[CLOSED] Manicure & Paraffin at Pink Parlour + GIVEAWAY!

When Friday rolls in, everybody seems to be in a happy, chipper mood! We live for the weekend, huh? :D

Where I work, I'm in front of the computer 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, typing away 'til there's no tomorrow. Sounds boring? Wait 'til you hear this: When I go home, I'm almost always in front of the computer, too, typing away on my blog. LOL. My hands definitely need some pampering!

Just yesterday, I went to Pink Parlour in SM North ESDA after work for a Royalty Treatment. My weekend pampering started here, where I had a Manicure + Paraffin. I said started, since today I just had new lash extensions done, plus haircut and hair treatment. (It's so fun being a girl! Haha)

Stepping into this place really makes me happy. I love Pink Parlour's girly theme with the bright walls and pink accents. Also, check out their wall of nail polishes! :D

My throne! :D

It was my first time to try a hand paraffin treatment. (My nails were cleaned and shaped before the paraffin, to prep it for the manicure that would follow.) This treatment is a luxurious add-on to the normal manicure we usually get. Not only is it able to make our hands softer, it also serves as a heat therapy that relaxes sore and tired muscles.

Each hand was dipped thrice into the melted wax, which immediately solidified.

After that, each hand was wrapped in plastic and towel to let the wax set (for about 10-15 minutes). At this time, the wax works its skin-softening magic on my super dry hands.

And now the fun part! When the wax has dried up, they'd pull it off like gloves. It looks as if my hands were peeling/molting. Eww! :D

Ta-da! Soft and smooth hands. No sign of stress or tiredness here!

After that was the most difficult part - choosing what color among all the bottles on their shelf. I spotted Tony Moly, China Glaze, OPI, etc. Some even had sand texture, while others have the cracked effect (which I am not a big fan of).

In the end, I went for China Glaze in Lubu Heels. It's black with red shimmers, inspired by Christian Louboutin heels (in the classic black pumps with red soles). My photo doesn't do the shade justice; it looks black indoors but it looks totally awesome when light hits it.

Because Pink Parlour and I love my readers, one of you lucky kittens is going to get the chance to try this Royalty Treatment for FREE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Mechanics:
1. Giveaway will end on July 31, 2014, 11:59PM.
2. Giveaway is open to everyone, as long as you can drop by any of Pink Parlour's branches (in SM North EDSA, A.Venue Mall, and SM Center Pasig) to avail your treatment in case you win.
3. Winner will be randomly drawn.
4. Winner will be announced via blog and Facebook post.

I can't wait for you to try this out. I'm sure you'll love it, too. Best of luck, everyone! ;)

Love,

Helen

PS. Visit http://www.pinkparlour.com.ph/ to learn more about their services and to book your appointment. :)

Style Origin: Mensweek Fashion Show at Trinoma

Style Origin is an annual Ayala Malls lifestyle project to keep shoppers like us updated on the latest fashion trends and styles. Style Origin was launched last May in Greenbelt, and as of now, it's making its way through 12 premier Ayala Malls.

This weekend, it was Trinoma's turn - much to my delight (and convenience). I've been to Trinoma x number of times I've lost count, but it's my first time to attend an event at the Trinoma Activity Center.

Last June 21, Style Origin presented Mensweek, directed by Ariel Lozada. This fashion show featured 33 of our country's top designers presenting their stylish take on menswear - focusing on details, handiwork, and lush materials that add a dose of glamour to everyday dressing.

The show was set to start at 6:00PM, but arriving early has its perks. Cocktails from Italiannis and Fish & Co were served to the guests before the show started.

The sharp and sleep menswear staples were assembled by this impressive roster of renowned Filipino designers: Gian Romano, Ivar Aseron, M Baretto, Joey Samson, Don Sevilla, Renan Pacson, Rhett Eala, Jerome Lorico, Jeff Rogador, Anthony Ramirez, Avel Bacudio, Bang Pineda, Chris Diaz, Dennis Lustico, Herbert Custodio, Jaggy Glarino, James Reyes, Jeffery Rogador, Jeroma Ang, Joel Escober, Johann Manas, Nixon Marquez, Noel Crisostomo, Norman Noriega, Proudrace, Regina Dulay, Roland Alzate, Sassa Jimenez, Tonichi Nocom, Ulysses King, Willar Matteo, Y. Quisimbing, and Ziggy Savella.

Here are 20 of top picks from the show. I loved the unique details and the effort the designers put into their masterpieces.

Some of these aren't what a man would wear on a typical day, but you gotta admit that the designers' creativity is inspiring.

Lastly, the finale was my favorite part of the show. The models walked the ramp one by one like this:

Rice, anyone? :D

What sets Style Origin apart from other runway shows is that it's art appreciation and awareness that the fashionable pieces we see are within reach, right at Trinoma. Continue the style conversations online by tagging @trinomatweets on Twitter and @ilovetrinoma on Instagram with the hashtag #StyleOrigin.

Style Origin will run until August 3, 2014 -  your favorite Ayala Mall could be the next. ;)

Love,

Helen

PS. Runway photos are property of Ria Lumandog, please do not use without permission.

Something New: The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet & Body Sorbet

In the western countries, June means start of summer. For us, it's the "end", but in reality it's almost summer all year round (except for the occasional rainy days). The Body Shop has launched something very cool and exciting, which I'm sure will be a hit here in the Philippines.

Yesterday, I dropped by their store in Glorietta 2 to witness the launch of their new most refreshing range of products: Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet and Body Sorbets.

The Body Sorbets come in 5 fruity and floral variants. Strawberry, Satsuma, and Moringa is available in all stores nationwide, but Mango and Pink Grapefruit will be available in selected stores only. More on that later!

During the event, refreshing and healthy cool treats inspired by the flavors of the Body Sorbets were served.

Easy Pha-max Wheatgrass served special flavored versions of their healthy cleansing drink.

There were Kiwi (but pictured as Moringa in the poster), Strawberry, and Orange (for Satsuma) syrups to add flavor to the drink.

I chose strawberry, and I loved how it tasted sweet and refreshing. It didn't taste like a healthy veggie juice, which was the best part!

Since the rise of milk tea chains, it's been a long time since I last had frozen yogurt. I got really excited to try Pinkberry for the first time. They let me try a sampler of their pomegranate flavor, which had a strong taste (and would go well with berry toppings).

I also got to try Pinkberry's strawberry frozen yogurt with strawberry poppers and orange slices. Yummy and tangy! I heard they also have salted caramel and choco hazelnut flavors, can't wait to try those!

The sweetness never ends. I spy Bizu macarons, candies, and mallows!

Now on to the star(s) of the event!

The Body Shop Body Sorbets (P850.00)

The Body Shop keeps you cool from top to toe in the summer heat. NEW Body Sorbets deliver a frosty burst of moisture freshness to skin, keeping you hydrated without the sticky feeling.

The Body Shop’s new body sorbets also provides 24 hour moisturisation to your skin.

Available in four fruity flavours - Strawberry, Mango, Pink Grapefruit, and Satsuma and one floral fragrance - Moringa, the Body Sorbets offer the ultimate summer sensorial experience.

The Body Shop Body Sorbets contain 100% organic Community Fair Trade Aloe Vera from Guatemala, to comfort, cool and soothe skin frazzled by the summer heat.

I was able to try the Satsuma variant. It has a very zesty fragrance and a unique sorbet texture that instantly cools, moisturizes, and mattifies the skin.

Sabs had a mini hand treatment using The Body Shop's Strawberry Body Polish and Body Sorbet, and check out the amazing result. On your left is the treated hand, while on your right is the one without any product on. Instant smooth and bright skin - what more if you used the products on your entire body? Flawless.

During the launch, we also witnessed the unveiling of the newest addition to the well-loved Vitamin E skincare range.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Sorbet (P995.00)

The heat is on. What better time to introduce NEW Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, the latest cooling skincare treat from The Body Shop. With a burst of refreshing coolness, a velvety soft texture and deep hydration, it helps your skin beat the heat.

Skin needs water to stay plump and hydrated. Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet contains Aqua Sphere technology - microscopic moisture spheres that act like tiny reservoirs and hold hundreds of times their weight in pure water.

Each pot contains over 2 MILLION Aqua Spheres, delivering a 24 HOUR feed of moisturisation to your skin.

With wheatgerm oil, and Community Fair Trade shea butter and soya oil, Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet combines natural moisturising power with the latest technology to hydrate like never before.

Containing mineral particles that help to absorb oil and mattify, the feather-light, sorbet texture simply sinks into skin, so you can stay shine free, fresh and confident all summer long.

Priced at P995.00, Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet is available in a 50ml frosted glass jar.

I'm admittedly hesitant to try out rich and thick face creams and I tend to stick to my gel moisturizer at night, but the texture of the Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet is something I look forward to trying, no hesitations! I'm a fan of products with tingly, cooling sensations and mattifying properties. The Body Shop's Vitamin E range is made for all skin types, but I think oily-skinned girls (and boys) will love this one even more.

Try it out in store to feel the difference. 7 out of 10 women would swap their day cream for this moisturizer! :D

I'm excited to try both the Moringa Body Sorbet and Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet! Stay tuned for my reviews.

Photo Credit: The Body Shop, Philippines

And if you drop by The Body Shop stores mentioned in the poster above, do join the #bringmesorbetph contest! There will be 5 random winners of shower gels from The Body Shop. :D

Drop by your nearest The Body Shop store to try out their newest and coolest skin treats, and tell me what you think of them! ;) Also, like The Body Shop, Philippines on Facebook for more information on their products.

Love,

Helen