Monday, November 28, 2011

Face Mapping

Do you know that your overall health condition can be seen just by noticing where you get most of your breakouts on your face? If you're breaking out mostly on some part of your face, it might be an indication of some internal causes. We may apply topical treatments to dry out all of the acne but it will still come back if the internal culprits are not halted. Although face mapping may seem to be too general in the causes that it shows, it does not necessarily mean that when you get an acne on some part of your face it means that you already have internal problems.

So if you're breaking out alot on your:

FOREHEAD

CAUSES: Digestive problems (hard time breaking down certain foods); Small intestine issues; Liver issues; Irregular sleep schedule; Stress; Bad tempers; Too much worrying; Too much sugary foods; Toxin build-up; Hair products; Bangs; Wearing dirty caps/hats

TEMPLES AND BETWEEN BROWS

CAUSES:
(TEMPLES) Poor lymphatic circulation; Diet too high in fat; Gallbladder issues; Too much processed food

(BETWEEN BROWS) Weak heart; Too much alcohol; Too much tobacco

LEFT CHEEK

CAUSES: Liver; Overeating; Nutrition hard to absorb; Stress; Stomach problems; Dirty cell phones; Dirty pillow cases; Dirty makeup brushes; Blush

RIGHT CHEEK

CAUSES: Lungs; Allergies; Stress; Stomach problems; Too much sugar; Dirty cell phones; Dirty pillow cases; Dirty makeup brushes; Blush

NOSE

CAUSES: Poor diet; Constipation; Bloating; Gastrointestinal imbalance; Indigestion; Poor blood circulation if skin on nose peels

LIP AREA

CAUSES: Constipation; Irregular bowels; Too much spicy or fried foods; Toothpaste

CHIN AND JAW

CAUSES: Hormonal problems; Gynecological issues; Kidney imbalance (for under the face/chin pimples); Resting hands on face; Toothpaste

AROUND THE EARS

CAUSES: Lack of water; Too much salt on diet

I even made a drawing :)

According to Skinacea.com, there are a number of remedies that can be done to prevent and halt the increase of acne in each facial region mentioned above.

FOREHEAD

Go to bed early (10pm) and wake up early (6am). Even if you can't fall asleep. it's good to relax so your liver can rest and be ready for work the next day
Drink plenty of water
20-30 minutes of light exercise every day, especially outdoors
Practice relaxation techniques to worry less
Get enough sleep with a regular sleep schedule
Eat healthy foods, chewing thoroughly
Better hygiene (washing hair, hats)

TEMPLES

Eat less processed food, junk food, and fast food
Reduce the amount of fat in your diet
Eat cooling foods like bitter melon, cucumbers, and gourds

BETWEEN EYEBROWS

Exercise, but avoid strenuous exercise
Get more sleep
Avoid alcohol
Avoid smoking

NOSE

Eat less pungent foods (spices, garlic, etc)
Eat less meat
Eat warm temperature foods (not too cold or hot)
Get more fresh air
Exercise everyday (like going for a walk)
Massage the area around your nose
Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin B

LEFT CHEEK

Maintain a normal daily routine
Try to keep a positive mood
Don't let your body overheat
Eat more cooling foods such as gourds, winter melons, and green beans
Don't overeat
Try to decompress and relax
The liver is the strongest from 1-3 AM. This is when you should be sleeping
The liver is weakest at 1-5 PM, so schedule difficult work for the morning
If you have to work in the afternoon, rest your eyes for 5 minutes every hour
Practice proper hygiene

RIGHT CHEEK

Avoid fast food and junk food
Avoid mango, taro root, wine, and seafood or other foods you may be sensitive to
Eat less sugar
Get more fresh air
The lung is strongest at 7-9 AM. This is the best time for aerobic exercise
Practice proper hygiene

LIP AREA

Eat more fiber
Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet
Eat less spicy and fried foods
Massage abdominal area in a clockwise motion
Change your toothpaste

CHIN AND JAW AREA

Reduce the habit of eating before bed
Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables
Get more rest
Get your hormones checked
Get 20 minutes of exercise each day
Sleep early and wake up early
Massage your body for relaxation
Practice proper hygiene

AROUND THE EARS

Drink more than 1L of water every day
Avoid eating junk foods
Avoid salty foods
Avoid processed foods

A lot of the above suggested remedies focus more on lifestyle and diet changes than topical treatments. You don't have to follow them exactly (I sure don't), but I have come to realize that living a healthier and happier life tends to complement getting better skin.

Keep yourself healthy,

Pascaley

SOJU drinking games

According to Trifood.com, Soju is the best known liquor from Korea. It is distilled, vodka-like, rice liquor with high potency and often flavoured similarly. It is smooth and clean in taste, which makes it easy to drink in combination with various Korean dishes. The main ingredient of soju is rice, almost always in combination with other ingredients such as wheat, barley, or sweet potatoes. Soju is clear-colored and typically varies in alcohol content from 10% to 25% proof. It was first known to have been distilled around 1300 A.D.

Last Friday, I went out with my friends. We ate some Korean food and drank Soju.

And one of them taught the whole group some games that can be played while drinking Soju.

GUESS THE NUMBER
- Every Soju bottle cap contains a number inside it. I'm not sure if it's somekind of an item manufacturing number or the manufacturer of the Soju bottle caps intended to leave a number there to create a game for Soju drinkers but anyhow, playing this game is fun and very interactive.

Gaming instructions:
Someone (only one person) in the group has to look at the number inside the cap. This person will be the "host" of the game. The players must guess the number in a clockwise order with the host only replying them with the words "higher" or "lower". The person who can guess the number correctly has to drink one whole shot glass of soju.

FLICK THE TWISTED CAP METAL
- You know how every metal bottle caps have the remaining metal springing out like this?

Gaming instructions:
The person starting the game must twist the metal fully (in the direction given in the picture) without separating it from the cap itself. After twisting it fully, the players will have to flick the metal in a clockwise order. If the person who flicks and removes it is a MALE, all the female players have to drink one whole shot glass of soju. And if the person who flicks and removes it is a FEMALE, then all male players will have to drink one whole shot glass of soju.

SPIN THE BOTTLE
- Assuming that the group has already finished a couple or a few bottles of Soju, then the group can use one empty bottle.

Gaming instructions:
Place the empty bottle in the middle of the group (the group must sit in a circular order), spin the bottle, and the person pointed by the bottle when it stops should drink a whole shot glass of soju.

NEVER HAVE I EVER
- A game which you can use to know your friends more. LOL.

Gaming instructions:
the first player says a simple statement starting with "Never have I ever ......." (eg. Never have I ever talked to strangers on the street; or Never have I ever evaded paying my debts to people).Anyone who has done what the first player has not must drink one whole shot glass of soju. Each player gets to say a statement in an orderly manner.

These games make every drinking time with friends fun and interactive instead of being idle and boring.

Have fun,

Pascaley

Acne and Proactiv Solution

Hello everyone? How's everyone doing these days? For me, I've been enjoying my holidays to the point that I have been out everyday last week. It was fun. I'm actually thinking of writing a blogpost about some "drinking" games that I've learned last time I went out with my friends. For today, I will blog about my skin, acne, and the Proactiv solution.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased with the author's own money. The products mentioned may have different reactions when applied by different people.

First of all, I would like to introduce my skin type to you guys. I have a combination to oily skin type which is:

Oily on all parts of the face (T-zone and cheeks)
Very sensitive to different products
Acne prone
Have hyperpigmentations

So, all of you must have imagined how it is already. Well, 5 months ago, I still clearly remember that it was winter time here in Australia, I had a lot of acne to the point that I was really desperate to try everything just to get rid of it. I know that having acne or pimples is a situation that everyone goes through and is very normal but the feeling that it gives you is not really a pleasant one. I admit that I felt really down, embarrassed, and hurt due to my acne. All in all, it has affected my confidence. I just kept telling myself that although I don't have flawless skin, "people will love me for who I am".

I really don't have any idea why I was having a lot of acne ever since I arrived Australia. I am not sure if it's because of the food that I eat, the climate, the water, or the environment. All I know is that I am having a lot of it on my forehead.

So, 5 months ago, I decided to use Proactiv again. I have used it last year but I think it didn't work at that time, or maybe I just wasn't patient to wait for the results. But now, I have seen the results.

Warning: This might look really gross but I just want to show you guys the before and after 5 months difference

after 5 months of using Proactiv Solution

As you can see the difference, in the Before photo:

red cystic acnes
acne scars

After photo:

only 2 active acnes
no redness
acne scars left by the previous cystic acnes
most of the scars have already faded

I could say that the Proactiv Solution have really helped my skin externally.

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But what is Proactiv anyway? According to Proactiv's website, Proactiv is a range of blemish control and skin care products that combine powerful ingredients that work to prevent and control blemishes, as well as keep skin clear and beautiful.

The secret to what makes Proactiv so incredibly effective at clearing and preventing spots is the Proactiv system, with our exclusive Benzoyl Peroxide microcrystal technology. It penetrates fast to deliver rapid pimple-fighting action.

Proactiv's Benzoyl Peroxide is more finely milled, so it can penetrate deep into the pore where it belongs. Watch as forehead blemishes vanish! Stubborn breakouts on the chin and jaw line disappear! Proactiv clears blemishes on your back, neck and shoulders too.

Proactiv is different because it is designed to fight existing pimples and control future breakouts before they even surface on your skin. Proactiv is designed to be used on the entire blemish prone area every day and because it’s formulated with soothing botanicals like allantoin, panthenol, aloe and chamomile, it leaves your skin feeling smooth, healthy and hydrated.
Our exclusive Proactiv system means rapid zit fighting action. With Proactiv, it's micro, and it works.

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So that's what it claims to do. And as you saw from my before and after photo, it really worked the same way as how it claims to. =)

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The Proactiv System daily routine

* for the first 3 days: must do a patch test of Step 1 and Step 3 on jawline

Deep Cleansing Wash
Step 2 Toner
Step 3 Repair (only add this in the AM routine after 3 weeks)
Oil free moisture
Face sunscreen

Step 1 Cleanse
Step 2 Toner
Step 3 Repair

My routine is more than the basic 3 steps of the Proactiv skin care system because it has a Deep Cleansing Wash. I think all of these cost me more than AU$100.

Here are the swatches of the products and some description:

DEEP CLEANSING WASH: cleanser for the AM routine. a moderately foamy face wash with blue beads in it. when used to wash the face, it gives a menthol-ly feeling. My favourite wash product from Proactiv.

Step 2 TONE: a lotion-type toner (sticky) that you apply after washing your face. Scent: mild. sometimes gives you a stingy feeling when your skin is too dry after washing.

Step 1 CLEANSE: cleanser for PM routine. Does not create any form of foam. Has white micro beads that will slough off the dead skin cells on your face.

Step 3 REPAIR: a lotion that repairs your breakouts. only applied in a pea-sized amount, will cause scaly-dryness if applied excessively.

OIL FREE MOISTURISER with SPF 15: light moisturiser used as a top coat of moisturiser every AM. should be topped with a separate sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful sun rays.

So I guess that's about it. My skin is not totally healed yet but I am going to see a dermatologist soon. Always remember that when you have acne, there is a solution for that. It might not be Proactiv but it can be and there should be something else that could cure it. Just keep on trying and don't lose hope because you're not alone. Seek help if you can and always remember that this is a common skin condition. Your loved ones will love you for who you are and not for how you look.

Always,

Pascaley

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Lipsticks, Lipbalms, Lip tints, and Lipglosses: Mini Haul/ Review

Hi! I have been writing entries more often now since I am already on holidays! (Yes! 2 months of it, baby!) And since, I've been thinking on what else should I put on my blog other than the style icons or my random rants. So I came up with this idea of showing you guys and I guess I would do a mini haul/review (for the first time ever) of my most used lippies.

I am obsessed with lip products eversince I was young. I always had those little lipshiner keyholders, that my mom used to buy for me when she goes to overseas, hanging on the zipper of my school bag, or on my ID card lace, and as far as I can remember, I used to go over my older sister's vanity drawers and try out all the lip products that she had. LOL. Ok, enough of the chitty chatty and let's get down to business.

Here's what I got for my most used lipbalms and lipglosses:

1. Lucas' papaw ointment

- I should say that this ointment is so much like Vaseline petroleum jelly. It makes any rough skin super soft and smooth especially when left overnight. I put this on my lips after I take a shower at night and leave it on 'till the next day. At the back of the tube it is written that this papaw ointment can also be used or applied for boils, burns, chafing, cuts, cracked skin, gravel rash, splinters, open wounds, insect bites and nappy rash.

2. Dior Kiss in 118 Barbe a papa/ Cotton Candy

- This actually came with 5 other colours in one box but I think I gave away the others to my cousins. This lipgloss never fails to give me the extra shine that I need when I apply very matte lipsticks. It applies smoothly and makes my lips look so dewy and watery. (lol, drooling look?)

3. Prestige Jetstream lipgloss

- This is one of those lipglosses that you has a mechanism where you have to twist the bottom to squeeze the product out. The gloss is shiny, and I don't use it that often but I still like to keep it with me.

4. The Face Shop fresh lip balm in RD 301

- A very nice quality lip balm. I love the yummy cherry scent of this lip balm. I think I bought it a year or two years ago but I still haven't finished it all up until now.

5. Mentholatum medicated lipbalm

- My bf's sister gave this to me when I visited them in China. The brand Mentholatum is a very reliable brand in China and this lip balm is widely used in there. As per its brand name, the balm is made up with some menthol so when you apply it on your lips, it gives you that mentho-ly feeling.

6. Vaseline Lip Therapy in Cherry

- I always use this balm as a base before apply any lipstick. It's just like a normal petroleum jelly that feels lighter and softer. It also has a flavour and a scent.

7. TonyMoly Petite bunny gloss bar in 04

- Bought this because it looks really cute. It can be used alone as a "lipstick" substitute because its texture is matte and its colour pigment is good enough.

For Liptints:

1. The Body Shop lip and cheek stain (rose pink 01)

2. Sportsgirl lip and cheek tint (discontinued)

3. TonyMoly lip tint (cherry pink)

I really love lip and cheek tint/stains because they are very multi-purpose and very handy. I can bring it even when I'm just carrying a small purse. I use this for an instant pick-me-up especially when I stay in the uni for the whole day since it's not practical to carry all of my makeup one by one like my blush-on, lipstick, and all. So I just use this. A little dab on the lips and on the cheek and I instantly look fresh again. :) My favourite is the Body Shop lip and Cheek stain which is around AU$28 so I'm gonna buy a lot of this when I get back to the Philippines.

Favourite Lipsticks:

1. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 52 Fetiche

2. Natio Lip colour in Spring

3. Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de gloss in 61 Fatale

If you have noticed that I sticked with warm reddish colours with pink undertones for my lipsticks. I personally prefer these shades because I think it flatters my skin tone and it gives me the natural look that I want for everyday use. As of now, I don't have other lippy shades that are not monochromatic with these ones. (3) is not really a lipstick but it is a lipgloss, I just categorised it with the lipsticks because it is super pigmented. The Chanel lip products mentioned above are very hydrating for the lips. The coco shine is more like a hydrating lipstick that gives a natural shine to the lips, its not matte. Natio lip colour is like a basic creamy lipstick.

Here are some swatches

(L-R) 1. Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de gloss in 61 Fatale, 2. Natio Lip colour in Spring, 3. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 52 Fetiche

I hope the post wasn't that long! :)

for all ya'll lippy junkies, you're not alone. :) -Pascaley

Monday, November 21, 2011

Creepy Footwear

While browsing through Prada's website, I stumbled upon Prada's Mary Jane Knee-high boots from its F/W 2011 Collection. I should say that this US$1400-priced pair of boots reminds me of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and makes me imagine how a chopped-off leg from a very classy woman would look. Creepy!

I know that its starting to get cold and wintry in the northern-hemisphere at this moment but isn't this going to scare your mates' heads out? LOL.

Still have cravings to see more creepy footwear? Scroll down mate.

LOL,

Pascaley

Signature Styles

noun

1. any name, symbol, figure, letter, word, or mark adopted and used by a manufacturer or merchant in order to designate his or her goods and to distinguish them from those manufactured or sold by others. A trademark is a proprietary term that is usually registered with the Patent and Trademark Office to assure its exclusive use by its owner.

2. a distinctive mark or feature particularly characteristic of or identified with a person or thing.

It's funny how I think that a pair of laced-up sneakers with a red lining on its soles is a Converse and it turns out to be something else. Although I was pretty sure that the style was Converse-like, it wasn't. It was just my own prejudice that decided to identify it as a pair of Converse sneakers. But really, signature styles or "Trademarks" of things make us remember which is which or such. For other things such as fabrics used for purses, shoes, or its design, it's easier to identify which brand or what's it made of when you know a material or a brand's signature look.

BALENCIAGA

Who would forget Balenciaga's signature studs and fringes? This style caused commotion to the world's fashion industry as it has brought back the glamour of fringes and the boho look.

CHANEL

How about Chanel's quilted purses and chains for the bag handles? Everytime I see a bag with chain handles, all I can think of is Chanel.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

For Alexander Mcqueen, it's the skulls! Definitely it is the skulls!

MISSONI

Missoni's trademark: the colourful chevron-zigzag patterns. When you see these bold and bright zig-zag patterns on collections shown from fashion show catwalks or in just some random stuff such as throw pillow cases or rugs, it's definitely a Missoni or something inspired by it.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

Sophisticated bow designs on shoes? It must be a Salvatore Ferragamo!

BURBERRY

Burberry's plaid is something that really marks almost all of their products from shirts to bags and even their shoes. The plaid maybe be harmonised by different colours of backgrounds but the essence of Burberry's signature plaid remains.

JIMMY CHOO

Jimmy Choo's belt-ish designs made me think that it is the signature look for this specific brand which rocks an edgy and stylish look.

CHLOE

I don't know but everytime I pay a visit to the department stores, all Chloe bags that I see have this hard U-shaped design. It must be Chloe's signature look? Or my eyes just have problems.

MULBERRY

And who would not recognise a down-to-earth-ish sling messenger bag with a braided handle named after Alexa Chung? Ofcourse no one (!) would dare coz it's Mulberry's signature look.

These are some of the trademarks that I have eyed-on. How about you guys? Have you experienced thinking that something is a __ because of how it looks? :)

Always,

Pascaley

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Jung Saem Mool

Hi everyone! While I was browsing for some make-up videos in YouTube today, I came across a woman who is a very good make-up artist. She did the make-up for very popular and beautiful Korean actors and actresses such as Song Hye Kyo, Lee Hyo Ri, Jeon Ji Hyun, and Kim Tae Hee. Her specialty is Korean make-up artistry as she is a Korean, herself.

"Colorful Story"

You can check out her make-up videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/jungsaemmool

Style Icon: LEIGHTON MEESTER

If you have watched Gossip Girl, rocked the parties with the song "Good Girl's Go Bad", or seen a Herbal Essences advertisement, you might have encountered the name of a stunning brunette-haired lady that have made us exclaim "Oooh..." and "Aaaaah..." with her gorgeous smile, fashion-forward looks, and traditional elegance.

Her name is Leighton Meester.

An endorser of campaigns, ads, and products such as Vera Wang's Lovestruck, Nikon's coolpix series, Reebok's Top Down sneakers, Herbal Essences hair products, and more. She also graced us with her acting skills in a number of movies and most-especially in the TV series of Gossip Girl as Blair Waldorf.

Whether in the set or just strolling around town, she manages to be stylish and look so fab.

Don't you just love her?

xoxo,