Too Cool For School McGirly Smoothie Pack - Moisturizing (Avocado + Oat Grain)

Whenever I lack sleep or don't drink enough water, the skin around my cheeks get flaky. (So much for having oily skin.) One extra haggard day, I reached for a face pack - which is a wash off face mask, instead of the usual sheet masks I use.

Too Cool For School McGirly Smoothie Pack – Moisturizing (Avocado + OatGrain) can boost skin regeneration by supplying it with essential nutrients. Avocados and Oat Grain keeps the skin looking young, beautiful, and moist. Avocados also help fight aging and dry and acne-prone skin.

It comes in a non-resealable plastic packaging like this, so I opted to transfer it to a small cosmetic pot.

The packaging comes with no English instructions on how to use this product, so I had to do research online. Usage is pretty simple, just apply an appropriate amount on your face, massage it a bit, and leave it on for 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water afterwards. This one can be used 2-3x a week.

Applying it was a dream, since its creamy texture felt soothing on my skin. The green microbeads burst to nourish your skin as you massage the pack on your face, so they're not scrubs. True enough, my skin felt baby soft and supple the moment I rinsed the pack off. Dry patches were gone and my skin looked more even! :D

The best part is, each pack of this McGirly Smoothie Pack costs less than P150.00 a pop, and you can use it several times so it's definitely value for money.

Like Too Cool For School - Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen

Color Mania in Etude House: New Products for September 2014

It's color mania in Etude House this September! ♥

Mix and match your mood for each day with Etude House's newest products, the Proof10 Gelquid Liner, Eau de Perfumes, and Sweet Idea Bunny Nails.

Etude House Proof 10 Geliquid Liner

Etude House Proof10 Gelquid liner contains the new "gelquid" formula which combines the texture of gel liner and liquid liner. Sport any vibrant and rich-colored gel liquid eyeliners for every occasion sans the smudging with heat or sweat. Available in five colors.

I'm hoping this will be able to withstand my oily + hooded eyelids. We'll see about that! This is also my first liquid eyeliner, so wish me no shaky hands! :D

 

Etude House Eau de Perfume (P678.00)

Take your pick and choose from any of the 7 scent for 7 occasions.

• No More (Green Floral)
• Bite Me (Citrus) 
• Take Me (Powdery Floral)
• Why Not Me (Floral Musk)
• Fresh Me Up (Floral Fruity)
• Love Me Forever (Fresh Floral)
• Before U Go (Fruity Floral)

The theme of the new Eau de Perfume range is so cute! No More is such a fresh, crisp floral scent. I'm curious about how the other variants smell like, so I'll be dropping by one of their stores pretty soon to take a whiff.

Etude House Sweet Idea Bunny Nails (P248.00)

Who can resist doing playful nail art with the help cute bunnies? With Sweet Idea Bunny Nails, achieve your perfect #NOTD (nails of the day) look with the different color combinations available. 

• #01 Dalmatian Bunny : Black Bunny Glitter + White French
• #02 Analog Bunny : White Bunny Glitter + Black French
• #03 Pink Milky Way Bunny : Lavender Pink +Silver Spangle French
• #04 Red Carrot Bunny : Cherry Red + Shimmering Gold French
• #05 Mint Gold Moon Bunny : Retro Mint + Jewel Gold Pearl Powder

Nail polish with bunny ears for applicators! How cute is that? You can make different nail art with just one set. My set (Analog Bunny) even has cute white bunny-shaped glitters, which I can use with other colors, not just black.

For more information, visit Etude House Philippines' official website at www.etudehouse.ph. Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook, follow @etudehousegirl on Twitter and @etudehousephilippines on Instagram for more updates and promos.

What's your favorite among these new products from Etude House? :)

Love,

Helen

Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Blooming Fit SPF 30/PA++ in Natural Beige W13

Who wouldn't want to look blooming every single day? ;)

If you're a fan of bases with a dewy finish, then you'll be thrilled with Etude House's newest BB cream:

Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Blooming Fit SPF 30/PA++

It comes in 3 shades:

• Light Beige NO2
• Natural Beige W13
• Honey Beige W24

The one I have is the middle shade (Natural Beige W13), which is close match with my skin tone.

Ingredients:

This BB cream has a "slim layer fit formula" that smoothly glides onto skin even when you apply several layers, helping to express clean, bright, and smooth skin with its mother of pearl.

The formula is silky and what's nice about it is that it does not easily transfer. It also contains bamboo sap that supplies water to the skin, giving it a moist finish.

This BB cream is best stored in an upside down position, like this. Shake 2-3 times before use so the BB cream will be easier to dispense.

As usual, the packaging is lovely. This one's the prettiest BB cream in my stash right now.

Manufacturing date is indicated on the crimp of the tube.

Brightening OK!

Darkening Zero!

The tube is quite huge containing 60g of product. That's double the amount comparing to other BB creams out there. (Talk about value for money!)

Aside from the packaging being pretty, it's also very convenient and hygienic because of the pump dispenser. No spills, no mess, and no germs!

Swatches:

When Worn:

Bare skin

With Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Blooming Fit

Almost all BB creams from Etude House have that distinct fresh and clean fragrance, and this one's no different. This BB cream has a soft and creamy formula that's very easy to blend. It gives me perfect skin the moment I pat it on - goodbye pores, uneven redness, and dark circles.

I remember going through a volumer phase before, wherein I'd mix a volumer with my BB cream everyday so I'd get a more radiant finish sans highlighter. The first time I tried it, my colleague told me that I looked different, with a "brighter aura". That's the power of the volumer, ladies! It made a straight guy use "aura" in a sentence.

Anyway, going back to the BB cream. The formula's texture and finish is reminiscent of a BB cream that has already been mixed with a volumer. It has a slightly more watery feel than the usual BB cream. Though it's marketed for all skin types, I think this one will work best for those with dry to normal skin. (Oh you lucky ones get to wear this alone and look extra fine the entire day!) Those with oily skin (like me) will always have to top this off with powder to not look haggard by midday, since dewy in the morning is shiny in the afternoon.

Wearing Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Blooming Fit alone

See the dewy finish? Definitely no need for a separate highlighter!

I'm liking this BB cream because even if it has a dewy finish and I have oily skin, it doesn't melt off or slide off. (I think the weather has something to do with that too, since it's quite cool and rainy recently.) What I do is that I set with powder once in the morning, then just use an oil-blotting sheet by midday or during the afternoon to make my skin look fresh and to make the makeup last 'til the evening.

Price: P848.00

Available in all Etude House stores nationwide

Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen

Alopecia Awareness + FREE Hair Analysis from Minoxidil Regroe

Minoxidil Regroe and Pregroe observes September as the National Alopecia Areata Awareness Month. Alopecia Areata is an acquired skin disease that can affect all hair-bearing skin and is characterized by localized areas of non-scarring hair loss.

In line with the appreciation of Alopecia Month, you can now address your hair needs by using the number one choice for hair growth treatment and hair loss protection – Minoxidil Regroe. Hair loss or baldness, technically known as alopecia, is caused by different factors ranging from hereditary to drug- and stress-related ones.

Androgenetic Alopecia, commonly known as the male pattern baldness, and characterized by hair thins on the crown/vertex while the hairline recedes in an M-pattern. Alopecia Areata, or excessive hair loss resulting to bald patches on the scalp, involves hair follicles that are on the resting stage which are unable to replace the hair that was lost. Physiologic Alopecia is characterized by hair loss resulting from severe emotional stress, fever, and conditions that alter the normal environment such as pregnancy.

Drug Alopecia, on the other hand, is caused by intake of high dosage of Vitamin A, anti-cancer medications, cytotoxic agents and other drugs. Finally, there is Trichotillomania or the habitual plucking or pulling out of hair, and Telogen Effluvium which involves abnormal increase in falling hair due to tension, adjustment to the environment, and other factors.

With Minoxidil Regroe, you can now address these kinds of hair loss problems and have longer, thicker, stronger hair that you want to achieve.

Being the pioneer in the hair regrowth industry in the Philippines, Regroe is the first one to use Minoxidil in its formulation, which stimulates hair growth and blocks the effects of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for hair loss. Medically proven to bare results in just three to six months of use, Regroe is a topical treatment that stimulates hair growth from traumatized hair follicles.

Regroe is available in the following variants: 3%, 5%, and 6%, and in all leading drugstores, selected department stores, and supermarkets nationwide. For optimal results, use with Pregroe 4inOne Hair Care System (Shampoo, Conditioner, and Gel).

For inquiries and other information, call (02) 817-3303 or visit the Official Website at www.regroe.com.ph.

Get a FREE Hair and Scalp Consultation this September! Like Minoxidil Regroe on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen

Pregroe Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner

While some are born with perfect locks, some of us may need a little extra help. I've stopped hair straightening and perming (once!) my hair around 7 years ago and I think it was the best thing I did for my hair. While I still do hair coloring sometimes, I compensate by treating my hair with extra care and using products that would improve its health.

I am used to sulfate-free shampoos that don't lather up much. They're gentle, but when used consecutively may have the tendency to cause product buildup which results to oily hair and scalp. Eww. I switch things up often, so here's my current shampoo and conditioner.

Pregroe Hair Care System

A hair care system that is medically proven to make strands healthier and thicker. It contains organic ingredients such as rosemary extracts, seaweed extracts, chamomile extracts, and aloe vera extracts. Pregroe Hair Care System is complete with shampoo, conditioner and gel.

Pregroe Thickening Shampoo

About the product:

Ingredients:

Swatch:

Pregroe Thickening Shampoo smells floral fresh. It lathers and cleans my hair well without leaving it dry.

Pregroe Thickening Conditioner

About the product:

Ingredients:

Swatch:

Pregroe Thickening Conditioner has a similar scent to the shampoo. It's able to moisturize my hair without leaving it oily.

What I like best about this duo is how it's able to rid my hair and scalp of the excess oil and dirt gently. Whenever I use both the shampoo and conditioner, my hair would already feel soft as I rinse off the product. I also love that my hair is bouncier and more voluminous whenever I use the Pregroe Hair Care System.

I've noticed that whenever a shampoo and conditioner duo is made for "hair regrowth" or "hair thickening" it gives the hair a very thorough cleanse. I think maybe it's because of the next step, which is to treat the hair loss. If you need more help with regards to hair regrowth, then you may like this:

Minoxidil Regroe is a topical re-growth treatment that stimulates hair growth from traumatized hair follicles. It is the first ever painless cure to hair growth problems in the Philippines with Minoxidil as the main ingredient. With 3%, 5% and 6% formulation, Regroe is available in all leading drugstores and supermarket nationwide. Solve your hair loss problem using Regroe, the effective hair grower.

 

Pregroe and Minoxidil Regroe is available at Lazada.

Our hair is our crowning glory, so we must always take care of it! What is your current hair care regimen?

Love,

Helen

Tony Moly Tony Lab AC Control Whitening Toner

Whenever people would compliment my skin, they'd get surprised that I guiltily admit of caring for it guerrilla-style. Like, salicylic acid toner everyday or else I'd break out... and sometimes skipping my acne-clearing gel moisturizer for when I get lazy. As a result, I don't have much pimples, but because of the anti-acne products I've been using to prevent acne, I end up having dry patches on my face sometimes.

To switch things up a bit, I decided to try a super gentle toner. I'm usually iffy with new skincare products, but the AC Control Whitening Toner from Tony Moly looked so nice with its sleek and serious packaging, so I got swayed. Haha!

Tony Moly Tony Lab AC Control Whitening Toner

Toner for Adjusting and Whitening Skin Texture

Whitening toner for adjusting skin texture and brightening dull skin tone. Eases the stress on skin through soft contact on skin and the soothing Centella Asiatica extract keeps skin healthy.

Directions for use are pretty simple. After washing your face, dispense the product onto a cotton pad (or your hands) and  gently spread the product onto your face.

It contains Niacinamide and Arbutin to brighten the skin, plus a whole lot of natural extracts to soothe it at the same time. This toner smells nice, but the good thing is that fragrance is the last ingredient on the list.

The manufacturing date is printed on the base of the bottle, and this toner is good for 12 months from the time you open it.

I like the pump packaging since it's hygienic and convenient to use. No spills! The bottle itself looks so fancy, too.

 

Tony Moly Tony Lab AC Control Whitening Toner comes in a translucent white liquid formula. It's lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin. It's also very gentle, and won't cause any stinging at all. I absolutely love how it makes my skin super soft, supple, and hydrated right after application that I sometimes conveniently "forget" to apply moisturizer afterwards. (Okay, I'll try not to skip it!) With consistent, long-term use, my skin looked more even. I have few post-acne marks on my cheeks that appear lighter now. For the whitening effect, not so much though. I think most "whitening" products work by improving the appearance of dark spots on the face, hence a more even look, and that is good enough for me. Plus, you'll love that this toner smells clean and powdery fresh.

Price: P898.00

Available in all Tony Moly stores nationwide

In the end...it has become a new favorite skincare product of mine. Even for its price, I don't mind repurchasing since I can't believe something so gentle (and has no salicylic acid) soothes my skin doesn't cause me new pimples.

I'm curious, do you also use toner? If yes, what are you using? :)

Like Tony Moly Philippines on Facebook for more information. 

Love,

Helen

Artsy Birthday at Bellini's & Pinto Art Museum

I always say that I'm not the creative type of person. For the past birthday's I've had, I'd usually just celebrate it by eating out with my friends...in a place near my house, since I'm lazy like that. Haha! This year, my birthday was made extra memorable (and artsy!) because I spent it in two very beautiful places and in the company of wonderful friends.♥

To start off our day, my friends and I had brunch in Bellini's, located in Cubao Expo. It is a quaint Italian restaurant that offers authentic Italian cuisine. This is also where parts of the movie One More Chance were shot.

The restaurant is an exquisite work of art in itself. Step inside and you'll be transported to Italy! Floor to ceiling murals adorn the entire place. It serves as a beautiful backdrop for photos, don't you agree?

While waiting, complimentary bread sticks were served.

Bellini's serves the best-tasting pasta I've tried so far. In other restaurants, you'd get big servings AKA quantity, but here you'd get quality. You can even opt to have your pasta freshly made. It may be a bit pricier, but it's definitely worth it.

The non-pasta dishes we had were just okay, though. On our next visit, we'd definitely go for pasta again, plus pizza.

With Mr. Bellini

We had complimentary sweet wine to end our meal. Cheers!

Bellini's Italian Restaurant

Cubao Expo, General Romulo Ave., Cubao, Quezon City

(02)913-2550

Open from Monday-Sunday: 11:00-23:00

After lunch, we went to Pinto Art Museum, located in Antipolo, RIzal. This particular trip was very fun for me since it was my first time to visit a museum, for real!

It's actually quite easy to go to this place via commute. We just rode an FX from Cubao to Antipolo (P50.00). We got dropped off near Ynares Center, then took an 8-minute tricycle ride (P40.00/ride, not per person) going to Pinto Art Museum (Grand Heights Subdivision).

 

The entrance of this place was very simple, and it's a stark contrast of all the creative artworks housed inside the 1.2 hectare property. Housed inside the museum walls are over 300 extraordinary paintings and sculptures.

This is one of my favorite paintings - I even made it my phone's wallpaper since it's so colorful. Some parts of the painting look luminous and so alive. This artwork gives that "anything goes" feel.

This sculpture was made entirely of wires. Who knew you could make something this beautiful from scrap materials?

And THIS! This "sculpture" sitting on a swing is my favorite artwork. I was so amazed when I saw it. It has the image of a person that's about to disappear.

The place itself is very lovely. The doors, ponds, even the structure of the buildings are all picture perfect. During our short trip, we saw couples doing their pre-nup shoots here.

I am nothing without You.

It was in this part of the museum where we stayed for quite some time, since the weather was too hot outside. This painting is perfect for photoshoots! ;)

Complete attendance!

 

The traditional "taas kamay and paa" photo I have to do during trips

There was also a room which resembled a real bamboo forest. It was dark, but the concept was very creative.

 

We are the kids that your parents warned you about.

Even on their walls, I saw these cute falling sculptures.

Pinto Cafe is inside Pinto Art Museum. They serve set meals and snacks/desserts such as these Halo Halo and Blueberry Cheesecake ala Mode for around P200.00 each. I liked the Halo Halo since it had salted caramel ice cream on top, but I loved the blueberry cheesecake with the vanilla bean ice cream.

Pinto Art Museum is beyond beautiful. I had a hard time crafting this post, as I was running out of adjectives to describe how amazing the place and the artworks are. You just have to see it for yourself.

Pinto Art Museum
1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights Subdivision, 1870 Antipolo, Rizal
(02)6971015
Open from Tuesday-Sunday: 09:00-18:00
pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com

Rates:
P150.00 for regular ticket
P120.00 for senior citizens and PWD with valid IDs
P75.00 for children and students with proper school IDs

I ended the day having dinner with my friends at Shakey's, and they surprised me with this giant cake. Thank you! :D I loved this day since seeing all the artworks made me feel so...cultured. Haha!

I had a very memorable 25th birthday, and I'd like to thank my friends for spending the day with me + #TopeTravelandTours for arranging the day's activities. :)

Love,

Helen

Photo Credits: Helen Blas, Christopher Chan, and Genevieve Go
Photos may not have watermarks, but you may not use them without permission.