Manila Beauty Insider is your average beauty girl online/social media publisher with one simple mission - to keep every girl and woman (regardless of age, shape, color or nationality) informed on everything related to beauty, health and wellness and increase self- awareness + confidence one red lipstick at a time. 
Used really affordable products! Get The Look : Etude House BBdation, MAC Concealer, Snoe Beauty Loose Powder, Nichido Eyebrow Powder, MAC Brow Set in Girl Boy, NYX Eyeshadow Base, Dollface Cosmetics Neutral Palette, Bobbi Brown Gel Liner, MAC Blush, Bobbi Brown Baked Shimmer, Covergirl Lipstick.
SUITEBLANCO in MNL
Fashion Retail Overload!!!
With so many foreign brands (like Bershka and Stradivarius) that recently docked on the Manila shores, another one is about to arrive. And to think the year has just started. Spanish brand Suite Blanco is finally coming to Manila!!! Can’t 2013 be any sweeter than this?
To join the retail giants Forever 21 and Uniqlo under the SM group, the brand will definitely become the next crowd favorite. With over 270 stores globally, the brand continues to rapidly expand in the Middle East and several regions in Asia.
Can’t wait to finally have my hands on their Spring/Summer 2013 collection.
The campaign was modeled by the Russian stunner and VS secret model, Anne Vyalitsyna. The collection presented a playful combo of bright pastels and tailored pieces for the fashion forward and laidback, casual shopaholics.
I can’t help but fall in love with the solid toned dresses and flattering stripes, a class-meets-modern flair that you can totally pair with just about anything.
Call it “Urban Chic” a mix of both comfort and style- a complete breath of fresh air. The best thing – and I’m sure you all are wondering about (*ehem price tag*) - is that everything’s fairly priced
Check out their flagship store to be opened in SM Aura Premier at the Fort.
Hey everyone!
Have you seen the latest Dove “Beauty Sketches” web commercial that’s been going viral (with almost 30 million views as I typed this post) on YouTube lately?
As I was waiting for my favorite beauty blog channels to load, I came across the Dove ad (Alert: Dove Girl over here) that made me stop whatever I’m doing – scanning my Instagram (@manilabeautyinsider) feed and exchanging Viber messages
So what exactly was the hype all about?
The Situation
The ad presented different women (well, mostly slim blondes and Caucasians) who were asked to give self descriptions while being concealed for a forensic sketch artist as he drew them.
“Tell me about your chin,” the artist asked one. “It kind of protrudes a little bit especially when I smile,” replied the woman. Most, if not all, described themselves in a negative light, focusing on their flaws – “big jaw, freckles, having a fat face” were some of the descriptions they gave.
Right after the sketch session, another stranger whom each woman had an encounter with gave more positive descriptions such as “nice eyes, “she’s thin you could see her cheekbones” – definitely on polar ends the way the first batch of women see themselves.
The sketches were compared – based on their self perception and based on how strangers observed them to be. When the images were shown, they weren’t exactly identical.
The Feeling
After watching it, a tear almost fell. It was original. It was moving. It was realistic. It was the way I also see myself. For years I have struggled being a chubby kid to an acne- populated slightly awkward teenager and I never saw myself beautiful. While this simple advertisement gave a prevailing message that we – women of all ages, color, sizes and shape – are more beautiful than we think we really am -
And I wondered if this ad was real or not? This could be just another faux social experiment with a paid artist and paid women which could have someway altered and influenced their answers. Giving everyone involved the benefit of the doubt and mostly Dove’s intentions (being a Dove user ever since I can’t remember when), I figured that these women probably meant their descriptions, paid or not. Maybe they were a little harsh on themselves. Maybe WE ALL ARE.
Before I forget, I also thought that the strangers were being too nice (maybe because it was paid work) or they developed some sort of positive attraction during the encounter. I wonder, what about those who don’t quite know us? What about those who never liked us? Will the descriptions ever be the same?
I must admit, it was a well thought of campaign that targeted women’s emotions (including me), frustrations and belittling attitude (at times) that resulted in this buzz – and possible an increase in sales and following.
The Realization
Whether or not I saw this video, I would like to tell every girl out there… it shouldn’t be a great deal of a matter on how you look as to affect the important things in your life – choices, friends, jobs and children. You don’t want to be friends with someone who based their friendship on the way you look.
And being a girl who used to work for the beauty industry (but continues to write until now), I would like to say that you happiness shouldn’t come from physical looks based on shallow and unrealistic standards that media often times portray. Let’s get real here - celebrities and models don’t wake up looking gorgeous and frizz free. So stop stressing yourself with the way you look – you’ll just get disappointed and pressured. Makeup is supposed to be fun; it’s made to highlight what you already have. At the end of the day, you remove everything you piled on and you’re back with your bare, natural self. The next time you look in the mirror, tell yourself you are beautiful. Yes, you are absolutely more beautiful than you’ll ever think.
So how about you? What do you think?
Let me know.
Tweet me/Message me in Facebook/Ask tab :)
Lea xx
Crash Course
Going to college is probably one of the most exciting phases of a student’s life. Everything feels brand new – the environment, set of friends and professors but most importantly, a glimpse of reality. Aside from frequent nights partying and killing break time, there are stress-inducing things to deal with all out once during the day – college org meetings and thesis defense to name a few; working our way towards a degree isn’t exactly smooth sailing. A giant zit on the forehead right before a major party and chronic raccoon under eye circles are the least of things we want to worry about.
Being aware of the changes in our body, particularly our skin, while we are young is a head start. Since most of us are in the process of discovering our niche in society, developing relationships and maximizing our potential, college is the perfect time to practice these basic skin and health care behaviors:
1. LET GO OF THE JUNK AND EAT RIGHT
It is quite tempting to indulge on blended white chocolate frappucino while cramming on the last two chapters of English101 or a few bites on honey glazed- doughnuts while making a rundown on your Review of Related Literature, either way, your cells aren’t benefiting from that junk. It isn’t fairly rocket science that keeping a healthy, junk-free diet is still the best way to keep unwanted zits at bay.
Food cooked in vegetable oil, peanut butter sandwich, granola bars, avocado shakes and sweet potatoes are some of the best sources of vitamin E. It is a powerful antioxidant that fights signs of premature wrinkles, acne and helps retain moisture on skin.
Also, stack up your dormitory fridge on food high in iron such as meat liver, cereals and grains, salad with lots of greens to prevent iron-deficiency anemia which may result in extremely pale skin -due to lack of oxygen-carrying cells- and angular cheilitis, the cracks on the corners of the mouth. Don’t forget to take vitamin C, as it helps absorb the iron content in our body.
2. INCREASE YOUR H2O INTAKE
Don’t drown yourself with too much coffee.
Having a caffeine fix has been a staple to keep the energy up and meet the demands of the hectic college life but replacing water with coffee is not entirely good for the skin. Although drinking water does not entail radiant skin, it replenishes our body’s tissues, moisturizes and increases skin elasticity and flushes out the toxins out of our body.
Avoid dehydration by taking frequent sips of water throughout the day. You don’t necessarily have to gulp 8 glasses of water at once; just keep a refillable water jug handy.
Just make you sure you don’t doze off anywhere but your bed. Safety first!
3. CATCH UP SOME QUALITY ZZZs
A lot of college students are said to be sleep deprived due to constant exposure to stress, heavy academic workload and partying.
In a study about “Beauty Sleep” published in the British Medical Journal, researcher John Axelsson found that sleep-deprived individuals appear less healthy, more tired, and less attractive than those who have received a full night’s worth of sleep.
Acquiring at least 8 hours of sleep a night might be close to impossible so try to get at least 15-30 minutes of naps in between your classes. Not only does it reduce stress hormones that make you look haggard, it also prevents progression of skin aging when you reach your 20s.
Forget transparent umbrellas, they only look chic during rainy season.
4. SLATHER SOME SPF
Juggling extra-curricular activities and academic errands is no excuse to walk under the harmful rays of the sun unprotected.
Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for daily use. Remember prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays is never cool.
5. NEVER SLEEP WITH MAKE-UP ON
They say, “Study hard, Party harder” is every college student’s mantra after final examination week but sleeping with traces of gunk on your face just because you are too tired from a night out is not an exception.
A pile of foundation and different shades of concealer might correct the redness and hide the spots on your face during class but leaving it on will reap future damage. Remember, breakouts occur when pores are clogged with dirt, grime and oil (sebum). Keep wet wipes in hand, not only is it budget proof but it also removes make-up in an instant as you drag yourself to bed.
6. LAY-OFF THE CIGARETTE AND LIMIT THE BOOZE
Peer pressure is adamantly present, thus the increasing number of young individuals who lit up a cigarette, with a belief that it escalates social status and sense of belongingness.
I can’t think of anything positive about smoking as one stick possess more than 4,000 chemicals that destroys our skin’s collagen and elastin. Not only is it hazardous to our health and to the people that surrounds us, it also take its toll to our physical appearance.
Smokers appear pale, while others develop uneven coloring. These changes can begin at a young age, according to dermatologist Jonette Keri, MD, of the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine. “In young nonsmokers, we don’t usually see a lot of uneven skin tone,” Keri says. “But this develops more quickly in people who smoke.” In addition, “Smokers use certain muscles around their lips that cause them to have dynamic wrinkles that nonsmokers do not,” Keri says.
Alcohol consumption, on the other hand, may give a temporary high and relaxation. After a night of margaritas and tequila shots, the unwanted effects of hangover settle in – prominent dark under-eye circles, dry and reddening of skin.
“The red blotchy skin often noticed on an alcoholic’s face is from broken capillaries. This is caused by increased pressure in the cells from drinking alcohol, and although this in itself is not dangerous, if the capillaries are breaking on the skin, they might also be bursting in other areas of the body, such as the stomach or esophagus, which is much more dangerous”, according to Oregon Counseling, an affiliate of American Mental Health Alliance-Oregon.
Limit yourself to a bottle or two and take a glass of water in between to give your liver a breather and flush out the toxins immediately.
7. FOLLOW A ROUTINE THAT SUITS YOU
No skin is created equal therefore; a skin routine must address specific skin type needs:
Dry Skin
- A moisturizing cleanser or cleansing bar should leave skin feeling clean, fresh and smooth without dryness, according to Howard Murad, M.D., one of the world’s leading skin- and health-care authorities and founder of Murad Skin care line. Use an alcohol free toner after every wash. Try Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner which gently removes impurities without the sting.
- Lather up with a non-greasy, hypo-allergenic, long lasting moisturizer that has emollients and humectants that bind moisture to skin such as Cetaphil® Moisturizing Lotion.
Oily Skin
- Use a gel or liquid cleanser twice a day – morning and night – or after a rigorous activity like gym or sports
- “Over washing won’t stop oil flow, but it can irritate skin,” says Diane Berson, M.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine.
- As for moisturizers, check the label. It must be “oil-free”. Look for ingredients such as seaweed extract and Hyaluronic acid which keeps skin hydrated and nourished without clogging pores.
Acne-prone Skin
- Use a cleanser that is formulated with acne-fighting, Salicylic Acid. Mario Badescu Acne Gel Cleanser contains Aloe Vera and Chamomile, which help calms and soothes inflamed skin.
- Apply 5% percent Benzoyl Peroxide gel like Panoxyl or a cream containing salicylic acid formula to acne-prone areas. These ingredients dry the oily spots, shrink stubborn pimples and clear the skin in a few days. Redness and slight peeling may occur so keep unnecessary sun exposure to prevent skin darkening.
- Avoid over-washing and scrubbing as it may lead to further inflammation and scarring. It is quite hard to erase scars as we get older, so it is better to prevent it than treating scars when it is already there.
- For acne and blemishes that never seem to go away, hormonal imbalance could be the culprit. It is still best to consult a dermatologist over the weekend before trying out any oral or topical medications.
Notes to Remember:
“Remember to wash your face in the morning and apply toner and moisturizer before heading to class. It works because it keeps my skin intact despite the constant change of weather and prevents my face from drying up in class as well” says Honey Vano, a senior nursing student and student council president.
While college graduate Paula Vazquez shares her most trusted skin tip: “Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells. It helps make [my] skin radiant and blemish-free!”
Whatever product line and system you want to use, just keep it simple, follow it religiously and be gentle on your skin. It is never too late to start caring for your skin from within.
A happy skin is a healthy, glowing skin – the perfect accessory to start your day; you’ll never know who you might bump into.
Photo Credits:
files.com
entrova.to
layplaycreations.blogspot.com
Text by Lea Yosalina
My Beauty Inspiration: Pearypie’s How To Do A Winged Eyeliner. Watch her videos at http://youtube.com/pearpie #Pearypie #Tutorial #Beauty #Makeup
Sexy Summer
Everybody can feel the scorching Manila heat! I’m definitely dreaming about the white sands of Boracay Island and sipping Pink Panther at White House as I’m typing this post. A nearby beach can work anytime now and who doesn’t want to just spontaneously leave everything you’re doing right now and just grab a beach bag with your summer essentials – SPF, Sunnies and a pair of Sexy Bikini. But the thing is, are you beach body ready?
If you’re not and you want to look as hot as Georgina Wilson on your next trip, Sexy Solutions has the answer – with various body contouring treatments (like TiteFX, Lipo Cavitation, Multi- Firm and Body Sculpt) that breaks down fat, tightens skin and improves muscle tone; they also promote a healthy lifestyle and an tailored program of treatment + healthy diet +exercise.
They’re also giving away one lucky winner to try their latest treatment, the Quad Sculpt which is a “lipocavitation that uses low-frequency ultrasound to burst the fat cells, lymphatic drainage to drain the fat out and radiofrequency and laser diodes for tightening”.
