Skincare Routine: What To Do For Pigmentation Issues.

We all have our own skincare routines, regardless of age and gender. Yet, we cannot fail to mention that women are far more interested in keeping their skin healthy than most men. Well, okay, men are interested in this too. It’s just that women pay more attention to some things and they usually use much more products to try and keep their skin fresh and healthy. The reason I am mentioning these differences between genders in the first place is that hyperpigmentation, further explained here, usually affects women more than men.

If you’ve done any research on skin health previously, then you probably already know what pigmentation issues are. In short, hyperpigmentation refers to those patches of skin that tend to get darker than the surrounding areas. It is generally a harmless condition, but some people are still not happy about it and they want to do something to reduce the problem or possibly get rid of it altogether.

In case you’re now wondering whether this issue can be treated at all, the answer is yes. Of course, if you don’t want to do it, you should know that it doesn’t really require treatment. As I have explained, it is completely harmful. Yet, if you do want to try and resolve this problem, you should at least know how to do it the right way. In other words, you need to know how to create the perfect skincare routine to get rid of hyperpigmentation.

Well, if you are ready to learn about the right routine, you should keep reading. I’ll tell you what you need to know in order to actually create the perfect routine for you. The tips I’ll share will, hopefully, help you understand which steps you should take when aiming at getting rid of hyperpigmentation for good. Here we go.

1. Make Sure To Pick The Right Products

As you probably could have guessed it on your own, it all begins with choosing the right products for pigmentation issues. After all, if you start using some poor-quality products, you are highly unlikely to get the results that you desire. This is why you need to be quite thorough when researching the various products that are sold on the market these days since you don’t want to wind up buying something that is of terrible quality and that could even affect your skin negatively.

The most significant thing to do when trying to find these products is research the actual brands. Check their reputation and have a look at any types of comments that people have left regarding their products. Of course, don’t forget to also check the ingredients, so as to get a better idea about the safety and the quality of the goods that you are considering.

Photo credit: Alena Darmel on Pexels.

2. Start Your Day With A Cleanser

Once you’ve chosen the right products, you’ll be ready to start your routine. When you wake up in the morning, always start your day with a cleanser. Sure, you can exfoliate before that if you are used to doing it, but a cleanser is undeniably a must. You should also use it in the evening if you want the routine to be perfect, but it is highly important to start your day with it.

3. Use An Antioxidant

Since your goal here is to prevent UV rays from darkening the spots and to generally reduce sun damage, you should add an antioxidant to your routine. That can be vitamin C or E, or even niacinimide. The bottom line is that an antioxidant will help prevent sun damage, which is certainly extremely important when talking about hyperpigmentation. Get some more recommendations here: https://makeupandbeauty.com/skincare-routine-recommendation-pigmented-skin/

Photo credit: Armin Rimoldi on Pexels.

4. Moisturize

Moisturizing is undeniably an important step of the routine as well. You should use a moisturizer after cleansing and after applying the serum. Make sure to choose the right moisturizer for your specific skin, so that you can be sure that it is protecting you well.

5. Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen

We cannot talk about sun damage protection without mentioning sunscreen, can we? While some people tend to use those 2 in 1 one products, i.e. a combination of moisturizers and sunscreens, you should actually use separate ones for better protection. A mineral-based sunscreen is always a good option.

7 Makeup Tips On How To Look Younger.

One of the worst things about getting older, is the fading away of your youthful looks and vibrancy. It is a cross that most people must bear. However, there are still some ways that you could hide the ravages of age.

One effective way, is to use makeup. However, if you don’t know how to use it properly, you’ll make yourself look older in the long run.Here are some makeup tips on how to look younger.

Yoon Eun Hye says moisturizing is the key to great skin.

1. Utilize Moisturizer Before You Apply Makeup

Before you apply any type of makeup on yourself, it is very important that you apply moisturizer first. Remember that most kinds of skin tend to get dry throughout the day. In response to this drying process, the skin tends to get very oily in the process.

By applying moisturizer to your face before you put on makeup, you will at least keep it as well-moisturized and supple as possible. As a rule, it is important that you have packets of moisturizer with you. This will allow you to constantly moisturize your face on a regular basis. However, it would be a bit difficult to constantly bring with you a big bottle full of moisturizer.

On the other hand, if you bring with you a small sized bottle of moisturizer, it will not last you for too long. Why not buy flexible plastic packaging? By using plastic packaging, you will have a refillable container for all your moisturizer. If you are interested in buying, you should try out packing manufacturer Logospack. The company is well-known for some of the best plastic packaging in the world, and are also very affordable.

2. Makeup Blending Is Key

If you want to look as young as possible ok e, it is important that you blend your makeup the right way. If you don’t blend your makeup right, you are more likely going to look older. For example, if your makeup is predominantly white, your face will look too pale.

Jang Nara looks fabulous with or without makeup on.

By utilizing blending techniques, you will be able to add more color and texture into your complexion. This will make you look more youthful and vibrant.

3. Use Liquid Foundation

If you are going to use foundation, you should use the liquid type. If you use dry foundation such as powder, there is a chance that it will start to cake as you start to sweat. It may make your skin look blotchy, and uneven. By using liquid foundation, it will be a lot easier to apply, and won’t cake in the long run.

4. Utilize Artificial Eyelashes

It is always a good idea to utilize artificial eyelashes. It is a great way to make your eyes look great. While you could curl your eyelashes, not everyone is blessed with long lashes.

Lovely lashes on Jang Nara.

If you want to look youthful, one great method is to use artificial lashes. This will allow you to have beautifully long lashes. However, you should be discerning about what type of lashes you are going to use. Remember that you will be putting these lashes on your real lashes. If they are subpar quality, there is a chance your eyes might get an allergic reaction.

A great way to avoid this predicament, is to invest in Starseed lashes. This company is well-known for making top quality and safe artificial lashes. When you use these types of lashes, you should make sure that your hands are clean. You should use a hand sanitizer and wear gloves as you apply them.

5. Get Your Beauty Sleep

Sleep is a very important element of maintaining your youthful looks. Remember that your body heals as you sleep. The body regenerates skin cells and other aspects of your body while you sleep.

Jung Hae In for Sesa Living.

When you sleep, it is important that you have at least seven to nine hours of sleep. This is an optimum amount of sleeping time. Make sure that your sleeping area is as comfortable as possible. It is also a good idea to take power naps every chance you get.

6. Utilize Concealers For Dark Spots

Throughout your life, your face may develop dark spots. This is a common occurrence because dark spots often appear as you age, and when you get your skin tanned. The best way to hide these dark spots is through concealers. By using concealers, you will be able to hide these dark spots most of the time.

There are even some creams that specialize on whitening dark spots in the skin. While you could get your concealers from makeup shops and grocery stores, you could also buy them online. However, you should make sure that the online company you buy from is affiliated with FBABEE. By choosing a company that is connected to fbabee.com, you will be able to make sure that all your orders will arrive on time, and are of the best quality possible.

Youthful-looking Son Ye Jin.

7. Use Collagen Face Creams

As you age, your face may develop wrinkles. This is a common thing for most people as they age. However, you still have some ways to prevent wrinkles and crow’s feet from developing. The best way to prevent wrinkles is to use collagen face creams.

Collagen is considered one of the most potent proteins in the human body, and is usually used for shampoos, and lotions. They are usually the building blocks of bones, skins, muscles,and ligaments. By adding collagen cream into your daily skincare regimen, you will be able to stave off wrinkles and crow’s feet. It will also increase the elasticity of your skin. It will also improve the blood flow in your skin.

Conclusion

If you are going to use makeup to make yourself look more youthful, you should have a set plan. Here are some great makeup tips to look younger.

9 Best Seller Tony Moly Lip Products to Try.

Tony Moly is a highly popular Korean skincare and cosmetics brand. It aims to be a source of high-quality beauty products packed with natural ingredients. With over 400 stores in South Korea alone, it prides itself on its trendy and unique packaging aesthetic and collaboration with high-profile brand spokespersons, such as the K-Pop group JYJ and actress Min Hyo Rin. Click here to check out their wide range of products from lippies to face masks.

JYJ (Junsu, Yoochun, Jaejoong) for Tony Moly.

Here are some of the brand's best selling lip products: 

1. Perfect Lips Shocking Lip

The Perfect Lips Shocking Lip highly-innovative lip color has been enriched with vibrant pigments and moisturizing oils that provide a high-impact, and long-lasting color. This highly-pigmented lip tint puts vivid colors on your lips minus the sticky finish. Vitamin E keeps your lips moisturized, while Safflower, Jojoba, and Argan Oil plus Shea Butter locks in moisture, keeping your lips soft for hours and vibrant color that stays all day.

Tony Moly Perfect Lips Shocking Lip.

2. Liptone Get It Tint S #06 Chili Pepper

A K-beauty collaboration with MONSTA X, this special lip tint offers a smooth, spicy color on your lips that MONSTA X fans will surely love. Its oil-based formula also keeps your lips soft and glossy all day long. This highly pigmented lip tint produces a deep red shade that doesn't quickly lose color, and its buildable texture enables you to adjust color intensity and application easily.

Using the applicator, apply to your lips' inner part for a gradient look or fill the entire area for a bold look.

Wonho of Monsta X wears Tony Moly.

3. Perfect Lips Lip Cashmere

Tony Moly Perfect Lips Lip Cashmere is a velvet matte lipstick that smoothly glides on your lips; it feels like wearing cashmere on your lips. Comfortable to wear and long-lasting, this velvety lipstick contains Jojoba Esters and Sunflower Seed Oil to moisturize your lips with a good color payoff without getting dry. Smoothly glides on your lips upon application.

Tony Moly Perfect Lips Lip Cashmere.

4. Delight Tony Tint

With its sweet-smelling, fruity scent, this lightweight tint gives lips a sheer hint of color and its Rosehip, Jojoba, Argan Oil, and Shea Butter infusions create a moisturizing luster on your lips. With Rose Flower Extracts, Cranberry Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Acai Extract, and Cacao Extract, this lip tint gives a yummy scent and makes for pleasing lip makeup. Apply a moderate amount from the inside to the outside lip for a polished look.

Tony Moly Delight Tony Tint.

5. Perfect Lips Curving Lipstick

Thanks to its ergonomic applicator, this unique lipstick is designed to match your lips' curve to deliver a smooth, long-lasting vivid color. It is enriched with Rose Extract, Rosehip Oil, and Avocado Oil to moisturize your lips deeply. Because of its curved design, it easily creates gorgeous and vivid lips without lumping. Apply moderate amounts from the inside to outside lips gently.

Tony Moly Perfect Lips Curving Lipstick.

6. Perfect Lips Rouge Gloss

Achieve smackingly sexy lips with this lip gloss! Formulated with Lavender Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, and Fermented Yeast Filtrate, this lip gloss offers moisture and added nutrition to your lips. Perfect Lips Rouge Gloss is also designed with a unique oil film that locks in moisture within your lips to maintain the vibrant color and keep it plump for hours.

Tony Moly Perfect Lips Rouge Gloss.

7. Spoiler Sheer Matte Lip Pencil

Enriched with Shea Butter, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B, this matte lip pencil adds moisture and nourishment to your lips and leaves a soft, velvety finish and vibrant color that lasts for hours. This creamy, textured lip pencil is also very easy to apply for a smooth focus. Apply the lip pencil from your inside to outside lips, carefully following along your natural lip contour.

Tony Moly Spoiler Sheer Matte Lip Pencil.

8. Easy Touch Auto Lip Liner

This creamy, extremely easy to use auto lip liner contains Argan Oil for an extra moisturization boost. Forego manually sharpening your lip liners with this smudge-resistant lip liner that applies smoothly on your lips. Simply outline the natural edge of your lips, then fill or layer with a lipstick or lip gloss. This creamy lip liner is blendable and can easily match into your lipstick or lip gloss.

Tony Moly Easy Touch Auto Lip Liner.

9. Perfect Lips Rouge Intense

Create a glamorous, HD-like lip finish with this highly-pigmented lipstick with bold, dramatic color in one swipe. This lipstick is also infused with botanical extracts, Collagen, Glycerin, and Sodium Hyaluronate for a unique, super boosted hydration. Enriched with Rose Flower Extracts and Calendula Flower Extract, Perfect Lips Rouge Intense keeps your lips soothed and moisturized. At the same time, the added Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate delivers intense hydration to your lips. As a final treat, its added Collagen helps keep your lips firm and a must-try for lipstick enthusiasts.

Tony Moly Perfect Lips Rouge Intense.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're going for a sassy, sophisticated, or natural look, you should purchase cosmetics from trusted makeup brands like Tony Moly. Lip products can complete or ruin your face makeup, so it's important to buy those that suit your skin tone best.

My Laneige x Lazada Super Brand Day Haul!

Laneige turned 25 this year! Yes, the world-renowned Korean cosmetics brand has been in the market for that long! To celebrate this momentous occasion, Laneige had a Super Brand Day in their Lazada flagship store.

This special event happened last June 25 (the brand's anniversary), with more than a dozen Laneige products on sale, some even marked down to 70% of their original price. They also offered special bundles at discounted prices, and even gave away free gifts to purchases worth Php 2000 and up. Of course, I am not one to miss this sale event, even if it meant staying up until past midnight and losing sleep, haha!

Here's what I got from the Laneige x Lazada Super Brand Day:

My Lazada x Laneige Super Brand Day haul, including all the freebies I got!

Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask

I've been wanting to try this sleeping mask ever since cica skincare products became all the rage, but I had to resist the urge of buying one since I still have a tub of the Lavender Sleeping Mask. Now that I've almost emptied that tub, I had the perfect excuse to finally try the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask!

Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask, Php 1330.

A 'barrier-strengthening mask', the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask helps reinforce the skin's natural resilience and calms the skin as you sleep. It's infused with the 'Forest Yeast cica', an ingredient patented by Amore Pacific that strengthens and regenerates the skin overnight. This sleeping mask also contains panthenol which soothes skin irritations, and shea butter which deeply moisturizes the skin and and creates a protective moisture barrier.

Laneige Essential Mini Bundle
A brand day exclusive, the Laneige Essential Mini Bundle consists of my favorites from Laneige's Basic Care line - five 25 mL bottles of the Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture) and five 25 mL bottles of the Essential Balancing Emulsion (Moisture). It also includes a 30 mL tube of the Moist Cream Cleanser and a pack of the Clear-C Water Pocket Sheet Mask.

Laneige Essential Mini Bundle, Php 550.

The Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner (Moisture) is a moisturizing toner that provides deep hydration. This toner is perfect for those with combination skin and dry skin with flaky patches. Complementing it is the Laneige Essential Balancing Emulsion (Moisture), a lightweight emulsion that provides deep hydration to dry/combination skin.

The Laneige Moist Cream Cleanser, on the other hand, is a mild, cream-textured foam cleanser that cleanses the skin without making it feeling tight and dry. Hydrating and non-irritating, this cleanser brightens the skin and gives it a moist finish.

Finally, there's the Water Pocket Sheet Mask which provides customized skin care for each skin problem as the water pockets containing concentrated nourishment closely adhere to the skin. Available in several variants, the one that I got is the Clear C which contains superberry extract that has great anti-oxidant effects.

Laneige Two Tone Sheet Mask
Truth be told, I bought these sheet masks on a whim. I was supposed to purchase the brand day exclusive Water Pocket Sheet Mask Bundle (5 sheet masks for less than Php 200), but alas, they were sold out as soon as the sale started! I ended up buying the Two Tone Sheet Masks which were a tad pricier, but at least I reached the Php 2000 purchase requirement for the freebies (lol).

Laneige Two Tone Sheet Masks, Php 154 each.

The Laneige Two Tone Sheet Mask, as the name implies, is a sheet mask that comes in two colors and two parts - one sheet for the upper part of the face and another sheet for the lower part. This sheet mask comes in eight variants, each addressing different skin concerns. 

I got two sheet masks - the Moisturizing and Lifting Sheet Mask which moisturizes the dry T-zone and skin around the eyes and cheeks as it firms up the cheeks and the skin around the chin; and the Pore Care and Relaxing Sheet Mask which moisturizes, softens, and soothes the skin and its problem areas.

As for the freebies, here's the entire loot:

Freebies from the Laneige x Lazada Super Brand Day!

Laneige Basic & New Water Bank Refreshing Kit + sachet samples

This kit includes a 25 mL bottle of the Essential Power Skin Refiner (Light), a 25 mL bottle of the Balancing Emulsion (Light), a 10 mL tub of the Water Bank Gel Cream, a 10 mL bottle of the Water Bank Hydro Essence, and a 3 mL tube of the Water Bank Eye Gel.

The sachet samples include the following: Eye Sleeping Mask, Water Bank Moisture Cream, White Dew Tone-up Cream, White Dew Original Ampoule Essence, and Watery Sun Cream.

This set was given as a freebie to purchases made between 12am to 2am with a minimum spend of Php 1500. 

Laneige Thermos by TUMS.

I got another set of freebies because my final bill amounted to more than Php 2000. This set includes two more Water Pocket Sheet Masks (White Plus Renew and another Clear C sheet mask) and the limited edition Laneige Stainless Steel Thermos by TUMS. Among these freebies, I am most thrilled with the thermos, haha! 

Laneige Thermos by TUMS.

What have you bought online during the quarantine? Has the pandemic made you more reliant on online shopping sites or do you still go to the mall to buy stuff?

Finding the Perfect Makeup Look.

Many people use makeup to dress themselves up for a glamorous look; however, many do not fully understand the versatility of makeup application. With a variety of products, you can create distinct and eye-catching looks for every occasion. Consider these different looks and how you can incorporate them into your next outing.

Bae Suzy for Marie Claire, October 2018.

Dramatic 
Dramatic looks often provide a striking and climactic approach to your makeup. This often calls for a dramatic eye that is punctuated with attractive accents. Whether this is with a bold lip or dramatic lashes from https://www.sugarlashpro.com/, this look speaks volumes. It is important to note that you should not create drama at multiple points of your face. If you are incorporating a bold lip, don’t also add bold eyes and eyebrows, as this is distracting and off-putting.

Jennie Kim for Hera.

Natural
Many people confuse natural makeup with not applying makeup at all; however, this is a vast misconception. Achieving a natural makeup look requires a lot of effort to create a flawless result. Try to create a focal point on your face like bold eyebrows or a rosy cheek to give a romantic feel to your natural look. This look must look effortless, but accentuate the wearer’s natural beauty.

Yoon Eun Hye for Vogue, 2010.

Smokey 
A smoky look refers to a dramatic look focused around the eyes. With the application of eyeliner and eyeshadow, conspicuously attractive shades of smoke can be achieved. Often using a smudging technique around the eyes, they pop through a haze of grey and black.

3CE Nude Pigmented Professional Shadow Kit.

Shimmer
A shimmery look is a beautiful and whimsical appearance that incorporates sparkle and shine. Whether utilizing a shimmy to highlight the face or a sparkle along the eyes, there is a fun, brightness that signals a certain playfulness, drama and whimsy. This type of makeup is not a typically used is less formal occasions, but can be a fun way to add some capriciousness to a look.

Lee Sung Kyung for Laneige.

Dewy
When looking to achieve a dewy makeup look, the key is to make the skin appear glowing and bright. This look has become popular and remains particularly popular in Korean beauty products. The luster of this look presents a youthful and spirited look that is perfect for the daytime or evening. Much of this is focused around skincare, so your regimen will need to be refined to achieve this aesthetic.

Makeup is the art medium for your face. Consider trying out these different types of looks but be careful not to blend them, as it creates a confusing and disjointed result. You have the ability to create something truly and stunning, but it takes intention and an artful hand to achieve your look.

Sneak Peek | Colourpop x Sailor Moon Collection.

Colourpop is launching a new collection in two days' time, and OMG I have never been more excited for this one! Their latest collection is actually a collaboration with Toei Animation - Sailor Moon, to be exact - and the 90's kid in me is super stoked!

The pretty guardian of the Moon is here to make y'all pretty!

Reminisce your childhood and take a trip down memory lane as you get a glimpse of the Colourpop x Sailor Moon collection. Moon prism power, make up - literally! :)

Pretty Guardian Shadow Palette.

The Pretty Guardian Shadow Palette features 12 gorgeous shades, with an array of warm and cool tones. The glittery ones are sure to make your eyes dazzle, while the matte shades are perfect for your everyday look.

Gliterally Obsessed.

Jazz up your look with these Gliterally Obsessed body glitters! They're loaded with tiny flakes of moons and stars and come in two variants - Moonlight Legend in pink and Moon Prism Power in purple.

Pressed Powder Blush.

Luna, the black talking cat, also makes a special appearance in the Pressed Powder Blushes! They come in two shades - From the Moon (soft magenta) and Cat's Eye (light pink). There's even an imprint of her face on the blush itself, which makes this product even more adorable! 

Lip Bundles.

Finally, we have the lip bundles, which also come in two variants. The Daylight Lip Bundle comes with the shades Bun Head and Sailor Moon, while the Moonlight Lip Bundle comes with the shades Usagi and Moon Tiara. Each bundle comes with an Ultra Blotted Lip and an Ultra Glossy Lip.

The Colourpop x Sailor Moon Collection will be launching on February 20, 10 AM PST. That's February 21, 2 AM here in the Philippines so set your alarms if you want to get first dibs on this limited edition collection! :)

Spotlight | Missha The Original Tension Pact.

Just realized that I haven't done any product reviews or beauty-related posts in awhile, and so today, let me share with you my thoughts on the Missha The Original Tension Pact which I have been using for over a month now. I received this as gift from a friend who went on vacation to Korea last winter and completely forgot about it afterwards, lol. Thank goodness this product still has half a year before its expiration date!

Missha The Original Tension Pact (Intense Moisture).

Missha's The Original Tension Pact has four variants - Perfect Cover which comes in a beige pact, Natural Cover which comes in a beige pact, Tone Glow Up which comes in a blue pact, and Intense Moisture which comes in a lavender pact. The latter, as seen on the photo above, is the one that I'm using. All variants come in three shades, and as always, my Missha shade is #23. Good thing my friend got my shade right! :)

Unboxing the Missha The Original Tension Pact (Intense Moisture).

Care notes on the protective seal.

Unlike the cushions that I have tried before, Missha's The Original Tension Pact comes with a densely woven net on top which acts as a filter that prevents you from 'picking up' too much product for a 'more even' application. The puff that comes with it is a bit different, too. It's slightly denser and a tad 'puffier' than the usual blue puff. Surprisingly, you only need a few pats on the tension pact to cover your entire face.

The 'tension net'.

Slightly denser, beige puff.

As for the formula, the Intense Moisture Variant is creamy yet lightweight, and gives light to medium coverage. Not only does this pact conceal fine lines and cover minimal flaws (redness, uneven skin tone), it's also super moisturizing and gives your skin a radiant, dewy glow.

Swatched under natural light.

This product also offers sun protection at SPF37 PA++. A bit lower than my usual SPF50, but that's okay since we're experiencing colder weather these days.

Left without cushion, right with cushion.

Its lasting power is pretty decent, too. It stays put for at least 5 to 6 hours before it starts to settle on the fine lines around my eyes. Nothing a quick touch-up could handle.

Bare face.

Wearing the Missha The Original Tension Pact (Intense Moisture).

Overall, I really enjoy using this cushion and I'm considering to repurchase in the near future. I love how it hydrates my skin especially during this time of the year when the air is cold and can be very drying on the skin. Plus points because it brightens my skin and gives it a nice glow

Products used:
FACE: Clio Kill Protection Matte Sun Base,
Althea Flawless Creamy Concealer in 03 Honey,
Missha The Original Tension Pact Intense Moisture #23.
EYES: The Face Shop Style My Eyebrow Pencil #1 Grey Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner,
Innisfree Super Volume Cara in Black.
CHEEKS: Missha Cotton Blush in Vintage Robe.
LIPS: Vice Cosmetics x BT21 Phenomenal Velvet Single in Mang.

 The Missha The Original Tension Pact retails for 15800 won (around Php 680 or $13). It doesn't come with a refill, but you can purchase them separately at 9800 won each (around Php 400 or $8).