Top Hair Problems

Hair has long been a great source of beauty for people all over the world. With as many flavors of ice cream as there are, so too are there hair styles that men and women have attempted. Trends in hair can change quickly and very few things have stood the test of time. Hair styles are representative of our individual cultures, our quest to mimic other cultures and as well, a showcase for our personal senses of style and creativity. Hairy styles can be extremely simple requiring little maintenance while other can take long and sometime painful hours to prepare and construct. Even after a style is done, that isn't the end as many times we use fixative products to keep the style in place for a day to as long as a month.

Hyperhidrosis and What You Can Do About It

If you've been sweating excessively lately even when the temperature is cool, chances are, you have hyperhidrosis.


Hyperhidrosis is a fairly common medical condition affecting millions of men and women.  Those who suffer from hyperhidrosis sweat 4 or 5 times what is normal often resulting in embarrassing and anxiety-causing situations.


One of the symptoms of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the armpits.  And although sweat itself is odorless, excessive sweating of the underarms is sometimes accompanied by another medical condition called bromhidrosis, causing sweat to smell really bad.  Therefore, it is important to address excessive armpit sweating before the condition worsens.

Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals

Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals is a market leader in the skin care industry catering to men and women who prefer topical treatments over surgical procedures. The whole range of the Skin Doctors skin care line is a product of more than ten years of research and development in Australia and has proven to deliver visible results with continued use.

Now marketed globally, Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals offer advanced treatments to common age-related skin problems like dull skin, frown lines, crow's feet, and melasma. They also have products that promise instant results like the Instant Facelift, Instant Eyelift, Perfect Pout, and Zit Zapper.

Skin Doctors gave free facial treatments at Chimes Specialty Store in Davao City from November 27 to November 29, 2009. Consultants and therapists were present to assist clients during the three-day event.

Fore more information on Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals, visit www.skindoctors.com.au or email them at skindoctors@cytherea.com.ph.

Color World Giacce BB Cream

I bought a 60 ml tube of Giacce BB Cream since I needed something to replace the Maybelline mousse foundation I recently gave away.  Color World Giacce BB Cream was on sale at this Korean store I frequent for PhP350 (approx. $7) and since it's being sold online for $25, I didn't hesitate in buying it.

While not exactly a foundation, Color World Giacce BB Cream provides minimal coverage like a lightweight foundation does.  It gives a natural-looking finish which suits my skintone. The only drawback is that it takes patience to blend and because I can't read Korean- which reminds me to go back to studying the language- I can't tell if Giacce BB cream provides sun protection or not.

Like most BB Creams, Color World Giacce BB Cream promises to improve skin texture and remove blemishes with regular use.  Well, I've been using Giacce BB Cream for less than a week so I can't say if it works.:)

Dermal Essence Masks

It has been awfully hot lately and I feel like putting on a facial essence mask to soothe and mositurize my facial skin. I buy Korean facial essence masks from La Core and since they ran out of my favorite grape essence masks when I went there a couple of days ago, I settled with 2 packets of Dermal Essence Mask: Rice Bran Collagen Essence Mask and Coenzyme Q10 Essence Mask.

Facial essence masks soothe, relax, and moisturize the skin especially during very hot or very cold weather conditions. For an added cooling effect, refrigerate facial essence masks for a few minutes before using.

All-Natural Acne Solutions

For days now, two large zits on my forehead have been bugging me. I have been very careful in my skincare routine but the breakouts just won't go away. I have been using a lot of products like clarifying lotions and exfoliating creams to no avail.

I have noticed with most acne products available on the market, it is either they are too harsh or they don't have observable anti-inflammatory properties at all. Imagine my frustration when I notice a small pimple and then to just watch it grow into a large, red zit even if I spot-treat it with expensive acne creams and solutions.

Since I have acne-prone, combination skin, I believe that I have to follow a new approach when it comes to skincare. I think the right acne solution for me is an aloe-based Acne cleanser that works to lessen sebum production where needed and heals the skin without drying it. There are a lot of good products out there using all-natural ingredients, and my goal is to choose the best product suitable for my acne-prone skin.

Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake

I had to replace my Maybelline compact so I went to this retailer of Korean cosmetics in one of the shopping malls here in Davao City. They didn't have a lot of compacts (just Laneige and Etude) so I settled with the Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake for two reasons: very cute packaging and still within my budget.

I got the Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake #21 since I thought it is nearer my skintone and paid PhP1000 (approx. $21) for the compact and two refills. It's priced more than brands I usually buy (L'oreal and Maybelline) but considering that my purchase included a very cute pink mirrored compact and full-sized refills, I made a go for it.



Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake #21 is a lightly fragranced powder foundation that provides very light coverage. The product is not a keeper for me because it leaves a grayish cast on my skin especially when applied over sunblock (I use L'oreal UV Perfect). So I decided to just give it to a friend whose skin tone is a perfect match for the Etude Coverfit Two way Cake.

All About Hair: Tools and Products I Use

I wasn't blessed with gorgeous hair so I went for a chemical treatment tonce or twice to tame my frizzy and wavy hair. Although I love having pin-straight locks, a rebond always leave me with with dull, limp hair and a fringe that's so flat that you'd think I was steampressed or something.

Since I cannot afford a regular salon treatment, I use inexpensive hairstyling tools and products to tame my usually frizzy and wavy hair and to add some texture or volume when needed. I do not use a lot of products on my hair and I never ever buy branded ones unless they are on sale. Below is a list of hairstyling tools and hair products I use.

• Hair dryer- I just use an inexpensive Imarflex blowdryer which I bought for PhP350. I have been using this one for three years now and it is so old that it doesn't have the attached diffuser anymore. It is perfect for those days when I have to go out and have to use public transportation and do not have time to iar-dry my hair. Honestly, I hate it when I have to go out with my hair dripping wet and sticking out in different places.
• Straightening iron- My big sister has a ceramic flat iron which costs around PhP3,000 (obviously, I can't afford it) so I just borrow hers when I am in the mood for sleek, straight hair.
  
• Curling iron- I don't curl my hair a lot but when I am bored, I try to experiment with different hairstyles so I kind of like having one of these around. I bought mine for about PhP200 two to three years ago.
• Brushes and combs- I have a round brush, a flat brush, and a wide-toothed comb. What I have are the cheap ones, not Denman or Goody. I use the brushes when I blowdry my hair and the wide-toothed comb for detangling damp hair.
• Pins and coated elastic bands- I don't have a lot of hair accessories but I have a stash of pins and elastic bands in case I don't feel like wearing my hair down.
  
• Regular shampoo and conditioner- I use Head and Shoulders because I can't stand the scent of other brands. For the conditioner, I use Palmolive but haven't been using conditioner lately. I just use Tony Moly Olive and Vinegar Hair Mist for less chemical build-up.
  
• Hot Oil Treatment- Since I don't really go for expensive salon treatments, I use the pink variant of Biolink VCO Hotoil Treatment (PhP10/sachet). A sachet is good for 2 treatments and what I do is just slap it on for 5 minutes. Really, it works well everytime.
  
• Hairstyling Products- I am now using a range of products by Shwarzkopf got2b. I bought the full-sized items at a discount store for Php99 each. I have a large bottle of got2b dazzling spray and I say it really gives lustre without weighing my hair down (unlike Vitress). I also use got2b styl-tini spray gel to add volume to my bangs. It works really great since it adds texture and definition without the greasy feel unlike the Gatsby Styling Wax I used before. For maximum hold, I use got2b kicked up hard jelly and just blast it with blowydryer to dry it out.
  
• Hair Color- On rare occasions that I color my hair, I use Loreal or Garnier Nutrisse. Each box of hair coloring treatment costs around PhP400-PhP600, cheaper than going to a salon. I had a color treatment at a salon last Christmas and I paid around PhP1,300 and Iwasn't even satisfied with the putcome.

It has been five months since my last rebonding treatment and I don't think I will be getting one soon. The salon I went to increased their rates (had a full rebond for just PhP1,200 then) so I don't think I can afford it. With my medium-length hair, a rebonding treatment will cost me around PhP2,500-PhP4,000 and shelling out that much money will rip my wallet into pieces.

All things considered, I do want to have gorgeous hair because it is every woman's crowning glory BUT during dire times, I really need to practice austerity.

Getting a Short Haircut

Recently, short haircuts for women are back in vogue so I am considering getting one which is slightly layered at the sides. Since I used to wear my hair really short I know that having a short haircut will be very easy to maintain. With the right kind of tools and hair products, I can easily vary my hairstyle to suit my mood and activities for the day. Most days, I can just blowdry it for a few minutes and I am ready to go. And if time permits, I can also use styling tools like a curling iron and use a small amount of texturizing wax for more definition.

With the current trends in hairstyling, having a short haircut is more suitable for modern women. A stylish short haircut is also perfect for those who have an active lifestyle as it is practical and convenient.

Latest Tony Moly Buys

I bought yet another batch of Tony Moly products. This time, I bought a tube of Cocoa Foam Cleansing wash, Olive and Vinegar Hair Mist, and Vita Capsule Aqua Serum. I bought my latest finds at discounted prices so I paid just about $12 for everything.

I am currently using the Tony Moly Foam Cleansing wash (reviewed by Lotus Palace) and I love its mild chocolate-y scent. I also love the fact that it is non-drying and comes in a very cute packaging. It is also a steal since I bought the 150 ml tube on sale at approximately $3.

As for the Tony Moly Vita Capsule Aqua Serum, well, I say I have tried better and cheaper moisturizers. The 30 ml bottle costs $6 and I say I was disappointed that this gel-based moisturizer is quite sticky. I just use it from time to time as I don't think it works best for my oily skin.

And lastly, I am so happy with Tony Moly Olive and Vinegar Hair Mist I bought for $3. It comes in a very cute plastic spray bottle but more than that, it keeps my hair soft and moisturized. It is very light, non-greasy, and smells good, too.

Tony Moly Dual Lip Liner, Yogurt Sheet Mask, and Pearl Shine Lipgloss

I haven't been getting a lot of sleep lately so I was excited to find out from Lotus Palace that Tony Moly has a dual eye concealer. My undereye circles are becoming more and more pronounced (dayuumm you, online movies, and audiobooks!) that I really need to do some concealing even though I do not really wear that much makeup everyday.

Since I already found a seller of reasonably priced Tony Moly products, I decided to give the shop a visit to get the Dual Eye Concealer. Sadly, they didn't have concealers so I ended up buying other Tony Moly items instead.

I bought a Tony Moly Dual Sunrise Lip Liner-- one side in nude, the other side rose-colored. The fact that it is retractable and provides precise definition makes it a good buy already so I was surprised when I found out that it costs a lot less than local brands (under $2). I also like the cute silver packaging. Not at all like those plain lip lining pencils I used to buy.

The Tony Moly Yogurt Sheet Mask in Mandarin Orange was just okay. I got the packet for about ($0.70), cheaper than another brand I regularly use. It hydrates without irritating the skin but I like grape essence masks more. There were other masks available so if they have their own version of grape essence mask, I'll get a packet during my next visit.

I also got a tube of Tony Moly Shine Pearl Lipgloss in Grape (approx. $3.5). Although not exactly a stand-out, I like the Tony Moly lipgloss as it gives that lips the right amount of shimmer with just a hint of color. The only downside is that it is not long-lasting but the attached brush applicator makes it very easy to apply for quick touch-ups. I also like its dessert-like scent and fun packaging.

And so, although I didn't really find what I was looking for, I was really happy with this batch of Tony Moly purchases. And I hope that my Tony Moly adventure doesn't end here. Because I am such a sucker for cheap finds, especially when they come in really cute packaging.

iWhite Korea Facial Products, Part II

Last week, I blogged about iWhite Korea facial products and promised to review iWhite's 5-step Botanical Skin Care System. I have been diligently using iWhite facial products for more than three weeks now and it is about time I come up with the second half of my iWhite facial products review.

iWhite Mandarin Extreme Cleansing Balm (Php30/sachet). This washable cleansing balm is a wax type cleanser that's supposed to be used everyday to remove makeup and impurities. Problem is, it is oily so although I really like citrus scents (it contains orange peel), I think it is not a good choice of cleanser for oily or combination skin.

iWhite Heating Pumpkin Enzyme Mask (Php30/sachet). I was pleasantly surprised when I first used this iWhite Mask because the moment the product came in contact with my skin, I really felt the heat! I tried other self-heating masks before (Garnier, etc.) but this pumpkin enzyme mask is really something. I like putting it on 2x/week just for the fun of it and not really for its beneficial properties. It's supposed to improve circulation in the skin by producing heat but I don't think it is suitable for the Philippines as it can really get hot and humid here. Although it smells good as in "all-natural" good, the consistency is quite thick and the mask felt like peanut butter on my face. I have really oily skin so this pumpkin enzyme mask is not a keeper for me.

iWhite Pore Refining Coffee Sugar Polish (PhP30/sachet). This wonderful face scrub is formulated from black coffee, sugar, oatmeal, and royal jelly. I am a big fan of facial scrubs so I felt like I hit the jackpot whe I first tried iWhite's Pore Refining Coffee Sugar Polish-- skin was soft and looked after application. And it isn't drying like most facial scrubs. One of my favorite facial products, I use iWhite Pore Refining Coffee Sugar Polish twice a week.

iWhite Ice Wine Rose Petal Mask (PhP30/sachet). This toning mask follows the application of the heating pumpkin enzyme mask or the pore refine coffee sugar polish. It's supposed to help tighten pores and hydrate the skin. But since it comes in a gel form, it can be quite sticky upon application. Although I can't say that this product is an absolute must-have for me, it is non-irritating and moisturizes the skin. I also keep it refrigerated for an added cooling effect.

iWhite Fresh Seaweed Skin Renewal Gel (PhP30/sachet). This leave-on sleeping mask is formulated from sea water, bamboo, and algae extracts and is said to have anti-aging properties. I apply it on my face and neck before sleeping and noticed that it does have a hydrating effect on the skin. Like the ice wine rose petal mask, I keep it refrigerated because I think gel-type mositurizers work best this way.

Although I can't say that the whole iWhite 5-step Botanical Skin Care System suits oily and combination skin, it is an inexpensive starter kit for those who are looking for inexpensive facial products. For those who want to give it a try, use it for 1-2 weeks and then decide which products work best for your skin type. As for me, I think I'll replenish my stock of Pore Refining Coffee Sugar Polish and have decided to just consume my existing supply of the other products included in the iWhite 5-step Botanical Skin Care System.

Related Article:
iWhite Korea Facial Products, Part I

Oh My Golly, I love Tony Moly!

Ooohhh, I love Mondays! I will be watching Boys Before Flowers later tonight and I just discovered Tony Moly. Before you raise your eyebrows, Tony Moly is a popular skincare and cosmetics label in Korea. I have read good reviews about the brand in Lotus Palace.

I wanted to sample Tony Moly's line of products because judging from the pictures in Lotus Palace, they all come in cute packaging (as in Etude House and SkinFood cute). I was already won over by Tony Moly's packaging and favorable reviews (non-irritating, inexpensive, and sweet-smelling to boot) that I was willing to spend money and buy Tony Moly skincare products.

And so today, I went to this Korean store I frequent to buy anything Tony Moly. Since I was in a hurry, I settled with an inexpensive tube of Tony Moly Metalizer Make-up Base and tried it on a cleansed face as soon as I got home. The verdict? I looove it! The Tony Moly Metalizer Make-up Base has fine iridescent particles that give a pore-refining effect and lend a healthy glow to the skin. It smells nice and suits my oily skin.

Tony Moly also has a BB cream and I'll buy a tube if it is in stock as I am looking for an alternative to foundation (not really a makeup junkie). I may spend a lot time on my hair but I'm okay with base, powder, and some gloss. If I can't find a tube of Tony Moly, I might just try Missha or Etude House as I think I spied both brands at La Core. I also considered getting SkinFood's Mushroom or Aloe BB cream variants but since SkinFood's retail prices here are waaayyy too inflated, I was pretty much discouraged from doing so. Anyway, SkinFood's been getting mixed reviews so I just have to look for better and cheaper brands.

I am looking forward to my next Tony Moly experience. And I am so excited because they have a whole range of neatly-packaged, sweet-smelling, non-irritating, and inexpensive skincare products to choose from. I can already imagine myself trying their sleeping masks, nose packs, moisturizers, and face and body scrubs.

Until my next Tony Moly experience. And by the way, did I mention that Kim Hyun Joong of Boys Before Flowers endorses Tony Moly?

iWhite Korea Facial Products, Part I

I have been using iWhite Korea products for three weeks now and I think that this generally inexpensive skincare line deserves a spot in this blog. Currently, my loot of iWhite products includes the following: facial wash, facial cream, aqua moisturizing cream, whitening pack, nose pack, seaweed gel, cleansing balm, coffee sugar polish, pumpkin mask, and rose petal mask. A lot, huh? Below is part I of my review on the whole line.

iWhite Skin Whitening Vita Facial Cream (Php30/sachet). This SPF15 facial cream has whitening properties and can be used as a sunblock and make-up base. The ingredients include vitamins ACE, titanium dioxide, and mulberry and ginseng root extracts. I don't use this often but the few times I did, it was okay and didn't cause any breakouts. Smells really nice, too.

iWhite Skin Whitening Moisturizing Facial Wash (Php20/sachet). This creamy facial wash is non-drying and leaves your skin smooth and supple. I am not a big fan of facial washes but iWhite facial wash won me over ( I didn't like Ponds, Dove, and Garnier). And since you only need a small amount to lather up, a 10 ml sachet goes a long way.

iWhite Nose Pack (Php20/sachet). I use iWhite nose pack once or twice a week to get rid of deap-seated impurities like blackheads. I think it is effective as I noticed that there are fewer bumps along the sides of my nose after using the nose pack. I must remind you, however, that you must not apply the nose pack on raw, sensitive areas as removing the nose pack can be quite painful.

iWhite Whitening Pack (Php30/sachet). The iWhite Whitening Pack is a peel-off mask formulated with morus alba and panax ginseng extracts. Although it's non-irritating, I can't say if it's really effective as a whitening mask because I just use it when I feel like it (instructions say it has to be used 2x/week). I have used other peel-off masks like Garnier's and I say this is a cheaper alternative. You can use the sachet for 2 or more applications so if you are on a budget, it's worth a try.

iWhite Skin Whitening Vita Aqua Moisturizing Cream (Php 18/6g sachet). This very light moisturizing cream is very soothing to the skin. I keep it refrigerated and use it after washing my face with iWhite facial wash. I like it because it is non-greasy, smells great, and spreads easily.

In general, what I like best about iWhite products is that the whole line smells good and is non-irritating to my blemish-prone skin. I also like the fact that iWhite products are available in sachets so I don't have to buy them in tubes or bottles.

However, if you are looking for facial products with serious skin whitening effects, I can't say iWhite Korea is right for you. I have been using it for three weeks only and so far I can't say if it does whiten the skin. But since I like the iWhite line for its fragrance and non-irritating properties, I couldn't care less if it whitens or not. I read in a blog somewhere that the whole line isn't effective in whitening the skin even after a month of continued use. Maybe that blogger forgot to use sunblock and went out in the sun. Hehe.

I think this concludes Part I of my iWhite review. In a few days, I will be reviewing the products included in iWhite 5-step Botanical Skin Care System. By the way, iWhite products are available at Watsons and Mercury Drug outlets. If you're from Davao City, the whole line is also available at Victoria Plaza mall (cosmetics department).

Related Article:
iWhite Korea Facial Products, Part II

AdSense, Salon-treated Hair, and Effective Time Management

I wasn't born with straight hair. Although not kinky, mine is of the wavy, unruly type. Yeah, the type that would most likely generate mental questions like, "Mahangin ba sa labas?" or "Did you even bother to comb your hair"?

If I had to meet somebody or need to be somewhere, I had to be given a 1.5 hours to fix myself before I am ready to leave my place. I need that much time to shower, get dressed, apply a generous amount of sunblock and minimal make-up on my face, and fix my hair.

Honestly, it takes me just about 30 minutes to shower, get dressed, and go about my usual skincare routine. The remaining hour is devoted to blow-drying my hair and taming it with a straightening iron.

You have no idea how people criticize me for taking so long to fix my hair. I don't blame them but I can't blame myself either. I am oftentimes late for appointments but I seldom leave the house without going through my routine. I just look different if I leave my hair au naturelle-- like I just got out of bed. Literally.

And so to fix the problem, the moment I got my Adsense earnings last month, I set aside a part of it to have my hair salon-treated and splurged on a rebond (sorry for the chic lingo, guys!). I don't usually spend so much on my hair so thinking about how much I spent on it makes me want to chide myself for such extravagance.

However, I must say the results are remarkable. My hair is wavy and unruly no more. And of course, since I no longer have to blow-dry and straighten my hair before leaving the house, I am seldom late for appointments. Even my father noticed the radical change. Hoo-hah!

I was advised to get another treatment in 6-8 months. And be poorer than I already am. Will I do it? Um, yeah. I have to. After all, it's in the name of effective time management. Hehe.

Garnier Didn't Deliver the 28-Day Promise

I bought Garnier's Light Moisturizing Lotion (SPF 15) and their Milky Lightening Toner two months ago. In the Garnier TV ad featuring KC Concepcion, Garnier promises a noticeable lightening of the skintone after 28 days of continued use. Well, it has been two months since I started using Garnier's Moisturizing Lotion and Milky Lightening Toner combo but I still have to see my facial skintone lighten. Hehe.

I am not surprised, really. I was sort of expecting it. I bought the product because I ran out of my usual supply of toner and moisturizer and not for the skin lightening properties. Also, Garnier smells really nice-- I like citrus-y scents. Plus, the 150 ml bottle of toner sells really cheap at Php169 and the 40 ml bottle of mositurizing lotion is a steal at Php139.

But since Garnier terribly failed at its will-lighten-your-skintone-by-two-shades-in-28-days promise, will I buy Ganier products again? Sure! As I previously mentioned, Garnier is inexpensive. And although I find the light moisturizing lotion a tad too greasy for my already oily skin, I didn't have any breakouts. Neat, huh?

In a nutshell, although Garnier didn't make my facial skintone two shades lighter, I will still include the brand's mositurizer and toner part of my skincare routine (although I wouldn't recommend it to those with oily skin). Heck, I got a set of hypoallergenic toner and moisturizer for under Php350, so who cares about skin lightening?

And as I've said, I really like citrus-y scents.