I have been regularly taking another glutathione supplement primarily because I need to ensure my liver’s health. My allergic medication has compelled me to regularly take antihistamine on a daily basis and glutathione acts as our liver’s detoxifier. As for the supposed skin whitening side effect, I was not really so gung-ho for. As for the supplements I have been taking, I really have not seen much of a difference. Let’s see, now that I switched to Thiocell. After that Batangas sun soaking last month, I really would love to get my color back.

Now, if I happen to sound a little Greek from here. You see, I have kind of done my assignment. I have not really exactly been the healthiest individual in the planet. Having to deal with chronic allergies here and there and have one birthday in a hospital bed, believe me when I say, I know what I’m saying. This is what basically pushes me to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

And when I found out that Glutathione is essentially a triple threat to bodily toxins beyond detoxifying the liver, it also neutralizes free radicals and enhances the immune system. Thiocell also is beneficial for diabetic patients with fatty liver. Thiocell does not contain alcohol or animal products and contains no added sugar, starch, wheat, preservatives or artificial flavor.

And as for that close second look at Thiocell, it first got me interested because unlike every other Glutathione supplement I have encountered, this one is in lozenge type. That goes out to favor my sweet tooth.

What is even more interesting is its being packed with “guaranteed” 500mg glutathione in every lozenge and its promise to be the most effective in whitening and anti-aging because of its unique combination of selenium, glutathione, and vitamin C. This unique combination replenishes the glutathione levels in the body and maintains it. Thiocell is in chewable Lozenges, which ensures that the glutathione is absorbed through the oral cavity instead of in the stomach, thereby ensuring faster and maximum absorption.

Thiocell Glutathione Active Ingredients:
1. L-glutathione 500 mg
2. Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 100 mg
3. Grape Seed extract 25 mg
4. Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol) 200 i.u.
5. Vitamin E (as alpha-tocopheryl succinate) 30 i.u.
6. L-selenomethionine 100 mcg

The grape flavour of Thiocell Glutathione lozenges supplement makes it pleasurable to dissolve in the mouth. Thiocell Glutathione lozenges supplement retails for P2,400 (approx.$60). Each bottle contains 30 chewable tablets. Exclusively distributed by Brady Pharma Inc.

Brady Pharma Inc.

http://thiocellusa.com/thiocell.html

http://bradypharmainc.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brady-Pharma/

The curved superstructure built by the Miami-based Arquitectonica and the Philippines’ own WV Coscolluela & Associates, marks a first for the SM Group which, for this project, has taken an out-of-the-box approach – creating an innovative recreational and leisure space complementary to BGC’s fast-changing landscape.

With a mall, an office tower, a convention center, a premier trade hall, and other features that make up a civic center for the city of Taguig, plus a trade and investment forum, Aura fosters lively activity with its wide-ranging facilities designed for the convenience of its patrons.

SM Aura, a breathtaking combination of indoor and outdoor activity, keeps a strong focus on design and sustainability, offering a complete experience to upscale residential and office tenants. It is confident about getting a Gold LEED certification from the US Green Building Council – the first commercial center in the country to do so.

At the top of Aura is SkyPark, an expansive and lush green space for lunch break retreats, al fresco dining and leisurely walks.

Aura’s seven floors of retail space include apparel brands such as Uniqlo, Forever 21, as well as retail and dining space. Setting up shop for the first time in the Philippines are Stefanel, Paul Boulangerie, the Food Hall by Todd English, and Asia’s first NBA Café. Anchors SM Department Store and SM Supermarket have also leveled up their design and merchandise offerings for the thrilling new space.

The SM Group is also stepping up its game for recreation. Not only does Aura carry four new digital cinemas and an IMAX Theater, its strong focus on becoming a great place for friends and family has also paved the way for a modern chapel named after Filipino saint Pedro Calungsod as well as the Samsung Hall, a dome designed for events, exhibits and performances.

From morning coffee to happy hour, from every day to holidays, Aura promises to be a center of convenience with a total pleasure experience that is both light and fulfilling.

Getting there, however, is particularly difficult. At the edge of the BGC lays a long unpaved portion of McKinley Parkway, incidentally right on Aura’s doorstep. A barricade wards off pedestrians on their way to Aura. It’s a pity since Aura is an exciting space suited to the lifestyle of those who reside and frequent BGC. Otherwise, getting there should be easy. SM Aura Premier is located along C5 Road cor M.H. Del Pilar Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

But why isn’t it? Who’s afraid of Aura?

UNIQLO has a long record of successful collaboration with global brands, including +J, and UU. This latest tie up with O’2nd was driven by Yukihiro Katsuta of UNIQLO R&D, who said, “We have often collaborated with Western and Japanese designers, and this time we are pleased to partner with a Korean brand aiming to take itself from Asia to the World.”

O’2nd is managed by SK networks, and the president Kevin Cho said, “It is very meaningful that UNIQLO, which has already done the collaborative design project with global fashion brands such as Theory, Undercover and Jil Sander, appreciated the design competitiveness of O’2nd and suggested the collaboration. Through this collaboration, it’ll give an opportunity to people around the world to meet and experience O’2nd.”

The O’2nd summer dresses are composed of twelve items, all available only at UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia beginning from May 16, 2013 for between Php 990 – P1990. Currently, O’2nd products are available at department stores and select retail shops across 14 markets, including Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, the U.K., and the U.S.

About O’2nd
O’2nd was established in 1997 in Seoul, Korea. Evoking the elements of Pop culture in a contemporary state of mind, under the direction of the parent company SK Networks, the brand transcended to visual displays of the pop element boutique concept shops throughout Korea, and a greater concentration in China in 2009. Following the established leading role in the contemporary markets of Korea and China, foot printing the namesake label based on the philosophy of youth and fun, O’2nd proceeded with its global launch, developing an advanced contemporary interpretation defining and reinventing classics through a modern lens. The collective captures the colorful, quirky, multifaceted spirit of the O’2nd girl and her unparalleled sophistication of combining humor and classic. The advanced collective was launched in 2011 exclusively to top tier stores globally; A national exclusive launch and campaign with Barneys New York, Harvey Nichols UK, HK, UAE, furthermore to top establishments throughout Japan including Barneys Japan, Isetan and Opening Ceremony.
The brand is continuing their expansion in the global market, strategically planning each partnership, continuing to maintain the brands sensibility for discovery, through select distribution.

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing
UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading global Japanese retail holding company that designs, manufactures and sells clothing under seven main brands: Comptoir des Cotonniers, GU, Helmut Lang, J Brand, Princesse tam.tam, Theory, and UNIQLO. With global sales of approximately 928 billion yen for the 2012 fiscal year ending August 31, 2012, Fast Retailing is currently the world’s fourth largest apparel retail company, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world’s most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a truly global brand. Today the company has a total of more than 1,200 stores in 13 markets worldwide including Japan: China, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, U.K. and U.S. UNIQLO operates an integrated business model under which it designs, manufactures, markets and sells high-quality, casual apparel. The company believes that truly great clothes should be supremely comfortable, feature universal designs, are of high quality and offer a superb fit to everyone who wears them.

With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere. For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.

Blouse: The Children’s Place (size 16)
Denim Skirt
Flats: Neutral Claire Scrunch Dexflex
Bag: Frances Sales’ Doctor’s Bag
Earrings: Baroque Pearls from Davao
Watch: Cocci Lorenzo Dual Watch

First off, a before Velasmooth treatment OOTD shot. I love that I can still wear kid’s blouses and shirts to this day. My favorite comfy shirts nowadays are the ones that are handed down to me by my 7 year old boy. But fact is, as happy as I am that I can wear a kid’s shirt, my flabs problem is no less of an issue.

Reception area of Skin Dermatology & Laser Center located inside The Spa, BGC

I have always loved the serene feel of entering The Spa, as I get welcomed by its cascading waterfalls. SKIN is no different. The interior is as tranquil as I have always known The Spa for. I can totally wait here all day with a good book and the best tasting ginger tea I have always gone back for at the Spa.

I made sure I threw in all my cellulite-related questions during my consult with SKIN’s resident dermatologist. I sure have learned a lot about Velasmooth treatment. For one, Velasmooth is the first clinically proven non-invasive technology for the efficient treatment of cellulite and circumference reduction. It can be done once or twice a week, depending on the doctor’s advice. As I showed Dra. my problematic right thigh, which I started noticing to have gone from bad to worse from two years ago, she was encouraging enough to let me know that it really is not so bad and can be taken cared of within a month of Velasmooth treatment! Precisely my deadline to get in shape for our Plantation Bay trip!

Soon after consultation, I was ushered by one of the nurses to this lovely little cubicle that has this robe my size at its entrance waiting for me. And yes, I could not have missed that enormous robot-looking contraption that turned out to be no less than the Velasmooth treatment machine itself.

VelasmoothPro machine (up close), powered by Syneron’s patented elos (electro-optical synergy)
combined-energy technology using infrared laser light and bi-polar (dual electrodes) RF energy with tissue mobilization and suction (pulsed vacuum).

I changed to my bath robe soon after and on went the Velasmooth treatment procedure. I was a wee bit nervous but so ready to get some serious toning action done.

The nurse applied this Vela Spray lotion on each part before they went on through the massage-motion treatment using the Velasmooth Pro machine.

The nurse started Velasmoothing my right thigh. The feel is a lot like having a very strenuous workout done targeting the specific area. Totally made sense to me as it is designed to target the subcutaneous fat (beneath the skin) a.k.a. Cellulites.

While a nurse works on Velasmoothing the targeted area, the other one checks on the temperature.

Apparently, fat breaks down when temperature goes up to 40. To better understand how Velasmooth works:

The conducted RF increases oxygen intracellular diffusion by heating the adipose (fatty) tissue to a depth of 5-15mm. The infrared light increases the skin’s elasticity and heats the subcutaneous fat to a depth of up to 5mm, while safeguarding the skin from damage. The tissue vacuum manipulates and smoothes out the skin to facilitate safe and efficient energy delivery.

Velasmooth detachable roller head

I was told that the above Velasmooth detachable roller head has a maximum lifetime to ensure its optimal function. The tissue mobilization is facilitated by rotating and self-cleaning electrodes to ensure the excellent coupling with the skin during the treatment.

Kikay Corner is one happy Velasmooth camper.

I’m happy to report that the ripples at the back of my thighs were not as prominent as they were before the Velasmooth treatment and that’s just one treatment! I can only envision the good riddance it is going to be after just a month of treatment! I will be so ready for you then, Plantation Bay!

Velasmooth is non-invasive and non-surgical. The Velasmooth treatment is available at the Skin Dermatology & Laser Center located inside The Spa at the Fort. For inquiries, call (+632) 403.8000.

 1 unit of FREE 4oz Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash 

Incidentally, Proactiv is giving away this P650 value, 120mL Deep Cleansing Wash for patrons who will purchase either a Proactiv 30 Day Kit or Proactiv 60 Day Kit using their Credit Card at my.proactiv.com.ph. This promo is ongoing until June 30, 2013.

About the Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash
Deep Cleansing medicated body wash fights acne on your back, chest & shoulders – everywhere!

Proactiv offers a ways to manage and prevent body acne. For an all over skin clearing body treatment, the Deep Cleansing Wash helps in exfoliating dead skin cells and pore-clogging oil and impurities while it cleans and refreshes your skin.

Deep cleansing medicated body wash fights acne on your back, chest & shoulders – everywhere. This all-purpose wash is specially formulated for face & body whenever acne breakouts occur. It helps unclog and reduces oiliness while preventing future breakouts. It’s great to leave in the shower and use on your face, chest and back after exercising. Also, it is formulated to clear blemishes on the ENTIRE body.

Indication: Acne Treatment for Face and Body; It is formulated to unclog pores and reduces oiliness while preventing future breakouts. It also made to clear blemishes on the entire body.

Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash texture I took a photo of last week when I last used it. I’m not sure if it’s the beads in the solution that do the trick or the salicylic acid. All I know is it works and takes away the frustration of having to deal with nasty zits.

Please note that this cannot be combined with other promotions. Customers availing of other promos such as the concurrent “Upgrade Your Kit Promo” or other promos at the Proactiv Online Shopping Cart (http//my.proactiv.com.ph) are not eligible for the free product.

What totally earned my respect for Proactiv to start with, is their “money back guarantee.” That alone says a lot about the product. Make sure to take advantage of this Proactiv promo and avail of your FREE Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash with every credit card purchase.

As I found my skin being too tired than usual lately, I pulled out this Innisfree Shea Butter mask from one of my recent Saladbox subscription boxes. The label is mostly in Korean yard sign printing. But that did not stop me from using it. I always knew anyway that Shea butter has some real good moisturizing and hydrating qualities, so Innisfree Shea Butter Mask, it is. I love that it is infused with the blend of herb complex water and essentially ingredients from nature. Natural ingredients always get the upper hand with me.

Shea butter-enriched sheet mask soothes and hydrates dry skin for a dramatic improvement in its moisture level after every use. Thick sheet masks are also steeped in herb complex water, treating skin to a steady stream of vitamins and minerals that perk up a drab complexion while strengthening its natural moisture barrier. 

After cleansing and patting skin dry, I wore mask sheet and left it on for around minutes. I did not rinse after removing the mask. What I did was massage the cream all over my face that’s left after pulling off the mask in a circular motion. I forgot entirely how relaxing massaging one’s face can do. I love the feel of my moisturized skin too! One of the perks for working from home is being able to apply masks like this on and seeing those startled faces of my boys around the house. It’s epic!

Here’s to all moms who work from home. Make sure to stop a while and treat yourself to a mask, a manicure or hair treatment from time to time. Happy Mom’s Day in advance!

There will be 2 winners of Real Techniques Travel Set which includes: 3 full-size brushes (essential foundation brush, multi-task brush and domed shadow brush) and a panoramic brush case which is a 2in1 case +  stand and 3 winners of Expert Face Brush.

Joining is easy! The giveaway will start from 12am of May 11, 2013 until May 24, 2013. Contest is open for those who are in the Philippines. 

First off, Like Kikay Corner on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and Instagram.  Then, click on this link to the —–> Real Techniques Brush Giveaway Rafflecopter.

My hardworking Macbook fully clothed in Speck for Macbook Pro 13″ See Thru Raspberry (photo taken today)

Incidentally, Speck is on sale at 50% off from May 9 to June 9, 2013. You may avail of this generous discount at the following Speck reseller stores:

Abenson, A. Shop, Avant, Beyond the Box, Digital Arena, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, Electroworld, E-Central, Futureworld, Gadgets In Style, iBook, iCenter, iGig, iStore, iShop, iStudio, Liteware, Mobile 1, Powerhub, Senco Link, Silicon Valley, Switch Technoholics, TechSavvy and The Inbox Store.

Like Digits Trading on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter.

Crumpler Goes 50% Off on Seedy Splatter Series for every single receipt of P2,000 worth of Crumpler products. This promo is currently running until May 31, 2013 in all Crumpler stores nationwide. Like Crumpler on Facebook and Follow Crumpler on Twitter.

Sophia Eyelash Enhancer unboxed

The leaflet says that the package contains:  Sophia Solution 5ml, Eye Lubricant, Reusable Applicator Brush. I’m not sure why my package lacked the eye lubricant. Good thing I do not have the need for it (yet).

So when Saladbox sent over its December bunch, I wasn’t too thrilled to try Sophia Eyelash Enhancer all too soon. Probably because of the not so good Enormous Lash experience I previously had. But I jumped right to it the night I met the lovely beauty bloggers during the Virginia Olsen Summer Collection launch, at least half of them totally swore by Sophia! I saw for myself their lashes and they were grown and thick all right. Three weeks since I started using Sophia Eyelash Enhancer, I love that, first, there is no irritation like I had with getting extensions nor the using the Enormous Lash. Second, it turns out I have lashes after all. They are not grown and thick just yet. And my eyebrows are way thicker than they used to be! To think that I have not been very religious in applying. I have always known I am designed to use all-natural products! Sophia Eyelash Enhancer has all-natural botanicals for its ingredients. Sweet!

Incidentally, Virginia Olsen has this ongoing summer promo. The FDA-approved Sophia Eyelash Enhancer is now selling for P899 (approx. $22) until May 31, 2013. Regular price is at P2,750.