Health and Beauty Geek

Brazilian Waxing 101: My Lay Bare waxing salon experience

hbgeek — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:11:36 +0000

Two years ago, I bought Strip It cold wax in Multiply and DIY-ed my Brazilian. If you read my post, I’m not comfortable having another person do the procedure. But since last year, I just go to Lay Bare SM The Block branch to get a Brazilian. I realized that it’s a pain in the neck to do this all by myself, and then I always end up with a messy one because I can’t see everything, lol!

Here’s one thing I’m sure of, once you go bald, you’ll never ever coming back to being hairy again *winks*. It feels so fresh and clean down there.

For those who are curious and been wanting to try Brazilian waxing, here are a few tips and what to expect. I’m not sure if the procedure is the same with other waxing salons like The Strip, etc… I’ve only been to Lay Bare SM The Block branch.

Brazilian Waxing 101:

First, get an appointment. Some Lay Bare branches are overflowing with clients especially the mall-based branches. So if you want to save time, call for an appointment.
If you have low tolerance for pain, take pain reliever medicines first.
Do not shave/cut the hair down there, it should be at least 1/4-inch long so that the wax will stick to the hair. If it’s too long, the attendant will cut it to the right length.
Be sure to wash your private part thoroughly. It’s already embarrassing showing your private parts, so please don’t make it worst by having smelly and dirty you-know-what. While I’m still on the queue, I excuse myself to use the toilet at Lay Bare, they have a bidet and plenty of feminine washes for you to use.
When you’re called, the attendant will lead you to your cubicle, cubicles are small though. You will then be instructed to take off your bottoms and wear the robe.
The attendant will either trim the hair first, if it’s the right length, she will apply powder on the area to prevent the wax from sticking to the skin. A ball-sized wax will be used for waxing.
I prefer fast waxing, why prolong the agony? I just want to get it over with, slow or fast, it will hurt anyway.
The attendant will also ask you to lie face down because some hair grow at the back.
The attendant will tweeze stray hair, another ouch moment.
Finally, a soothing cream will be applied to the area and you’re done. Brazilian waxing will only take about 30 minutes max (minus the waiting time if there’s a line.

I hope my post didn’t scare you from trying Brazilian waxing. Don’t be too shy or embarrassed, these attendants are professionals and just there for our beautification purposes. And don’t chicken out due to the pain, no pain, no gain, yes? Another tiis-ganda moment.

Bare Naturals No Break-Out to Make-up – a review

Zen Zest Eau de Toilette + A GIVEAWAY!!! {Winner announced}

hbgeek — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:34:59 +0000

Zen Zest has been around for more than 10 years and I’m sure most of us are familiar with it. At the Zen Zest launch at Cafe 1771, we shared our favorite Zen Zest scents that we used from the past. I will be forever loyal to the powdery scent of their Talc Body Spray (reminiscing college days). Then they released their Eau de Toilette line, my mother bought me Thistle and Tangerine. I learned from the launch that Thistle is a combination of melon-pineapple-mint scent while Tangerine is a green melon scent. I always liked fruity scents but for those who like floral scents, try Magenta, Scarlet and Indigo.

At present, Zen Zest now has 18 irresistible scents from their Eau de Toilette line. Zen Zest EDT has 12% fragrance oil that will keep you smelling great for up to 6 hours. It is a proudly Pinoy made product but its ingredients are all imported: fragrance oil is from France; alcohol is from USA; and bottles are from Germany.

Zen Zest Eau de Toilette for Women

Zen Zest Eau de Toilette for Men

This April, 4 new scents are now available: Silver, Blue and Black for men; and Coral for women. I’m getting myself a Silver, although it’s for men, it has a very clean just-got-out-of-the-shower scent.

Each 50 ml. bottle is only Php 200. That’s pretty affordable and for someone like me who wants to wear a different scent depending on my mood, outfit, etc… I can just pick up a bottle of Zen Zest and spritz away!

It would be too hard for me to recommend a scent because we all have different preferences and body chemistry, you should try the EDTs at your nearest Zen Zest booths, they’re everywhere. I went on a sniffing frenzy that afternoon, my nose didn’t complain…

Thank you for the lovely afternoon, Ms. Nana Nadal and Ms. Zen Zest, Michelle Fontelera.

me, Nina, Michelle Fontelera, Nana Nadal, Pehpot

Aside from perfumes and body sprays, Zen Zest also has products for your home to smell good, like this fragrance diffuser in Happiness.

And now, time for a Zen Zest giveaway!!!

I’m giving away my long-time favorites from Zen Zest, Talc-scented Body Lotion and Body Scrub and Thistle Eau de Toilette.

And the winner is:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

No related posts.

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Fuchsia – a review

hbgeek — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:31:40 +0000

I’m still not over the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter craze that’s why I often visit Revlon whenever I’m at the health and beauty section. I was shopping with my Nanay one time and I convinced her to get her own Revlon lip butters as well. After trying out some shades, Nanay can’t find the color she likes, good thing the SA recommended to try on the Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks instead. I want her to have a pink lipstick because she already has plenty of red lippies, she finally zeroed in on Fuchsia…

Packaging is very elegant. Matte black with ridges and the lipstick color on the top. The opening is at the middle so it’s easy to open unlike its sister, lip butter.

Compared to Revlon lip butters, Colorburst lipsticks are priced at Php 575, just Php 50 higher. So if you’re looking for more pigmentation, then go for the lipsticks.

Guess who tried the lipstick first? ME!

It was love at first swipe! The lipstick glides on smoothly on my dry lips, I didn’t apply lip balm first. With just one swipe, it already packs a lot of color, very pigmented. After applying two swipes, it still feels light on the lips and the color doesn’t stay on the lines of my lips. It’s not a matte lipstick because it gives off a slight shine, more of a healthy glow on your lips.

Fuchsia on me

Fuchsia is not for everyday use though, well, for a simple girl like me. But this will work for ladies with thin lips just like my mother, she wears it for everyday use. Because I love the formulation of the lipstick, I’m gonna try other Colorburst shades.

Buy Proactiv Kit and get a chance to win Justin Bieber’s Limited Edition Perfume

hbgeek — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:17:59 +0000

If you’re still searching for the answer to your skin’s biggest nightmare, aka, acne, then I say, stop trying different brands and stick to the one that works. Proactiv Acne Treatment System is all you’ll ever need to treat acne and make way for clear skin.

Proactiv 30-Day Kit, Php 2495

Proactiv 60-Day Kit, Php 3,995

Here are 5 reasons why you should buy Proactiv:

Proactiv is the No. 1 anti-acne treatment in America and in the Philippines. It clears your face from acne and it helps prevent pimples from coming back.
Acne treatment is as easy as 1-2-3. All you need are 3 products: Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Lotion.
Proactiv is trusted by top Hollywood celebrities like Katy Perry, Jessica Simpson, Justin Bieber, Julianne Hough, etc.
It has Money Back Guarantee. They would not dare offer a money back guarantee if this product won’t deliver results.
You can win a limited edition Justin Bieber’s Someday perfume when you a buy a Proactiv set.

PROMO MECHANICS

SALES PROMOTION PERIOD: April 1 – May 31, 2012

PRODUCTS PURCHASED:

Proactiv Solution 30-day kit: Php 2,495 (Equivalent to 1 Raffle Entry)

Proactiv Solution 60-day kit: Php 3,995 (Equivalent to 2 Raffle Entries)

WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO JOIN THE RAFFLE:

The promo is applicable to Philippine Territory only and limited to residents of the Philippines only. Customers who bought Proactiv Kit from the listed participating outlets during the duration of the promo period are entitled to join the raffle. One Proactiv 30-Day Kit purchased is equivalent to one raffle entry. One Proactiv 60-Day Kit purchased is equivalent to 2 raffle entries.

WHO ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO JOIN THE RAFFLE:

Employees of Top American Products Solutions Inc. and their relatives up to 2nd degree are not qualified to join the raffle. Suppliers, partners, and consultants of Top American Products Solutions Inc., are not qualified to join the raffle.

Anyone caught attempting to manipulate the results of the raffle is subject to immediate disqualification. Top American Products Solutions Inc., reserves the right to deactivate such raffle entries without further notice.

Only purchases made by individuals are allowed are entitled for raffle entries. Bulk purchases with the intent to resell Proactiv will not be qualified for raffle entries.

HOW TO JOIN

All Watsons’ outlets or SM Department Store branches. Customers who purchased from any Watsons or SM Department Store must retrieve their Official Raffle Entry Forms from the following Redemption Branches.

i. SM Department Store Megamall

ii. SM Department Store Makati

iii. SM Department Store North EDSA

iv. SM Department Store Mall of Asia

Alternately, for customers from Watsons that are far from the Redemption branches can still submit their entries by sending an email of a scanned copy of their Watsons Official Receipt to customer@proactiv.com.ph, plus the complete details as follows:

Customer Name:

Customer Address:

Customer Contact Number:

Customer Email Address:

Product Purchased:

Date of Purchase:

OR Number:

Also, there should be a statement in the email: “I have read and understood the Terms and Conditions of the Proactiv Promo: Buy Proactiv Kit and Get a Chance to Win Justin Bieber’s Limited Edition Perfume.”

For Proactiv Kiosks and Watsons customers, they must fill-out the Official Raffle Entry Form with the following details:

Customer Name:

Customer Address:

Customer Contact Number:

Customer Email Address:

Product Purchased:

Date of Purchase:

OR Number:

Signature of Customer:

Signature of Promodizer:

The Official Raffle Entry Form must be submitted to the Proactiv Promodiser in charge to qualify for the raffle.

Customer must buy Proactiv kit within the prescribed promo period. Purchases of Proactiv Kits outside the promo period are not eligible with a raffle entry equivalent.

Customer must not return the product. If a customer avails of the standard limited Money back Guarantee that comes with every Proactiv 30-day or 60-day kit, this forfeits the subsequent activation of his or her raffle entry.

For every purchase of:

- Proactiv Solution 30-day kit is equivalent to one (1) Raffle Entry

- Proactiv Solution 60-day kit is equivalent to two (2) Raffle Entries

Official cut-off of the promo purchase period is:

First Draw: May 7, 2012, 11:59:59PM (for purchases made from April 1 to April 30, 2012)

Second Draw: June 4, 2012, 11:59:59PM (for purchases made from April 1 to May 31, 2012)

PRIZES:

There will be a total of fifteen (15) winners of Justin Bieber’s Limited Edition Perfume (P2800 each). Total of P42000 worth of perfume will be given away.

First Draw (May – 7 winners

Second Draw (June 5) – 8 winners

CONDITIONS OF THE PRIZE

The Prize is not convertible to cash and or other Proactiv products.

The Prize must be personally picked up by the winner from the office of Top American Products Solution, Inc. located at 17th Flr. Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala cor. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Philippines.

For Winner(s) who purchased from Online Shopping Cart or Door-to-Door Delivery Hotlines, a valid ID must be presented upon claiming the prize.

For Winner(s) who purchased from participating Proactiv Mall kiosks and Watsons Stores, a valid ID and the Official Receipt must be presented upon claiming the prize.

HOW TO CLAIM THE PRIZE:

The winners will be notified via email or a phone call a day after the raffle draw. Prizes must be claimed until May 18 and June 16 for the first and second draw respectively until 5PM only, or these will be forfeited without further notice. Winner must personally claim the prize and must bring a valid ID together with the Official Receipt.

Winner must agree to have picture taken upon receiving prizes in addition to waivers, which must be signed upon claiming. Top American Products Solutions Inc., reserves the right to use winner’s information for all marketing purposes to promote Proactiv and unlimited media, in perpetuity.

If the winners avail of the Money Back Guarantee after claiming the prize, the actual cost of the prizes will be deducted to the refund value of the product.

DOH-FDA Permit No. : 0530 s. 2012

New Proactiv now available in the Philippines

Acai – just another superfood fad?

hbgeek — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:04:49 +0000

There are many fads on the market at the moment; each celebrity has a supposed perfect solution to keeping their weight down while looking amazing. They all claim one of the many ‘super foods’ out there is the reason for their great looks and as such these flood the markets and we all try them out. But do any of them have any effect or are they just fads?

Well it might not be true of all these super foods out there or celebrity fads, but the acai berry which has recently hit the headlines and celebrity magazines is looking like a winner for us all. In fact the acai berry has recently been described as the best form of antioxidant available to the public.

The acai berry is packed tightly with a whole load of antioxidants including the proven fat-busting Resveratrol and Anthocynanins, Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, amino acids, fiber and other nutrients. These antioxidants are said to help our bodies to burn the fat calls while fighting the free radicals in our system which damage our cells. It is because of this that acai berries are said to prevent or slow down the aging process as well as preventing the free radicals from causing diseases such as killing live leukemia cells.

The acai berry is also thought to play a role in improving digestive health in the same was a detox would. This helps with weight loss as it helps the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently meaning that we are less hungry and as we eat less, we are able to lose more weight. The acai berry is also thought to give you more energy, which can help you to do more exercise and increase the amount of weight you are able to loose with the acai berry. You could browse around the collection of acai from holland and barrett today.

Slim9 weight loss pill

Garnier Pure Active launch with Georgina Wilson

hbgeek — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:29:10 +0000

Garnier Philippines together with Geiser Maclang invited me to the launch of Garnier Pure Active and to meet the Garnier Girl, Georgina Wilson. Pure Active is the latest skin care line from Garnier that addresses six skin problems: pimples, whiteheads, oiliness, enlarged pores, impurities and unevenness.

The two products launched are Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub and the Pimple Roll-On. Kudos to the Garnier Philippines team because as I’ve seen from the launch, they are very very excited and confident about their new product line. Even Garnier Philippines General Manager Mr. Arnaud is well adept about skin care.

Packaging. The bright red and blue packaging of the product sets it apart from other skin care products packaging that are mostly pinks, whites and light-colored. The packaging is making an aggressive statement in itself that “I’m here to fight your skin problems” and it works.

Active Ingredients. Purifying Salicylic Acid with Maximum Concentration of 2% and Natural HerbaRepair are the two main ingredients. Salicylic Acid is an anti-bacterial ingredient with oil-control properties and pore clearing properties. Natural HerbaRepair is from blueberry extracts and helps repair and regenerate the skin to prevent scarring.

Georgina Wilson as the Garnier Girl

Goergina Wilson as the Garnier Girl

Georgina Wilson graced the event and gamely answered all the skin care questions from the bloggers. I asked her a question too:

What is the most simplest and cheapest/affordable skin care routine that you can advice to most people who are busy and don’t have the time or money to invest on expensive skin care products and weekly facials, diamond peels, etc?

To my surprise, Georgina said that she doesn’t undergo diamond peels because it makes her skin red. She stated that we should not use cheap products for our face. She advised that everyday skin care routine is more practical than having expensive weekly/monthly facials. What she follows is the cleanse-tone-moisturize routine.

I also asked a few questions from Garnier Philippines:

With the Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub as cleanser and Pimple Roll-On for spot treatment, what can we use as moisturizer and night cream? Don’t you have other products from this line?

Their Garnier Skin Naturals line really works so they don’t need to produce another product line. Garnier Pure Active products can also be used in conjunction with Garnier Skin Naturals products. Garnier Light Cream for the day and Garnier Overnight Peeling Cream at night.

I’ve used a similar pimple treatment before with salicylic acid and my dermatologist said not to use those products because it only dries up the surface of the skin, so it doesn’t really treat the pimples underneath. What makes the Garnier Pure Active Pimple Roll-On different?

Aside from Salicylic Acid, Garnier Pure Active Pimple Roll-On has Natural HerbaRepair, so it heals the pimples underneath and repairs the skin.

Got more skin care questions? You can #askGarnierGirl following them on Twitter (@GarnierPH) and by liking their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/takecaregarnier

Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub is Php 150 for the 100 ml. tube and Php 85 for the 50 ml. tube.

Garnier Pure Active Pimple Roll-On 15 ml. is Php 199.

Ponds Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam with Activated Carbon – a review

Asian Secrets Giveaway Winners: Weeks 3 & 4

hbgeek — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:51:30 +0000

Here are the list of winners from Weeks 3 & 4 for our Asian Secrets giveaway. Thank you all for joining and keep supporting Asian Secrets and Health and Beauty Geek.

Week 3 winners:

Athena Jeunnesse Mae M. Tria

Michelle Ame

Kaith Cimafranca

Camille Quiambao

Ma. Jemimah Pates-Alvarado

Week 4 winners:

Catherine Joy Vinluan

Rosette Cabanes Auxtero

Milrose Antonio Fajardo

Marianne Joiz Vital

Lyra N. Daganzo

For Metro Manila winners, you may claim your prize at:

Innovitelle, Inc., Unitel Laboratiories, Inc. (UNILAB), 2^nd Floor Bonaventure Plaza, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan City, Metro Manila. Look for Ms. Sheryl Roan. Please bring a valid ID.

For provincial winners, prizes will be shipped to you.

Beauty on a budget

hbgeek — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 05:06:38 +0000

Tightening your belt and drawing in your horns doesn’t sound like a particularly attractive look and, as expressions for cutting back on your spending, they don’t evoke images of sparkling eyes and silky skin. However, beauty can be less beastly on a budget if you follow these tips for creating your own homemade products.

Body scrubs are easy to make with a combination of coarse sugar (brown or white is fine), olive oil, lavender oil and something that smells good such as a vanilla pod. Simply store the sugar and vanilla pod in an airtight container for a couple of weeks then remove the pod and add the equivalent amount of olive oil and a few drops of the lavender oil.

An avocado facial moisturiser is simplicity itself and prepared in seconds: blend an avocado with a teaspoon of honey until smooth and leave on your skin for about fifteen minutes. Rinse off for a silky soft finish.

Create your own facial at home and enjoy the relaxing effects of an antioxidant pumpkin face mask. Combine pulped pumpkin (seeds removed) with a whole egg and a teaspoon of honey and then add a tablespoon of cider vinegar if you have oily skin. Apply to face and leave for twenty minutes or until your skin feels refreshed. Rinse off.

Sometimes, simply allowing yourself ‘time off’ from the hectic way we live can put a spring in your step. Try doing nothing for twenty minutes, without any distractions or interruption. Put on comfortable clothes, draw the curtains and find some relaxing music to play quietly in the background. Close your eyes and try and drift away, focussing your mind on a warm light if possible. If you find your mind buzzing, rather than trying to ignore it, attempt to focus on what it is that’s troubling you.

Eliminate worry from your life.

One of the most ageing habits many of us fall victim to is worry. It shows on your face in the form of frown lines on the forehead or those little pinched creases between our eyebrows and is often a result of over-thinking a problem without taking positive action. As part of your budget beauty regime, you could take a long hard look at the other areas in your life where you may be overspending and resolve to find ways to cut back on these costs too. You can find more useful money saving tips here that could help you cut back on food, energy, travel and other day-to-day costs – and even have fun into the bargain.

No related posts.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti – swatch

hbgeek — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 17:27:38 +0000

My mother bought a Revlon Colorburst lipstick and while she’s choosing amongst the shades, I’m busy swatching the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter shades. I have it in Sweet Tart, but I want to buy the other shades too.

It’s really helpful to apply them on your lips and not just rely on the cap’s colors or the swatches on your hands. Just like Tutti Frutti. Judging from the cap’s color, it’s very orange and not flattering on me, or to anyone. But the SA said that Tutti Frutti is pretty too…

After the first swipe, I immediately said to the SA, “Oo nga no?”. It’s a peachy-orangey shade that is perfect for everyday wear. Orange is the season’s color too, and summer is fast approaching so this is the perfect shade for summer.

I’ll have to wait until the next payday though, but I’m definitely making room for Tutti Frutti in my kikay kit.

Asian Secrets Giveaway Winners: Valentine’s draw

hbgeek — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:11:15 +0000

Congratulations to the winners of our special Valentine’s draw!

Nino Lagrimas

Cherry Cacho Puno

Rosenda Aton

Lilia So

Kienes Damaso

Gessa Marie Condino

Rosalie Yap

Josie Equiron

Ivy Gayle Sabiano

Helen dela Victoria

Rosanna Concepcion

Theresa Tuates

Gemma Puno

Marnelli Bernas

For Metro Manila winners, you may claim your prize at:

Innovitelle, Inc., Unitel Laboratiories, Inc. (UNILAB), 2^nd Floor Bonaventure Plaza, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan City, Metro Manila. Look for Ms. Sheryl Roan. Please bring a valid ID.

For provincial winners, prizes will be shipped to you.