brand Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center’s Refirme Treatment

July 16, 2013 by Janey

The Spa Wellness is one of my top three favorite spots to go to when I need a lush comfortable almost foolproof massage. Last Saturday, I head to their Fort branch but instead of a relaxing massage, I visited their SKIN clinic. With its award-winning pampering excellence and rejuvenation at its belt, The Spa Wellness has evolved its services with the opening of SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center.

Upon entering SKIN, you’ll feel instantly welcomed by its calming interiors and genuinely smiling receptionists. I was 15 minutes early for my 12nn appointment, thank goodness for easy parking during weekends. I was ushered to one of the rooms where I changed into the robe and relaxed my back on the reclining chair, sipping on The Spa’s signature ginger tea.

SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center offers several skin and body services that use state-of-the-art technology, under the care of certified dermatologists in a luxuriously relaxing spa setting. While I wanted to try their Signature Skin Facial for deep cleansing, mild peel and facial massage to nourish my skin, I veered towards something more forward. Refirme. Suitable for my age if I’m trying to keep the concept of “30s as the new 20s.”

Bagahollic Bags Banana / Banane Taipei Contest WINNER!

January 16, 2012 by Janey

Albeit 8 days late, as usual you know how my busy schedule gets my mind all mixed up lately, I’m finally announcing the winner of Bagahollic Bags Banana / Banane Taipei Contest! Thank you for your kind patience (sounds like a restaurant on its soft opening)!

Thank you for all your entries. Not a bad turnout despite the busy holidays and people being out of the country or out of town and all. Below are the entries who made it to the shortlist, top favorites:

Banana / Banane Taipei, Swagger Your Tote! Plus a contest.

December 12, 2011 by Janey

As you can see from this photo, I love shoes and bags among other things.

By other things, I generally mean traveling and eating… okay, MOSTLY EATING (get off my case now will ya? Hahaha). That is the reason why my 2010 Christmas wish list reflects my affection for all things beautiful and cutesy in shoes and bags. I am quite blessed to have scratched most (90%) of the items on my wish list last year. And unexpectedly, just coupla weeks back, I’m scratching another item from the list. Sometimes they say, when you wish hard enough, the universe conspires to grant your good heart’s desire.

Thanks Richard for this photo! 🙂

One of the bags I have been eye-loving for a while back is an ORIGINAL Banana Taipei bag. Tote bags are so useful and what I particularly adore about Banana / Banane Taipei bags is that it has the most coveted bag strikingly printed on the canvass like you’re using an actual Birkin. The aesthetic illusion of a Birkin in a lightweight, eco-friendly material is just the chicest tote to carry around. My Canon 60D DLSR fits inside, which is perfect since I don’t need to carry a bulky camera bag around.

Pond’s White Beauty Naturals and Promo on Kylie Minogue Concert in Manila on July 5

June 30, 2011 by Janey

Pond’s brings to the Philippines the new Pond’s White Beauty Naturals with Camellia leaf extract, which is a NATURAL powerful ingredient that lightens skin. The Camellia leaf supposedly only grows in the foothills of the Himalayas and this extract helps prevent skin darkening –which is common if you are living in a tropical country like the Philippines.

Filipinas have a difficult time finding that one moisturizer that will keep their complexion fair and their face free from feeling sticky throughout the day.

More than the other whitening products, the New Pond’s White Beauty Naturals apparently works double time since the Camellia leaf reduces the formation of melanin deep within your skin. Add the proven skin lightening technology of the Pond’s White Beauty range to this equation and you get this new fresh skin lightener.

Pond’s new line is being endorsed by celebrity Angelica Panganiban. Yes, she is Derek Ramsay’s beau. Angelica explained that while she is very fortunate to be blessed with very good skin, Pond’s provides the pinkish-white glow to her complexion.

Pond’s White Beauty Naturals include:

+ Facial Foam: 5g Sachet (P6), 50g Tube (P80), 100g (P150)

+ Moisturizer: 10g No Mess Sachet (P20), 20g Tube (P70), 50g Jar (P249)

Current Promo: Buy P300.00 of any Pond’s White Beauty Naturals Products in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide and you will automatically receive a Rhett Eala Eco-Chic Bag. Promo runs until supplies last

While a Rheatt Eala eco-chic bag adds primness to your bagging and shopping needs, you might want to catch the Kylie Minogue concert in Manila on July 5. This time, it is the brand Pond’s Flawless White, who is giving a once in a lifetime treat to its loyal consumers. Prepare to be enthralled and electrified with the performance of famed artist and icon Kylie Minogue as Pond’s Flawless White co-presents the much anticipated Aphrodite world tour concert here in Manila this coming July 5.

Beyond her chart topping hits and lasting career, Kylie Minogue is known for her beauty who has captivated the eyes of many. Now in her 40s, she revealed last year her secret to flawless radiant glow. Following her mom’s skin regimen, Kylie attested that she uses Pond’s Cold Cream on a regular basis and is one of the reasons for her beautiful and youthful skin.

Known to lighten skin and reduce dark spots in just 7 days, Pond’s Flawless White will be giving away more than 300 tickets to Kylie Minogue’s concert on July 5, 2011 8.00 P.M. at the Araneta Coliseum. I’m sure you will be interested so here are two ways to join the promo:

Online:

Follow Pond’s Philippines on Twitter (username: pondsph) and retweet this message: I use the Unbeaten power of Pond’s Flawless White to whiten everyday. Now I can use it to meet Kylie Minogue too! #Pond’s_KylieMinogue 3 lucky winners can win 2 lower box tickets plus a chance to meet and greet Kylie Minogue on the day of the concert. Winners will be announced weekly (June 17, June 24 and July 1) on Pond’s Twitter and Facebook account.

In-store

More chances of winning when you buy P500 worth of Pond’s products inclusive of any Pond’s Flawless White in leading supermarkets, department stores and drugstores in GMA. After purchase, shoppers shall accomplish the official raffle entry form from the Pond’s beauty advisor. 150 lucky shoppers will win 2 tickets (mix of upper A, upper B and lower box tickets) via a raffle supervised by a DTI representative. Winners will be contacted and will be announced on Pond’s facebook page (www.facebook.com/pondsphilippines) on July 2 and can claim their prizes at the Pond’s booth stationed in Araneta Coliseum on July 5, 2.00 P.M.

So try the unbeaten whitening of Pond’s Flawless White and you might have a chance to catch Kylie Minogue live in Manila! Visit www.facebook.com/pondsphilippines or ask our Pond’s beauty advisors for more information.

—

4 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: 2010, 2011, activated carbon, Angelica Panganiban for Pond's, Araneta Coliseum, Asia leg, Asia tour, beauty blogger, best, best fashion blog, best skin care, black pond's, blemish prevention UV cream, branches, brand, Camellia leaf, commercial, concert promo, concert tour, content, Contest, deep cleansing facial foam, Derek Ramsay, endorsement, facial wash, fashion blog, flawless white products, Gold radiance line, ingredients, july 5, Kylie Minogue concert in Manila contest, Kylie Minogue Promo, lifestyle blogger, lightening, lightening product, Manila tour, most effective, natural, new product line, pink adn white, Pond's activated carbon, Pond's Flawless White, Pond's Gold Radiance, Pond's White Beauty Naturals, Pond's white beauty naturals products, Pond’s Flawless White UV Cream, Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam, Ponds, Ponds Gold Radiance endorser Tweetie De Leon, Ponds White Naturals Kylie Minogue Manila Concert, price, product features, product line, Pure White, range, Rhett Eala eco bag, safe, Singapore, SRP, stores, sun spots, Tour, tropical climate, Ultra Violet Rays, UVA, UVB, VAO-B3 Complex, Venue, Watson's, what is Camellia leaf extract, where, where to buy, white, whitening product, win tickets to Kylie Minogue concert in Manila

Pond’s Gold Radiance Winner

January 6, 2011 by Janey

It took a while for them to pick a WINNER, but they have finally decided!

Time to start strutting your outfits accompanied by a new Aranaz bag/purse…

Congratulations to Lourdes Espanol!

LOURDES ESPANOL says:

December 14, 2010 at 9:59 am

I’ve always been a fan of Pond’s and was really excited when the Pond’s Gold Radiance line came out in the market. Among all the products my favorite is the Ponds Gold Radiance Eye Cream. I’m such a night person and tend to stay up until the wee hours of the morning. It’s no wonder I have dark circles around my eyes and have this terrible “eye luggages”. Upon using the eye cream I didn’t have to wait long to see results. My eyes didn’t look as tired and puffy as they used to and the dark circles disappeared. Thus, making my eyes look brighter, younger, and more attractive. Even without sleep I could go out not worrying about looking haggard. I also noticed that the skin is firmer. Furthermore, it’s easy to apply because of its light texture and doesn’t have that greasy feel. I can honestly say that Pond’s Gold Radiance Eye Cream is the best eye cream I’ve tried so far.

Congratulations in winning the Pond’s Gold Radiance contest.

You win a stunning Aranaz bag!!!

An acknowledgment email will be sent to you shortly on how to claim your prize.

MANY THANKS to Pond’s for running the contest in the Between Bites blog.

Thank you to everyone who joined the Pond’s Gold Radiance contest.

A new CONTEST is brewing!

Stay tuned! 😉

XOXO

—

1 Comment Filed Under: Contest Tagged With: 2010, activated carbon, address, beauty blogger, best, best fashion blog, best skin care, black pond's, blemish prevention UV cream, branches, brand, deep cleansing facial foam, facial wash, fashion blog, flawless white products, Gold radiance line, ingredients, lifestyle blogger, lightening, lightening product, natural, pink adn white, Pond's activated carbon, Pond's Gold Radiance, Pond’s Flawless White UV Cream, Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam, Ponds, Ponds Gold Radiance endorser Tweetie De Leon, price, product features, product line, Pure White, safe, SRP, stores, sun spots, tropical climate, Ultra Violet Rays, UVA, UVB, VAO-B3 Complex, where, winner

CONTEST: Pond’s Gold Radiance, WIN an Aranaz Bag!

December 8, 2010 by Janey

Pond’s recently introduced a new line of products –Pond’s Gold Radiance. If you missed what I wrote about it, you can read full article HERE.

What’s New with Pond’s Flawless White and Pure White

Pond’s Gold Radiance is the first Pond’s product which has real gold micro particles. These gold micro particles is blended with Pond’s patented anti-aging ingredients which in harmony fights dullness and recaptures youthful radiance and gives instant glow to the skin.

I’ve tried the Pond’s Gold Radiance Eye Cream and been happy with it so far. I don’t know if my dark circles really is a lighter shade, given that it’s been so hard to sleep nowadays, but whenever I put it on before I step out in the morning, it gives my eyes a youthful glow –the sparkling gold dust in the cream probably illuminates the eye area.

Have you tried the Pond’s Gold Radiance products? If you have, CATCH the CHANCE to BAG a limited edition Aranaz gold stunner! OWN an Aranaz Bag now! Just answer the question below:

“After the 7-day challenge,

what Pond’s Gold Radiance product suited you and why?”

Simply ANSWER this question and GRAB a CHANCE

to WIN your very own ARANAZ BAG!

Contest Mechanics:

1. Open to ‘Between Bites’ readers. Metro Manila residents.

2. Leave a COMMENT at the comment section of this blog entry answering the question, “After the 7-day challenge, what Pond’s Gold Radiance product suited you and why?”

4. Pond’s will choose the winner of a much coveted ARANAZ Bag!

5. Contest duration starts December 8, 2010 and ends December 15, 2010 (approx. 1 week)

In this Photo: Stella Luna Africa-inspired Pumps, Gold Aranaz Bag, Eiffel Tower Key Chain from Paris

(I LOVE MY GOLD ARANAZ BAG. Wouldn’t you want to have one?)

XOXO.

Janey

—

28 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: 2010, activated carbon, address, beauty blogger, best, best fashion blog, best skin care, black pond's, blemish prevention UV cream, branches, brand, deep cleansing facial foam, facial wash, fashion blog, flawless white products, Gold radiance line, ingredients, lifestyle blogger, lightening, lightening product, natural, pink adn white, Pond's activated carbon, Pond's Gold Radiance, Pond’s Flawless White UV Cream, Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam, Ponds, Ponds Gold Radiance endorser Tweetie De Leon, price, product features, product line, Pure White, safe, SRP, stores, sun spots, tropical climate, Ultra Violet Rays, UVA, UVB, VAO-B3 Complex, where

Pond’s Gold Radiance has The Midas Touch of Skin

October 29, 2010 by Janey

Just a few months back, Pond’s Philippines released the Pure White deep cleansing facial foam, all in its astounding all-black packaging. Raid my bathroom and you’ll see the product right in the wash sink since I use it at least 4 times a week alternating it with another product. I specifically wash my face with the Pond’s Pure White when my face endured a whole day of heavy make-up since it feels that the active carbon really seeps deep into my skin and gives it a good clean.

READ MORE:

What’s New with Pond’s Flawless White and Pure White

New Pond’s Gold Radiance Eye Cream

If I let the active carbon in a new product scare me off, without even trying to read what it actually is, I wouldn’t have discovered a product that helped me remove make-up particles off my face. And so far, I’ve been really happy with the results.

Pond’s now introduces a new line of products –Pond’s Gold Radiance. Pond’s Gold Radiance is the first Pond’s product which has real gold micro particles. These gold micro particles is blended with Pond’s patented anti-aging ingredients which in harmony fights dullness and recaptures youthful radiance and gives instant glow to the skin.

If you are a woman of information, you probably have heard of a facial procedure in US, UK, Korean, Japanese skin clinics that actually use the elements of gold for beautification. It can be quite an expensive method of dolling up your skin. Pond’s breaks that gap by providing a product line that uses 99% real gold but is commercially accessible and more within your means.

Gold has always been known to have good effects on skin since it is a natural mineral that gives instant radiance to the skin while enhancing skin’s renewal process (replacing dead skin cells with new healthier ones) and skin elasticity (ability of the skin to go back to normal state once stretched). These are what the gold micro particles used in Pond’s Gold Radiance do –taking away the dullness of your skin.

Dullness is the overall feeling of women that their face doesn’t have that youthful glow anymore. Coupled with wrinkles and age spots, these are what make women look aged. Pond’s Institute defines dullness as a result of four skin problems: rough skin texture, unevenness of skin tone, darker skin complexion and skin dehydration. All of which are solved by the whole Pond’s Gold Radiance range that includes also the patented technology of Pond’s anti-aging with the ingredients of CLA –that stimulates natural cell turnover, AHA or alpha hydroxic acid and Retinol Derivatives/some type of Vitamin A that stimulates collagen and elastin production

First question of concern is, is gold safe for all skin types? Pond’s claims that the whole Pond’s Gold Radiance range has been clinically tested by dermatologists and certified as hypo-allergenic so that should ease your worry.

Since the dark circles under my eyes are getting as dark as midnight (due to lack of sleep obviously) and my eye bags are turning into eye-maleta (eye-luggage), I’m really interested (a bit excited) to use the Gold Radiance eye cream (15ml at PHP 699) for 7 days and see if there are any good results that can refresh my eyes to looking instantly brighter and younger or as young as my age.

—

8 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: 2010, activated carbon, beauty blogger, best, best fashion blog, best skin care, black pond's, blemish prevention UV cream, branches, brand, deep cleansing facial foam, facial wash, fashion blog, flawless white products, Gold radiance line, ingredients, lifestyle blogger, lightening, lightening product, natural, pink adn white, Pond's activated carbon, Pond's Gold Radiance, Pond’s Flawless White UV Cream, Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam, Ponds, Ponds Gold Radiance endorser Tweetie De Leon, price, product features, product line, Pure White, safe, SRP, stores, sun spots, tropical climate, Ultra Violet Rays, UVA, UVB, VAO-B3 Complex, where

What’s New with Pond’s: Pond’s Flawless White Blemish Prevention UV Cream and Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam

August 11, 2010 by Janey

Most women desire blemish-free skin. We know exactly where to point our blaming finger when it comes to causing these skin blemishes –the sun’s rays. The sun releases two harmful rays called UVA rays and UVB rays. The first penetrates deep into the skin’s inner layer called dermis and triggers melanin production which causes the darkening of the skin. UVB, on the other hand, is what causes our skin to darken when we have a quick swim under the sun –this is the skin layer that actually flakes after sun burn.

Like what my mom always says, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” This holds true for the skin. With brisk environmental changes, the sun isn’t as friendly as it used to be. We have to be keener in protecting our body by wearing caps, hats, sun visors, applying sun screen with great UVA/UVB protection formula or basically avoiding sun exposure to shield our biggest organ, the skin.

But active and mobile individuals like many naturally can’t avoid the sun all the time.

There’s precisely a product in the market that can help stop sun spots before they appear.

Pond’s Flawless White UV Cream

The New Pond’s Flawless White UV Cream helps in blemish prevention. This blemish prevention UV cream protects a woman’s skin from both the UVA and UVB rays and completing this UV protection system is VAO-B3 Complex that generates continuous lightening of the skin.

It has Four Star superior UV Protection certified by the Boots star rating system which is quite known in Europe and Australia guaranteeing its higher UVA protection. Noteworthy is that, unlike most sun block lotions, the Pond’s Flawless White Blemish Prevention UV Cream has lightweight, hydrating formula suitable for tropical climates such as the weather we have in Manila –which is typically hot, extremely dry or extremely humid. The product is packaged elegantly in this white and pink container. So ultra feminine!

Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam

Folks of either gender have been intrigued by the newest product that Pond’s launched. If you’ve done some grocery shopping or have visited some convenience stores, it will definitely draw your attention. It’s a first of its kind with an all black packaging. After establishing 6 variants of facial cleanser, each drawing a specific need of the consumer, Pond’s in its continuous effort to be the strongest brand in the market, recently launched Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam.

It’s quite ironic eh? It’s been dubbed as the “BLACK Pond’s.” For a bold line, Pure White, why is it packaged in black? Same question brewing in my head until I attended an intimate dinner by Pond’s for lifestyle and fashion bloggers held at the Escolta restaurant in Manila Peninsula. Black actually represents “activated carbon,” the strongest suit of this product. Pond’s Pure White has activated carbon, which has the power to deeply penetrate the skin and draw out black dirt and impurities.

There was a brief demonstration that we also tried for ourselves on how activated carbon works. There were two containers of inked water, one was added three spoonfuls of activated carbon. Both were strained by filter paper into separate empty flasks. The water started to drip slowly and noticeably, the inked water with activated carbon was yielding clear water contrast to the other one with purplish water.

–

It was explained further that activated carbon is obtained from heating natural and organic substances such as plant parts. Since it is all natural, it’s supposed to be safe on the skin. Activated carbon is a good natural exfoliant because of its molecular shape and rigidity that lifts dead skin cells. A lot of Korean and Japanese exfoliating soaps and facial mask products in fact have carbon as their main ingredient.

–

I heard that people’s curiosity has been piqued and probably even guys are getting this Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing product off the shelves –a friend shared that one place has actually run out of the ones sold in tubes. The only ones left were the ones in individual packs.

—

13 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: activated carbon, beauty blogger, best, best fashion blog, best skin care, black pond's, blemish prevention UV cream, brand, deep cleansing facial foam, facial wash, fashion blog, flawless white products, lifestyle blogger, lightening, lightening product, natural, pink adn white, Pond's activated carbon, Pond’s Flawless White UV Cream, Pond’s Pure White Deep Cleansing Facial Foam, Ponds, product features, Pure White, safe, sun spots, tropical climate, Ultra Violet Rays, UVA, UVB, VAO-B3 Complex

New Levi’s Jeans Collection for Women: Love Your Genes by Getting the Right Fitting Jeans

August 9, 2010 by Janey

Women come in all shapes and sizes –in different forms and curves. No matter how much we try to lose weight or gain weight to perfectly fit in a pair of jeans, finding the perfect pair still eludes us. Levi’s Strauss and Co. invited some women to an intimate gathering one Saturday to talk about what women generally believe in, whether in advocacy, lifestyle, dream or finding the denim pair that suits them.

The event started with a fun activity of creating an “I Believe” board or mood board. It felt crafty and productive (and even therapeutic!) to cut out items from magazines and design them on your “I Believe” board using your own creative style. Each of our “I Believe” boards depicted our own lifestyle and it also helped us visualize our dreams. Visualizing as they say moves you an inch closer in pursuing your goals. The guests, sharing their thoughts on their dream boards, all had lovely smiles on their faces –genuine marks of how pleasant the activity was.

As for my “I Believe” board:

I believe that people should have an appetite for the good life while striving to achieve the best things. That’s one of the things that the Between Bites site stands for. Whether it’s a bite of food, travel, reading, music, circumstance, a memorable moment, hope or anything in between, there’s always something to be happy about in life.

I’ve tagged my mood board with Lit Chick and the statement, “Discover the perfect fit that makes you lit!” Never mind if the perfect fit means an ideal partner for you, a gadget you’ve been wanting to purchase, clothes you’ve been meaning to romp on your life’s ramp, the paying job that makes you happy or circle of friends that you can trust and be yourself with… whatever it is, it’s great to find something or someone that makes us light up.

Why not create your own “I Believe” board? 🙂 Might be a dose of inspiration for you.

Right after the “sharing” and women-bonding, we all partook in a tasty lunch at Cav while we continued to exchange stories and updates.

On the Table:

Young Arugula Salad

Watermelon, Cherry Tomato Confit, Parmesan Crisp

Twice Cooked Pork Belly

Garlic Potato Puree, Haricot Bundles, Madeira Jus

Flourless Chocolate

Flourless chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream

When the hearty lunch was consumed, it was time for the “fit” measurement at the makeshift dressing room. Some ladies, including moi, were quite apprehensive about getting “measured” after filling ourselves up. But our worries and fears were put aside when we discovered that the custom fit pants they’re launching will be based on our natural shape instead of size. First time I’ve heard of such thing. I’ve grown accustomed to getting my waistline size when hunting for jeans.

Levi’s® has started a campaign driven to help women find the best-fitting and most perfect pair of jeans. They have studied the body shapes of over 60,000 women around the world and through this, Levi’s® created revolutionary custom-fit denims that are based on shape that celebrates straight figures, frames perfect proportions and honors genuine curves.

The new Levi’s Jeans Collection for Women has custom-fit denims that:

Defines your waist and accentuates your curves without a muffin top.
Flatters your waist and smoothens your shape.
Hugs your waist without gaping or pulling.

What an innovation if it answers most of women’s denim problems.

I got measured and was handed a pair of skinny jeans. One try and voila, I didn’t have to try any other pair. Excellent huh? It is for me because jeans is the most tiring clothing piece to shop for. If I got different pants to try on, then that takes a lot of pulling pants and removing them and re-wearing my clothes. It’s quite a workout. That’s why I’m glad that I was able to find my pair of denimwear in a snap (thanks Peach for measuring me)! 😉

Women can now be comfortable with their given genes whether they have curvy curves or semi-curves. There’s a custom-fit denim that matches your natural body curves! Stand tall, be proud and shake what your momma gave you! 😀

Levi’s has been strongly associated with men’s jeans for the longest time because it’s the dependable brand that’s been trusted by men. This time, Levi’s unlocked the ingenuity behind women’s jeans and has created jeans made to fit the curve of a woman’s body. Say ta-tah to those ill-fitting bottoms because every woman now just got to make room for the greatest fitting pair of jeans ever to hit your closet! Go to the nearest Levi’s® store or outlet near you, get measured and grab a pair! 😉

Levi’s Event at Cav Album

—

2 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: 000 women, 60, address, best, best-fitiing, body curve, brand, campaign, CAV, clothes, Contest, curve, denim dilemma, denimwear, dream board, event, fashion, fashion blog, fashion blogger, fashion blunder, fashion event, faux pas, fit, fitting, frames perfect body proportions, genuine curves, hunting, I Believe board, Innovation, inspiration, jeans, latest, Levi's, Levi's branches, Levi's Jeans Collection for Women, Levi’s Strauss and Co, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, Lit Chick, love your curves, magazines, mall, Manila, men's jeans, mood boards, most perfect jeans, NEO, new Levi's for Women, news, Nuffnang, Ogilvy, outlets, partner, perfect fit, perfect match, perfect pair of jeans, Philippines, promotion, revolutionary custom-fit denims, sample, shape, shopping mall, skinny jeans, solution, stores, straight figures, study, system, Taste Manila, website, what brand, win a pair of jeans, win a pair of Levi's, winner, women's curve

Scents of a Woman

July 29, 2010 by Janey

Bubba surprised me one day, albeit not too smoothly, with a gift. No occasion at all. It was just a simple gift that illustrated his thoughtfulness. I was giddy. I read the box and it said Sarah Jessica Parker. I can’t help cringing, as I am not best in hiding my feelings whatever it is, but properly said, “thank you” and hugged him. Now, I have nothing against SJP and I like her (I don’t necessarily love her like girls who desperately and observably imitate her character, Carrie in Sex and the City) but I’m iffy about “celebrity” perfumes since most are eagerly produced without much thought and study. They only let the celebrity’s name be the retail thrust.

I smelled it and initially thought it was strong and is more suitable for an age-bracket that’s older than mine. It’s evocative of the words risky, mature, and bold.

After a few days though, I realized that the smell is milder than I initially thought. It’s bordering girly and sexy, scent markings of chocolate, lavender and lemon.

Online it says that the notes include wet greens, geranium leaves, Sicilian lemon, lavender, chocolate, honeysuckle, magnolia, muguet, musk, vetiver, bois de cashmere, teakwood and amber.

It’s my favorite parfum at this time so Dolce and Gabbana’s Light Blue and DKNY’s Be Delicious Apple (which is my 2nd bottle, expensive at 4K plus) took a backseat. Bubba really has excellent taste 😉 (Thanks again Bubbalicious!)

This is the second perfume I got from Bubba. The first one was during our first Christmas together and it was Lacoste Touch of Pink –which I really really adored.

Some of the perfumes I loved through the years (which I at least had 4 bottles of) also include L’Eau Par Kenzo, Escada Sentiment, Estee Lauder Pleasures, Clinique Happy, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, D&G Light Blue, Acqua de Gio, Ralph Lauren Polo Sport Women (which is the very least I like now –my favorite in HS but I guess my scent preference is different now). I think there’s a handful more that I don’t quite remember at this exact moment but above are the ones I still won’t hesitate to use until now.

I’ve also used and pretty much like Gucci Ii Perfume, Tommy Hilfiger Dreaming (which might be the bottle I buy next), Jennifer Lopez’s Love at First Glow (only because it was on SALE in Japan when I bought, plus the cute pink bottle and charm attached to it! It reminded me of the sexy bottle of Cool Water Women in HS. Bubba hates the smell.) I kept at least one empty bottle to remember my perfumes by but when Bubba laughed at how sentimental I was about them, I decided to throw it out last year in one of my “de-cluttering” moments (okay, honestly, it stayed for a few more weeks in our garage but the bag of empty perfume bottles was eventually thrown out).

I used to have at least 4 perfumes at a certain season but realized that it’s such a waste and the perfume vaporizes after some time so now I only keep one or two.

I think the very first perfume I used was my mom’s Christian Dior’s Pure Poison (eeps, I faint now) and when I was in grade school watching “combos” in hotel music lounges, I was akin to the singers’ perfume, which I later discovered as Farenheit (I faint again). I also liked Perris Ellis when I was young. I can only shake my head now.

There was a time (mostly in HS and Freshman College) I was more into men’s perfume and actually wore them instead of women’s.

In the recent years, the colognes I like in men include Armani Black, Acqua de Gio, Carolina Herrera 212, Hugo Boss 51, Tommy Hilfiger’s “Hilfiger.”

But of course, man or woman, nothing beats the natural scent of the skin right after a shower.

XOXO

DKNY Men Event

—

3 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: 10 celebrated men, american, American brands, Ascend, Attorney Fortun, attract, best beauty and fashion blogger, Blog, branches, brand, brave the city, clean, collection, confident, DJ, DKNY Men, Eastwood City, eau de toilette spray, Erik Cua, Established 1985, event, fashion, Fashion house, Filipino, fragrance, Fragrances, Frangrance, gift, handsome, Hilfiger, hygiene, hygienic, icon, imitate, lady, latest, launch, live on the edge, Manager, Manila, Manor Penthouse, Marketing, media, men, Metro Manila, must buys, Party, perfume, perfume review, Philippines, playfully sexy, popular, popular perfumes, premium lifestyle brand, Racquel Lalo, Racw, review, RJ Ledesma, Romp the Ramp, Rustan's Department Stores, Rustans, Sarah Jessica Parker, scene, scents, seduce, Sex and the City, sexy, SJP, SJP Covet, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, smell, Smell Manila, stores, Taste Manila, The Scene, Tim Yap, Tommy, Tommy Hilfiger, vibe, Watson's Branches, Watson's Makati, women

Missing Make-up Again

May 31, 2010 by Janey

First time I lost my make-up kit was some time 2004 I think. I was still with SE then and we were at Glorietta 4 going around. From the Glorietta 4 entrance (near Breadtalk), we alighted the escalator going to the second floor. We were talking until two guys in front of me picked up something on the step right before the edge of the escalator, which blocked our way. I was so nervous at the thought that we would collide with them that I said, “excuse me” loudly. They were able to stand up just in time that we had enough space to step into the 2^nd floor without bumping into them.

As we turned towards the next escalator, I told SE that I’d go back down and check quickly on the Terranova store. I agreed to follow and meet him in the upper floors. When I entered Terranova, I clutched my bag and found it open. I immediately checked what was missing. Thank goodness, it was only my make-up kit that they were able to get, probably mistaken it for a wallet. I felt bad that time because I’m the type who’s really attached to my things (I guess it’s the OC behavior) and even if it’s only a highlighter or pen, I’d feel really bad losing it. I’m so particularly careful with my things. What more if I lose different items at the same time? Such is the same in the case of a make-up kit.

Thankfully, I got over it a few days later since my mom bought me replacement (plus I was using L’Oreal powder foundation that time which is way more cheaper than EL) and because I thought I was luckier not to get more valuable stuff stolen. I’m sure the culprit/s (it’s a widespread escalator-thieving modus operandi up to this date) weren’t gunning for my make-up stash. They probably thought it was my wallet.

Last Saturday, Bubba and I went around to canvass furniture in Hemady, Pioneer area, and Greenhills. Trying to make my bag lighter, I removed the make-up kit and placed it on the side pocket of the car door. I’ve done this maybe 8 times before but never had any problem. Sunday, I realized that I didn’t have it in my bag and immediately looked inside the car. It was gone.

Two points where I probably lost it:

In Greenhills, Bubba went back to the car and got something out of my side of the car thus opening that passenger door. His leg must have bumped into it? Or I might have bumped into it at one point or another getting in and out of the car and I didn’t notice.
We had dinner at La Tienda that evening. I debated whether to change clothes and shoes (I was wearing a shirt, shorts and Fit Flops. There’s a dress code at La Tienda and most of Makati restaurants. I asked out front if I needed to change, they let me in without having to change into my shoes even.) I think I debated inside my head whether or not I should freshen up. I don’t have any recall if I grabbed my make-up kit. I went straight inside the washroom when we came in. I might have placed it on the counter and left it there.

We called La Tienda yesterday and called 3-4 times to check but the staff said they didn’t find anything.

I went on a cleaning rampage yesterday that took me until almost 12mn to finish because I felt really really really bad. I even cleaned my big make-up bag at home and threw some old stuff. There’s nothing to use there for my day-to-day, it’s mostly eyeshadows, lipsticks –basically variants in case I need to put heavy make-up on for an occasion or an office Christmas program or something. I had no appetite for dinner last night. I didn’t eat lunch today. All I had was sky flakes.

I’m sure somebody else must have found it. Upon seeing the contents, I know there’s no personal interest in it for them. Besides, why would anyone want to use a used make-up on their face? What if I had warts or some skin infection? But it’s nowhere to be found and nobody has returned it.

You see I don’t use much make-up on my face. Lipstick, lipgloss, eyeshadow, blush can last me up to 1 year and even beyond that because when I do use them, I only need to put a little. I’m not good at putting on make-up anyway so I just stay with the basics. Less means less mistakes. What I usually run out of is powder but that even takes 6-9 months before I need to replenish.

Inside the small pouch:

Estee Lauder Cyberwhite Powder Refill PHP 2,150 (I just bought 2 weeks ago)

Estee Lauder Powder Case approx. PHP 1,800 (2 years old)

Lancome Juicy Tubes Fraise approx. PHP 1,150 (almost full, bought in August 2009)

Lancome Mascara L’Extreme Black approx. PHP 1,500 (almost dried out but only 2 months old)

Lancome Eye Pencil (free with a Lancome promo before)

Lancome Flash Retouche Concealer approx. PHP 1,995 (about ¼ full)

Shu Uemera Glow On Blush approx. PHP 1,500 (can still last me for 1 whole year or more)

Cheap lipstick I got in Japan Yakuyen Store (can still last me for 1 whole year or more)

L’Oreal Lip Gloss PHP 200 (I got on a sale)

Cheap Eye Shadow I got in Japan Yakuyen Store (1 light pink shade out –2 darker pink shades can still last me until end of 2010)

Oral B Travel Toothbrush approx. PHP 75 (2 months old)

Tommy Hilfiger Make-up Pouch (gift from my ninang in 2005 which I only used in 2007)

TOTAL: approx. PHP 10,370

It’s so heartbreaking. It takes time to build up that make-up library again. And this is the only time I wished I lost my darn wonky phone instead of that. I could have bought a new phone with that much investment.

I’m pushing the envelope with this living room project I’m currently working on. And this “missing make-up kit” is pulling the plug on my plans. It’s a letdown, a distraction and another financial load. I feel like screaming and at the same time I feel like curling up in my bed and sulking 🙁

I didn’t realize that losing a make-up kit could be really depressing.

Learning Points:

Never to put anything again on the side pocket of the car door
Put a calling card inside the make-up kit or tag it with name and contact details (sounds silly but might help)
I know I’m OC but I got to be fierce in double-checking each place I just left. I do this regularly already but my wandering mind must have slipped and forgot
Get a new bag where I can store everything without hurting my back

—-

9 Comments Filed Under: Writing on d' Wall Tagged With: beauty blog, best, best blog, best make up recommendation, blog write, blogger, body, body and health, Body and Spa, brand, brands, Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Refill, face, Filipina, Filipino, health, Lancome Flash Retouche, line up, make up blogs, make up buys, Make-up, make-up review, Metro Manila, Pinay, powder, price, Rustans, skin, skin care blogs, skin event, skincare, Spa, suggestion, Taste Manila, top beauty bloggers, top beauty blogs

Greenwich Pizza Levels UP!

January 7, 2010 by Janey

Other than Monday, midweek is usually the busiest time of the week. But you just got to make time for dinner when you get an invite from Arpee to meet the Greenwich brand and PR execs –the folks who got us laughing watching the “sobrang cheesy” advertisements. Smiling at the thought of Bubba giving his “sobrang cheesy!!!” remark with that cheesy facial expression of his 🙂

(Azrael of www.azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com with Lace of www.styleandrelax.blogspot.com)

Now, the Greenwich team is back with more power and more supremacy. The country’s favorite pizza chain, Greenwich, who gives the most scrumptious blend of delicious and exciting pizza (remember Sisig pizza? I was a fan!) and pasta innovations, recently launched the new Ultimate Hawaiian Overload –declaring it to be the best Hawaiian pizza in the country today! Why? Because it has double the Hawaiian toppings you love –double the flavor, double the fun! Definitely, nag-level up na sa sarap!

Other Greenwich favorites!

We got an exclusive (hot off the “editing room”) viewing of their new campaign. See local movie stalwart John Lloyd Cruz like you’ve never tasted seen him before! Ibang level talaga! 😉

The New Ultimate Hawaiian Overload is available at close to 250 Greenwich stores nationwide. Metro Manila Delivery hotline is 5-55-55.

Dine in/ Take out prices:

Rolled Edge double, family P265, P419

Thin & Crispy double, family P225, P379

Party Square P455

Even their pizza boxes leveled-up!!!! Check out the design from Team Manila! 😉

Photo from Azrael: http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com

Your regular pizza flavor is not so standard anymore –so upgrade your bud’s expectation and level-up your taste to the Ultimate Hawaiian Overload!!!

Related Post

Style and Relax

Azrael’s Merryland

Fritzified

—

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2x, Ads, advertisement, award, awarded, barkada, barkadas, best food blog, brand, campaign, card, Celebration, cheese, delicious, delivery, discount, double, exclusive, fast food, Film, flavor, food, food bloggers, Greenwich, Greenwich Pizza, ham, Hawaiian toppings, hot off the editing room, hot off the press, John Lloyd Cruz, laughing, launch, loyalty, Marketing, movie star, new campaign, new commercial, new movie, new product, newest, number, Online, order, Pasta, photos, pineapple, pizza, PR, press release, price, Promo, remark, restaurant, sobrang cheesy, taste, team, Team Manila, title, toppings, trip, twice, Ultimate Hawaiian Overload, Vacation, videos, viral, yummy

Mooncake Fest

October 5, 2009 by Janey

The annual Mooncake Festival is here once again. The dice game is back in town.

On another note, thanks to Katrina Ong of Skechers for sending me a box of special mooncakes and leaving a sweet note (handwritten!) with it.

Although Katrina and I correspond regularly, it was only last week when I actually met her. Our offices are incidentally located in the same tower. We realized that we’ve met before –during the underwater hockey intro lesson. What a small water world! 😉

Catch you again soon! 🙂

—

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Writing on d' Wall Tagged With: 2009, ang pao, brand, brands, DECS, dice game, dice throwing game, Events, Katrina Ong, Marketing, mooncake, Officer, Skechers, special, where to buy mooncake, Wilson St. Chinese Community, Zoo York

Make-up Must Buys- Estee Lauder Cyber White EX, Lancome Flash Retouche

August 24, 2009 by Janey

Powders and concealers, other than being effective ways to brighten a tired face, should also be a brand reputable for skincare. Some brands carry certain ingredients that may be harsh on your skin, thus advancing the age of the skin.

A good skin is all it takes to make the face dazzling, but for days that you find yourself a bit oily and need a quick cover-up, the following are face must haves.

Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Refill PHP 2,150

Building on over 20 years of whitening expertise, the Estee Lauder research and development team have been hard at work developing a deeper understanding of Asian skin and the cause of dark spots. Based on new findings and the knowledge that “not all spots are created equal”, Estee Lauder brings you Cyber White Ex – our most comprehensive brightening system ever – with three highly targeted, breakthrough technologies, to help correct and prevent three different types of spots responsible for clouding your complexion: Stubborn Age Spots, Small Surface Spots and those Barely Visible Spots just below the skin’s surface.

Lancome Flash Retouche (No. 2) PHP 1,995

Radiance boosting, anti-fatigue concealer brush pen

An anti-dark circle complexion “perfecter” that lights up dull areas of your face and smoothes your features for a healthy glow. The high-precision brush increases the anti-fatigue effect and diminishes imperfections.
An instant burst of freshness for your face! 2.5 ml brush applicator

—

1 Comment Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: best, best blog, best make up recommendation, blog write, body and health, Body and Spa, brand, brands, Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Refill, Filipina, Filipino, health, Lancome Flash Retouche, line up, make up blogs, make up buys, Metro Manila, Pinay, price, Rustans, skin, skin care blogs, skin event, skincare, Spa, suggestion, Taste Manila

Power Plant Mall’s Big Sale

June 24, 2009 by Janey

Reposting from Power Plant:

Power Plant Mall’s Mid-year Sale is coming up!

Big brands and hefty discounts, go shop!

Leave a Comment Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: 70% off, big brands, big discount, brand, branded items, clearance sale, clothes, date, discount, end season, fashion, goods, imported, June 25, June 30, Makati, mall, mid-year, Power Plant, Powerplant, Sale, schedule, season, shop, shopping, Taste Manila, time, Venue

TOMMY HILFIGER Launches HILFIGER Men

March 24, 2009 by Janey

Tommy Hilfigeris a leading premium lifestyle brand and one of the largest designer apparel brands globally. Tommy Hilfiger Group, through its subsidiaries, designs, sources and markets men’s and women’s casual wear, sportswear, jeans, children’s wear and footwear. The Group’s products can be found in its network of dedicated retail stores in Europe, the United States and Canada, as well as in leading specialty and department stores throughout Europe and North America. Through over 40 licensees, Tommy Hilfiger-branded products, including a broad array of related apparel, accessories, fragrance and home furnishings, are distributed worldwide, including in Mexico, Central and South America, Japan, Australia India, China and elsewhere throughout Asia.

Tommy Hilfiger, in as much as an icon himself, draws inspiration from American icons who lead by distinction. These icons’ passion drives them to succeed in life –and this is where the new fragrance from the designer was culminated. A new fragrance dedicated to the fire in men, who are courageous enough to create their own destiny.

Hilfiger is clean, distinctive and masculine –what clearly defines a man of class. The kind of man that has an inner strength that comes from knowing exactly who he is and what he wants out of life.

The scent obviously exudes optimism and irresistible charm.

Hilfiger has been designed to fit the modern man attuned to class, starting from the bottle that has both a modern and vintage feel. The brand portfolio that carries the iconic name is gallantly engraved on a metal plaque with riveted corners. The logo is marked with Est. 1985, which strongly signifies that the brand has been successful for so many years starting with the year that the Fashion House was established.

Beginning in March 2009, the Hilfiger collection will be available exclusively at all Rustan’s Department Stores, Watson’s Makati, MOA, SM Megamall and SM North EDSA The Eau de Toilette will be offered in 50ml (suggested retail price: Php 2,900), and 100ml (suggested retail price: Php 4,000).

Hilfiger, the light invigorating fragrance that can be worn in sexy confidence by any classy man, has hit the stores. Be sure to grab one for yourself or your loved one.

Hilfiger Men Press Launch

For more information, feel free to contact:

Racquel Lalo

Marketing Manager

Aramis and Designer Fragrances

Email: rlalo@sg.estee.com

Tel: 890-4036 local 115

Mobile: 0917-861-2010

2 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: american, American brands, Ascend, attract, branches, brand, clean, collection, confident, eau de toilette spray, Established 1985, event, fashion, Fashion house, fragrance, Hilfiger, hygiene, hygienic, icon, lady, latest, launch, Manager, Manila, Marketing, media, men, must buys, perfume, playfully sexy, popular, premium lifestyle brand, Racquel Lalo, Racw, Romp the Ramp, Rustan's Department Stores, Rustans, scents, seduce, sexy, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, smell, Smell Manila, Taste Manila, Tommy, Tommy Hilfiger, Watson's Branches, Watson's Makati

Mango Outlet, Pampanga

January 28, 2009 by Janey

The Mango outlet in Pampanga is worth checking out! I got 5 dresses and 1 top for only PHP 6K ++.

2 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: best, brand, brands, discount store, dress, mango, Mango original, Mango outlet, Manila, originals, Pampanga, Robinsons, Sale, San fernando, with sizes

Estee Lauder Magnascopic Mascara

November 19, 2008 by Janey

I’m not a big make-up person. I still don’t know how to put eye make-up on my own or even blush properly. My friends (hello Carlo!) used to laugh about my blush. I’m jealous how other girls can play around with their eyes using different make-up strategies. I was tempted to attend a make-up short seminar 2 years ago in one of the top make-up schools in Manila but I figured that 30-50 grand could go a long way somewhere else –besides, I do not have that amount in my make-up kit much more my wallet. With this hurdle, I kept my cosmetic enhancement to the basic (powder, mascara, blush) even to big events like weddings. Once in a while, I dabble into shimmers and what nots, but applying them is my drawback (Rihanna’s Disturbia in my singing version “dumb dumb di dumb dumb”)

I needed to buy a new mascara 3 months ago and my favorite Lancome Hypnose mascara (sold at PHP1,500 as far as I can remember) was out of stock in black. It was available in brown but I don’t know if I want to go brown again. Lancome Hypnose gives volume to your eyelashes to create that “hypnotic” look. I thought of changing to Lancome L’Extreme and try extending my lashes with the product. Unfortunately, they were also out of stock in washable mascara at Rustan’s Shangri-la and Rustan’s Makati. They have Lancome L’Extreme but it’s in the water-resistant formula. I’ve tried waterproof mascara (L’Oreal dual mascara) and I really harmed my shrill lashes back then.

Lancome is one of the brands I’m really loyal to. It started with the release of their Juicy Tubes 4-5 years ago (?), which I’m really fanatic about.

Since the Estee Lauder brand has been my favorite as of late in foundation and compacts, it was an opportune time for me to give their mascaras a shot. They had a special offer on their Magnascopic. For PHP 1,500, you get the mascara at its price with 2 add-ons. They threw in an eye gel cream and a mascara remover in the pack. It looked like a good buy then. Although I have to say I really miss the Lancome brand.