Fact or Fiction? Discover the Truth about Skincare with Physiogel

     We’ve all got goals when it comes to our skin. Whether you want to avoid breakouts, fight irritation, or keep it blemish-free, we all have unique skincare needs — and managing them can be pretty complicated. With a myriad of trendy skincare products hitting the shelves and run-off-the-mill skincare hacks from Dr. Internet, it’s not always easy to figure out what really works and what doesn’t.

     The best thing you can do? Go straight to the experts. In celebration of National Healthy Skin Month, Physiogel invited board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Coreen Sampedro, during its SIS Session on FB Live last November 20, helping us demystify skincare with professional advice. Armed with experience and backed by science, Dr. Coreen set the record straight on typical beauty and skincare myths to better guide us in our routines. Check out the truth about these myths after the jump!

Fact or Fiction? Discover the Truth about Skincare with Physiogel

Kojie.san Facial Care Line

     How do you take care of your skin? Facial care is an important part of skincare and knowing the right products will help you achieve the skin that you want. We all know that beauty is subjective and it is you who will decide what products will best suit your skin type.

     I don’t have flawless skin, I have uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, discoloration, Hori’s Nevus, and melasma that’s why I consider using products to lighten or remove those imperfections. Command beauty as Kojie.san celebrates the power to make a choice with the launch of their complete facial care line. This line of facial cleansers, toners, and creams come in different formats and cleansing actions to give you the freedom to command how you choose to wear and care for your skin. Know this promising line of skincare products after the jump!

Kojie.san Facial Cleansers

Feature: Imagic Cosmetics PH

     Heads up makeup junkies, I got some new babies to play with courtesy of Imagic Cosmetics PH. These makeup products are promising because they’re high quality at practical prices. If you are a beginner and building your makeup arsenal, this brand is for you! I'm not a PRO when it comes to makeup as I still can't get a hang of eyeshadow application but they sent these professional basics like the Flash Palettes, High-Definition Primer, Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, and Lip Kohl. 

     Upon research, All IMAGIC products are safe and cruelty-free! They import cruelty-free raw materials from abroad. The brand refuses to test on animals too, yay! Today, animal testing is no longer needed as they have better methods to determine if a product is dangerous for humans. According to the website, their labs will also continue to experiment with innovation, striving to create natural makeup products. This is good news to those who are supporting socially responsible cosmetics and vegan makeup aficionados. Sharing a short feature of the products they sent and why you should try them now :)

Imagic PROfessional Cosmetics

Get Hada Labo Products at 10% off on Lazada Birthday Sale

     Asian beauty product lovers will agree that the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion (30ml/Php 195.00 and 170ml/Php 685.00) deserves its status as the No. 1 facial lotion in Japan for 13 consecutive years.

     With four kinds of Hyaluronic Acid, this lotion is a thin, ultra-lightweight liquid that sinks into your skin to deeply moisturize, leaving it plump and dewy, the Japanese beauty ideal known as "mochi skin." Hada Labo Hydrating lotion, face wash, and moisturizer are formulated without any unnecessary alcohol, mineral oil, colorants, and fragrance making it perfect for all skin types, even for the most sensitive!

Feature: NIKS SKIN

     “Cultivate an optimistic mind, use your imagination, always consider alternatives, and dare to believe that you can make possible what others think is impossible.”- Rodolfo Costa. In this difficult time, we need to stay strong and positive. We are all affected by the pandemic but it doesn’t mean that we're so done with 2020. Instead of feeling down and depressed with all the happenings here and there, let’s make the situation as an opportunity of enrichment: focus more on self-care (pampering) and make that plan b (new channels of income) happen!

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     I have good news for all of you! You can now improve your skin and improve your life through business opportunities with NIKS SKIN! If you are familiar with rejuvenating sets that became one of the famous trends in the skincare department last year,  NIKS SKIN is the newest brand that offers that kind of product. More about NIKS SKIN and how to start your own NIKS SKIN business after the jump.

Feature: NIKS SKIN

Product Review: modest. Skincare Alpha Arbutin + B3 and Cocktail Serum

     Five months of quarantine has brought a couple of ups and downs. I learned to appreciate my body but at the same time hated my skin. Stress and episodes of anxiety resulted in sleepless nights. My body clock also turned the other way around.⁣

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     My skin has been acting up lately and the last cystic pimple left a mark on my chin. I was worried because it’s noticeable but I’m relieved that I have Modest Skincare products that target specific skin problems. After using Cocktail (A multi-vitamin serum with Hyaluronic Acid) and Alpha Arbutin + B3 (Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin B3-Niacinamide) alternately at night for a month, that nasty dark spot on my chin got lighter, yay!⁣ Sharing my thoughts on both serums that I decided to mix and match last month which aims to lighten dark spots (hello, niacinamide!), brighten the skin, and hydration support for supple skin.

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Product Review: modest. Skincare Alpha Arbutin + B3 and Cocktail Serum

Product Review: Vice Cosmetics Duo Finish Foundation

     "Ganda for all" means that no matter what gender, age, skin color and skin texture you have, you are beautiful! This is what Vice Cosmetics is all about- "Ganda for you, ganda for all". I've known Vice Cosmetic because of Vice Ganda, the co-owner of the brand and from beauty bloggers that I follow who made reviews about their products.

     Vice Cosmetics first launched a lipstick line that's been a crowd favorite then followed by blush powders Early this month, another "pasabog" hit the makeup industry when they introduced their duo finish foundation with a tagline #GandangYouNaYou. I was invited to the unveiling of this promising face powder last week where we swatched and tried it on the spot to prove their claims. Sharing my thoughts on the Vice Cosmetic Duo Finish Foundation and a short review below.

Product Review: Vice Cosmetics Duo Finish Foundation

Product Review: Mestiza The Healthy Skin Soap

     Here's a resounding YES for another soap review! If my memory serves me right, the last time I made a review was a year ago that's why I'm excited to share another brand that has been in the market for years now. I was intrigued because my Mama swears that it's effective on maintaining the tone and texture of her skin. She's 62 and doesn't look her age at all.

     Enter MESTIZA, a herbal soap that's been in the market for years now known to be more than just a whitening soap because it contains natural ingredients not only for whitening but for combating other skin concerns. MESTIZA is proudly Philippine made. Made from all-natural ingredients that promote healthy skin. The main ingredient is world-famous, and may probably even be considered 'superfood' - Virgin Coconut Oil and high-grade coconut oil. My thoughts after using Mestiza Prime Scarlet Rose variant below.

Product Review: Mestiza The Healthy Skin Soap

Product Review: Project Vanity x Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Life-Proof Eyebrow Gel

     For us girls, the expressions 'kilay is life' and 'brows on fleek' have a big impact on our daily lives. Achieving both may mean the world to us. Kidding aside, our brows give life to our face and without them, our face will be like Mona Lisa. Can you imagine yourself without eyebrows? I know it's sad that's why we are in constant search for a brow product that will give life to our brows.

     I have thin and almost non-existent brows and only a good brow product will give life to them. It’s true that I'm one of the ‘kilay is life’ girls when it comes to makeup because my brows give life to my face. I’ve tried a lot of brow products in the past and this is my first time to try a gel type that promises lifeproof, last-all-day hold in shades that compliments my Southeast Asian skin and hair color. Enter Project Vanity x Ellana Life-Proof Eyebrow Gel- a rising star in the eyebrow makeup department that can pass as a dupe of a high-end brand. More information, photos, and swatches of the product below.

Product Review: Project Vanity x Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Life-Proof Eyebrow Gel

Cleanser vs. Exfoliant: Why more people are switching to Maxi-Peel ZERO

     The road to clearer skin is a confusing jumble of cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, and so many more overwhelming terms. Are you oily, dry, sensitive, or all three? Why are you breaking out? In a country where humidity and pollution are your ultimate acne inducers, when do you draw the line between “I need this” and “No, my skin might not be able to handle that”?

     The solution might be as simple as an innovative new frontrunner in the beauty and skincare industry—Maxi-Peel ZERO.

Cleanser vs. Exfoliant: Why more people are switching to Maxi-Peel ZERO

Happy Skin January 2018 Makeup Collection

     New year, new collection! Happy Skin is here to help you achieve those makeup goals with their Do It ALL in 2018 Time-Saving Makeup! I know a lot of girls are struggling with makeup application especially those who rise early and simply don't have ample time to do their makeup properly. If one of your new year's resolution is to have that plakado brows and luscious matte lips but don't have time then Happy Skin is here to turn those resolutions into reality. 

     Happy Skin— an original, homegrown beauty brand—gives you just what you need to turn a can’t into a can and to give your dreams a solid plan—time. They created time-saving makeup that cares for the skin, Happy Skin gives you the opportunity to do it all by saving your precious time. More about the products after the jump!

Happy Skin January 2018 Makeup Collection

Feature: Pure Beauty Urban Shield

     Did you know that your skin is exposed to different kinds of pollutants everyday? These are dust, dirt, and UV rays that will have negative effects on your skin in the long run if not addressed properly. While there are so many whitening and anti-aging products in the market that is easily accessible, I haven't seen a product line that works to protect the skin from harmful effects of pollution that's why I was surprised when Watson's Philippines sent the full range of Pure Beauty Urban Shield line. 

     The newest product line that will nourish and protect your skin from inside out is here! It will be Filipina's best bet for that 8 step Korean skin care regimen. Pure Beauty Urban Shield line is the first of its kind in the country, inspired by nature and infused with antioxidants from pomegranate. More information about the line below. 

Feature: Pure Beauty Urban Shield

Product Review: Althea Petal Velvet Powder

     It's been ages since the last time I used a translucent powder to set my bb cream. I'm a fan of powder foundation because of extra coverage and finish. Last July, Althea Korea secretly selected bloggers to get the first dibs on their Althea Petal Velvet Powder. This finishing powder was launched early this month and upon reaching our doorstep, I've decided to use it immediately.

     So what is Althea Petal Velvet Powder? According to their website, it is Althea's very own product range and the Petal Velvet Powder is the first from the line. This is a translucent powder that sets makeup and leaves behind a silky finish to the touch. Infused with oil from Althea seeds, this powder works to keep sebum production at bay without drying out the skin for a radiant, fresh look, all while giving out a gentle scent. After using it for a week, read my thoughts after the jump :)

Product Review: Althea Petal Velvet Powder

Feature: NEW Pink Sugar Sugar Tint (Lip & Cheek Tint) Shades

     Hello, dearies! Sharing with you quick feature of Pink Sugar Sugar Tint (Lip & Cheek) New shades to add to your collection. These babies were sent to me by Pink Sugar Cosmetics months ago but I wasn't able to try it immediately because I still have other lipsticks to swatch. Like with the previous shades that I have tried, these lip & cheek tints are highly pigmented and go opaque once applied on lips.

     The new shades are pink and peach.  I'm sure you'll get hooked especially if you go cray over Kylie Lip Kit pink and peach shades. If you dream of having a Kylie lipstick, maybe you should try this first because aside from the price, these are highly-pigmented and you'll receive more bang for your buck! Swatches and photos of the NEW Pink Sugar Sugar Tint (Lip & Cheek Tint) Shades below :)

Feature: NEW Pink Sugar Sugar Tint (Lip & Cheek Tint) Shades

Feature: Skin House Revlite Laser

     Laser procedures are no longer new to me. I've tried several procedures for the face, legs, and underarms in the past months and I'm satisfied with the results. For underarm hair, I recommend Diode Laser and the newest, top-of-the-line GentleMax Pro introduced by Skin House and now widely used for effective treatment of hair. It’s fast, effective and affordable. Since underarm hair is no longer an issue, because another dilemma that has been bothering me is underarm discoloration, which I’m sure is a common issue especially moms like myself who have just given birth.

     I've been hearing positive feedbacks about Revlite Laser that's why I immediately said yes when Joanne of Skin House asked me if I want to try their Revlite Laser Treatment. They offered several sessions for the treatment because in my case, one session is not enough to see visible improvement in color and texture since the discoloration on my right underarm is really noticeable. Sharing with you information and photos of my underarms before and after the treatments below :)

Feature: Skin House Revlite Laser

Loisa Andalio for Ever Bilena Cosmetics

     Ever Bilena fans, meet the newest face of your favorite local makeup brand- Loisa Andalio. In this short article, she shares what it's like to be the brand ambassador. One of the most exciting – and challenging – parts of being a showbiz personality is being on social media. For upcoming talent Loisa Andalio, who has 537,000 Twitter followers and a whopping 1.7 million Instagram followers, social media presence is both an advantage and a disadvantage.

     For one, it has made her more open to fans. At the same time, haters and bashers also have easy access to her account. And yet, the lovely young celebrity believes it’s all part of the game. In an interview during a shoot for Ever Bilena Cosmetics for which she is a brand ambassador, Loisa recognizes that having haters and bashers comes with the industry, and she is also wise enough to ignore them in favor of her fans. Know more of Loisa after the jump!

Loisa Andalio for Ever Bilena Cosmetics

Dove Real Beauty

     What is beauty to you? I presume that your default answer would be "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" or "beauty is subjective" then give a follow through answer to the one asking the question- "beauty is subjective, what's beautiful for me may not be beautiful to you." I agree with 'beauty is subjective' because beauty varies among cultures. 

     We have different definitions and standards of beauty that's why I believe that everyone is beautiful. I'm always moved by Dove campaigns because they focus on women empowerment. Their commercial ads are mostly real talk- inviting women to embrace their natural beauty despite the imperfections and flaws. Let's have a short talk about beauty and what is Dove Real Beauty all about below :)

Dove Real Beauty

Product Review: Saemmul Real Tint

     I'm going gaga over lip and cheek tints right now hence rekindling my love to the first kind of blush that I was using when I was in college. Tints are becoming a staple in every girls makeup stash because the 'no makeup' makeup look is trending. The key to this is a natural flush on cheeks, natural brows and bb or cc cushion on face.

     The simplest and easiest way to achieve a natural flush on your cheeks is by using cheek tint. Did you know that there are different formulas of cheek tint available? I've tried a few of them like liquid tint, gel stain, and balm or stick type. My latest discovery is from the Korean brand The Saem. Their Saemmul Real Tint is a lip tint but I'm using it more often as a cheek tint. Intrigued? See my full review below :)

Product Review: Saemmul Real Tint

Product Review: W.Lab Clear Finish Gel Liner

     I always find myself in makeup haven every time I visit altheakorea.ph website. When it was launched last year, I did some makeup shopping and bought products that's not available locally. It was a great experience because the products I bought did not fail and made into my makeup must-haves list.

     One of the brands that I swear when it comes to quality and performance is my W.Lab Clear Finish Gel Liner. Despite the hefty price tag, I still find it worth every peso because it's the only eyeliner that lasted more than 10 hours on my not so oily but panda eyelids without smudging and smearing. I've tested this product last summer and it's true to their claims. See more of W.Lab Clear Finish Gel Liner in Matt Black below :)

Product Review: W.Lab Clear Finish Gel Liner

Product Review: Ishigaki Premium White Soap

     For me, the most basic whitening skin care product is whitening soap. I've tried so many whitening soaps in the past and around 70% of them are effective in making my skin soft, smooth, and glowing. The whitening or lightening effect comes last since I'm already fair to begin with.

     Today, let me share with you another soap that will help achieve those whitening goals- Ishigaki Premium White Soap. This whitening soap is from the makers of the infamous Ishigaki Premium Glutathione, Ishigaki Advanced White Glutathione, and Ishigaki Coffee. I presume that if you're a long time user of Ishigaki, you have tried this already or you're using it right now to complement your whitening skin care products. Cheskas Online Store sent me two bars of Ishigaki Premium White Soap and after finishing my bar I'm now ready to share my thoughts. More details of this promising soap below :)

Product Review: Ishigaki Premium White Soap