Summertime: May Days!

Summer is definitely here, and while some people are going to the beach, some are stuck with the daily grind. Either way, the hottest month(s?) of the year is just beginning. This is a friendly reminder to:

1. Stay hydrated! Drink enough water that your pee runs clear. I prefer plain water, iced due to the heat. However, if you find that you sweat more than usual due to exercise and the like (IMO, unthinkable in this heat), you might want to consider adding the water and electrolytes you lose back with additional sports drinks or even ORS.

2. Keep cool! Avoid things that will make you retain heat such as occlusive ointments and tightly woven fabrics. Let your body sweat and let that sweat evaporate to cool you even further. It may not look that good, but it's good for you. Did you know that sweating keeps you cool?

3. Avoid the sun! As I said before, use a broad spectrum sunscreen - with at least SPF 30. If you can stand it, chose clothes that will hide your skin from the sun. At the very least, avoid the sun from 10 am to 3 pm. Umbrellas and wide brimmed hats are your friends.

The youngest and oldest members of society are more prone to heat stroke. If you see someone getting dizzy due to the heat, bring this person to a shaded area, hydrate and try to cool him or her off. Please consult with a medical professional when more serious events such as fainting or seizures occur.

Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

I got a few samples of the Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil a year ago when my friends and I went to the Japanese film festival. Luckily, I was the only one interested in the products. :) Since I still had my Bifesta (and I can't seem to find my review on this, so I'll be doing one soon, late as it is -_-), I ended up using this when it wasn't available. This is the pic of my last sample. I've tried a few of the Shu Cleansing Oils (yellow, green and pink variants) and I find this the best of the bunch.

Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil (sample)

Why? Among all the Shu Oils, this gives me the softest skin - moisturizer and second cleanser no longer required - while leaving my skin feeling very clean and residue-free. I have no make-up left on my face (admittedly using a BB cream instead of a foundation) with the toner test after using this. With the other oils, I still feel the need to do a second cleanse to get the residue off.

Unfortunately, the price of this cleansing oil (a bit more than their regular oils) is too steep for me, especially since bottles should be used within 6 months of opening - and I'm not a frequent make up user (yes, I know I'm supposed to double cleanse after sunblock… but I often don't). While it would look very nice, it would probably end up going rancid in my dresser. If you regularly use make-up, you might want to give this a try.

I'd recommend this product for those people with dry skin that need a moisturising make up remover.

Saturday Salads

I've been eating more salads this summer. By choice. And this is not to lose weight, but because I've found that I get tired of eating hot food on hot days. Salads, with their crisp crunchiness and pops of color, are a cool alternative for those who just can't bear the heat.

A basic salad has ingredients that all come from the ref. Fancier options may involve heat, but laziness and a lack of cooking skills prevent me from doing so. Unfortunately, my basic  salad consisting of pretty leaves + tomatoes + dressing don't really keep me full long so I usually add more protein to the mix.  

If my salad is a snack between meals: add olives and/or cheese.

If my salad is a meal: add tuna.

Salad Lunch

I like putting everything on a plate so that I can see exactly what and how much I'll be eating before I mix it up. It makes my eyes full as well as my tummy.

I never thought I'd see the day where I'd actually like salads, but here we are.

Summer is now a time for ice cream, iced drinks and salads.

Human Heart Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel

Since I've been trying to get rid of all the clutter in my room, and save some cash, it's been more and more difficult for me to justify buying products. However, one thing I'll need probably forever are anti-acne products and at P200 ($4-5), the Human Heart Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel was something I couldn't pass on.

Unfortunately, as I've lost the box, I've taken the ingredients list from their website.

Ingredients as taken from the website: aqua (water), Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf essential oil, levulinic acid (rice/corn-derived), glyceryl caprylate (coconut oil, palm oil and glycerin-derived), glycerin, dehydroxanthan gum, zinc lactate, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, p-anisic acid (anise seed-derived), phytic acid (rice-derived)

At first glance, it isn't expensive, but it actually comes out at P10/gram, so this isn't exactly cheap either. I used to use tea tree oil spot treatments either from zen zest or a private supplier and I'd consider this midpriced, though very affordable.  The pump bottle is a bit strange with the actual dispenser sticking out of the cover. It's not as hygienic but since I leave it on my dresser, it's not a big issue. I wouldn't recommend sticking this in your bag because while the cap insures that it won't spill, it could end up touching other things.

The gel looks cloudy when thick (as seen in the right side of the pic) but it's quite clear when thinner. It is easy to apply as it doesn't run at all, and I've had no problems controlling the amount of product dispensed from the bottle. While it takes around 10 minutes to dry fully, it does dry clear as a thin plastic-like film after dabbed on. However, I recommend using this product over a clean face since I can't really put anything over it after it dries.

It fares well enough on smaller zits and helps heal them a bit quicker than they would alone and with lest pigmentation afterwards. It is not very helpful for the larger ones though. The best thing about this product for me is that, unlike other spot treatments which remain wet for long periods of time (oils), bleach everything (benzoyl) or give weird colors (mario badescu/murad), I'm not afraid to go outside with this on. However, it does magnify larger, pus-filled zits in an unflattering way.

I don't think I'd rebuy this product simply because I find that the oils themselves have more uses than this gel does for the same price, and I'd like to find a product that targets both large and small zits. However,  I'd recommend this product if you're simply looking for a spot treatment for mild acne at a decent price.

Colgate Optic White

Summer is here, and aside from the standard body shaping and hair removal, teeth whitening is one of the IN procedures people want. It may seem weird to include teeth in the beach ready body… but I guess tanned faces look nicer with whiter smiles.

I on the other hand got this toothpaste + toothbrush combo of Colgate Optic White because it was on offer for P99.

I began using both toothpaste and toothbrush twice a day after meals and after 4 days...

I got noticeably whiter teeth!

Now, this version of Optic White doesn't seem to have any optic brighteners, but the toothpaste does contain hydrogen peroxide, good for bleaching. I haven't tried the newer variants (with stated optic brighteners) and other brands with optic brighteners, but I'm quite happy with this one. However, since unlike other versions, this doesn't promise to keep the stain off so I can't drink my tea and coffee as I usually like it if I want to preserve the color.

I don't recommend this product for long term use. Even though it says its enamel safe, it could weaken both teeth and gums. Currently, I use this 4 days a week and switch with a non-whitening toothpaste for the other three days. I've seen a slight improvement since the first week but it's not very drastic.

I will finish this tube, but I think next time I need a whitening boost, I think I'd go for the one with stain protection.

Contraception: Calendar Method

Note: This is an experimental post.

Ang pinakasimpleng paraan para hindi mabuntis ay ang abstinensya, ngunit hindi ito nagagawa ng maraming tao dahil sa iba't ibang dahilan. Kung ayaw mong gumamit ng paraang kemikal o magpa-opera, may iba't ibang paraang natural para iwasan ito. Isa sa paraang ito ay ang Calendar Method.

Para magamit ang Calendar Method kailangan na:

• Naitala mo kung gano katagal ang regla mo ng 6 na buwan na nakalipas.
• Hindi iikli sa 27 na araw ang pagitan ng iyong regla kada buwan sa 6 na buwan na nakalipas.
• Handa kang magtala at sundan ang galaw ng iyong katawan.

1. Sa 6 na buwan na nakalipas, hanapin ang pinakamaikling pagititan ng unang araw ng regla.

Halimbawa:

Ang unang araw ng regla ay naitala sa sa isang kalendaryo.

May 28 na araw na pagitan ng unang araw ng regla.

2. Magbawas ng 18 dito.

28-18= 10

3. Sa 6 na buwan na nakalipas,  hanapin ang pinakamahabang pagitan ng unang araw ng regla.

Halimbawa:

Ang unang araw ng regla ay naitala sa sa isang kalendaryo.

May 33 na araw na pagitan ng unang araw ng regla.

4. Magbawas ng 11 dito.

33-11= 22

5. Itala ang unang araw ng regla ngayong buwan at magbilang mula sa araw na ito hanggang sa dalawang numerong nakuha. Bawal makipagtalik (ng walang ibang proteksyon) sa pagitan nito.

Halimbawa:

Ang unang araw ng regla ay naitala sa iba-iba.

Kung ang unang araw ng regla sa buwan ng Abril ay ang unang araw ng Abril, magbilang sa araw na ito hanggang sa 10 na araw at 22 na araw ng Abril. Bawal ang pagtatalik ng walang ibang proteksyon mula April 10 hanggang April 22.


Kailangan tignan ang 6 na buwan na nakalipas bawat buwan!

Richenna Bubble Dye

This was bought last year during one of the sales and came with a free nail polish, as seen below. I forgot how much this costs, but it was less than P300. I bought this Richenna Bubble Dye in 1L Light Brown because I knew it wouldn't turn out that way with my coarse dark hair, and it didn't disappoint.

Richenna Bubble Dye in 1L Light Brown

This bubble dye kit is composed of:

1. Dispenser

2. Bottle of developer

3. Bottle of dye

4. Conditioner

5. 1 set gloves and capelet

6. Instructions on paper (not pictured)

What doesn't come with the kit, but you will need is:

1. Cotton swab

2. Clips

3. Towel that's reserved for dye

Richenna Bubble Dye Components

One thing I like about bubble dyes is that the dye and developer come in separate sealable bottles unlike most traditional dyes where the developer is in the applicator. Aside from the fact that it's pretty hard to break or unseal the top of the bottle properly in a non-bubble kit, it dissuades patch testing. Here, I used a cotton swab and one of the caps and mixed a small but equal amount of each bottle and test on skin for 48 hours.

Richenna Bubble Dye and Developer Bottle

Another thing I like is that the bottles are marked for different hair lengths: 25g for short hair, the whole bottle for medium length hair and get another 25g for a set for longer hair, maybe 2 bottles total for super long hair.

I put the appropriate amount from both bottles into the dispenser. DO NOT SHAKE. Turn it upside down a few times gently so that foam and pressure doesn't build on the inside.

On an unrelated note, I love how this kit's dispenser is actually shaped like a bubble.

I used a clip to secure the capelet around my shoulders, then another to section my hair into 2 large bits (upper and lower head). Some people prefer not to section (which you CAN do with bubble dye) or still section it like you do non-bubble dyes. I like to divide my hair into two so I'm sure not to miss any bits of hair. I then placed on the gloves and did most of my hair except for the roots.

If you want to move around the house and don't have a dedicated shower cap, do as I do and clip the capelet around your head and turn your capelet into a DIY shower cap! Also, while the instructions say to leave it on for 20 minutes, I left the dye on my hair for 30 minutes before adding it to my roots and waiting another 15 minutes.

After rinsing with water until clear, I used the conditioner on my hair and dried using a towel. The towel I use is on the darker side and reserved for hair coloring. Here's the result after a few washes:

As expected, even with a longer-than-usual application, my hair is still a dark brown. I can't picture it properly since the lighter ashy brown to copper tones don't really show up unless under direct sunlight. I quite like the result, especially since there was always a risk of my hair turning copper-orange!

If you have coarse hair, I would recommend a total of 45 minutes of dye time since I feel that you'd go orange if you wait any longer. People with finer hair might stick to the recommended time instead.

Bath and Body Works: Rainkissed Leaves

I got this set a few years back and ignored it because I thought I'd get a sporty scent and I wanted to finish my current bath products before diving into a new one. I decided to open it because it's been with me for way, way too long and boy, was I surprised: Rainkissed leaves isn't your typical scent and you'll immediately love it or hate it.

At first sniff, it's fresh and just green.  After a few whiffs, it gets a bit lighter and sweeter while you lather in shower. It then turns warm and woody and musky. It's hard to describe but it seems like a scent that's both sensual and unisex at the same time.

The lotion isn't very thick and seems to have stronger middle and base notes compared to the gel. It's actually very usable for the summer since I find that my body heat reacts well to it, making it smell /feel much warmer.

I feel refreshed whenever I use this product, but at the same time, I feel like I can fall asleep.

I think people should definitely try this scent out before buying it because some people might not react as well with it. However, I'd buy this again in a heartbeat.

Altchek MD: Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Upon C's recommendation, I decided to purchase this as my previous cleanser, Clean and Clear, was running out. Now, if you haven't noticed, this is a totally different cleanser from my last. For one thing, it costs P795 for 240ml in Beauty Bar. It's not a luxury brand but it's no drugstore find either. It's a bit cheaper in the US for $14, available at Ulta - and it goes on sale there.

For another, this product is mainly glycolic acid (AHA) based, though it boasts other key ingredients as vitamin C, Calendula extract, fruit acids and reservatrol. I'm not sold on how these help at their concentration, and in a wash off product to boot. I also don't know why fruit acids aren't described as AHAs here. My skin doesn't react to this at all, so it at least it doesn't hurt.

The pump packaging is sturdy but makes it hard to transport. I need half a pump of this cream cleanser and rub on my face for 30-60 seconds. It contains these smooth exfoliating beads, and while it doesn't lather well, it spreads evenly and lightly exfoliates my face.

My skin feels moisturized after using, but that could be because of the glycerin and silicone in this product. I don't get any zits from the product, but others who are silicone sensitive may have issues because of this. It doesn't prevent acne formation as much as salicylic acid based cleansers do (when I do something stupid like not sleep), but my face is definitely smoother.

I'd recommend this product for those with drier and less acne prone skin types or as an alternate cleanser/scrub.

Long vs. Short Hair

More than 50% of my adult life has been spent with long hair. It's not because I'm overly fond of it or anything, but because I've found that long hair is:

1. Easier to maintain daily - no need to blow dry or style in the morning (or sometimes even comb).
2. Needs fewer salon visits - once or twice a year would do
3. More versatile hair styles

However, short hair definitely has its advantages, and I've definitely been feeling it.

1. Cooler - because long hair heats you up, especially during summer
2. No split ends
3. No need for conditioner

Right now this is a con for me: I'd rather use up my conditioner (because I have a lot hoarded - I don't need to buy any for the next year or so).

4. Removes the temptation for perming

And, depending on your style…

5. Does not get in your face

The most important factor for the things I'm doing now.

I guess I'm maintaining my short hair for a while.

For those who want to cut their hair for the summer and have at least 8 inches to cut, you guys may be interested in donating it. Do a quick google search: Papemelroti and David's Salon might be easy avenues to donate your hair for wigs for cancer patients (I had mine done during the latter's event).

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir

Last Christmas, I got a nice surprise from my favorite, C: a red paper bag bearing the Human Heart Nature logo.

A peek inside revealed a bottle of their Overnight Elixir. I'd been eyeing this since its release (P995 with the sunflower oil free), but I wasn't really interested in getting that freebie and I wanted to try it out first (only their physical stores give samples). Imagine my delight when I saw this baby!

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir Packaging

This is the "old' packaging of the HHR Overnight Elixir. Newer editions have a yellow, more cheerful pattern. If they haven't changed the scent or bottle packaging, I'd think this version of the packaging is more appropriate. I haven't checked if the newer bottles are different.

The box comes with easy instructions on how to use it. I prefer using 3 drops for my face and neck and apply it by massaging it in quickly. I didn't pay much attention to the label part because it felt too much like pro-organic marketing. However, those who like their products on the more natural side might prefer this for that reason.

They also provide a list of the active ingredients and what it's supposed to do. A lot of the product is sunflower oil (which may explain the new packaging). I didn't use the sunflower oil on my face but this product has several differences with its predecessor:

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir

The bottle is made of glass and contains a lot less product (1 oz). As you can see, the entire thing can fit between my thumb and index finger. The HHR sunflower oil was made of plastic and was prone to collecting dirt on the side. The way this product is packaged, it doesn't get filthy. However, this bottle is prone to breakage so I dare not move this around, and have had several mini-heart attacks while using it.

The dropper is very strange for me because you press the top of the dropper (pushed like a button, actually) to get the product. If you're familiar with the Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate, then this is very similar to it. To use: press once after unscrewing the bottle, then take the dropper out and let the drops fall naturally. The dropper can't pick up much product, but I need much less than what gets picked up.

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir Dropper

The serum itself is clear to lightly straw-colored and on the runny side. It also doesn't spread as easily as the Body Shop Drops of Youth. The HHR Overnight Elixir needs 3 drops for a light application on both my face and neck after bathing. It absorbs slowly for a serum (even compared to an oil like the Bobby Brown Extra Face Oil): around an hour. I can't put any other skincare products over this during that time. In the meanwhile, it gives a nice glow as long as it's not applied too thickly.

Warning: This product is meant to be applied lightly! Don't put too much on your skin or you might break out.

The best part for me is the smell - which is a mix that includes rosemary and lavender- that helps put me to sleep at night. I wake up with soft, moisturised skin which lasts through the morning wash. Because of this, I end up not using anything on my face but sunblock after cleansing (even if I know I'm not supposed to) without any visible repercussions.

I would buy this when I run out, but since I need so little - this will last a very long time - I won't need any replacement anytime soon. This is the oil that I placed in the Bobby Brown sample bottle, and while I'm on my second refill already, I still have around 3/4 left.

For those who want to buy it, you can get it cheaper (and sometimes with freebies) at their website. Promos change and appear sporiadically.

Edit: Reviewed Human Heart Nature's Pure Rosehip Oil too :)

Film: Cinderella (2015)

I love Cinderella, and I have watched most Cinderella movies/plays/musicals I could get my hands on. It's why I was very excited to watch this film even though it's a children's fairytale - a fact I could see with my own eyes as the previous showing ended. I prepared myself to be disappointed, because how much could you do with a children's story that's been done a hundred times?

I was pleasantly surprised by Sir Kenneth Branagh, who I know best as an actor in Hamlet (and whom others might know as Gilderoy Lockheart). While faithful to the core story, this version included an emotional depth rarely seen in its older predecessors, unlocking the motivations in previously one-dimentional characters and turning them into people. See: appropriately evil stepmother Cate Blanchett.

It also succeeded in translating fantasy into reality by a rich and textured visual experience that, while looking vaguely historical, could never be mistaken as a period film. This film is magic, and I'm not just talking about the something that Helena Bonham Carter brings. While Cinderella and Prince Charming are nice to look at, the beauty of this film is the story and how the story was told.

And it was told well.

Highlands Coffee: Truyen Thong

The last of my hot Vietnamese coffee, from Highlands Coffee: Truyen Thong. This is the coffee meant to be used with the traditional vietnamese filter as seen in the picture.

Lighter and sweeter than the Moka Blend I used when I showed how to use the phin filter, this coffee still gives that kick that Vietnamese coffee is known for.

Highlands Coffee Truyen Thong

I wasn't able to take a picture of the back but they do contain directions and a nutrition facts. However, the calories written there were insanely high and I choose to believe they're for the combination with milk and not alone. 

I usualy drink this sans milk because I find that it gets too sweet otherwise.

Now, I know that the ASEAN opening is happening this year and that Highlands Coffee is already in the Philippines. I'm hoping things will become cheaper or more varied though and that Philippine taxes don't suck so much.

Looking forward to more choices from around Asia!