Category Archives: Fashion & Beauty

bandbust

Easy Guide to a Good Fitting Bra

Bands dig in, straps slip, cups gape. Ill fitting bras are unsightly, and we only have ourselves to blame for this.

In Manila it can be a pain to find a good bra that fits. When I was younger all I knew were department store brands like Wacoal and Triumph, and I was always disappointed with how my small bust looked under shirts. When I started learning about band and cup sizes and how underwear sizing is different for every brand, I began to realize that, in general, a good fitting bra in the Philippines is hard to come by. In fact the only decent ones I found were in international brands La Senza, Debenhams and Marks & Spencer.

Apparently my band size is 32, and for some reason only La Senza, Debenhams and Marks & Spencer carry those. It’s only recently that I realize that cups vary depending on the bands, and fitting ladies here in Manila hardly know much about true bra sizing or fit.

Bra Fit

In general, once you have your bust (fullest part of breasts) and band (right below your breasts) size, you subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. The difference is generally your bra size, where each inch is a cup size.

To help me with my own measurements, I use one of the most accurate bra size calculators online. If the bra with your bra size doesn’t fit well–as in the band is too tight, or a part of your breasts seem to spill out–you move along the sister sizes until you find the best fit. See below guide.

bandbust

Image from http://marketplace.bangordailynews.com

And yes, changing cup sizes and band sizes is perfectly acceptable. So what if you become an E when you go down a band?You are slim, and your bust is bigger than you thought! Keep in mind different bra manufacturers also have their own sizing so it’s perfectly OK to have different bra sizes per brand. (If you are looking for a great fit, check out bras by ThirdLove!)

Bra Care

Understandably, most Filipinas grow up a little frugal when it comes to underwear when we should actually invest more in awesome lingerie.

With a great fitting pair of undies you can avoid looking like a muffin top, you avoid red lines on your skin, and you generally feel better. With great brassiere, your bust looks better and fuller under your clothes, and bigger breasts are supported well, helping the back carry the weight. It doesn’t help that loose cups, straps and band are also sometimes caused by poor bra maintenance.

To ensure the longevity of your bra, remember:

  • Handwash.
  • Use mild soap and lukewarm water. Let bra soak for several minutes before gently rubbing on areas touching your skin or using an old toothbrush to remove stains.
  • Rinse well.
  • Gently remove water from bra by pressing–avoid wringing! Don’t distort the shape of the soft cups.
  • Hang dry. Hang bra by its gore (that band between the cups). NOTE: Too much heat can ruin the elastic of your underwear, so avoid using the dryer.

Different clothes have different washing instructions, and lingerie is no different.

Hope these tips help! Enjoy your hunt for great fitting brassiere in Manila!

Shopback 1212 2015 Promo

ShopBack’s Early Holiday Treat! 12.12.15

Get the best deals online with my favorite shopping reward site, Shopback!
Shopback 1212 2015 Promo
The 12.12 sale celebration has already BEGUN! From December 10 to 11, partner sites like FoodPanda now offer up to 95% off as well as increased cashback and exclusive coupon codes! Start shopping now!

Shopback FoodPanda Promo

Shopback Shop Partners - Incomplete 2015

So go ahead and shop to your heart’s content knowing that you get a percentage of the amount you spend! Sign up or login to your ShopBack now!

saree

The Benefits of Wearing Sarees

saree

Image from freedownloadwallpapers4u.blogspot.com

A Saree is a traditional outfit that comes in many different styles and colors. When you wear this stylish clothing option you will feel beautiful and be the center of attention wherever you go. The right outfit can help you to look and feel stylish, and you can be sure to find the right item to enhance your wardrobe.

Comfortable Option
Sarees are comfortable as long as they are draped well. This article of clothing will fit you just right and offer plenty of space for you to move around in. You can enjoy having plenty of leg room, and it will be easy to handle.

Stylish Clothing Choice
Sarees are very fashionable and feminine. They are made to fit any figure. You can simply drape it to accent your specific shape and height. It can be fun to wrap it loosely or tightly to get the look that you desire. You an also find accessories to pair with it to help you have a unique look that will set you apart from everyone else when you step into a room.

It Comes in a Variety of Material Choices
Sarees can be made out of many different materials. You may want one that is made out of silk or satin. You can also find chiffon options or look for cotton choices. There are sarees that are perfect for everyday wear and special sarees that are created for weddings, festivals, or other celebrations.

Always Enjoy a Beautiful Look
When you want to look and feel your best, consider wearing sarees to update your look. You will be sure to get a lot of attention from everyone that you meet. Many older people will be happy to see you dressed in traditional attire, and young people will be excited to meet you with your gorgeous looking clothing. When you want to look special, sarees are a great choice.

Sarees come in all colors. You can find bright and bold options that will look stunning on you. When you want to show off your traditional style and look poised and elegant, this style will always be a smart choice. There are many nice benefits to wearing this type of apparel, and you can feel like you are making a good investment with each outfit that you purchase.

Myra Vitawhite and Vitasmooth Facial Wash with Aquazorb towel

Myra Facial Wash Review

After a quick review on one of the latest skincare products in the market, here’s a post about the Myra Facial Wash product line!

Now with these Vitamin E infused facial wash products out, we can sleep better at night knowing that we can make our bodies look younger and brighter inside and out. Aside from simply taking Myra-E Vitamin E supplements religiously, we can also use either the Myra VitaSmooth and VitaWhite Facial Wash on a regular basis. Currently, Myra is the only facial wash brand in the local market with vitamin E, helping keep skin healthy, nourished and clean.

The Myra VitaSmooth Facial Wash (50mL for SRP Php70.00) is a moisturizing facial wash containing French spring water and aloe vera extract to improve skin elasticity and maintain smooth and young-looking texture. Meanwhile, the Myra VitaWhite Facial Wash (50mL for SRP Php75.00) is designed to whiten skin since it contains plant extracts that whiten skin and niacinamide that evens out skin tone. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, both facial wash variants are safe for everyday use.

Myra Vitawhite and Vitasmooth Facial Wash with Aquazorb towel

Myra VitaWhite Facial Wash with BioWhite Complex on the left, Myra VitaSmooth Facial Wash with Moisture Plus on the right.

QUICK TEST

Since vitamin E and fish oil are essential to my “healthy living” phase this year, I was eager to try Myra’s new skincare products. With my sensitive skin, finding the right product that doesn’t irritate my skin can be tedious! So let’s see if this brand can help clean my face without causing any irritation.

Myra Vitasmooth Facial Wash - Moisture Rich

Only a small amount can go a long way. I like the slightly runny consistency.

Before using Myra Vitasmooth Facial Wash

 I woke up like this.

After using Myra Vitasmooth Facial Wash

After using Myra VitaSmooth

VERDICT

I am happy to report that after a quick trial, the Myra VitaSmooth facial wash did not cause a)redness, b)itchiness and c)breakouts. No stinging sensation while I had the facial wash on my face either! It cleaned my face just like regular facial wash. I feel that since vitamin E promotes smooth, hydrated skin, I highly recommend the Myra Facial Wash (both the VitaSmooth and VitaWhite varieties) for those with dry and sensitive skin that tend to break out easily.

Jordan's Beauty Secrets Facial Mud Mask

Jordan’s Premiere Beauty Secrets Mud Mask Review

Unlike other bodies of water, the Dead Sea is unique in that it has greater salt content compared to regular ocean water. The greater density allows people to float on the Dead Sea.

But the difference between the Dead Sea and the other oceans doesn’t end there. While ocean water contains mostly sodium chloride, the Dead Sea is rich in Zinc (contributes to skin renewal) , Bromine (relieves skin stress), Magnesium (rapidly heals and soothes the skin to prevent redness, itching and irritations), Calcium (protects skin from dryness) and Potassium (balances moisture levels). The rich combination of minerals in the Dead Sea has been effective in relieving skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne and even skin ageing.

Dead Sea mud has been so popular it’s being used for facial and body treatments in the Middle East, Europe, Russia, Africa, Ukraine, USA, Canada and Asia! Thankfully, one of the biggest distributors of Dead Sea mud is bringing its renowned therapeutic products to the Philippines! Watch out for it in December this year.

Jordan's Beauty Secrets Facial Mud Mask

Curious to sample a quick pampering session, I opened my pack of mud mask in Milk & Honey. Slathered just enough amount to cover my face, and as instructed on the back of the pack, I waited for 10-15 minutes before removing the mud mask.

Jordans Beauty Secrets Milk & Honey Mask Trial Before During

Before and with mask

Quick thoughts for this review: I have sensitive skin that reddens and flakes fairly easily. The mud mask stung within a few seconds of application, and continued to do so until about a minute later.

After using Beauty Secrets mud product

After using Jordan’s Premiere Beauty Secrets mud mask in Milk & Honey

I persisted and chose to leave the mask on for about 15 minutes before removing it with regular tap water. It was probably the Manila heat that caused the mud mask to dry up fairly quickly, but it wasn’t easy completely removing the product. I was eager to see the effects of the mud mask after irritating my skin for a bit. Amazingly, the mud mask did not cause any blisters or anything! It made my skin feel smooth and refreshed!

PROS

Easy to apply
Makes my skin smooth and supple
No annoying scent

CONS

Slightly gritty feel; mud mask not as fine, smooth and creamy as I would have hoped
Can’t be recommended for sensitive skin

That’s it for the quick review for now. Want to try it for yourself? Catch Beauty Secrets’ mud products in major malls! For more information about the products, visit http://www.b-secrets.com or https://www.facebook.com/jordansbeautysecrets.

Aeropostale Amazon Purchases

Kango Express Forwarding Service Review

Right after the Kango Express launch in October, I got so excited to give the company a try I ended up buying a handful of items for myself and my family. What an early holiday treat!

My experience in the past with US-based personal shoppers had been like this: All US prices and shipping rates are converted to Philippine peso at a different rate to compensate for shipping and handling, excluding local rates for local shipment. Usually these shoppers charge Php50-70 per US dollar depending on item size and weight. Items arrive on my doorstep in 3-6 weeks.

A cheaper alternative had been to just send my online purchases to my relatives in the US, but they seldom ship items to the Philippines or come here on vacation. (And I don’t have the guts to pester them about my personal stuff, even though they ARE my relatives.)

With Kango Express now available in the Philippines, I won’t have to worry about the lengthy shipment times and personal shopper rates!

Aeropostale Amazon Purchases

I went crazy and purchased a bunch of items on Amazon and Aeropostale. Since Kango Express offered consolidation service for shipments I figured I could order multiple items from different shops online! And boy, was I excited to get my hands on new bedding (Aeropostale Hibiscus in a Bag Set), tooth remineralizing gel (3M ESPE OMNI Gel), heat protectant (Half Time Blow Dry Miracle), vitamins (Doctor’s Best Vitamin D3 180 soft gels and Doctor’s Best CoQ10 120 soft gels), clarifying shampoo (ICE Spiker Eraser Wipe Out Shampoo) and a new set of underwear (Fruit of the Loom Women’s Microfiber 5-pack).

Here’s a breakdown of my purchases along with local prices of their counterparts:

  • Aeropostale Hibiscus in a Bag Set – $23.99 (~ Php3,000 for a 6-piece bedding set)
  • 3M ESPE OMNI Gel – $8.13 (~ Php700 for single flouride application at the dentist)
  • Half Time Blow Dry Miracle – $12 (Php1,200 for its equivalent)
  • Doctor’s Best Vitamin D3 180 soft gels – $3.29 (Php6.50 per 800IU soft gel)
  • Doctor’s Best CoQ10 120 soft gels – $13.99 (Php720 for a different brand available online)
  • ICE Spiker Eraser Wipe Out Shampoo – $5.50 (~Php300 for organic clarifying shampoo)
  • Fruit of the Loom Women’s 5-pack – $10.49 (~ Php600 for 3-pack mid-range microfiber undies)

Items were sent from three different locations, so all in all my October 30 shopping splurge cost me $93.40 (including US taxes and shipping).

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Pictured: Bottles of vitamins for healthy heart and bones, a tube of fluoride gel and a bottle of blow-dry spray that cuts blow dry time in half!

The three different packages arrived at the Kango Express US warehouse on different dates in November after the purchase. I’m happy to note that the Amazon seller who sold the ICE Spiker Eraser sent out the shampoo almost immediately. Although the first package arrived at the warehouse on November 4, the last one reached the warehouse on the evening of November 6 due to some delay. Since Kango Express only ships out consolidated items to the Philippines on Friday mornings, and I wanted to receive all my items at once, I had to schedule the shipment for the following week (November 13).

I thought APEC week (November 16-20) would affect shipment of my items, but lo and behold–

Track Shipment   Kango Express

My package arrived at home in the middle of APEC week without a problem!

Kango Express Package Details

Originally the three packages were going to be shipped individually, and the shipping fee would be around $101 and some change. MyLinda of KangoExpress was gracious enough to accommodate my request to combine all my packages in one box, which she even reduced size from 21 x 18 x 14 inches to 21 x 18 x 10. She also advised me to use the 20% discount code for first time users to help me save on costs. Shipping fee was reduced to just $77.23, and I have a few items on their way to the warehouse again!

VERDICT

Granted I can purchase most of the items I bought online right here in the PH. With shipping and taxes included, my online purchases total Php8016.62, while the equivalent items here in the Philippines can cost me almost the same. Online shopping and shipping affords me more time to do other stuff, though, since I won’t have to walk around the mall or contact local sellers and deposit payments at different banks anymore.

PROS
5-day shipping transit time
Free hold service
Top notch customer service
Immediate email notification regarding packages
Free package resizing available
Reliable shipment tracking
Option to pick up package at Parañaque office OR have package delivered to doorstep (if within delivery area)

CONS
Consolidated packages leave the warehouse on Fridays only.

Kango Express is highly recommended!

Shopback.ph Homepage

Get your cash back with ShopBack.PH!

Shopping online has gotten sweeter! Have you heard of ShopBack? Singaporean-headed e-commerce company ShopBack lets you take advantage of the cashback reward program through a few simple steps! After being a hit in Singapore and Malaysia, ShopBack is now looking toward expansion in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia!

Just imagine: Rebate Rewards. You can get a portion of the money you spend in every transaction, as long as you use your ShopBack account. Plus, there’s unlimited cashback opportunities every year, especially since ShopBack is connected with A LOT of online merchants, from Nike, Old Navy and Banana Republic to Ensogo and even ebay!

Shopback.ph Homepage

To start earning cashback rewards, simply sign up on their website here. You can even use your Facebook account to sign up!

Cashback Coupon Codes Promos Deals ShopBack.ph Popup

Then find your favorite store on ShopBack (view all the top merchants which offer cashback here) and get redirected to the store’s website.

Shopback Stores

Once you’re on the online store of your choice, shop as usual! For every purchase you earn a portion of the payment, and you can get your cash back in your ShopBack account within 48 hours.

Once you have reached the minimum redeemable cash back amount of Php300, you can redeem or cash out the amount via your PayPal, Globe GCash or bank account (BDO, BPO, Metrobank, EastWest, Chinabank, Security Bank, RCBC, UCPB or Unionbank).

Shopback Cash Back Partners

It’s that easy! And here’s some good news this Halloween season:

CURRENT HOLIDAY WEEKEND PROMOS

Our favorite shopping sites Zalora, Lazada, Ensogo and AliExpress are slashing prices until Nov 2nd! Time to sign up on Shopback today!

  1. Up to 18% cashback on ZALORA on top of discounts. Zalora is also having a mid-season sale of up to 50% off with an extra 15% off with the code MSS15.
  2. Up to 10% cashback on Lazada on top of discounts. There’s an additional 12% off storewide if you use the code SHOPBACK12.
  3. 7% cashback on Ensogo on top of discounts. There’s an extra P250 off storewide with the code SAVE250.
  4. 7% cashback on AliExpress on top of discounts.

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https://twitter.com/shopbackph
https://www.facebook.com/shopbackphilippines

Bebe top and Forever 21

Take Me to New York Fashion Week OOTD

Flying all the way to New York from the tropics means adjusting to a different time zone AND climate. To go from easy, breezy and sunny-weather-ready to warm and snug in winter, I propose getting into these clothes at the #MaybellineNYFW with Georgina Wilson:

DARE TO DENIM

I like denim and floral print.

OOTD for Maybelline NYFW
Denim top, bebe | Printed jumper, Forever 21 | Black sneakers, Creative Recreation | Gel liner, Bold Matte Mat 4 lippie and face powder from Maybelline

THAT 70s STYLE

Wide legged jeans have been in and out of style, and most recently the cut came back early this year. I do declare that we bring it back!

Kate Moss and Derek Lam love the style!

7 for all mankind jeans new york and co top
Top, New York & Company | Jeans, 7 for all Mankind | Casio watch | Bold Matte in Mat 4 and White SuperFresh powder

JANE BIRKIN 60s INSPIRED

Love it old-school! Bring back the glam of the good ol’ Americana with a little bit of makeup and a little dress.

Thrifted eyelet dress
White dress, thrifted | Grey shoes | So Nude by Maybelline Color Sensational NU32S and White SuperFresh powder

Since winter in New York means five degree weather ON A WARM DAY, then I definitely need to pack some good scarves, leggings, gloves and of course a caramel trench coat:
Trench coat OOTD

Trench coat, Warehouse

Plus thermal underwear will help tons to beat the cold!

OOTD trio

Can’t wait for New York Fashion Week in February next year! And just a reminder: We can all join the MaybellineNYFW celebration by grabbing Maybelline New York’s awesome cosmetics at department stores and boutiques nationwide! Products are on sale from November 13 to December 15, 2015. :D