Shoeselfie | Shoes Of The Day: Primadonna Mary Janes

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A new #shoeselfie post, finally! 

I always gravitate towards chunky, vintage and preppy shoes. It's probably the comfort and style, or maybe because my hefty figure can pull it off. I just love shoes like this pair. They remind me of being in a Catholic school uniform again, but a little more funky and unorthodox. Oxford shoes will always have a spot in my heart. :)

Shoes: Primadonna

Tights: Forever 21

Proactiv 15-Day Maintenance Kit - Stay Pimple-Free When You Travel

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I love vacations. I love going out of town, long road trips, beautiful scenery, awesome food and meeting new people. I love travelling so much that I allot a budget to go on a trip at least once a year. My only woe about going on vacations is packing, especially toiletries. If you’re a frequent traveler like me, you know how much hassle and heavy it is to bring your toiletries with you.

My hair products alone would take up half of my backpack, how much more for my skin care products? 

If you’re in my place, what would you do? Do you just leave those products at home and travel light? Personally, I can’t live without them. Good thing there are those travel size bottles which I can bring for my hair products. How about for my skin care? Well, Proactiv has that covered. Finally.

Proactiv 15-Day Maintenance Kit

Proactiv 15-Day Maintenance Kit is now available in the Philippines. It’s compact and easy to carry, and comes with a Free Pouch and Free Refining Mask. The Proactiv Solution 15-Day Maintenance Kit is made especially for existing users of Proactiv who prefer a 15-day supply, and for regular users on the go.

I have an acne-prone skin, so leaving my Proactiv products when I travel is a major no-no. I don’t want to risk having any breakout on my vacation. That can ruin selfies and photos! That’s why I’m so glad that Proactiv 15 Day Maintenance Kit is finally available here because it is perfect for travel!

What’s the best way to leave acne behind? Never leave your Proactiv® behind! This handy travel kit makes it easy to maintain your acne-treatment regimen at the gym or on the road. Kit includes the complete 3-Step System-Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and Repairing Treatment-in three 1-oz. take-aboard bottles. Comes with Free Refining Mask! The snap-close pouch is 3.75 x 4.25 x 1.25 inches and fits easily into a backpack, purse or gym bag.

It is important for you to use your Proactiv Solution even when travelling because, obviously, zits and breakouts won’t give a damn even when you’re in vacation. And if you’re like me, zits always appear on those days I need them NOT to be there. Using the Proactiv® System every day, twice a day, is critical to maintaining clear skin. So it’s important to take Proactiv with you wherever you go. Proactiv 15-Day Maintenance Kit has everything you need to maintain your regimen, no matter where you are. The handy carrying pouch includes convenient 1-ounce bottles (approved for airport security) of your complete 3-Step System: Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Treatment. It’s perfect for the gym or locker room, business trips or weekend getaways!

Just in case you’re not paying attention, Proactiv works by intervening in the process of acne-formation therefore resulting to the treatment of your existing blemishes, and at the same time giving you the protection of preventing future pimples from ever appearing again.

From the moment you are born, your skin begins a lifelong process of shedding dead cells and producing oil. This process can be disrupted by your hormone balance, which throughout your life. The acne cycle is initiated when excess oil and dead skin cells combine to plug the pore of a hair follicle; behind the plugged pore, bacteria grow and multiply, triggering inflammation and swelling. That’s an acne blemish.

Proactiv intervenes in this process by:

1. Killing the acne-causing bacteria

2. Reducing swelling and redness of existing pimples

3. Preventing pores from being clogged

4. Removing dead skin cells thru mild exfoliation

5. Removing excess oils 

Got it? Good. Now we don't have any excuse to take our skin for granted when we're traveling! Hello more perfect selfies and group photos! :)

Proactiv Solution 15-Day Maintenance kit is Php 1,650 ONLY-- available at selected Watsons and SM Department stores nationwide.

BDJBOX Beauty Social Tres Chic | March 23 at SM Aura

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Calling all my fellow Bellas! 

It's that time once again where we can celebrate our most gorgeous self together!

Come and join the BDJBOX Beauty Social Tres Chic!

Skin care, makeup and hair care brands will be there to share tips and tricks to us girls!

It'll be held in Samsung Hall at SM Aura on March 23, 2014.

I'll be attending the Colors of Summer talk by Carmel Villongco.

Want to attend this event? See the details below!

See you Bellas on Sunday!

Hair Care Products | What I Currently Use And Avoid

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Because I love experimenting and styling my hair, I always get questions on how I take care of it: what products do I use to prevent/cure damage, what products do I avoid, etc. 

Before continuing with this post, please bear in mind that I'm not a professional about this topic. I'm basing this post in my personal experience as a beauty enthusiast, so this post is just for the sake of sharing what works for me in the hopes that it will work for you too. :)

This post is long overdue, but I just wanted to test out the products at least for a month or so before vouching for them. So here it is! :)

After almost 2 years of dyeing my hair blonde, it really took a toll on my hair's health. So when I finally mustered up the courage to have it darkened, I also made a commitment to care for it religiously.

I did my research and found out which products (or ingredients) I should avoid when buying hair products.

Going Sulfate-Free

I chose to buy hair shampoo and conditioner that are sulfate-free. Sulfates can strip off the moisture from your hair, making it dull and dry. It can also lead to hair loss and scalp irritation. For color-treated hair, using sulfate-free products is a must to keep the color in tact longer.

 L'Oreal's Ever Pure Sulfate-free Shampoo and Conditioner

I'm currently using (and loving!!!) L'Oreal's Ever Pure Sulfate-free Shampoo and Conditioner for color-treated hair. I love the scent and the minty cool feeling it leaves on my scalp. The shampoo by itself is already moisturizing, but I still use the conditioner for some extra TLC for my hair.

L'Oreal Ever Sleek Sulfate-Free and Silicone-Free shampoo and Conditioner

I also use L'Oreal Ever Sleek Sulfate-Free and Silicone-Free shampoo and Conditioner for straightened/rebonded hair (alternating with the one for color-treated hair). I have yet to try the variant for overprocessed hair. So far, I love the ones for color-treated hair better. :)

Snoe Hair Heroes Intense Argan Oil and Snoe Hair Heroes Extreme

Whenever I feel like indulging my hair, I use Snoe Hair Heroes Intense Argan Oil or Snoe Hair Heroes Extreme (which has emu and acai). They're both sulfate-free so yey!!! I love the latter better because it's not too potent, so it doesn't weigh my hair down even when I apply some on my scalp.

Silicones?

In one of my posts on Instagram (@ayzeecasimiro), I said silicones are bad for our hair, especially to color-treated hair. Let me just expound on that.

What I meant was, silicones that are NOT water soluble can cause damage in the long run. How? When our hair is coated with silicone from our hair products, our hair will obviously be very behaved: shiny, smooth, tangle-free. It will be a dream! But what happens in the long run? When silicones accumulate in our hair, it will create a thick coating that will prevent (or at least affect) future hair treatments to work fully and properly. 

Honestly, I can't avoid products with silicone since most (if not all) products for color-treated hair has at least one type of silicone. What do I do to minimize the damage it could cause? I use a cleansing/clarifying shampoo every 2 weeks.

Snoe Hair Heros Drunken Master Creme Wash

I recommend Snoe Hair Heros Drunken Master Creme Wash. I don't use it regularly because it doesn't say "zero sulfates". Personally, I'd rather avoid sulfates than silicone. But that's just me.

Schwarzkopf Bona Cure Hair Therapy Color Freeze Treatment

Once a month, I use Schwarzkopf Bona Cure Hair Therapy Color Freeze Treatment. I bought this at FnH Famous Salon. The assistant stylist (I forgot her name. huhu!) recommended it to me so that I can just do it at home, and save money. It costs 1,200+, which is just around the price of the hair treatment I got that day. She said the tub should last at least 4-5 months for my hair. I've use it thrice already, and I love it! It's not the most "softening" treatment, but it sure does make my color look vibrant!

Kerastase Chroma Thermique Leave-in Treatment or Osmo Berber Oil with Argan Oil

I also apply Kerastase Chroma Thermique Leave-in Treatment or Osmo Berber Oil with Argan Oil religiously when my hair is about 80% dry to keep my hair soft and frizz-free. I also read somewhere that I should use a detangler before I comb my freshly bathed hair, but so far I think I can get away without it. :)

So that's my new new hair care routine. Did you do something different to your hair? Planning to do something new with your hair? I would love to know! :)

By the way, if you want a more in-depth review of any of the products mentioned above, just let me know by leaving a comment here or by messaging me via my Facebook Page (hopefully you're already a fan. Hihi!) You can also just tweet me. ;)

My next hair post is about the styling products that I'm currently using. Please watch out for that. :)

Proactiv Skin Care Advisors | Ms. Jean Tamayo of TriNoma Branch

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As a self-confessed shopaholic, I've encountered all types or at least most types of sales people. 

The annoyingly clingy who won't give you your space as a shopper, the one who will "hard sell" everything even when you already know what you want/need, the one who doesn't give a fudge because he/she is too tired or preoccupied with something else, the flirt who'll shower you with compliments and sometimes ask for your name and/or number and the perfect one; the one who'll answer all your questions with sincerity, wouldn't push you in buying anything and would make you want to come back because you trust him/her.

The latter one is very hard to come by. I always try to commend sales people like that because I think they're such gems that their employers should take good care of them.

Last January of this year, Proactiv launched the Proactiv Skin Care Advisor Program. What that means is that their Skin Care Advisors at selected Watson's counters and Proaciv kiosks should be able to handle queries about the products proficiently, accommodate customers even those who aren't necessarily buying anything, with the hopes of possibly go back because of the rapport they've built with the customer. That's a tough job to do especially when you're selling skincare products that are a bit expensive. 

I went to their TriNoma branch a few nights back. I just came off from work and decided to have a consultation around that time. Why? I notice that that's a critical time for people in the service industry. That's the time wherein most of them are already tired and exhausted. Some are even no longer accommodating during those hour. I think that's the perfect scenario to see how they'll take care of their customers. :)



I was able to consult with Ms. Jean Tamayo. I also intentionally wore a casual outfit because I notice I get special treatments whenever I'm in my usual corporate attire. (When people think you're a boss, they're extra nice to you. LOL) I casually passed by the counter, walking slowly. I approached the counter, and Ms. Jean greeted me with a smile. I asked a few questions, specifically about my acne scars. I tend to have cystic acne on my jawline, which always leave a nasty pigment.

Knowing Proactiv doesn't have an "acne scar treatment", I thought she'll pitch a product that I know wouldn't work. Surprisingly, she didn't. But she did mention that the toner in the complete kit would help in lightening the spots but that won't totally remove it. Honesty? Passed!

She also suggested their refining mask, for my cystic acne problems. She taught me how to use it in 2 ways: on my face for a few minutes or leave it overnight on the pimple itself. Proactive-ness? Passed!

I also asked her what she could recommend to my sister who gets body acne every now and then. She said my sister can use their deep cleansing wash. It can be used for both face and body. It will last a long time so it's definitely worth every Peso. Proficiency? Passed!

But what is the most important factor for me? Even though she can tell that I won't be buying right at that moment, she still took her time to explain everything to me. She didn't even "sell" anything to me! She just answered my questions and made suggestions on my problems. THAT'S A BIG DEAL. I really don't like the feeling of being "persuaded" or "enforced" to buy something. It seems a little too manipulative for me, so I really appreciate her just being a good listener and gave suggestions that could work. I like the feeling of being valued without having to buy anything. I think that's what the sales industry is doing wrong nowadays: most of them are only nice when they know or think the customer will shell out money.

So what is my verdict to Ms. Jean Tamayo?

5 out of 5!

I actually already know some of the stuff she discussed, especially about the products since I've reviewed them already, which is good because I know she didn't hype anything. She was very accommodating, sincere and made me feel like we're friends. She's someone you'd want to talk to because you'll know she just wants to help you out.

If you're in the area and need help with acne, swing by Proactiv Kiosk at TriNoma. It's in front of Reebok. :)

Vikings SM Megamall Opens on March 2014

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Great news to my fellow foodies who are always in the Ortigas area!

Vikings, the largest buffet restaurant in the Philippines, is coming to SM Megamall this March 2014!

As a special treat to all their fans, Vikings SM Megamall will offer a 20% discount on their opening week!

1) Guests will receive 20% discount on his/her individual bill if he/she "Likes" their official Vikings SM Megamall Facebook page.

2) The "fan" may only avail this discount once during the promo period.

3) The "fan" will be asked to prove that he/she has "Like"d our page through their own smartphone or through an iPad available at Vikings.

4) This promo can't be used in conjunction with other in-house promotions or discounts.

5) This promo period is available only on the week of opening* (TO BE ANNOUNCED).

6) This promo is only valid at Vikings SM Megamall.

For news and updates, Like and Follow them!

Vikings SM Megamall

4th Level, Mega Fashion Hall

Facebook: Vikings SM Megamall

Twitter: @vikingsbuffet

Instagram: @vikingsluxurybuffet

Network for Enterprising Women (NEW) - 7th Annual Women Entrepreneurs Conference

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Living up to the organization's mission, the Network for Enterprising Women(NEW) in cooperation with RCBC is organizing the 7th Annual Women Entrepreneurs Conference from 8:00am to 12:30pm on March 15, 2014 (Saturday) at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Makati Avenue, Makati City.  

The Conference will include topics on Ins and Outs of Franchising, Digital Marketing and Women Empowerment through Entrepreneurship. Our last six conferences had over 200 participants to include women from top corporations, entrepreneurs of small and medium sized businesses, teachers, students and graduates of entrepreneurship courses, officers, and middle managers of government agencies and local government units, overseas Filipino workers and their families and also gender advocates in NGO’s and government.  We also expect men from the private and public sectors to attend this program. 

This conference aims to be a venue for facilitating opportunities for trade and development between existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, business oriented organizations and the potential market. Through this project, NEW, hopes to promote the values of social responsibility, youth collaboration and leadership.

Participant Fee (inclusive of breakfast):

1) Early bird rate if paid on or before February 28, 2014: Php 1,000

2) Regular Rate / Walk-in Rate :  Php 1,500

3) NEW members:  Php 1,000

4) Special Student rate:  Php 700

Each participant will also be given a  FREE GIFT PACK from our sponsors. 

Payments can be made through Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) under Network for Enterprising Women, Manila Assn, Inc., Checking Account # 4481-0051-46. Please bring your deposit slips on the day of the event for re-validation.

If you want to become a member of NEW, you can apply on this day. 

We have an annual membership fee of Php 2500.  

For inquiries and reservations, please call 908-2558 / 0917-5408697 or email info@new.com.ph.  

To register online, log on to www.facebook.com/networkforenterprisingwomen.