Spot Corrector for sun-loving girls

When I was a teenager, I used to spend a lot of time in the sun, doing sports and other outdoor activities. Back then, I had no idea how important it is to apply SPF. Now that I’ve grown up, I have to pay for those days with dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Good thing there have been a lot of beauty products in the market that promise to lighten skin tone and remove dark spots.

I tried Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator and Dark Spot Corrector (you can visit their website at http://www.luminaze.com/) since I learned that they use natural ingredients.

The product comes in a dual pump system. To apply it, pump the Active Luminaze Enzyme LIP in the first container and spread evenly on skin. This active ingredient breaks down melanin in the skin and thus lightening dark spots. Then, pump the Bio Activator in the second container and spread evenly on skin, right after applying the Active Luminaze Enzyme LIP.

After a month, I noticed that my dark spots had started to vanish, leaving a blemish-free skin. It also leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, especially right after use. It doesn't feel greasy or heavy like the other creams in the market.

It’s safe and non-comedogenic, making it the perfect product for women who have sensitive skin, like me. Plus, it’s fragrance-free too. I just love fragrance-free beauty products – from foundation (I use mineral powder) and concealers, to deodorants and hand sanitizers.

Clinique's Even Better Moisturizer (SPF 20)

A couple of months ago, another relative from the US visited us and I was able to get a hold of a couple of beauty products, one of which is Clinique's Even Better moisturizer.

I've been looking for a really soothing moisturizer and I think I finally found it. I have oily skin but after every wash it feels real dry so the Even Better moisturizer really helps hydrate the skin.

What type of concealer suits you?

We’ve already written about how to remedy and avoid those dark under eyes and eye bags, while you’re working on that, we want to share how to find the best kind of concealer for an instant fix.

Concealer 101: Concealers are color corrector make-up used to cover up pimples, dark spots and even scars on the skin, especially the face.

There are different types of concealer available in the market. While there are brands that work like magic, some are only appropriate for certain skin types or specific parts of the face.

Water-based concealers are best for people with oily skin and those who tend to have acne breakouts (since its alternative oil-based make up usually clogs the pores). But if you have dry skin, it might be best to use oil-based concealers to keep the face moist and supple. Oil-based make up also has thicker coverage and will last longer.

How to pick the right shade of red lipstick

Fancy buying a new red lipstick? Before heading out to the nearest beauty store, read this first and check what shades of that red lipstick matches your skin tone.

For women with fair skin. Women with light skin tone will look best with red wine shades or those reds with a blue or brown undertone like mauve red or rosy red. These kinds of red will give the light skin that sultry glow especially if you have a pinkish skin tone. For sample colors, browse Cover Girl's Continuous Color in Really Red or Clinique in Angel Red.

For women with medium to dark skin. Girls with that sexy tanned skin can amplify their sensual look by choosing red lipsticks with deeper shades – those with brown or tawny bases. Colors similar to Revlon’s Matte Lipstick in Really Red and Kat Von D’s Painted Love Lipstick in Underage Red would work well.

For women with dark brown skin. Femmes with dark brown skins will surely turn heads by wearing lipsticks with pinkish reds, strong fuchsias, and orange-based poppy reds.

Affordable (and painless) Waxing: Strip It Hair Removal Wax

Ever burned by melted hot hair removal wax? How about going to salons twice a month for underarm hair removal? Spent over 500 pesos every month for hair waxing services? Well, if you’ve answered yes to one of these questions, it’s time to change your expensive waxing habit with this one cold wax product that we’ve tried and tested.

The product: Strip It hair removal wax. It’s made from natural ingredients so it’s safe to use. Main ingredients are sugar and honey. It’s 100% Pinoy-made. Oh, and it's painless too!

When you purchase, you get one kit complete with a can of Strip It wax, a wooden spatula, cloth strips, and instructions manual in one small reusable paper bag. The best thing is that it costs only Php 150*. Now, you’ll have more moolah to spend on lots of sleeveless tops and cute skirts :)

*Kits are available in these sizes:

Mini trial kit 100g

Medium kit 200g

Big kit 350g

Choose the right foundation shade for your skin

1. Try shades under a white light. Suggestions: white room with fluorescent lighting, a tiangge during a cloudy day, or your favorite department store.

2. Select at least three shades that matches your real face color.

3. Compare the three shades by lining them on your right or left cheek-jawline area. The one that disappears like you didn’t put it on is your best friend, er, best match.

4. One tip: It would be good to find two shades of foundation – one that matches your real color and one that’s one or two shades darker than your original color. The reason for this is for you to have the right foundation during the summer, after getting your tan. :) You might want to get one that’s two shades darker if you’re planning to stay longer under the sun.

Stay pretty!
- E 

Getting the no makeup makeup look (with mineral foundation)

Light, odor-free and hypoallergenic - these are the reasons why women worldwide love mineral makeup foundation. When applied, mineral makeup doesn’t appear pasty, off-color, or evident on skin, unlike traditional makeup. Plus, it doesn’t have that fishy, fatty smell “old” makeup has. Of course, the same goes for mineral-based eyeshadows and concealers.

What I love most about mineral foundation is that it appears so natural when applied to skin. With the right makeup base or primer, the foundation lasts longer too.

Application

The first step I do when doing my facial makeup is to moisturize with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Non-comedogenic means it’s free from ingredients that clog the pores and cause breakouts or pimples. I use Celeteque facial moisturizer.