Now that summer’s almost over, some of us would want to go back to our fair selves. Or also, some of us would want to even our skin tones and scream “flawless.” Glutathione has been all the rage because aside from its big boost of antioxidants that is beneficial to the body, it also makes the skin lighter, and more even, as a “side effect.” ( some just love that “side effect!” ). Most glutathione that I’ve seen is in the capsule form, and it’s the first time that I’ve encountered a skin care line devoted for it.

Say hello to Gluta White & Firm. This skin care line uses glutathione in its premiere strength combined with L-Carnitine ( a compound that helps burn fat ), Lipofirm, and Clair Blanche ( a unique fusion of 7 active ingredients known to inhibit melanin formation ) to obtain maximum benefits to the skin such as whitening, and giving the skin a supple, healthy young glow. The line promises to whiten as early as two weeks.

Products in this line include facial wash, facial cream, pressed powder, deodorant and anti-perspirant, white and firm soap, and white and firm body lotion. I’ve been seeing them in department stores, and it got me thinking – am I ready to be fair again? Because I have loved my tanned skin so much already.

Lately, I have been trying their deodorant and anti-perspirant, and so far, so good. I think it’s a safe product that anyone can use because it makes me feel clean and fresh all day, and of course, our armpits are one of our areas of concern that we’d want it , as much as possible, not dark!

I’ll be updating everyone with the updates of my using some of these products. Has anyone tried this? I’d love some feedback!

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Reminiscing my trip to the south weeks ago, one of the most memorable stopovers sure was the Ilog Maria Bee Farm. Being the kikay girl that I am, that place was just paradise for me – being in a roomful of organic health and beauty products just made my day. That day, I bought Ilog Maria soaps in mini sizes to try them to decide which big sizes I will be purchasing via their website as soon as I finish them all.

I’m already on my second bar of their Lavender Honey Soap which, in my opinion, is the best bedtime shower soap, ever. But then, it’s not always night time, is it? We also have mornings that we must pull ourselves our of bed, and indulge ourselves in a morning shower that is energizing, refreshing, and delightful!

When the word “spearmint” comes to mind, I am always reminded of “minty” and cool. I’m quite mad about minty stuff that I search for beauty products from head to foot that are quite minty. So when I saw bars Ilog Maria Spearmint Honey & Oatmeal Soaps in the store, I immediately grabbed one and decided to try it out!

One lazy but not to mention humid and hot morning, I decided to shower and give this bar of soap a try. It gave me a whiff of fresh and cool air as I lathered it on my skin, and as I finished bathing, my body felt very cool and refreshed. Yes, yes, yes. My day has started more than fine. More than fine – it was refreshing and it certainly felt good.

Good thing about it is that it did not feel the least sticky, and I felt my skin was still moisturized, as some minty soaps make skin feel icky and dry after washing. The Ilog Maria Spearmint Honey & Oatmeal Soap is one good bar that I’d love to repurchase again – a bigger bar, perhaps, for my wonderful morning showers!

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Contains Vitamin E Beads which gently burst onto your skin.

To all my kikay readers out there, let me just announce that I have a new favorite hand and body lotion, and it’s the Myra E Hand and Body Lotion!

I was able to try Myra E Hand and Body Lotion one hot summer day in my mom’s room. My mom is such a lotion addict, that she’d jump in glee whenever I’d give her lotions from Marks and Spencer, and recently, I’ve handed my Elizabeth Arden hand cream to her ( which is a cult favorite ), since she loved to collect lotions. I was fresh from a bath, and I became curious with a cute tube that says Myra E. I thought – Myra E has Vitamin E capsules, then they have their facial wash and moisturizers, now, they have hand and body lotions? How cool is that?

I tried it and as I got some product out of the tube, there were slight dots of yellow, which might be the Vitamin E beads. The consistency of the lotion was not too thick, and not watery at all. There was a light, but delightful fragrance that is guaranteed not to bother anyone ( because it’s really, really light but it just smells like there is some fragrance that I just can’t explain ). I applied it to the crucial parts of my body – my hands, my elbows, and my knees. Too much beach surely made my skin dry and I just need to moisturize before my skin flakes up. But really, I’m quite iffed with heavy lotions, that I just can’t take them.

Lo and behold, the Myra E Hand and Body Lotion feels cool to the skin, and absorbs really quickly that I did not even feel a tiny bit of “thin film” that most lotions usually give off, and the lotion did not rest on top of my skin – it was really absorbed by my skin in a matter of seconds, and I couldn’t be happier that I felt my skin softer, and still squeaky clean – I promise, not a trace of ickiness. I even apply this on my skin right after the shower before going to work- and work right now has been very hot, because of the weather. It’s how good this is.

As for the moisturizing factor, yes, it does make skin feel soft and smooth, but it’s very light. Not the intense moisturizer that you’d expect, but nonetheless enough for people who want adequate moisture for their everydays! It’s also perfect for summer, because it is guaranteed grease-less, and just feels like nothing, except with nicer skin!

Last but not the least, I’m sure this won’t hurt my pocket as I continue to stock up on these – a mini tube costs around 33, and a big one ( 100ml ) costs around 60+ php ( a dollar and a half to people residing in the US ). Ultimately worth, worth your money. I love it!

Now I understand why my mom was still looking for her Myra Hand and Body Lotion as I sneaked it in my handbag, and replaced it with Elizabeth Arden hand cream. Teehee.

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Last year, during bazaar season, I was able to bump into an old client of mine, Emily, and found out that her family’s into the beauty business, as well! I bumped into her during the Wack Wack Yuletide Blessings Bazaar and La Vista Bazaar as she and her siblings were manning a stall there that sold Nutrizen products.

And then of course, the curious kikay cat, me, started asking tons of questions.

Nutrizen turned out to be a company that exports virgin coconut oil based products abroad, and also sell some of their products here. I picked up a very wonderfully scented Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner from them, but lost it somewhere. * sniff *. In effect, I bought a bottle of Tea Tree Oil Shampoo to test it again ( review, to follow ). How could I resist? The scent is just too minty that I love it so much. Any minty shampoo entices me.

What I like about their products is that they are EVCO ( extra virgin coconut oil ) based. Quite smart thinking since we are abundant in coconut trees in the country, and we have such competitive advantage in terms of resources and costs, that are great for selling abroad. EVCO is one of the hottest organic ingredients because it has tons of benefits, namely being anti-inflammatory, anti-bacteria, and ultra moisturizing. All of the good, none of the bad. Only if you can stand the smell. haha. Not to worry because Nutrizen made it all bearable with their add-on scents.

I’m particularly eyeing their Coco Creme Body Scrub *sounds yummy and very beach-y*, and Coco Creme Bath. Perhaps I’ll get that in my next purchase.

I’ll have the post about the shampoo soon, and hopefully, a review of some of their products! For the meanwhile, do check out their site, it’s got tons of goodies that I’m sure that you’d love to try!

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Scion must be one of the mildest, and sneakiest roll-on deodorants that I have tried in my entire life. And I mean sneaky, because it doesn’t even make you feel that you have deo on, but you are assured of a day’s worth of freshness, no perspiration, and just an absolute clean feeling.

I’ve tried other deodorants in the market and they just smell so strong ( their fragrance are just too overboard ), and sadly, some stain the clothes like this certain popular mass consumer brand. I’ve had those problems in high school, but not anymore. I don’t perspire alot, but for a woman, it is such a great deal to have a security blanket over her to feel assured of a fresh fresh feelingall day long. Not to mention that it is non-intrusive to any perfume that you are going to wear for the day.

And yeah, no stains, no discolorations, whatsoever. It’s the invisible deodorant. I love it

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4. Flaking skin
With the course of Beauty & Minerals joining various bazaars, I’ve noticed that alot of my clients have complained about flaking skin. Yes, the abrupt drop in temperature further confuses the skin more, and makes it dry, flaky, even if it is oily. Confusion, confusion!

Solution : The fast way to get rid of the flakies superficially is after applying foundation, spritz it with Evian moisture mist. It makes the skin dewier, and hides the flakes. With the cold weather, be vigilant about applying moisturizer, even SPF, to keep the skin in balance.

5. Undereye problems
With so much stress, sleepless nights ( from either doing business, work, or even partying hehe ), it really shows in the undereyes. Darkness in the eye area brings the face down ( because of the dark color ), and makes the face look older. Who wants to go older? I’m sure I don’t want to, but with so much work, lately, I’ve been loathing on how I look like in the morning.

Solution : Aside from anti-stress supplements that help alot, water therapy would be really great into replenishing lost liquid from the skin. Eye cream applied every morning and evening would help moisturize the skin in the eye area, keep it supple and young-looking, and as for the color, let’s just hope there’s a great solution to combating dark undereyes. Superficial solutions include applying undereye concealer, and eye creams with temporary illuminizers with it ( like Body Shop’s ). Sleep is still the numero uno solution, so get some sleep while you can!

6. Chapped lips
We’re quite lucky that we live in a tropical country that we don’t get serious problems like cracked lips brought about by the weather being too cold. But then, with the drop of temperature ( again ), our lips tend to be really dry alot to the point that they become chapped. I know, this is an everyday problem for some, but the Holidays just triple the bad effect because it’s been super duper chilly!

Solution : Stock up on your holy grail lip balms. And I mean those that really work for you. Apply religiously , as needed, and when you’re in the bathroom , exfoliate lips every day, even for 5 seconds! Get your toothbrush and lightly brush your lips to get rid of the dead skin cells, for fresh lips everyday!

Well, there you go! All the Holiday woes that we all do not like. The Holidays are almost over, and I hope that everyone’s had great memories to cherish, and beautiful pictures of themselves, too! I hope everyone got to combat their Holiday kikay problems and are having a blast!

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One thing I know, that’s for sure, is that we’re all going to the organic trend. People are more wary about parabens, and chemicals that can harm the body, and want to switch to all natural products. The Natural Source is one of the new brands that has reached the Philippine shores to offer such healthy and organic delights to the skin and body!

The Natural Source is the world’s leading naturopathic skin care company that prides with its products primarily based on pure plant-extracts, free from animal testing, animal ingredients, nasty chemicals and preservatives or excessive, ecologically damaging packaging.Now , with the Holidays just around the corners, they have released Holiday gift sets quite easy on the pocket! Now, you can give your friends, loved ones and even yourself healthy beauty products that aren’t too heavy on the pockets!

The goodies that I’ve just checked out are too amazing for words. I’m running to the nearest The Natural Source branches to check them out to give to my vain vain girlfriends. I’m a sucker for body products so I’ll probably get the body washes, which to my mom’s glee, will take it away from me before the day ends! Haha! They’re quite affordable for such organic and natural products. A friend swears by the oil control properties of their mineral powder, as well!

In the Philippines, TNS is now open at Bldg. 8 Bonifacio Highstreet, Bonifacio Global City and at the 3rd level of TriNoma Mall in Quezon City, with shop in shop at the ground floor of Landmark Trinoma. TNS will also be opening at SM Cebu in December 2007.

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This coming November 30, everyone starts to shop and go bargain hunting for the best gifts for friends and family! Why not give out beauty products for Christmas like I do?Slimming products, that is!

Elancyl is having a one day only sale this November 30 at all Rustans Essenses branches, slashing off 25% on all their products. Great deal for this luxury French body care brand to do so, for everyone would all be guilty from the eating that they would be doing this coming Holiday season!

Grab a tube of their Slimming Serum ( which I recommend – it’s so serumish that it doesn’t make me feel icky! ) and be prepared to lose some inches after the Holidays!

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I have always wished that there was this miracle serum to lose weight. But in this day and age, almost all of my wishes are coming true ! Take for example, when I was in grade school, I wanted to take my wireless phone outside the house and take it to me to school as I call my mum and dad, and voila! In a few years – a mobile phone was invented!

Yes, we are close to having lotions or skin stuff that can make us lose weight!

Let’s start, however , with cellulite and orange peel skin. Check out Elancyl.

“The time-programmed texture of the Elancyl Lipo-Reducing Concentrate is the latest innovation from Galenic’s Elancyl Laboratories. The Elancyl Lipo-Reducing concentrate works naturally with the body’s biorhythm and releases an active ingredient called Phloridzine, unique only to Elancyl. Only a single application in the morning is needed and the formula acts throughout the day to ensure the diffusion of its active ingredients.

In the same formula, the Elancyl Lipo-Reducing Concentrate brings together the day time active ingredients and the night time active ingredients. Day time active ingredients include Caffeine, PEG-Ester and TEA-salicylate which are contained in a fluid-like gel. These active ingredients are released as soon as the product is applied on the skin, boosting the fat release process in the morning. Night time active ingredients are composed of the patented extract Phloridzine, the draining complex of Pilosella and Hesperidine Methyl Chalcone (HMC) which are enclosed in silicone microparticles. These are kept on the surface of the skin during the application of the product in order to reach the target cells later on. These active ingredients reduce the storage of fats and increase natural drainage of the body during the evening.

Biometrological studies and utilization tests were used to evaluate the anti-cellulite efficacy of the Elancyl Lipo-Reducing Concentrate. Results showed that the average centimetric loss of girth on the thighs treated in comparison with the non-treated thighs was 0.65 cm on the fourteenth day, with a maximum reduction of 2.9 cm. After 28 days of daily use, the results improved with an average loss of 0.81 cm, the maximum reaching 3.7 cm. The time-programmed texture of the Elancyl Lipo-Reducing Concentrate is the latest innovation from Galenic’s Elancyl Laboratories. The Elancyl Lipo-Reducing concentrate works naturally with the body’s biorhythm and releases an active ingredient called Phloridzine, unique only to Elancyl. Only a single application in the morning is needed and the formula acts throughout the day to ensure the diffusion of its active ingredients.

In the same formula, the Elancyl Lipo-Reducing Concentrate brings together the day time active ingredients and the night time active ingredients. Day time active ingredients include Caffeine, PEG-Ester and TEA-salicylate which are contained in a fluid-like gel. These active ingredients are released as soon as the product is applied on the skin, boosting the fat release process in the morning. Night time active ingredients are composed of the patented extract Phloridzine, the draining complex of Pilosella and Hesperidine Methyl Chalcone (HMC) which are enclosed in silicone microparticles. These are kept on the surface of the skin during the application of the product in order to reach the target cells later on. These active ingredients reduce the storage of fats and increase natural drainage of the body during the evening.

Biometrological studies and utilization tests were used to evaluate the anti-cellulite efficacy of the Elancyl Lipo-Reducing Concentrate. Results showed that the average centimetric loss of girth on the thighs treated in comparison with the non-treated thighs was 0.65 cm on the fourteenth day, with a maximum reduction of 2.9 cm. After 28 days of daily use, the results improved with an average loss of 0.81 cm, the maximum reaching 3.7 cm. ”

To cut it short, Elancyl will be able to kiss your cellulite and orange peel skin goodbye as long as you use it religiously. Unlike speedy liposuction, anti-cellulite treatments like these are very safe, but patience is required, for sure! You have to apply the treatment serum everyday to be able to lose a few centimeters in a few weeks. At least, I didn’t hear the word “blade” mentioned there!

Elancyl is sold at Essences, Rustans Makati.

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Here are some ideas on what kikay things you could do when you’re just sitting in the comfort of your own abodes!

Try to color your hair yourself, for the first time!
Indulge in a luxurious, relaxing, hot shower ( Sigh! )
During night time, indulge in a very slow, relaxing skin care ritual as you apply facial mask to pamper your skin!
Get a lipbalm and give your lips some lovin`! Cold weather makes lips dry and chappy.
Invade the pantry and the fridge for some natural hair recipes!
Join the Kikay Kits Contest – you just might win this Skin Care Set!

Once in awhile in our busy lives, this weather presents to us a great opportunity to slow down, and somehow, take care of ourselves as we relax the weekend off!

Happy weekend! I hope everyone gets the relaxation that they seek!

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