Unboxing My 12th Althea Box

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Philippines

UNBOXING MY 12TH ALTHEA BOX

Hello everyone! This box is actually not my haul because my co-worker was able to try the Power 10 Formula VC Effector from my stash and she fell in love with it. She asked me to buy her stocks. It is also the reason that I do not have a photo for it because I did not opened the box for her to be able to try unboxing.

Power 10 Formula VC Effector 3 pieces - 1170php

Soft Airy UV Essence - 1200php

It is my first time to experience personally that I was able to influence someone into buying something. I hope that I could help more people in discovering new amazing products too. Because this is the reason that I really blog. To share and share. Let us all find the holy grail for each product that we use.

Caronia Celebrates 50 Colorful Years!

Friday, October 26, 2018 Philippines

CARONIA CELEBRATES 50 COLORFUL YEARS!

Caronia is the first nail polish brand that I encountered. Since I was little, I see my sisters using Caronia nail polish sets and I distinctly remember that they used to have this commercial broad casted that was easy to sing along with.

This year, the first locally produced nail polish brand in the Philippines market will be marking its 50 years in the industry. From its humble beginnings in 1968, did you know that Caronia was actually names after a luxury ship? Surprising as it is, the brand was able to cruise into the hearts of Filipinas and became the brand we know and love. Up to this day, it has stood the test as the Philippines' pioneer in local nail polish and nail care brand.

Let us all celebrate with Caronia in their 50th Anniversary with the wonderful and wide collection of colors that they had released over the past five decades. In line with celebration of Caronia's golden anniversary, they have made special collections for you namely: Psychedelic 70's, Vibrant 80's, Iconic 90's, Modern 00's, and Dynamic 10's. The possible nail art combinations and designs out of Caronia Nail Polish are endless because there are 50 colors to choose from!

Starting off with Caronia's Tahiti Brown, On-The-Go, and Tea Rose, these are the shades for those ladies who want a trippy and Boho look. For days when you want to look vibrant, Caronia's Orange Pop, Sweet Surprise, and Tryst are there to lighten up your mood. To make yourself look iconic even on a regular day, put on Blue Velvet, Emerald Shimmer, and White Satin to compliment your laid back outfit. For your glamorous modern look, you can paint your nails with Kismet, Pink Lily, and Platinum Glitter. For bold and dynamic feels, splash some colors of Caronia's African Plum, Golden Bronze, and Touch of Tan.

1. Psychedelic 70's Box

In Psychedelic 70's Box, you will get the shades: Brick Red, Fantasy Red, Glissade, On-The-Go, Pussy Red, Simply Red, Tahiti Brown, Taupe, Tea Rose, and Touch of Beige.

This is my favorite set from all of the collection! I love using nudes and reds for my nails!

2. Vibrant 80's Box

In Vibrant 80's box: You will get Bourree, Lemon Cool, Natural, Orange Pop, Platinum Special, Red Pearl, Sweet Surprise, Tangerine, Tryst, and White Rose.

3. Iconic 90's Box

Inside the box of Iconic 90's, you will get Avant, Blueberry, Blue Chill, Blue Velvet, Bohemian Blue, Chasse, Emerald Shine, Gypsy Green, Sapphire Glow, and White Satin.

This is my second favorite box from all of the collection!

4. Modern 2000's Box

For ladies who love using pink nail polish for their nails, you will love this Modern 2000's box! It contains shades Baby Pink, Carolina Peach, Chestnut, Colorless, Italian Nude, Kismet, Pink Lilac, Pink Lily, Platinum Glitter, and Silver Platinum.

5. Dynamic 2010's Box

Last boxed set that I will be sharing is the Dynamic 2010's collection. The shades of the nail polishes included are African Plum, Black Velvet, Cashmere, Golden Bronze, Pique, Rainbow Tan, Touch of Tan, 14K Gold, and 24K Gold.

This set is a combination of nudes, colorful and even metallic shades. Perfect for millenials!

If you get all of this set, you will get a total of 50 pieces of nail polishes! The possibilities of creating something nice with your nails are endless! If you want to challenge yourself, you can even change your nail polish color every other week and it is possible that you will not repeat a shade at all!

You can express yourself with Caronia Nail Polish. The fact is whether you're in the mood to glam up or choose to keep it simple, Caronia Nail Polish will help you to impress and express your timeless beauty.

Watch Caronia's Heritage Video at http://bit.ly/Caronia50years to celebrate this significant milestone and #KeepThingsColorful every day! To know more about Caronia, you can visit their website at www.caronia.com.ph or follow Caronia on Facebook (Caronia Philippines), Instagram and Twitter (@caroniaph).

What is your favorite set of nail polishes from all of the collection? Just shared mine! Let us stay connected through my social media accounts.

Getting Gifts For Kids Now Easier

Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Philippines

GETTING GIFTS FOR KIDS NOW EASIER

Getting gifts for your kids, nieces or nephews, even for your godchildren is quite hard. I, myself have a hard time in getting the right size when it comes to clothes and shoes. Clothes are nice to look at and cute to give but before you can successfully buy the right size, you have to ask the children's parents...which gives away the element of surprise. In the end, I end up in buying toys but giving toys may be nice but as much as possible I wanted it to be more practical when it comes to my gifts and I wanted to add a personal touch.

Looking for what to buy in department stores and baby stores is a hassle too. Specially in the coming Christmas Season - all the hustle discourages me to go to the mall. Now that I think about it, there are no online store in the Philippines that caters solely for children. Most of our online stores offers beauty and food products. So upon searching, I recently discovered a gifting website designed for kids. Although it is based in Singapore, they do ship internationally for free for orders of at least SGD$250 or just pay SGD$25 for shipping fee if less than SGD$250 worth of orders. With their cute items to offer, I am sure you will surpass the minimum amount!

If you have a family member or loved ones living in Singapore, they offer a true free shipping for deliveries within Singapore! So again, it is a nice site to shop!

Lovingly Signed is a unique online shop, it was born to make a modern gifting market in Singapore and Asia. Their shop personalizes gifts with the chosen name and they wrap it in Lovingly Signed signature gift boxes and all you have to do is wait for it to be delivered to your doorstep. Hassle-free! No need to go to the malls specially this Christmas season. You can start shopping as early as now.

The shop of Lovingly Signed offers gift hampers that are perfect for newborns. As soon as a family or friend of yours gives birth, you can order a hamper that contains different products depending on your budget. Usually it contains a stuffed toy, a personalized blanket, towel or jumper.

For infants to toddlers, they have clothing choices from robes, baby grows, and bibs. These are perfect for a sample of practical gifts. It is something that the children needs to use daily. Not only that, they also offer blankets and hooded towels. All of these can be personalized and I am sure any parent will be delighted once they receive it.

Lovingly Signed also have toys. Giving of gifts to kids will not be complete if there are no toys to to choose from, right? The toys they sell are safe for kids since it was made out of soft products. No need to worry that it will be hazardous for the child's health.

For storage of toys or any kids essentials, Lovingly Signed also sells Storage hampers. They have a variety of designs that you could choose from.

If the one who will be receiving gifts will be starting nursery or kinder garden, you can buy a personalized backpacks for them. For something that they can put inside their bags, you can also buy them soft books that are available too at Lovingly Signed.

You see, the choices are great and all nice! Still not sure on what to get? You can still buy gift cards so that they can choose for themselves. Amazing, right?

Check out the store at https://lovinglysigned.com.sg/ so you can see the amazing products that they do have for yourselves.

For your friends and families, and even co-workers, you can also give them for travelling. Like a gift guide for those who love camping!

Liza Soberano's New Favorite Maybelline Lipstick

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Philippines

LIZA SOBERANO'S NEW FAVORITE MAYBELLINE LIPSTICK

Do you remember when Liza Soberano shared in one of Maybelline's Press Conference last year that her favorite Maybelline Lipstick is Clay Crush? Now she is sharing her new favorites and it is from Maybelline Creamy Mattes and now available in 10 shades.

Are you wondering what striking new shade Liza Soberano is wearing? It is none other than The Creamy Mattes by Maybelline New York, with 10 new shades launching this October.

The Creamy Mattes, Maybelline’s bestselling lipstick and a definite crowd favorite, is raved about for its highly pigmented creamy texture, moisturizing matte formula, and flattering shades for all Filipina skin tones. It is also one of my favorite product line by Maybelline. To add to its collection of 20 lipsticks, Maybelline now offers 10 fresh shades of The Creamy Mattes in skin-flattering reds, nudes, and pinks – all of which would definitely be worthwhile additions to every girl’s makeup kit.

From the 10 new shades of The Creamy Mattes, let me share to you Liza's top 3 picks:

1. Mysterious Mocha - a warm brown-nude perfect for an everyday natural look

2. Bold Crimson - a classic matte red that suits all skin tones

3. Lively Violet, a muted cool pink that’s universally flattering (especially on morenas!)

The other shades ranging from neutral to bold hues are:

4. Barely Nude - a light peachy nude

5. Dare To Be Red - the perfect scarlet shade

6. Big Apple Red - a bright warm red

7. Pop of Pink - a warm cotton candy shade

8. Flaming Fuchsia - a striking hot pink

9. Madly Magenta - a warm pinkish-purple hue

10. Rock The Coral - an electric warm pink

Don’t miss out on these hot new shades of The Creamy Mattes, now available for only P299 SRP. But for those looking to hoard, all 30 shades of the Creamy Mattes will be at P100 off from October 1-31, 2018 in all Maybelline counters nationwide.

Hurry while Shopee is still on sale too!

Want to get your Creamy Mattes online? Maybelline is also available in Lazada, Shopee, and the newly-launched @MaybellinePHshop, the official Instagram shop of Maybelline Philippines.

Undo Hair Damage In Just A Minute With Dove

Saturday, October 20, 2018 Philippines

UNDO HAIR DAMAGE IN JUST A MINUTE WITH DOVE 1 MINUTE SERUM CONDITIONER

One of my insecurities is my hair. With all the damage that I had done with it with hair coloring and perming back in College, I am now suffering form hair fall and dry hair strands. Going to the salon for frequent hair treatments takes a lot of effort and money. Personally, I can feel the struggle in keeping my hair healthy, smooth, and damage-free. I know what others think of me, someone I know pointed out that I am a Beauty Blogger so for her, that means that I should have a beautiful hair - but maintaining one's locks is never easy!

That is why I am excited to share that a new product has been released by Dove! This month of October, Dove launched its first ever 1 Minute Serum Conditioner! Infused with transformative serum capsules, its potent formula includes nourishing oils such as Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Almond Oil, and Vitamin E. These ingredients were combined with Dove's best damage technology, Keratin Repair Actives.

With the power of the serum capsules, the new 1 Minute Serum Conditioner can deeply repair hair and undo damage in just 1 minute! Exciting, right?

Let us find out on what each major ingredient can contribute to our hair!

1. Almond Oil

The almond oil can improve the shine and strength of the hair.

2. Coconut Oil

The Coconut Oil's certain components keep the hair strong, nourished and protected from the effects of premature aging, like baldness and excessive hair loss.

3. Sunflower Oil

The Sunflower Oil deeply moisturizes and improves manageability, reduces frizz and adds instant shine and softness to the hair.

4. Argan Oil

The Argan Oil can penetrate into hair pores and shafts and enhances the elasticity of the hair. It also nourishes hair for growth. Besides that, it also restores the smoothness of hair and makes it manageable again.

5. Vitamin E

The Vitamin E is a natural moisturizer, you can see this ingredient in almost all of skin care and hair products. It keeps scalp in good condition and makes hair smoother and softer. It can reduce instances of splitting and breakage of hair.

All of the ingredients included benefits the hair by their own but for the 1 Minute Serum Conditioner, it was all combined. With this conditioner, it is time to say goodbye to the extreme lengths we go through to repair our damaged hair and let us say hello to a quick and potent solution to get instantly recovered, more resilient locks!

There are three variants you could choose from depending on your needs (but for me, I need all of it. LOL):

1. 1 Minute Serum Conditioner Hair Fall Rescue

For weak and fragile hair. That's my hair! This is the first variant that I tested because right now, my most concern is my hair fall. You know that feeling when you massage your hair when applying your shampoo then a lot of strands go with your fingers upon rinsing? I experience that a lot.

I tried using this serum conditioner the other day and I was amazed with the results. The first time that I used it, the strands of the hair that goes with my fingers whenever I rinse it already lessened! So imagine how good it will affect my hair if I continue to use it in a long-term basis!

My hair instantly became soft and smooth and I am so happy that it did not cause any greasiness even the next day!

The detailed list of ingredients included are:

How it looks like:

2. 1 Minute Serum Conditioner Intense Repair

The second variant that I tested is the Intense Repair designed for damaged hair since I put my hair under a lot of stress with hair coloring, my hair definitely needs a recovery.

I noticed that my hair became smooth and fuller after the treatment. It was like it had a look of a blow-dried hair without going through the process of blow-drying. Plus, my hair felt smooth!

The detailed list of ingredients included:

How it looks like:

3. 1 Minute Serum Conditioner Nourishing Oil Care

For dry and frizzy hair. This is the last variant that I tested. My hair is sometimes dry but not all of the time that is why this is the last variant that I tested. After using this serum conditioner, my hair is more manageable since the strands became soft and smooth. Even though my hair became more hydrated, it did not cause any greasiness. Yay! (I experienced some conditioners that can easily cause greasiness to the hair.)

The detailed list of ingredients are:

How it looks like:

These three variants are available in three sizes. Perfect for travel buddy, it is available in 10ml for only 6.75php, for stocks at home, it is available in 170ml for 165php and 269php for a 340ml tube.

Overall, I liked the effect of the serum conditioner on my hair. It was like I had a treatment done at the salon! You can get the Dove 1 Minute Serum Conditioner at any leading depatment stores, supermarkets or drugstores. It is also available online at Zalora, Lazada, BeautyMNL, and Shopee.

What are you waiting for? Try the Dove 1 Minute Serum Conditioner now! :) To know more about Dove Philippines, you can like their Facebook page here. You can also follow them on Instagram at @dove.

Found A New Perfume From Fragrance Box!

Sunday, October 14, 2018 Philippines

FOUND A NEW PERFUME FROM FRAGRANCE BOX

A new brand in town, Fragrance Box here in the Philippines not only offers essential oils, they also have perfumes that are also concentrated. I got the scent Ginger and Nutmeg from them and it is my first time to use something spicy and yet refreshing. My usual choice for perfumes are floral or powder-like scents so trying something spicy is new to me.

This bottle contains 50ml of perfume. It lasted strongly for four hours to me before I needed to re-spray.

Beauties, for a perfume that smells good and lasts at least four hours for only 349php per bottle, this is quite a catch! They also have Orange Bloom, Honeysuckle and Jasmine, Infinite, Marigold, Coral, White Jasmin and Mint, Earl Grey and Cucumber, Blue Night, Feeling Blue, Spring Flowers, Leader, Sport, Rose Essentials, Aqua Sea Rose, Chill, Love Curse, Lovely Pink, All About Pink, Subzero, Think, Cool Breeze, and Crystal. Besides this 50ml bottle of perfumes, they also offer colognes in 60ml for only 180php and premium perfumes for 85ml for only 449php.

What scent should I get next? What is your pick? I will share to you a little secret, do you know that it has always been my dream to create my own signature scent of perfume and my own makeup line? It is one of the business that I wanted to venture out but never had the talent for it. My background when it comes to business is zero! So I am happy to settle in buying perfumes that I know will match my taste! I am eyeing to try something light for my next pick! :)

For now, Fragrance Box products are available at Lazada. I wish we could see their products soon in stores nationwide! You can follow them on their Instagram account at @fragranceboxph.

Aromatherapy Benefits For Nurses

Friday, October 12, 2018 Philippines

AROMATHERAPY FOR NURSES

Nurses are often under a lot of stress in a daily basis. From the crazy shifting schedule, taking care of many patients (more than your family and some patients can be quite demeaning), no social time due to overtimes, low-salary rate in the Philippines with an increased amount of workload...I can say that the term "stress" is a little under rated. Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining with my job - I am just stating the reality. :)

Not only that, being exposed in an environment with the strong chemical-like scent of hospital cleansing products can add to the feeling that I cannot breathe deeply and comfortably. That is why whenever I leave the hospital, I am craving for something nice to smell. Something fresh or relaxing to soothe my senses. With the air pollution though, I cannot even do a full inhalation of air as soon as I leave the premises of the hospital.

So how do I help myself relax after a long day at work? The answer is aromatherapy! Even back in the historic times, people uses aromatherapy to help brighten or soothe a person's mood. For me, aromatherapy is a MUST at home.

I find using aromatherapy can greatly reduce my stress. Exposing my senses to strong and yet fragrant oils positively promotes relaxation to my body. As soon as I get home, I either refill my air purifier with a water-based oil or light up a candle for my oil burner using pure oil extracts. After showering and doing my skin care routine, the aromatherapy helps me relax to a peaceful slumber.

Recently, I discovered a great pure essential oil for my burner. From all the brands that I used before, this is the most concentrated! It is an essential oil made by Fragrance Box! The first time that I used the oil, it was able to spread its scent in the whole house. From lighting it from second floor, it also reached the first floor and third floor of my home. Amazing!

The first bottle that I was able to try is Sampaguita. It is very floral and feminine - a fragrance that is truly Filipina inspired.

I am so curious if it will also be effective to be used with water that I even tried using the essential oil in my air purifier and to add to my astonishment - it also lasted for a long time. Yay! I am so happy because I know that this bottle will last me for a few months!

Now I cannot wait to try the other scents available (such as Fresh Laundry, Baby Powder, and Lavender or Peppermint!) and made by Fragrance Box! One bottle contains 30ml of essential oil and it costs 849php. It is currently being sold at Lazada only, you can check out their promo bundle, you can get one bottle of oil with burner for only 1000php! Link here.

To summarize the benefits that I get from Aromatherapy as a nurse:

1. It helped soothe my anxiety or stress. With improved mood, I was able to let go of the stressors that I got exposed to at work effectively.

2. The scent of the oil induce sleep. Peaceful slumber of at least 6 to 8 hours helps a lot in being refreshed for the next great day ahead.

3. Depending on the scent that you use, some oils can help boost your energy instead of making you feel sleepy - this is good to use if you are about to start your day.

4. The fragrant scent can help my nose decongest from the harsh cleaning chemicals I sniffed at the hospital.

I swear you should try this! I now use it every day over my old stocks of essential oils! To know more about Fragrance Box, you can follow them in their Instagram page, @fragrancboxph.

Slim It Down With Curves + Giveaway

Monday, October 8, 2018 Philippines

SLIM IT DOWN WITH CURVES + GIVEAWAY

Have you heard about Circuit Training? Ever since I started to try going to the gym back in 2013 (Gold's Gym), I became aware of Circuit Training while I was looking for the perfect place for me. Sadly at that time, membership rates are quite high for circuit training and the place that I found is far from my home and workplace. I know that if I will enroll for a circuit training, I will not be able to maximize my membership and be as active if it will take an effort for me to go.

Circuit Training is a 30 minute workout exercises that targets every major muscle group. It can burn up to 2000 Kilojoules through a combination of strength training, cardio exercises and lastly, stretching. This is an effective exercises for people who are on the go. Sweat it out in just 30 minutes!

My body is not fit and I started feeling that I easily get tired and my blood pressure is going high because I am overweight and I do not eat healthy food. That is why I wanted a change earlier this 2018, in reality I do not desire to reach a sexy body, I just wanted to be fit and healthy, to increase my endurance and to correct my BMI. To my delight my boyfriend surprised me by enrolling us at Fitness First Trinoma. I love its facilities but sometimes I cannot practice a fast paced exercise because there are a lot of people working out and I had to wait for my turn to use some equipment. The tendency is I will spend more time waiting than working out. Usually it takes me one to two hours spent at the gym before I am done. It makes me feel like my time is being wasted, I could blog or read instead of waiting for my turn. LOL.

Thankfully, I recently discovered a Circuit Training Gym here in Quezon City that is near my place - Curves! It is not hard to find as it is located at the back of Robinsons Magnolia Residences (not the front lobby of the condo please!) - it is across from the Robinsons Magnolia Mall. I can drop by before or after strolling around the mall! Perfect, right? Window shopping and workout in a day! Yay!

Curves Magnolia is the second branch here in the Philippines, the first one is located at BGC. The good thing about Curves is it is exclusive for females. I admit that working out in a gym that is open for both females and males sometimes makes me feel self-conscious of what I wear and do. Specially when I am doing my core exercises that includes a lot of squats and mat exercises.

Curves is the only all females fitness center here in the Philippines, to parents who are conscious to where they can ensure that their daughters are safe to have their workouts, you can try and visit Curves. It will make you feel secure since it is an all female fitness center and the trainers are females as well.

You know what, you can also use your membership to visit its other branches outside the Philippines! There are more than 7000 branches in 85 countries. I am sure that the staff at Circuit could help you find the nearest Circuit location on the country you will be visiting. Imagine, while going on a vacation, you can still maintain your 30 minutes work out a day. (Though recommended Circuit Training is only three times a week.)

The next best thing about Curves is that they have trained staff to help you use the machines correctly as well as checking out your postures. They will oversee your workout for 30 minutes.

So how does a Circuit Training at Curves work? Upon arrival, you will hear an upbeat music playing in the background. It also gives an instruction throughout the circuit. The music and instructions will include checking for your pulse rate and moving to a different station.

As you can see, the style of Circuit Training is you will use a machine for 30 seconds then go do some cardio exercises on the mat for 30 seconds. This is alternately done until you finished one round or circuit. To make it short and clear, it is an alternate use of equipment-mat-equipment until you finish one round that takes at least 30 minutes. Since the 30 minutes exercises are intense, it is recommended to go for one circuit only. You will be able to finish a great work out in just 30 minutes, this exercise is perfect for people who are always on the go!

Each machine targets different large muscle group. It is a whole body workout done in 30 minutes. The weights of the equipment cannot be adjusted, so it may be difficult to be lifted for some while for others like me who are used to heavy lifting could do it more comfortably. Make sure to be assisted by the staff and do not be shy to ask for help if it is your first time.

This is my first time to encounter a huge stretching machine! I mean, it is huge because it will take a lot of space (and I want that for my own home - one day!) but you will be able to stretch out your whole body with this machine. I enjoyed using it after finishing my circuit.

The whole facility is bright and clean. Air condition is great, the lockers inside the dressing room can be opened through codes that you will set. No need to bring your own padlock. There is a couch inside that you can rest before showering. The shower area is two and the comfort room is separated.

I was amazed because the water being served at the gym is also healthier. You can choose between Water with Lemon or Water with Cucumber! I love it because it is refreshing to drink in between and after workout. No need to bring tumblers too because they offer disposable cups. Curves also has a fridge full of Fit and Right Drinks, I am not sure if they sell it or give it away to their clients. I forgot to ask.

To know more about Curves, you can visit their website at http://curves.com.ph/. You can also like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/curvesmagnolia/. They also have an Instagram page, you can follow them at @curves.magnolia.

Are you interested to try it now? Monthly membership costs 2490php and there is a joining fee of around 6000php+. It is because I love all of you and I wanted you to try it, I will be giving away one month of unlimited membership gift certificate and two pieces of one day pass (so you could bring your family or friends along with you). Open to all females residing in Philippines. Please note, this gift certificate is only applicable to Curves Magnolia branch. What are you waiting for? Join my Rafflecopter giveaway now! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gardenia Delicia: The Secret of every "DEL" to DELight

Saturday, October 6, 2018 Philippines

GARDENIA DELICIA: THE SECRET OF EVERY "DEL" TO DELIGHT

The time of 21st century is a good time to enjoy because it has brought in a wave of interconnectivity like never before. Nowadays, with just one click, we can be transported to a realm of digital culture of connection and interaction. There is no better demographic who subscribe to this culture than the social media savvy and highly influential millennial moms. The highly influential mothers share everything online - I see my friends and family sharing their kid's milestones to their own struggles and fulfillment as moms plus medley of life hacks and recommendations.

Sometimes though, being exposed on social media can create an atmosphere of competitiveness which often lead to rise of insecurities. Moms try to find smart tips online and read best practices of others, it is quite hard to avoid comparing oneself to "more effective moms" who seems to be doing well and handling motherhood like a breeze based on their social media posts. Most who have youngsters at home are also faced with quick-witted and curious offsprings. As kids become more exposed to digital content and experience a more competitive world, their minds jump a notch on maturity which can lead to the wittiest conversations with the adults. Moms of course always fall as a victim. No words can sometimes be enough to satisfy their every growing curiosity! While in awe, moms sometimes end up thinking — am I really good enough? Nobody works harder than these superwomen. But with this culture of being socially-wired and virtually connected, feeling short of being effective is a struggle for the digitally savvy millennial mom.

The good news is there are also many available things that mommies can utilize as tools to drive their daily doubts away. Gardenia Delicia is the newest secret weapon to make moms feel confident, help them outwit their kids during smarty-pants discussions and the best ingredient to create proud moments that they can share with other moms. A little swoosh of chocolatey sweetness made from the finest ingredients is something that any household cannot resist! It is available in hazel nut and milky chocolate flavors, a treat in a jar of delight for every Filipino home. There is nothing like a good old traditional feast over simple treats that make every heart grow bigger! The sweet chocolate spread to bond the whole family and make kids happy is a formula that Gardenia offers every mom — just let Gardenia Delicia do the talking!

Gardenia Delicia understands that the massive power of this culture of connectivity and virtual socialization can be used to inspire and empower young moms instead of push them back to a corner feeling insecure. Gardenia Delicia hopes to spread happiness, encouragement and confidence to the family members and friends with a swoosh of pure chocolatey goodness. After all, there’s nothing like a tasty chocolate treat to spread smiles to everyone.

Check out Gardenia Delicia’s Facebook fan page to share your stories of delight! Recipes and serving suggestions are also showcased to help you get creative in how to delight your kids, families and even friends!

Day Off Well Spent At Luminisce Skin Clinic + Exilis Elite Experience

Monday, October 1, 2018 Philippines

DAY OFF WELL SPENT AT LUMINISCE SKIN CLINIC + EXILIS ELITE EXPERIENCE

Lately I am more proactive when it comes to my body and skin because reaching 30 years old is like an alarming wake up call for me. I started by enrolling to a gym to work out regularly to lose weight and I am now obsessed in maintaining my youthful look.

That is why I am always open to try out any new treatments or technologies available in the market as much as I could. One of the skin care clinics that caught my interest is Luminisce Skin Clinic as I see some celebrities (like Carmina Villaroel) as well as famous influencers (like Anna Cay, Janina Vela, and Wil Dasovich) avail treatments from them. Luminisce is located at Mercury Drug Building in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The skin center primarily aims to provide wellness, beauty, and body care through premium and innovative skin care services to cater client's physical fitness and psychosocial well-being.

There are two branches available, one located at the Podium while the branch that I visited is located in BGC. It is quite far from where I live that is why I asked my boyfriend to give me a ride. (I am so thankful that he is supportive in what I love to do even though it is a long drive from home.) Hopefully they will open a new branch here in Quezon City.

Upon arrival, the clinic is well-lit and inviting. The staff are accommodating and were able to assist me immediately when I entered the establishment. I was asked to fill out about three pages of questions that highlights my priorities or concerns. (I did not realize that I have a lot of insecurities until I started answering the questionnaire. LOL.)

After filling up the papers, I was transferred to a private room and got interviewed by two attending dermatologists. (I was not able to meet Dr. Kaycee Reyes - the Doctor and Founder of Luminisce Skin Clinic.)

My skin was initially assessed by the doctors and I was presented with what my skin needs. They were able to assess that my skin is a little dry and that there are some pimples forming. I was advised to try out their Luxury Facial as well as the Coquille Peel first.

With various of services being offered in their clinic it is hard to choose on what I wanted to prioritize but I wanted to include something that can help lift and tighten the skin of my face, I was interested most in trying out their newest Exilis Elite Treatment.

I also wanted to try the Maximus - it is designed to contour and target the fats in both of my arms. Though contouring will not be appreciated in just one treatment to my flabby arms.

The four treatments that I chose will be started with Luxury Facial first, followed by Exilis Elite and Maximus then the last would be Coquille Peel. So, are you ready to read about my experience? Read more about it below.

LUXURY FACIAL

I came to the clinic in full makeup but the aesthetician happily offered to remove my makeup as well as to cleanse my face as part of the facial. The Luxury Facial includes the use of a special machine to assist the step by step process of the facial.

After my face was thoroughly cleansed and massaged, I felt even more relaxed after I smelled a scent that is like Lavender or Eucalyptus.

The first step includes extraction of superficial black and white heads using the machine. It feels like a vacuum but I enjoyed the feeling.

Second step includes facial massage using a machine with a steel-like roller. The roller feels cool and refreshing to the skin.

The third step, they were using a serum in my skin and with the help of the UV light, the aesthetician told me that it will help with the absorption.

My favorite part of the Luxury Facial is the fourth step. The application of cream (moisturizer) with a cool, round and flat like metal that goes in circular motion in my face. It is my favorite because I felt relaxed with its massage-like motions.

The next step is the removal of the cream with a spatula included in the machine.

After that, there is a process wherein my face was exposed to mist air that contains skin care products. The last step is the application of facial mask.

I think this procedure lasted for 45 to 60 minutes. I was not able to time it accurately because I wanted to enjoy the facial. In the end pf the Luxury Facial, my skin is brighter, softer, hydrated and most of all, smoother! Check out my photo after the treatment in the collage above. The Luxury Facial costs around 4,000php.

MAXIMUS

I always dreamed about trying a procedure for my body because I usually have it done on my face. This is my first time to try a contouring for the arms.

This procedure was done while my face was under the facial mask. So that the time would be efficient. A cream was applied so the machine could do its job smoothly.

Since it was my first time, I did not know what to expect but the aesthetician explained the process to me. I felt an electric current from the machine as well as a deep pressure. It was explained that you will feel like you just did a long routine of workout of your arms but in reality, it was just a few minutes of your time and I agree because I was able to feel the soreness of my arms before I got home. I am glad though because I was not able to visit the gym during this day, feeling the soreness in my muscles gives me a feeling of satisfaction that I still did a workout routine for the day.

Maximus Treatment costs around 4,000php for both arms.

EXILIS ELITE

After the mask, I was prepped for the Exilis Elite Treatment. Primarily, Exilis Elite was designed for skin lifting and tightening that is not invasive. This is the latest technology offered at Luminisce Skin Clinic. What I love about this procedure is that, there is no downtime and can be done under an hour.

Besides the lifting and tightening, it also targets toning of any troubled areas in our face or it can also be done in other parts of our body. It can remove stubborn fat around the cheek area and achieve a slimmer, contoured face after a series of continued treatments.

Exilis Elite uses radio frequency energy that heats up the skin, causing fat cells to shrink and be permanently removed from the problem area. The removed fats will naturally leave the body through the lymphatic system.

Even though the treatment can be appreciated as early as two weeks after the first session, I already saw an improvement after my very first session. Check out my photo of before and after below.

As you can see, my cheeks got smaller and it was lifted after the first session. So imagine if you will do it once a week or every two weeks, you can reach the optimum results! If I will continue doing this, I know that eventually I will be achieving a slimmer and contoured face!

Just a note, the treatment is hot and if you have low tolerance to heat, kindly inform the consultant before you do the procedure. I was relaxed about the heat but it got a little painful for me around the cheeks area. But the aesthetician adjusted the heat level in my comfort. So no worries! :)

Exilist Elite procedure is around 12,000php for my face. Price may vary depending on the target area.

COQUILLE PEEL

Coquille peel is for treatment of acne and prevention of breakouts. It is included in the Luxury Facial but it was done as last on my whole day pampering. A gel like substance was applied on my skin and also removed. I felt a little itch and sting while my skin was soaked with the gel.

This is my first time to have a whole day treatment just for myself, I spent more than 4 hours at the clinic and I was able to sleep lightly during the treatments. Stepping out of the treatment room is like stepping out like I just got back from a vacation - that is how it feels like for me - relaxing and rejuvenating. The treatments are unique and effective. The staff are accommodating and knowledgeable.

I will definitely come back to visit Luminisce if I can, I just wish that they will have a closer branch here in Quezon City so that it is more accessible for me.

Interested to try out the treatments that I just did? Book your appointment at 02-5118500 and you can visit their website at http://luminisce.com/ and like their page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/luminisce/. They also have an Instagram account that you could like, @luminisce_official.