Tag Archives: Skin Care

Vitress Hair Cuticle Coat Products

Don’t Stress Your Tresses with Vitress

My fine, medium-length hair is starting to break far more easily nowadays. What do you think I need? Ingest more nutrient-rich foods, drink more liquids a day, and for immediate results slather some conditioner on my hair? And when I feel a little bold, should I use some inexpensive creams and serums?

Most affordable choice: Vitress. Both men and women who want to achieve a beautiful head of hair everyday can use Vitress’ line of hair polish and cuticle coat. (Oh yes, can’t wait to become Solenn Heussaff!)

Learn something new everyday: As the outermost layer of your hair, the cuticle is made of overlapping, transparent keratin cells that protect the inside portion of the hair shaft. The cuticle also defines the smoothness and shine of the hair, and chemical processes and sunlight exposure as well as intense heat can damage this outer layer.

To maintain beautiful hair, ensure the hair cuticle maintains its lustre and health. Through Vitress’ Hair Cuticle Coat, you get to wrap your hair with a special serum made of silicones which protects your hair from damage. Result? Instant shiny, soft and smooth hair.

Vitress Hair Cuticle Coat Products

  • The Vitress Instant Relax Cuticle Coat helps flatten unruly, wavy hair to achieve a natural-looking straight hair.
  • The Hair Repair Cuticle Coat uses Hydro-Restore technology to help treated hair become healthier and satin-smooth.
  • The Heat Protect Cuticle Coat contains Thermo-Shield Complex to protect hair from the harmful effects of curling and straightening irons and blow dryers.

Vitress Hair Cuticle Coat Sample

Pros: Smells very good, oil-based product imparts a beautiful shine

Cons: Can be tricky finding out the right amount of product to use for entire head of hair

 

Meanwhile, Vitress’ hair polish variants are light and non-greasy, great-smelling styling creams that prevent hair tangles. Hair is kept silky soft, smooth and manageable! Frizzy and fly-away hair are also easily tamed. Best part? The cream doesn’t leave a sticky residue even during hot and humid days.

Vitress Hair Polish Products

  • The Strengthening Hair Polish boasts a special vita-strength formula to prevent split ends and breakage.
  • Vitress’ Long-Lasting Fragrance Hair Polish contains Scent-Infinity Complex to keep hair smelling fresh, fragrant and shiny throughout the day.
  • The Sun-Protect variety uses a specially made, Sun-Defense System to protect hair from the damaging rays of the sun.

Pros: Smells very good as well (especially the long-lasting fragrance variant) , product very creamy and easy to use, and product is indeed non-sticky!

Cons: Product best used consistently and right after a trim!

*All Cuticle Coats must be used prior to any heat treatment. Prices range from Php37.00 – 73.00 depending on product size and type. Hair polish comes in 50ml (Php33.00) and 100ml (Php53.00) bottles. So sulit!

 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/vitress
Twitter: www.twitter.com/officialVitress

 

How about you? Care to share your Vitress experience? What’s your best hair solution to become like Solenn Heussaff?

VMV Hypoallergenics Seasonal Care package

How to Treat Flushed and Flaky Skin

Suffering from hyperreactive skin?

I am. For several years now, I’ve been suffering from unrelenting redness and scaly patches around the center of my face. It’s a skin condition that appears together with dermatitis, and as I’ve grown tired of steroids to calm my flareups, as well as the occasional green concealer to hide the flushed face, I sought other options to help me manage my skin condition. Ergo, I’ve been on the lookout for solutions that are safer and maybe healthier.

The things I have found to be very important are the following:

  • Proper Diet & Exercise This is the poor man’s solution to every health issue, and I am quite sure it’s one of the most effective. Just drinking more than two liters of water, eating a good combination of protein and carbohydrates, and jogging daily can make a difference to the appearance of anyone’s skin. (Right now I’m just too busy to include this in my daily schedule.)
  • Proper Skin Care Routine Sensitive skin, or at least those that tend to flush require a skin care routine that is gentle enough to minimize flareups. For instance I have found that, with my combination skin, I need to avoid very creamy and oily products. Whilst my skin needs cleansing twice a day, I use moisturizers for normal to combination skin instead.
  • Mineral Makeup Mineral powders are not exactly the most convenient products to use, but a jar from a local brand like Ellana has yet to run out since my first purchase last year. And of course mineral makeup contains inorganic and natural ingredients. If all else fails, I turn to Plan B, which involves green concealer for countering redness.
  • Hypoallergenic Skin Care Products  Cetaphil is a great, hypoallergenic face cleanser, but right now I’m loving Mukti Botanicals’ mild and non-abrasive cleanser. I usually just blot my face dry with my microfiber bath towel. By a dermatologist’s advice, we also need to protect our skin from sun damage–so I have chosen to use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as much as I can.

Since diet and exercise is currently a no-go, I choose beauty products to help me with my skin condition. When it comes to hypoallergenic skin care, I have found that VMV Hypoallergenics is a reliable Filipino brand. And a care package they recently launched is just as reliable for putting skin flareups in check.

Girl Next Door Subtle Shine Lipstick

Filipino brand VMV Hypoallergenics first caught my attention when I got hold of a tube of Subtle Shine Lipstick last year. Curious whether or not VMV products are worth the high price tag, I went ahead and ordered their care package for rosacea (and any skin needing T.L.C.) last month. Personally I think the fact that the lady behind VMV (Vermén M. Verallo-Rowell, M.D.) is a board-certified clinical and research dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, dermatopathologist, and clinical researcher makes the brand absolutely reliable.

VMV Hypoallergenics Seasonal Care package

VMV Hypoallergenics Recycled Packaging

VMV Hypoallergenics Nice Packaging

Love the recycled packaging!

VMV Hypoallergenics Care Package for Rosacea

VMV Hypoallergenics’ Care Package for Rosacea (Php 2,200) includes three full size products.

Of course, as I have yet to see a dermatologist to check my face for a possibility of rosacea, I picked this care package to try because it is reportedly ideal for irritations, inflammations, redness, bites, itching, rashes + microbial infections from allergic/irritant reactions; seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, eczema, atopic/contact dermatitis + some other medically-managed conditions. Since I have been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis two years ago, I have relied on a combination of hydrocortisone and three different anti-dandruff shampoos to control my skin condition. Through the years I have found that the condition worsens depending on hormones and stress, some anti-dandruff shampoos only work well in a few months, and certain creams cause unwanted flareups.

VMV Hypoallergenics Red Better Care Package

Let’s try the stuff in the tubes first.

1. RED BETTER FLARE UP BALM | 25g
This full-size bottle is that star of VMV’s Red Better Redness + Inflammation Calming system. It’s a steroid-free salve that contains monolaurin and several anti-inflammatories to deeply hydrate and soothe skin without using steroids. First of all, I like that this is a full-size tube that normally retails for almost Php1,900. A tiny speck of this creamy salve can cover a considerable area on the skin.

Red Better Flare Up Balm Pea-Sized

VMV Hypoallergenics Red Better Flare-Up Balm Use

 Just five minutes after very first application, redness on my face (especially around my nose) subsides by around 60%.

2. RED BETTER SPOT CORRECTOR | 8g
This non-drying and soothing balm contains salicylic acid to beat acne on sensitive skin.

Normally the 8g tube can set you back Php400. A little bit can go a long way, as well, as shown in the photos below. It goes on clear, remains moisturizing for almost an hour (though it does dry after) and promises to help remove blemishes overnight. I say promises because I have yet to try it on a pimple. The spot corrector does smell of salicylic acid, though, so I think it has the ability to get the job done.

VMV Hypoallergenics Red Better Spot Corrector Sample Test

3. ARMADA POST-PROCEDURE BARRIER CREAM 50+ | 10g
This green-tinted physical sunscreen is formulated to suit ultra-sensitive or recovering skin. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it protects the skin indoors and outdoors as it reduces skin redness. This is a sample tube, and 10 grams of this amazing product do not last more than a month for me. Right now my tube is almost empty from the frequent use. When my face looks a bit better I use Ocean Potion’s Face Potion instead.

Two cons: The product is very thick so it can be difficult to spread on skin. It also makes skin look abnormally white, so it’s really great to use on Halloween costume parties.

Despite the two setbacks, the barrier cream delivers, and it’s very capable of protecting skin from indoor and outdoor sun exposure.

The full-size tube currently retails for Php1,300 on Zalora.
VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Post-Procedure Barrier Cream Sample

4. GRANDMA MINNIE’S THE BIG, BRAVE BOO-BOO BALM | 15g
MY FAVORITE! The ultimate jar for skin lesions. Whilst the previous products contain jsut enough monolaurin to kill bacteria, this boo-boo balm has the coconut-derived product in spades! Monolaurin is in fact an antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal disinfectant that is gentle on skin, making it easy for this balm to quickly treat infections that can occur in damaged skin. If you are currently managing a skin condition like eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis, you should grab yourself a jar.

For me this balm is the most effective product to use if you want your severe flare ups to be gone the next day! A jar costs only Php1,080.

VMV Hypoallergenics Grandma Minnies The Big Brave Boo-Boo Balm

Grandma Minnie's Big Brave Boo Boo Balm

Smells mildly of coconuts, which I love!

Overall, the care package I bought from VMV Hypoallergenics have given me great results. I have used them to alleviate redness and lesions on my face and chest, and I am very happy with all the products. My next challenge in the coming months is to modify my diet and sleeping habits to reduce the likelihood of another flareup coming within the month.

What’s your skin care protocol during flareups? Kindly share your opinion in the comments!

Miessence Sample Pack

Lifestyle Manila’s Miessence Sample Giveaway

The world’s first extensive range of certified organic products, Miessence, has yet to reach Philippines shores. Until now.

Get the chance to sample some of their skin care products!

Miessence Samples Giveaway

Up for grabs are the product samples available in Miessence’s Purifying and Soothing facial skin care systems, as well as sample sachets for Miessence’s hand cream, body cream and body wash. I’m giving away three ziploc bags each containing three product samples.

The Purifying system is formulated for oily skin. If you’re prone to breakouts, blemishes and clogged or open pores, then Miessence’s purifying system is for you. The cleanser, skin conditioner and moisturizer available in this system contain essential astringent ingredients from organic burdock, echinacea, nettle, witch hazel and tea tree. Each 3ml sachet is worth AUD2.

The Soothing system, meanwhile, is ideal for skin that often feels irritated and appears blotchy. Sensitive skin will greatly benefit from Miessence’s Soothing skin care system, especially with its botanical extracts from chamomile, horse chestnut, carrot seed and witch hazel. Each 3ml sachet is worth AUD2.

The third bag contains Miessence’s nourishing hand cream made of organic shea butter, aloe leaf juice, bitter orange fruit extract, olive juice extract and rose oil. The sunflower body wash ingredients include aloe leaf juice, sunflower seed oil and essential oils from sweet orange, lemon and lime. The intensive body cream contains sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, shea butter, olive juice extract, patchouli essential oil and geranium essential oil. Each sample is worth AUD2.

Miessence Sample Pack

 
Here’s how you can join:

1. You must enter via PromoSimple.

2. You must complete all required tasks mentioned in the PromoSimple widget below.

3. You must be sure to mention which ziploc bag (sample pack) you want to win.

 
Promo ends March 15, 2013. Winners will be announced on the Lifestyle Manila Facebook Page. Details on how to claim the prize at Eastwood City will also be sent out via email.

Pangea Organics Skin Care Discovery Kit Dry to Mature

Pangea Organics Skincare Discovery Kit Review

Pangea Organics Skin Care Kit box
Local luxury skin care distributor The SOUQ Organics has recently sent me a Pangea Organics Skincare Discovery Kit as a gift. Just came home from Cambodia (will post a few articles about the trip in a few) and was happy to see a special package arrived for me in a nice reusable bag. I particularly love the fact that the Discovery Kit is formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients. The anti-aging and antioxidant formula promises to restore sun-damaged skin, and the vain, little lady in me is all for nutrients that can make me look as young as possible (No, the fact that people in Cambodia mistook me as a little 16-year-old doesn’t cut it.)

I’m a 26-year-old, and I don’t want to look a day over 30 when I reach the ripe old age of 45. So the earlier I start caring for my skin, the better.
Pangea Organics Skin Care Discovery Kit Dry to Mature

The wonderful treat inside

The Pangea Organics Skin Care Discovery Kit includes:

1 tube FACIAL CLEANSER 1 fl oz
Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange

1 bottle FACIAL TONER 1.8 fl oz
French Rosemary with Sweet Orange

1 tube FACIAL CREAM 1 fl oz
Italian Red Mandarin with Rose

1 tube FACIAL SCRUB 1 fl oz
Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry

1 tube FACIAL MASK 1 fl oz
Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry

1 EYE CREAM sample
Turkish Rose & White Tea

Let’s start the quick review:

First of all, I love the packaging. It’s simple, elegant, sturdy and pleasing to the eyes. I can recycle the box and turn it into something else. Each well-decorated tube is sealed to ensure freshness of the organic products. Once you open it, though, the label on the back of the box clearly states you can only use the product for up to 12 months.

1. EGYPTIAN CALENDULA & BLOOD ORANGE FACIAL CLEANSER – to be used once in the morning and once at night
The facial cleanser has a very strong, oily scent. The product claims to nurture the skin with plant-derived nutrients from organic essential oils and herbal extracts. For me, it is an effective product to remove excess oil and other impurities from the skin.

Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser 30ml

 

2. FRENCH ROSEMARY & SWEET ORANGE FACIAL TONER - to be used once in the morning and once at night
It’s cool that this product comes in a sealed bottle and you get to put the pump yourself. This is my favorite product of the bunch as it smells very good and citrusy. A light mist can even do wonders to touch-ups.

Pangea Organics Facial Toner

 

3. ITALIAN RED MANDARIN WITH ROSE FACIAL CREAM - to be used once in the morning and once at night
The thick facial cream promises superior hydration with its highest quality organic nutrients. The smell is pretty distracting, but I’d love to use it for a few weeks more if it indeed has anti-aging properties.

Pangea Organics Facial Cream

 

4. EGYPTIAN GERANIUM WITH ADZUKI BEAN & CRANBERRY FACIAL SCRUB – to be used once daily
I prefer using this at night just to be on the safe side. It is said that the skin attempts to regenerate at night while we are asleep, so I’d rather take advantage of the scrub’s exfoliating properties at night. I expect a fresh face in the morning after a week.

Pangea Organics Facial Mask

 

5. JAPANESE MATCHA TEA WITH ACAI & GOJI BERRY FACIAL MASK – 1-2 times a week
I haven’t tried this facial mask, but I sure am eager to apply the mask within the week. I’ll have to treat myself to one invigorating, detoxifying and rejuvenating facial mask once I have the free time to do so.

UPDATE: Finally got the time to try this! Used it right after the cleanser. I massaged a bit of the product and allowed it to set on my face for a few minutes. The mask smells a lot like tea leaves.

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub

 

6. TURKISH ROSE & WHITE TEA EYE CREAM
The beautiful combination of Turkish Rose and White Tea promises anti-aging and antioxidant properties that will turn the skin around your eyes more youthful looking. As a lady with small wrinkles around my eyes (I smile a lot) I’d love to see if any improvement happens in a week or so. It smells a bit strong, too, but it’s tolerable.

Pangea Organics Eye Cream Sample

Results to follow. For now, I’m giddy with excitement and curious if I shall indeed discover youthful radiance in this handy gluten-free kit. Currently, the kit is on sale at Php 850 at The SOUQ.

Thank you, The SOUQ Organics, for your wonderful gift!