A drugstore brand that I personally recommend is e.l.f. Having tried in2it and VMV, I cannot help but lean towards the affordability and quality of e.l.f. I especially love that they currently have a mineral line.

e.l.f. 2 in 1 Conditioning Gloss in Perfect Pink

One of e.l.f.’s philosophy is to be able to deliver innovative innovative technology, quality ingredients and superb delivery systems and it should not be limited to prestige retailers. When I first learned that e.l.f. is based in New York, I was surprised. Because I haven’t seen, let alone tried brands so good yet so affordable. Their philosophy explains it all: Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budget.

Another favorite e.l.f. product I have is this 2 in 1 Conditioning Gloss. This gloss has shimmering lip color in the inner tube and clear conditioning gloss in the outer tube. It hydrate your lips with key moisturizers and achieve sheer color perfection. Infused with Vitamins A and E, Aloe and Shea Butter for rich hydration. This costs P249.75 (approx. $5.50). It does what it says, hydrates quite well. Does not have a sticky feel on the lips, just be carefully not to get your hair into it. That’s when it becomes seriously sticky. Other than that, it’s a pretty good buy.

I personally still have a handful of stash in my kit that might not be as affordable as e.l.f. But most of them I acquired out of curiosity,  for review purposes or just because point of purchase displays were too attractive to ignore and most of them actually are of good quality. It makes a deal of difference nowadays that consumers are offered with not just attractive products but good quality and affordable ones too.

With the abundance of good non-organic based makeup, I admit to having a hard time sticking to all natural ones. It is just sweet that as hard as it is to stick to all natural makeup, we can always try to compensate by using all natural stuff when it comes to facial cleansing.

One of the things that I use for removing makeup is jojoba oil. This oil does not contain synthetic chemicals and will actually nourish the skin as it cleanses. It can even prove friendlier even if you have some  existing breakouts. But for severe cases, it is better to first apply wound irrigation for any existing open wounds before applying even the most natural of products.  It is always best to check with your dermatologist. The clarifying effect it will have on the skin, we all can make use of. Just in time as we go get ourselves prepared to have smooth looking skin on for our holiday photo cards. The “ber” months are almost here and it will be Christmas before we know it.  ;-)

Kazuri, which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili, began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting on making handmade beads. The factory is located in what used to be part of the Karen Blixen Estate (of the Academy Award winning film “Out of Africa”) fame.

What made me love these beads more are the pictures that came with them.  I was practically walked through how these beads were made by the beautiful African women themselves.

The mission of Kazuri is to provide and sustain employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society. Most of their workers are single mothers. In order to sustain these opportunities they are committed to produce top quality hand-made and hand-painted ceramic jewelry and pottery.

The Kazuri workshop in Karen employs over 340 women, which are mostly single mothers.  The workshop is equipped with a clinic, providing free medical care for the employees and their immediate families.

A Kenyan woman shows off finished products that she made herself.  Aren’t those beads lovely?

My husband is not much into this bead thing or anything girly, for that matter.  He often looks at me puzzled whenever I appreciate these things. All of them look entirely the same to him. Men! So I really commended him for the effort that he has put through having to pick the beads he got for me out of these hosts of displayed ones at the Kazuri shop in Kenya. He could have gotten a couple more sets if only he was sure that I would like them.

]]> http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/08/kazuri-beads-from-kenya.html/feed 2 http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/08/look-who-is-ready-for-kl.html http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/08/look-who-is-ready-for-kl.html#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:50:50 +0000 admin http://www.kikaycorner.net/?p=2328

Although I still plan to download a Malaysian map on my Garmin gps, I went ahead and got a hold of this Globetrotter Travel Guide Malaysia. I got this from National Bookstore the other day for P645. Pretty much the same converted price via Amazon minus the shipping cost. I just love it when our local stores carry foreign brands.

The original plan was another Boracay getaway just like what we had last year. But we later agreed that the country where Petronas towers are will be our next stop. Who knows maybe next year, we might just have a fancier Branson vacation package vacay. We are still deliberating if we can squeeze in a cross country trip to Singapore while we are at it or just book a different trip for that altogether. Whatever we decide on the plan is to have a short but sweet and fun vacation with my boys.

I didn’t know until later that I could actually buy this Garmin Nuvi 255 unit for half the price I got it for.  I bought this last May 2010 at Infomax for almost twelve grand.

But since I only found that out recently, I guess I have those few couple of months without road hassle to thank Gary for. That’s my Garmin’s name. I figured, while the device talks, why not give him a name, right? For someone who sucks at directions like myself, this device is as important as a car insurance is to any motorist.

The only time I got to closely test this brand is when the Sunsilk Damaged Hair Repair Kit was sent over at my door step some months back. This variant is one of the few that Sunsilk has recently launched – The Sunsilk Co-Creations. This was particularly co-created by Tomas Taw.

Thomas Taw is founder of London’s “it” salon Bobsoho and is known for his stunning ability to resurrect dry and damaged hair. The cutting-edge stylist is obsessive in his passion for repairing damaged hair – usually caused by too much styling, too many products and intense heat – and is the trusted hair dresser to repair the damaged locks of world-famous musicians, models and actors. Says Taw, “Moisture gives hair movement; protein gives it strength – and we’ve got the perfect balance in the Damage Repair formulation I’ve co-created with Sunsilk.” Enriched with Olive Serum Nutri Complex, it gently cleanses and gives care to the most damaged hair, while reconstructing beneath the hair surface and filling damaged cracks deep inside – layer by layer, strand by strand. Taw has also lent his damage control prowess to co-create Sunsilk’s Soft & Smooth formulation enriched with Ceramide Macadamia Complex. It cleans and conditions event the driest and roughest hair to leave it silky soft to the touch. Known for his knack of spotting damaged hair even from a distance, Taw says Sunsilk’s Co-Creations campaign excited him from day one. “I put 100% of my energy and emotions into great-looking hair. Co-Creation with Sunsilk is for me an extension of my passion for brilliantly healthy hair.”

The concept of “Co-creation” is unique to Sunsilk. Under this concept, “two parties with complementary expertise and a shared vision work together to create something new, different and better.” This innovation combines Sunsilk’s cutting-edge hair technology with the experts’ in-depth hair knowledge.

For over half a century, Sunsilk has relentlessly sought to bring brilliant hair products to millions of women across the world to care for hair and keep it at its best. In a quest to unlock the secrets to specific hair types, Sunsilk began a search for these specialist hair experts: the world’s best at what they do, be it straight, sleekness, hairfall or damage control. Experts who are not only superlative hair professionals, hairdressers or clinicians, but obsessive industry pioneers who don’t sleep until their clients have perfect hair. They are dedicated to the creation of the world’s best hair care products; they love, live and feel for that particular hair type; the kind of perfectionism you want to bottle.

Sunsilk Co-Creators Yuko Yamashita, Teddy Charles, Dr. Francesca Fusco and Tom Taw

Here are the complete variants of Sunsilk Co-Creations and the line up of their respective Co-Creators:

1. Smooth & Manageable – Co Created by Yuko Yamashita, Smooth Expert

Yuko Yamashita, a hair stylist, salon owner, and entrepreneur wanted to make people’s lives easier when it came to hair care. As a young Japanese stylist, Yuko met countless women who were unhappy with their hair. The most common complaint was unruly hair that had to be constantly styled every morning and the mere suggestion of rain would make it frizzy and uncontrollable. Yuko wanted her customers including many celebrities to have beautiful, straight and healthy hair without spending hours getting it that way, so she created Yuko Hair Straightening, which has been taking the world by storm for over 10 years.

2. Strong & Long – Co-Created by Teddy Charles, Shapes & Length Expert

3. Straight & Sway – Co-Created by Teddy Charles, Shapes & Length Expert

Teddy Charles has been creating fabulous looks since he was a teenager in France and has a world-class range of high profile partnerships. He has worked with photographers such as Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Glen Luchford, Mikael Jansson and Karl Lagerfield. Magazines such as French, Italian, American and Teen Vogue, i-D, V, Numero, and Vogue Nippon have all picked up on his inspirational range of work helping to raise his profile amongst the world’s fashionistas. His work combines a flare for contemporary femininity and glamour with an edgy bohemian sensibility. All these attributes have made him an obvious choice for brands as diverse as Calvin Klein and GAP. Teddy’s creations come to life on the catwalk and his hair styles have been seen at Luca and Luca, Marchesa, Rag & Bone and Sari Gueron shows. A-list celebrities have been equally quick to recognize his talents, as illustrated by his impressive clientele including Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively and Hayden Panettiere.

4. Hair Fall – Co-Created by Francesca Fusco, MD, Hair Fall Expert

5. Anti-Dandruff - Co-Created by Francesca Fusco, MD, Hair Fall Expert

Francesca Fusco, MD is a world-leading expert in dermatology and scalp care. Dr. Fusco graduated from New York Medical College in 1985 and she has been practicing since 1989. Her approach is based on the philosophy that with early intervention, patients can avoid invasive treatments. Francesca urges people to recognise the delicate nature of scalp; as an extension of the skin on your face. Dr. Fusco is an expert dermatology resource for the television media community and has appeared on CNN, CBS News, and Inside Edition. Alongside TV, her medical advice appears regularly in magazines and newspapers such as NY Times, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Shape, InStyle, Allure, Glamour, The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Chicago Tribune and the New York Daily News. For her, a woman’s hair is her ‘crowning glory’, and is dedicated to giving every girl the best head start possible to getting glorious hair through care for the scalp.

6. Damage Repair – Co Created by Tom Taw, Damage Expert

7. Soft and Smooth – Co Created by Tom Taw, Damage Expert

Tom Taw is in an entrepreneurial hair stylist from London. His career began when, aged fifteen and working in his local salon, he realized that hairdressing was his calling, and has since learnt from some major hair figures, as well as high-profile Italian hairdressers. After a stint as Senior Creative Director at Aveda, Tom is no stranger to creating impressive and inspirational looks. He not only designs for fashion shows, but also speaks at educational seminars. He opened his Soho salon – ‘BOBSOHO’ – in 2007 where he concentrates on enhancing the natural beauty of hair. The work of his creative team regularly appears in the pages of fashion Bibles Vogue and Elle and he is fast becoming a hit with the stars.

This much I can say, I love that they have a medical doctor for a Co-Creator for an issue so relevant to a good percentage of consumers who have to deal with the woes of hair fall. I have yet to try this out for myself and maybe get some brands that I use go into a head to head match. All review that I post of whatever brands are of my own experience. Like what I would always remind my readers, what might work for me will not necessarily work for you. It will still be up to you and how your body, in this case, hair, will respond to the products. In my opinion, Sunsilk is really giving the market a good reason to try out their current line up of Co-Creations variants.

I definitely could make use of that transformation they all speak of. So I figured a couple of weeks should not hurt and as of writing I am on my 7th day of the challenge. It is particularly hard to let go of my current favorite conditioner, but then again, 14 days shouldn’t be too long and I’m giving The New Pantene 14 Days for this. So far, so good, this much I can say, no more of that allergic reaction I had last year. I used an imported Smooth & Silky variant (the one with the pump package). This time I used the one that was given during the event – Hair Fall Control.

me and the hubby – photo-op during the event just before the majority of the crowd came in.

Now, I have a confession to make. As much as I love organic shampoos and conditioners, I haven’t really found one that did quite so well in the hair fall department. The pricier than usual shampoo – Phytocyane, which is designed for the very purpose of encouraging hair growth, my hair fall went an all time high in that whole month I used it. It was crazy! Not only was it a waste of almost a thousand bucks, but pimples also came erupting around my head and back. Eeek! The rest of the shampoo ended up in my liquid soap container that I use for handwash in my kitchen. I’m not kidding. Needless to say, giving this New Pantene a chance isn’t so hard for me to do.

I am pretty satisfied, so far, with The New Pantene’s performance on my hair. I’m noticing a whole bunch of difference. One hard proof: the hubby hasn’t yet collected a roll of hair from the bath tub drain ever since I used The New Pantene Hair Fall Control Shampoo and Conditioner tandem. Yes, aside from the trash – he gets to be the one who does the dirty jobs around the house. Hooray to sweet hubbies! He has to at least do the de-clogging (thanks to my falling hair) of the bath tub drain at least once a week before I got into this transformation in 14 days challenge. But I still cannot say I’m willing to let go of my Dove Intense Damage Therapy Conditioner after the challenge. But then again, I can always get my hands on the New Pantene’s Intensive Treatment Tub after 14 days and see if it can compete and can actually get my stubborn locks to behave itself. We’ll see. I will surely keep you guys posted. To date, I’m loving the New Pantene and the magic it does to my hair fall issues.

Maybelline Colorsensational in Coral Sunrise

It took me quite a bit until I decided I’d go for this shade.  I would have opted to grab two or three, but since I haven’t tried this particular line of Maybelline just yet, I wouldn’t want to risk it.  My lips have a tendency to dry out, even chap, when I use some brands, especially L’Oreal. Yes, inasmuch as I love the colors and how they last.

Coral Sunrise w/o flash

Coral Sunrise w/ flash

My lips did not chap, all right. I even think there is enough moisture in it that treated my lips all through the time I was wearing it. I also love its packaging. It can pass for one of those spy gadgets in one of the more recent movies I’ve seen. But the down side is, it does not last, at least on me. I had to re-apply a number of times when I was in the Mystery Shampoo event launch last night. And I was only there for a few hours! But given that it feels like a treat to my rather sensitive lips and I actually like its intense pigmentation, I probably might go grab myself a couple more.

Now, if you happen to have been following this blog for a while, you already know that my leaning is towards everything organic. So when I received the invitation for the Beyond Bath Organics some weeks back, I knew there was no way I was to miss it.

When I got in the lobby of Manila Hotel Spa, I was all ears. I was really pleased that business people are getting into the “green” bandwagon. Either it be out of sheer passion or by mere dictation of the wellness generation we are tagged with, the fact remains that this effort makes both manufacturer and consumer value our environment all the more.

the corner of the very spacious room of Manila Hotel Spa where I stayed for a good hour or so

getting ready for a whole hour of Beyond Bath Organics full body massage pampering

Now, I have tried tons, yes, tons of organic stuff- most of them foreign brands. So having our people from our own land embrace the importance of creating quality products in a sustainable manner for the environment is really impressive. Yes, it took us a while. But here we are!

My therapist, Jonah Rose, started off with a very relaxing Beyond Bath Organics foot spa. She used Beyond Bath Body Scrub and Body Wash.

I swear I could have gone off to dreamland after that body pampering treat.  I especially love the scent of the Nature Glow products that were used on me during the treatment. They very well complemented the massage and I’d say, I love that it doesn’t have to be a one day treat. I have enjoyed every single day I’ve been using the body wash since I got hold of it.

My next concern was if Beyond Bath Organics can actually compete with international brands. This much I can say so far, the Nature Glow Body Wash was actually something else. I love how the moisture in my skin stays. Why, my Bath & Body Works body wash can’t even do that! I know I said I love organic stuff. But with the scarcity of quality but affordable organic beauty brands, I am left to settle for some brands. I have been using this since I got it and I should say I haven’t been this impressed in a long time. If you know me, I can really get lazy when it comes to applying lotion. Truth be told, whenever I use the Nature Glow body wash, I hardly have a need for one anymore.

Beyond Bath Organics Nature Glow Body Wash

The introduction of Beyond Bath to our local market makes for a milestone. Especially so that this particular brand isn’t so scarce like most organic brands I patronize. Beyond Bath Organics is exclusively available at Watsons Personal Care Stores and Beauty by SM Department stores. How more available can a brand get, right?

Beyond Bath Organics products are free of paraben, mineral oil and alcohol. It is also safer and environmentally friendly. The brand has been Eco-certified as organic by Greentech, one of Europe’s recognized authorities in naturally and organically derived cosmetic ingredients via rigorous clinical tests.

My Beyond Bath Organics loot. Thanks! The tag on the nifty ornament reads, “This bag charm was especially handcrafted and designed by TRIBE ART for Beyond Bath Organics.”

Beyond Bath Organics products are gently formulated using a combination of the most potent and efficacious plants, herbs, organic ingredients and natural essential oils available in the market. It’s 3 main active ingredients are 1) Sunflower, known for its moisturizing properties (due to its high Vitamin E content) and high amount of anti-oxidants; 2) Inca Inchi seed oil, which effectively blocks oxidation thus help fight signs of aging; it has also been found to be amongst the richest sources of Omega 3 and EFA (essential fatty acids) that is highly beneficial for skin wellness and, lastly 3) Grapefruit, a citrus fruit high in Vitamin C content.

Beyond Bath Organics Nature Glow. That little tag on the body wash reads, “Congratulations! You have just adopted a tree in Eco Park under Bantay Kalikasan’s Adopt a Tree Program! Thank you for  coming to the Beyond Bath Launch held at Manila Hotel Spa on July 27, 2010.”

Now, I have yet to try out their hair care line. I have tried a couple of organic brands for hair. One of them is Phytocyane. As opposed to what it was supposed to do, my hair responded in complete disagreement – link to my Phytocyane review. But I am hopeful that as impressed as I am with the performance of the Nature Glow body wash, this won’t be the case with Beyond Bath Organics. Watch out for the review on the rest of the Beyond Bath Organics on this page.

]]> http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/08/beyond-bath-organics-pampering-experience-at-manila-hotel-spa.html/feed 0 http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/07/avon-smooth-minerals-lipstick.html http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/07/avon-smooth-minerals-lipstick.html#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:33:22 +0000 admin http://www.kikaycorner.net/?p=2287

One of Avon’s recently launched make up is their first ever 100% natural lipstick – Avon Smooth Minerals lipstick. I still have not tried this out for myself but am looking forward to go grab myself a shade or two.

Avon Smooth mineral lipstick claims to provide luminous color that is gentle on the skin. We do not have a lot of mineral lipstick choices in the market today, unlike we have with rv insurances, so a good quality one is a welcome treat. Will have to line this up for review soon.