HOME MADE

MAKE UP REMOVER

It’s Good To Know:

Witch hazel is an astringent produced from the leaves and bark of the North American Witch-hazel shrub (Hamamelis virginiana), which grows naturally from Nova Scotia west to Ontario, Canada, and south to Florida and Texas in the United States. This plant extract was widely used for medicinal purposes by American Indians and is a component of a variety of commercial healthcare products.

Uses

Witch hazel is mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling.

The main constituents of the extract include tannin, gallic acid,catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential oils (carvacrol, eugenol, hexenol), choline, and saponins. Distilled witch hazel sold in drug stores and pharmacies typically contains no tannin. Witch hazel hydrosol is used in skin care. It is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent, which makes it very useful in fighting acne. It is often used as a natural remedy for psoriasis,eczema, aftershave applications, ingrown nails, to prevent sweating of the face, cracked or blistered skin, for treating insect bites,poison ivy, and as a treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids.  It is found in numerous over-the-counter hemorrhoid preparations.  It is recommended to women to reduce swelling and soothe wounds resulting from childbirth.

The essential oil of witch hazel is not sold separately as a consumer product. The plant does not produce enough essential oil to make production viable. However, there are various distillates of witch hazel (called hydrosols or hydrolats) that are gentler than the "drug store" witch hazel.

Olive Oil – (see my older post for the benefits and uses of olive oils)

How to make home made natural make up remover:

Mix the witch hazel and the olive oil in a small bottle (equal amount). Shake it. Use a cotton ball and apply it to your face. J

It’s a natural way to clean up your face from make up. You can use a mild cleanser after that but be sure it’s a super mild one, try using GARNIER or NEUTROGENA. Don’t switch on beauty products too fast, try using one product for 2 weeks before you switch to others. It will help your skin adjust to the chemical changes of the different products.

I’m using Dickinson Witch Hazel, You can buy it from Healthy Options or other health/wellness stores. The 237 ml bottle is worth Php 210-250. My organic olive oil is from Healthy Options also though any olive oil will do.

After using it, you can see the changes, it will leave your skin super smooth and perfectly toned ;>

15 Wonderful Uses for 

Witch Hazel

1. The big one: Spot and blemish control

Witch hazel can reduce the inflammation on a pimple. Some people claim daily use helps with acne, and witch hazel can be found in many over-the-counter treatments. Application with a Witch Stick is the most convenient, but you can dab it on with a cotton ball. Ask your pharmacist before you do this, though.

2. Soothe and heal diaper rash

If your baby's rash isn't healing quick enough, apply witch hazel solution (Dickinson's is good) with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby's bottom.

3. Shrink bags under the eyes

Some people say that the application of hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It's not an old wives' tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess. And that leads nicely to…

4. Soothe and reduce external hemorrhoids

Not only does witch hazel tighten skin, it's also a good anti-itch remedy. By combining witch hazel with aloe, glycerine or petroleum jelly and rub it on external hemorrhoids, you will reduce itching significantly and dry up most bleeding.

5. Varicose vein relief

Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily.

6. Soothe poison ivy and poison oak

Just like acne and blemishes, the witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling. Something definitely worth packing on your next camping trip.

7. Treat chicken pox blisters

A combination of aloe, honey, lavender and other essential oils create a spray that will vastly reduce the discomfort of chicken pox blisters. And it's all-natural. Here's what to do:

Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 40 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops lemon essential oil, 15 drops bergamot essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil, 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil and 1/2 cup aloe vera gel.

Once completely mixed, and 1/2 cup distilled witch hazel and mix again. Pour mixture into spray bottle and use on affected areas (avoiding eyes). A more potent and less unsightly way to treat the chicken pox than traditional calamine lotion.

8. Heal your bruises faster

Been in a fight recently? Well, maybe not. But if you bang your leg or arm and are left with a nasty bruise, a thrice-daily dab of witch hazel can help speed up the healing time of the bruise.

9. Soothe razor burn (and in some instances, prevent it)

The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Apply before or after shaving; it should certainly have an impact on your itchy red skin (and that includes ladies, too).

10. Treat and soothe a nasty sunburn

Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel's specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking.

11. Treat dry skin

By applying witch hazel immediately after showering, you are locking in the moisture that has just soaked into your skin.

12. Use to heal and soothe various cuts and bruises

Many chemists and pharmacists refer to witch hazel as nature's answer to Neosporin. Applying a dab of it will cleanse the cut, protects against infection, and encourage quicker healing of minor skin breaks.

13. Take the bite out of bug bites

With its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Just dab a little on the affected area.

14. Refresh tired eyes

NOT by squirting witch hazel in them, but by soaking a clean rag in witch hazel and cold water and placing the cold compress over your closed eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone. If you've been doing a lot of crying, this can get you back to normal quickly.

15. Make your own deodorant

Witch hazel is often used in deodorants due to its natural skin-healing and skin-care properties. 

Source: senior writer Paul Michael (Life hacks)

I took this photo minutes after i arrived home from Madrigal, Alabang. Then of course I put my favorite make ups on the sides and would like to share it with you. :))

For my FACE 
- I usually use Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Moisturizer, my skin absorbs it really well. I don't put foundation directly to my face I usually want my skin moisturized while wearing make up ;>

- After my moisturizer, I use a damp sponge then apply the Maybelline Clear Smooth All in One Powder Foundation in Honey. I use Honey because its the shade that's really near to my skin tone.

For my EYES 
- These are the two of my favorite make ups. Maybelline Master Liner in Black ( I think it has white and brown shades also but i will definitely use the black one :> ) It glides on smoothly and the color is very rich plus the staying power is a WOW! It doesn't smudge like the ones I used before. So I will definitely stick to this one. 
- Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express. Its my go-to mascara :> It fills every side of my eyelashes with thick black color but it won't feel heavy or something. You can brush it in your eyelashes for 2 up to 4 times for definition. (In the photo i only use 2 brushes ;> )Its waterproof so you can only remove it with warm water or eye make up remover.

For my LIPS 
-   I use Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Are you Ready. i'm not really particular when it comes to lipstick, but this one is a two-thumbs up for me :)

** For my EYEBROWS - I use any eyeshadow in dark brown or any taupe eyeshadow, MAC Copperplate is a  good one matching Asian's black hair. ( Your eyebrow color should be one to two shades lighter than your hair color). For blonde, MAC taupe eyeshadow in Ommega or Kid, any will do ;>

** For my CHEEKS - Again, I'm not really particular when it comes on blushes hehe, but in the photo i'm using BEAUTY UK STRIPEY BRONZER (discontinued). (You might always want to contour your face especially if you have a round face like mine :) , it will help your face look slimmer. Yay! The Power of Make Up :))

** You can also add lluminator or Highlighter - NARS Orgasm is a good one, I've also tried MAC Shell highlighter, but these are expensive brands, MEMEME a UK cosmetic is a good alternative and cheaper.

You can buy some of these products from my online shop/page http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Thirteenth-Collection/187425124718678. But these are all available in beauty stores, department stores and Rustans.

I hope i helped a little by just sharing. :)

MYRA VITAGLOW 

TINTED FACIAL 

MOISTURIZER

Myra Tinted Facial Moisturizer has two shades: (1) IVORY - a yellowish medium to fair shade, and (2) BEIGE - pinkish,deeper medium to medium deep shade. 

I've been using IVORY for a month now. Yellow toned make ups are usually used to cover up redness of the face (most especially in cheeks and nose areas). I observed that BEIGE will only worsen the redness in my face since its a pinkish medium deep shade :)

I've seen this product from a friend. She personally use the product and shared the benefits of it. So, i check it on beauty stores and after reading the package i thought of trying it. I didn't have a second thought on buying because it's very cheap :))

Here are the benefits of this moisturizer:

(1) Gives a hint of color - evens out skin tone with a natural coverage. I love foundations and tinted moisturizers with thin, natural coverage, it feels like you're not wearing any make up at all

(2) Contains minerals - we all prefer to to have mineral make ups for healthy luminous glow

(3) With SPF 15 - to protect skin against the sun's harmful rays. I always look for make ups with SPF ( I prefer more than 15 but 15 is fine :>)

(4) Enriched with Vitamin E - to help keep skin  soft, healthy, and young looking. We all know that it wouldn't be MYRA if  it doesn't have Vitamin E 

(5) Dermatologist-tested - mild, gentle, and safe for everyday use

Why to I use it?

- It is manufactured by one of the most known pharmaceutical/beauty manufacturers in our country. The Innovitelle Inc. ( a subsidiary of United Laboratories Inc). This makes me trust and believe that the products is really safe to use, dermatologist-tested and hypo-allergenic.

- I love the natural coverage that the product gives. You can even wear it alone (as a moisturizer) but it's better if you use it with your foundation (as a make up base) because it tends to melt if you're under the sun for too long :) Usually it stay put for 4 - 6 hrs (if you are wearing it w/o foundation)

- Minerals is a good thing in this moisturizer, it will make you look younger. SPF 15 is a must in every cosmetics, so im happy knowing that this moisturizer has one.  It will really protect your skin from dullness and wrinkles caused by the harmful UV rays. Vitamin E makes your skin really soft :)

- Its a moisturizer, at the same time, a make up base :). It's not my routine to put foundation directly to my face, I usually put moisturizer before putting my foundation (moisturizer/make up base sets the foundation perfectly for smoother application).

- Lastly, the PRICE :) All that benefits for only Php 135 - 140. If you are out of budget you might wanna try this one. 

Disadvantage:

- It has slight shimmer on it but it only offers luminous sheen. And its not really visible unless you look very near in your mirror :>

- It has mild scent. For me, it's not really a bad thing. 

This is me, using the MYRA VITA GLOW TINTED FACIAL MOISTURIZER in IVORY

** I usually apply it with my palm and fingertips, the warmth of your palms will break the make up for smoother application and faster absorption

** Don't forget to store it in temperature 30 degrees C below. to retain its creamy consistency and always slightly shake before using :> 

7 Ways You're Aging Your Skin

Skipping sunscreen 
The No. 1 way you're aging your skin? Not wearing sunscreen daily. "The sun is the primary cause of skin aging," says Neil Sadick, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. The sun can reach you on cloudy, rainy, or snowy days as well. Plus, Dr. Sadick adds, "skin-damaging UV rays can penetrate through glass, so you need to apply sun protection even indoors." He suggests choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which blocks both types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, with an SPF of at least 30. Antioxidant-fortified formulas containing ingredients such as resveratrol, vitamin C, idebenone, or coffee berry can offer additional protection.

Neglecting your hands and neck 
Your face isn't the only area that needs a little TLC. Overexposure to sun affects your hands and neck just as much as your complexion. These areas show signs of aging, like dark spots, dryness, and loss of firmness, notes Dr. Sadick. Treat your neck and the backs of your hands as you would your face by generously applying moisturizer and sunscreen. While you can buy body-specific products, they aren't necessary. Those formulated for your face will work just fine, Dr. Sadick says.

Spot treating pimples 
Thanks to fluctuating hormones, women over 40 routinely experience acne problems. But using a spot treatment to relieve red spots will only dry out the skin, leaving a raw and irritated area-and it won't help heal the pimple either. Instead, says Carolyn Jacob, MD, director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, treat your entire face with an acne-fighting cleanser or moisturizer once a day. It's your best bet for preventing future breakouts.

Going to bed without removing your makeup 
You may find it tempting to fall into bed after a busy day-or a late night on the town-without cleaning your face. But skipping a cleanser at night can lead to breakouts later. During the day, environmental toxins (like dirt and pollution) build up on skin and invade pores, which can cause complexion problems, says Dr. Sadick. So don't hit the sack before you wash. Use a good cleanser and save your skin. Keep a box of cleansing towelettes bedside for added convenience-simply swipe and sleep.

Ditching products too quickly 
If you're frustrated that your new anti-aging moisturizer isn't doing its job, stick it out longer before switching. Bouncing from product to product may leave you with the impression that nothing works for your skin. Dr. Jacob recommends that you give a new product at least six weeks to produce a change in your complexion. "One skin cycle takes 30 days [for new cells to reach the top layer of skin], so in order to see a real difference in texture, tone, and clarity, you need to use it for more than a month," she says. If the product contains anti-aging ingredients, wait even longer. Your skin takes about four months to regenerate collagen and elastin, she says.

Using too many products at once 
If a new moisturizer is good, then the combination of a new serum, toner, and night cream must be better, right? Not so fast. If your skin gets irritated after you use a handful of new products, you won't know what's causing the problem and assume they're all irritating. Instead, "start with one at a time, and integrate a new product every two weeks," says Dr. Jacob. That way, you'll be better able to identify what's aggravating you, or know what combination of them makes your skin go haywire. Plus, you'll also save some cash by buying only what you need.

Skimping on sleep 
Getting insufficient shut-eye can age skin prematurely-and, in the short run, result in dark circles and a lackluster complexion. During the day, our skin cells are battling against an onslaught of stressors, like UV rays and pollution. Sleep is vital because stress hormones drop to normal levels at night, giving cells time to repair and rejuvenate, says Dr. Jacob. Plus, stress raises the levels of the hormone cortisol, which increases oil production and can lead to bouts of acne, according to Dr. Jacob. So make sure you're not depriving yourself of the sleep you need.

source: Yahoo

How To Get Perfect Skin

 

1. Reduce your skin’s contact to bacteria. You may be surprised at how often your skin comes into contact with dirt and germs that can lead to acne. During the time you are asleep, your pillow comes into contact with makeup, skin oils and saliva, making it a breeding ground for bacteria that can worsen acne. Likewise, unwashed makeup brushes can spread bacteria to your skin. To minimize your skin’s contact to bacteria, make sure you wash makeup brushes every two weeks and change your pillowcase regularly. Also, avoid touching your face as much as possible and clean your phone with antibacterial wipes before making calls.

2.  Cleanse your skin properly. If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin it can be tempting to over-cleanse your skin to dry out oils and kill bacteria. However, cleansing your skin too frequently or using harsh cleansers can dry out your skin, causing flakiness which can clog pores. It can also cause your skin to produce more oils to compensate. Instead, wash your skin twice a day with a gentle, PH-neutral cleanser so as not to destroy the acid mantle of the skin, which protects against moisture loss and bacteria. Remove the cleanser with a muslin cloth to lightly exfoliate the skin.
  
3.   Sip spearmint tea. Acne is generally caused by hormones called androgens, which can over-stimulate the sebaceous glands leading to oily skin, blocked pores and spots. To counteract these effects, oral contraceptives are often prescribed to women suffering from acne. However, while beneficial for clearing spots, these contraceptive pills can have inconvenient and even dangerous side effects. Luckily, research suggests that spearmint tea has similar anti-androgen properties, which could help reduce acne and hormone imbalances in women.
 
4. Use spot-fighting makeup. We all know what it’s like to have a bad skin day when you just want to hide away under layers of makeup. However, while makeup can temporarily disguise the look of spots, it can also make the problem much worse. For confidence-boosting coverage that won’t cause flare-ups, make sure you opt for non-comedogenic makeup that won’t clog pores. To further increase the spot-fighting powers of your cosmetics, try using mineral makeup containing zinc oxide, which will fight against acne-causing bacteria. 


5. Change your diet. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients and antioxidants is one of the key factors behind beautiful looking skin. However, there are also certain foods you can cut back on or eat more of in order to help get rid of spots. Research suggests that dairy is a major precursor of acne for many people due to the hormones it contains. Plastic water bottles and food packaging can also leach out chemicals which can lead to hormone imbalance. Swap packaged foods for fresh, skin-friendly produce including lots of fruit and vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

6. Find ways to deal with stress. Research findings published in the journal Archives of Dermatology suggest that high stress levels can significantly worsen acne. It is thought that this may be due to the fact that stress stimulates the production of hormones which stimulate oil production in the skin’s sebaceous glands. Stress is also thought to instigate the release of chemicals which can lead to inflammation. To help keep your skin clear and spot-free, try to find healthy ways to deal with stress such as exercise, meditation or pampering. Try to talk through problems with someone else as well to help relieve any worries.

Top 5 Benefits of Cocoa Butter

Looking for a moisturizer that's affordable, naturally sweet-smelling and easily absorbed by the skin? Then be on the lookout for cocoa butter.

Cocoa butter is the cream-colored fat that's extracted from cocoa beans—which explains its chocolate-y scent! It is used in cosmetics, soaps, lotions, and other skincare products thanks to its moisturizing properties. That's because it's one of the most stable, highly concentrated fats. It also melts at body temperature, making it readily absorbed by the skin.

Get to know more about this wonder moisturizer:

1. It keeps skin conditions at bay. Cocoa butter has been known to treat eczema and dermatitis. Thank the cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP) in cocoa butter: CMP inhibits the production of immonu globulin, which tends to worsen the symptoms of dermatitis and asthma.

2. It may help prevent cancer. Studies have shown that CMP helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells. CMP inhibits cancer cell and tumor growth by preventing the oxidation of good cholesterol and the production of inflammatory cells.

3. It helps boost your immune system. CMP may help suppress T-cell activity in your immune system, making it a kick-ass fighter against certain conditions such as psoriasis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

4. Major moisturizing powers. Ever wonder why pregnant women reach for cocoa butter-enriched products to rub on their bellies? Cocoa butter is loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E. Paired with its ability to moisturize like no other, cocoa butter has been the go-to ingredient to prevent stretch marks. While cocoa butter can't entirely erase them, it is able to reduce their appearance.

5. Helps your skin look younger. Cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants, which help in fighting off free radicals. Free radicals destroy healthy skin cells, damaging your skin and making it age faster. An added bonus: cocoa butter may also protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays.