Last October 2, 2013, Paula's Choice Philippines celebrated their formal brand launch at the Manila Marriott's The Den. You can say I was more than excited to finally catch their top acne-clearing products as I once wanted to get hold of their Skin Perfecting line. It was also difficult back then not to get curious about their RESIST Skin Resurfacing System when Trang blogged about how effective it was.

What is Paula's Choice?

Lifestyle & Beauty bloggers were all ears as Paula's Choice Pte Ltd. Southeast Asia Managing Director, Naree Mongkol,  introduced everyone to the brand's role in catering to individual skin concerns. One of the highlights include an apple experiment showcasing the Vitamin C serum, RESIST C15 Super Booster (for brown spots and wrinkles, to be made available in the coming months), as it effectively reverses the rusting of an apple.

Paula's Choice's wide range of effective skincare products originates from its founder, Paula Begoun's, discriminating habit of choosing what she puts on her skin-- a habit formed from a past trauma when she realized acetone was in her skincare staple.

The brand banks and puts emphasis on the science of skincare in coming up with each product, making sure they contain well-researched and proven effective ingredients. Since its creation, consumers worldwide have been drawn to their serums, exfoliants, sunblocks and anti-acne & redness line.

Paula's Choice Bestsellers

The brand's crème de la crème include:

• Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid (P1120/100mL)
• Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel (P1120/100mL)
• RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum (P1420/30mL)

I've had my eye on the BHA and AHA bottles for the longest time as I've read countless great reviews for both. What I appreciate more is that the brand cared enough to get these two powerful exfoliators in separate bottles. Most brands would have AHAs and BHA in one bottle when there are skin types that are highly sensitive to salicylic acid (BHA).

What's exciting is that these two exfoliators are modestly priced at P1,120! I'm definitely getting the BHA Liquid ASAP before others beat me to it. 

Paula's Choice Philippines

Paula's Choice products can be purchased via placing an order on:

• Paula's Choice Facebook page
• Phone: (02) 8410468
• Email: info@paulaschoice.com.ph

Soon, they will also be available via Zalora and Lazada shopping sites.

Special Prescription

After the event, I grabbed the chance to talk to Ms. Naree Mongkol, who I learned was also the Advisor to the World Anti-Aging Academy of Medicine. She coyly confesses she's 41 when I asked how old she was. Naturally, I shot her the how-can-i-get-that-skin? question and she started to examine my face and asked for my skin type.

She noticed some obvious redness (from my previous fractional CO2 laser treatment) and jotted down a two-phased recommendation:

Part I- Anti-Redness:

• Skin Recovery Cleanser
• Clinical Anti-Redness Relief
• Skin Recovery Moisturizer

Part II- Youthful, Lustrous and Zit-Free Skin (after completely addressing redness):

• Hydralight One Step Cleanser
• Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
• Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
• RESIST Super Light Antioxidant Serum (a lighter, fast-absorbing counterpart of the best-selling serum listed above)
• RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator

She advises I stick with the products that already work for me and pick out the "new stuff" I'd like to try out in strengthening my skin care. We decided I should go for all those listed in phase 2 minus the Hydralight cleanser.

Before leaving, I had to ask what her top three favorite Paula's Choice products are. And she starts gushing about how she cannot live a day without her three favorites and we find ourselves chatting for another 30minutes!

• Earth-Sourced Cleansing Gel
• Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lquid
• RESIST Super Light Antioxidant Serum 

I am too excited for words about Paula's Choice coming to Philippine shores! Its unexpected popularity in Thailand and Korea is a good sign that there's something about these tubes and bottles worth trying out. I am now too addicted surfing their website as it offers so much information for each product. If you have any recommendations from the brand, drop me a note so I can finalize my to-buy list!

Do you still remember how you get all giddy and sunny whenever school field trips come up? Last August (late post, I know!), I was reminded of that good old feeling as I counted the days to hopping on a big bus that will take me to Avon Philippines' Plant in Laguna --- my first beauty field trip experience!

Along with other bloggers, I had the chance to tour Avon's cosmetic and skincare plant. I knew all that excitement showed up when Shen uttered how much I look so geared up for the usual school field trip!

Some of my seatmates on that day --- Shen, Krissy and Kira

Clockwise: Huge mixers, digital message board welcoming bloggers (and shouts out the team's daily production goals), and the tidy production unit



Lipstick maker --- I wish I had the guts to break the rules and move a bit closer to take super proximal shots of how the lip products are injected into the metallic pink casing. It felt surreal that I witnessed how it's done.

Watching from a distance: pressed powder and cologne processing units must be germ-free at all times!

Among the field trip's highlights was the launch of the brand's Skin So Soft improved products. Apart from the new packaging, Avon now has marula, argan and babassu oils as ingredients in their popular body care line! More about these wonderful bottles in future posts.

Marula oil- for whitening

Argan oil- for added moisture

Babassu oil- for tightening the skin

What struck me most about that day was Avon's way of empowering its employees (and I can hear the kikay in me dying as I should be most excited about the cosmetics being produced & assembled!). Apart from the big bosses being truly inspirational when directing their people, empowering signs and posters were plastered everywhere to remind everyone about the greatness of committing oneself to a noble vision.

The environmentalist in me was so happy to see these posted inside the comfort room

The men and women of Avon are Good Morning thinkers. Whatever the time of the day, they greet each other with "Good Morning!" aiming to boost mood, morale and camaraderie. I secretly guessed it's their least effective way of empowerment but boy did I feel good after several good mornings & warm smiles! I now think that the good morning principle may be a perfect plan to revamp most of our local government offices' aura.

My first ever beauty field trip made me wish it wasn't the last. I can never look at compacts, lipsticks, lotions and beauty whatnots the same way again knowing the kind of devotion and hard work people put into a product.

photo from Hazel of http://dressmeupbuttercup.tumblr.com
(I'm the one wearing a gray statement tshirt, jeans and white flats. With my BIG backpack on me, you can definitely tell that I'm all geared up for this field trip)

I attended a workshop conducted by Shu Uemura makeup artist, Patrick Alcobar, at the Trinoma Mall last week. I ran in late but it's a good thing I didn't miss much.

Here are the main products used during the workshop:

1. UV Under base Mousse (in beige), P2000 - a primer and a moisturizer in a can. An excellent product for creating a smooth canvass for any type of foundation

2. Face Architect Liquid Foundation (in 554, medium sand), P2150 - gives medium to heavy coverage

3. Cover Crayon (in 7YRmed/7YRml), P1700 - undereye and face concealer in one pencil!

4. Face Powder Matte, P2350 - loose powder that sets the face architect liquid foundation perfectly.

5. Hard Formula Brow Pencil (in Walnut), P1400 - this is such an investment! No wonder both Phoebe and Kira likes this so much!

6. Chocolat Donna Eye Palette (in Raspberry & Mocha), P4000 - a beautiful set of browns perfect for any occasion. All shades are so wearble! This, by the way, is a limited edition palette.

7. Rogue Unlimited (in RD160 and PK315), P1195 - excellent pigmentation and staying power! I lalalalove RD106!

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Nisce Skin 'N Face Skincare & Wellness Center gains ground by launching the Niscenssa Online store during the bloggers' event last Tuesday. We celebrated the clinic's newest venture at Secret Recipes, Megamall.

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If you love the Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch during these hot, scorching days, you'll definitely be in for some sun care treat with Neutrogena's newest addition to the Hydroboost line --- the Hydroboost Gel SPF30! 

Some few weeks ago, I witnessed the unveiling of three new skincare products from the Neutrogena event: the Hydroboost Gel SPF 30 and two Deep Clean Ultra Foam cleansers.

The event opened with a 4-course dinner which I must say struck me as the best event dinner I've ever had to date. Chef Vincent Rodriguez of Peppermill Caterers, Inc. totally prepped us for a night of wonderful (and delicious!) things.

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At the bloggers sit-down with Angel Locsin, we pried her quilted Chanel bag open hoping to find multiple primping stuff and perhaps one or two Mosbeau products. We were surprised to learn that she totes around less makeup than expected!

Raybans are her favorites! She finds great pleasure in collecting these sunnies. She even kids that it felt too bad she can't get her favorite brand to sponsor her!

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We live in the groupon era where it's wisest to go bulk buying. These are hard times and the growth of group buying sites may just be the best thing that has happened in our desire to get a bite of life's luxury.

But thanks to Watsons Switch and Save, anybody can spend economically on their home basics even without buying wholesale! From cotton buds to mouth washes, to your facial tissues and Vitamin C (never miss out on this in your homes! health is an investment): everything is all about letting you save more money to spend for the good life.

Celebrities like Divine Lee, Victor Basa, Patty Laurel and the iconic Tessa Prieto-Valdez have swtiched and saved with Watsons, too! Here's what they have to say:

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Last weekend, I experienced my first organic foot spa at the Beauty and Butter Megamall. This Vegan foot, nail and leg pampering uses soothing and relaxing products from eco-friendly brand, SpaRitual.

The Beauty and Butter Organic Foot Spa Experience

The buttercups, the girls who work at the salon, politely showed me where to sit and handed me an iPad. While waiting for my buttercup, I was intrigued by the place's pop-art walls. I also thought it was space-savingly cool that the foot sinks were built in the platform and were concealed underneath colorful pillow-ish squares. 

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Have you ever watched an Ateneo vs DLSU UAAP basketball match, whether on TV or live, where you got hugely disappointed because it lacked the indispensible court riot and mineral water bottle shower? I know I did way back highschool. Yes, I was a very childish teen to yearn for some mean basketball action whenever Ateneo's up against their top rivals, La Salle.

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I find Juan Ponce Enrile's birthday cake so cute! The presiding officer for Chief Justice Corona's impeachment trial turns 88 today. Yep, he's a V-Day baby.

Photo Source

I don't know who in particular designed that heartbreaking-to-cut-and-eat replica of the impeachment court, but it is said that this treat was given by Solar News to the celebrating Senator.

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I spent one Friday afternoon with six other beauty and lifestyle bloggers at Chef Jessie's, Rockwell Club. The event was hosted by Neutrogena and it was for the launch of their newest addition to the well-loved Fine Fairness line, the Fine Fairness BB Cream.

thanks Julia for the photo!
L-R: Me, Julia, Kira, Donna, Phoebe, Say and Helga

Chef Jessie is a very well-kept place. Loved the food and the fact that the ground floor dining area was beside the lush greens and the perfectly blue pool. The last time I ate here was around 3-4 years ago. Back then it was called LeSouffle.

photo from worldslocalcitizens.com

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Marie Digby is Make Up For Ever Philippines' brand ambassador. It was a 'Makeup and Marie' night last Thursday at the Bonifacio High Street when Marie herself graced the event and was such a sweet sport to cater to our endless questions.

The Meet Part. Before wowing everyone with her gorgeous look that evening, the event's guests helped themselves with checking out MUFE's great makeup line, Marie's album, and tons of chikka and kakulitan.

And then came Marie. Cameras clicked like crazy and I'm too vertically-challenged to get a good shot of her at the back of the gushing crowd. But a little arabesque-ing just scored me a couple of shots:

From beauty, skincare, lovelife, childhood and youtube makeup gurus, she fascinated everyone that evening with her spontaneous.

Q: What's your fave MUFE makeup?
The Make Up For Ever Face and Body Foundation!
Q: What one makeup can't you live without?
Lipstick! A swipe of this makeup can make a huge difference for the face.

Q: Fave youtube makeup gurus?
Michelle Phan and Lauren Luke.
Q: Are you seeing someone?
Nope. Do you have one for me?
Q: When's the best age to put on makeup?
I advise young girls to work on their character first before making a big deal out of their physical attributes. Inner beauty is far more powerful. When you grow a little bit older, that's when you can spend more time prettifying yourself.
Q: Did you get your very fair skin from your Japanese mom?
Nope. Got it from my dad. My mom's really brown/golden.
Q: What do you miss most about Japan?
Their attention to detail and the people's pride in their work. If you see someone cleaning the streets as his job, there's a great chance he is very happy about what he's doing.
Q: Any whitening tips for the Filipinas who want to get your kind of fair skin?
I love Filipina skin! Why do you need to whiten your skin? Among my siblings, I'm the palest. I've envied their golden color for the longest time and so I always tried to get a good tan. But it was always unsuccessful because I ended up with patches of bronzed skin that looked weird. A few more failed tanning made me realize that I just have to love my skin. It probably is the best color for me since God designed me this way.

And Marie Digby adds she loves Make Up For Ever's Eyebrow Corrector. It's among the brand's bestseller and it's actually working well for her, too!

The Greet Part. Sangkatutak na photo-op.

Marie Digby came in a beige chiffon  shift dress with stunning silver accents on the neckline. I loved how her nails beautifully matched her lips and curls. It was just so dainty.

Thank you Ms. Grace Ambrocio, Marketing Executive of BOCC, for the Make Up For Ever Meet and Greet Marie Digby invite! :)

"Skincare and beauty products are to be slathered on and not eaten." That's what I kept reminding myself the entire time I was taking a whiff of every Snoe (pronounced, snō-ē) Beauty product during their bloggers' event last Saturday. Their products, especially the sunblock, are literally every woman's food for the skin!

Here are the geniuses behind the brand: Jen Diaz, 35 years old, and Gen Gerodias, 39 years old. I actually had to convince myself they were telling the truth when they revealed how old they already were.

Aside from learning about this proudly Filipino beauty brand, I was able to meet a lot of beauty and fashion bloggers that day. We had so much fun chatting and eating Manang's chicken! Snoe Beauty owners are actually related to the brainchild of Manang's chicken :)

i sat in between Sarah and Julia

(L-R) there's Bec, Aya, Gel and some young fashion bloggers

Why Support Snoe Beauty?

Aside from the fact that it's proudly Pinoy-made, the brand has come up with makeup and skincare products based on the principle that the Filipina skin is ridiculously diverse. 

It's a relief to learn that the owners are die-hard skincare (and whitening!) junkies, and have been through the cheapest and most expensive topicals in search for their holy grails. Snoe Beauty was therefore created to cut back on harsh chemicals and incompatible products that the Filipina skin goes through during the tedious phases of product testing. 

Kumi to your far right listening intently to the presentation

Ms. Lan and Kassy P.

Brand Principles:

• Create effective products using high-quality ingredients
• Allow reasonable price points that will allow every Filipina skin the pampering it deserves
• Devote in the creation of a wide range of products to cater all skin types
• Go for intricate and luxurious packaging with a wide range of colors and scents!

Ms. Lenny (right), ang supegirl ng Snoe Beauty, taking photos
there's also Kumi and Mitch

the rest of the gang during the raffle right before I left

Snoe Beauty Branches and contact / phone numbers:

G/F Cinderella, Glorietta, Makati

G/F Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa

2/F Fashion Ave, SM Muntinlupa

G/F, SM Valenzuela
G/F Market Market (in front of Forme)
Robinson's Galleria
Landmark Trinoma (cosmetics area)
Robinson's Dasmarinas

Customer Care Hotline: 0999-888-SNOE; 0917-558-SNOE; 0922-8436567

It's sad I had to leave the event early because of another commitment. But the pretty girls from Snoe Beauty handed me a customized loot bag full of yummy-smelling products! I just can't wait to eat try them out!

I know that the Snoe Beauty website will be live any day from now. If you're a skin whitening junkie and could not wait to check out how unbelievably delicious their soaps and sunblocks are, you can like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter!

Last November 23, 2011, I had fun with several other girls as Goody Philippines launched their newest easy-to-use hair accessories. Both their brush collection, under Start.Style.Finish, and hair clips innovation, under Simple Styles, were worth lusting for!

It was doubly fun to be seated with S3 [Say, Sab and (S)Char]! My first time to shake hands with Char (Yellowyum) and Sab (Misscorypotts)... thanks Say for the introduction!

and congratulations to Gwen Carino, Ms. Rochelle, Jenna and James Sy for the wonderful event!

Say, Char and Sab

The first part of the event was all about Start. Style. Finish. Have I been living under the rock to not know that the key to shiny and manageable hair is to use not just one type of brush??? I'll have that tackled on a separate post. For now, let me tell you that our wonderful speaker from David's Salon was just hilarious doing the brush demos:

Next up was Camille Co. She shared how fab her hair looks for every fashion shoot using the different Goody Simple Styles hair accessories. I think she was using the spiral bun when she stepped up the podium:

She even let her hair down for us to see how using the clip can result to beach wave hair:

Camille also demo-ed how the spiral pins were so easy to use. She played with Patricia's hair:

After keeping us oooh-ing and aaah-ing at her gorgeous beach babe locks, Camille finally demonstrates how the spiral bun is as easy on the hair as the Goody spiral pins:

So now her hair's neatly pulled up in a bun once again as she concludes her talk:

One of the event's highlights was the interaction between the audience and the Goody Simple Styles collection. We were urging Say to volunteer (she had long, thick hair... a challenge for the spin pins honestly) but three other girls were already beaming with excitement to get their hands (erm, hair?) on the Goody clips:

Lissa, Danika and Alyssa

Here's Lissa and Danika with the spin pins and spiral bun respectively:

Lissa and Danika's 'do's as I spy from the back:

Lastly, Alyssa with the mini pony pouf. I know that Goody claims that each clip is suited for every hair type, but I've witnessed that this can be rebutted. The hair specialist had a hard time styling Alyssa's thick and curly hair into a full pony; she opted to do a half ponytail using the pony pouf instead!

Just look at that spunky half-pony! My kind of hairstyle :D

The new Goody hair accessories are every girl's dream talaga. I have my eyes on the spin pins and pony pouf. Get yourself updated with the latest hair trends by following Goody Philippines on Twitter and liking them on Facebook!