Back to my Basic Skin Care

It has been a crazy month of June for me.  My helper went home to the Philippines for her leave, as the same time we were schedule to move house.  Luckily, I was allowed by the office to work from home.  The kids are on school-vacation, as well.  Needless to say, my hands were full.

With all the packing and unpacking that needs to be done, all the outdoor activities of the kids, and the cleaning of the old house and the new flat, I had a terrible case of pimple break-outs.  It's horrible. I never had it since I was in high school.  I had tiny red pimples on my forehead, my cheeks and chin.  And worse, they're itchy!  So itchy that when I wash my face, I'm tempted to scrub them till  the get more reddish hue.

It's gotten so  bad, my kids were wondering, "Mom, what happened to your face?!"  For someone who's adept at skin care and gives friends advice on skin issues, this is downright alarming.  I knew I had to do something before it gets worse.

So here's what are my drastic measures:

1.)  Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!  I literally measured my water intake using a 1-liter Coke container.  I made sure to finish it within the day.

2.)   Catch up on my Zzzzss.   There were so many things that I needed to do in the new flat.  If I don't control myself, I continue working until late at night.  Most of the times, I also go beyond my waking hours reading books. I recently discovered an android app where I can download free ebooks.  As a result, my sleep patter had gone haywire.  I had to literally, set the alarm at 10am, to remind myself that I needed to sleep!!

3.)  Changed my Skin Regimen to a lighter version - my regimen used to be 5-step AgeLOC Transformation Package.  It's one great anti-aging product, but I figured with my current break-outs I have to relax it a bit.  So, I change to the most basic skin care, which was Nu Skin Nutricentials line.

The package contains the following:
 
Pure Cleansing Gel
Deep cleanses and clarifies pores. Made from papaya enzyme. Pure Cleansing Ge's soap-free, foaming formula balances oil without overdrying, leaving skin fresh, clean, and energized.

pH Balance Mattefying Toner
A toner with oil-absorbing mineral powder to give an instant matte finish and control shine.  Made from Strawberry extract, calms the skin and tightens pores, as well.

Celltrex Ultra Recovery Fluid
Made from Olive Oil.  I used it as light moisturizer.  Good alternative if all those anti-aging serums have been clogging your pores.

Moisture Restore Day Protective Mattefying Lotion SPF 15 
My sunblock whenever I had to go out during the day to take the kids to tuition classes.  I alternate this with Tinted Moisturizer, if I needed to put on make-up.

Night Supply Nourishing Cream
My night moisturizer.  Very light.  Not sticky at all.


I have combination to oily skin.  That's why I'm prone to pimples.  However for one or two huge break-outs, I always keep a tube of Clear Action Night Cream.   It's actually part of the Clear Action System.  I apply the cream directly to the pimple.  After 2 -3 days, the pimples dries up and I maintain the cream for a week to completely heal and prevent scarring.

 4.)  Change my diet -  Cooking for my family of 5,  the easiest is fried foods.  Fried chicken, friend beef tapa, fried fish became staple in the household when I took over the kitchen.  It's fast, easy and kids love them.  However, it wrecked havoc on my skin.  I tried going easy on the frying but have more soup-based dishes.   Less frying. More steaming and boiling.

5.)  Hair off the Face - Dirty hair poking into the skin pores is actually one of the cases of pimple break-outs.  So, I try to keep a clean un-obstructive hairstyle by using clamps, hair bands, hair climps.

6.)  Quit touching my face and being anxious about my pimples - hands are dirty and constantly touching the face exacerbates the break-out. Anxiety over what I look like also stresses me out. Stress is a major cause of break-outs!

So far, my face is now slowly returning back to normal.   It helps that my helper has arrived, and the kids are now back to school.  Hopefully, it a few weeks I can return back to my anti-aging regimen!  At my age, my skin calls for more than Basic Skin Care.  However, once in a while, it is good to give our skin a breather.

If  you're interested with the Nutricentials product line, you call drop by Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines with offices at 15th Floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines or call 689-NUSKIN.

xoxo,
Ripemango

Wedding Glow -- not for Brides only!

Wedding month of June again!  Even if you are not a blushing bride this season, chances are, you will get invited to one of these lavish weddings of your friends and/or relatives.  Weddings nowadays are such huge events.  Couples take many years, planning, organizing and "staging" their weddings.  It's not just an exchange of vows, or a get-together of families and friends.  It's a project presentation in itself!

 That's why as guests -- we are also "pressured" to look right, dress right for our part.  You wouldn't wanna be caught like the hidden-relatives-from-closets and look like a fish out of the water in your cousin's or friends' wedding, right?  You wanna fit in, and look glamorous like the wedding entourage!

A great dress and carefully applied make-up will work but the best foundation for that Wedding Glow comes from an advance skin care preparation.  By "advance" I mean both Innovative and Early!  A regimen that's sophisticated and must do it before the wedding day itself, to get the maximum effect on that special day!

So, here's my run-down for the best pre-wedding facial preparation-  both for men and women!
 
For Deep Cleansing - (two days before)

Glacial Marine Mud

This unique mud pack draws out impurities, remove dead skin cells, and nurture skin.  It has more than 50 skin beneficial minerals, including zinc and sea botanicals. Legend has it that indigenous peoples may have tried to use this special mud to make pottery. They were unsuccessful because of its fine particle size, but noticed their hands were softer and smoother.   Now, we can have the same indigenous materials in our regimen! You can use both for face and body!

For Gentle Exfoliation - (a day before)

NU SKIN EXFOLIANT SCRUB EXTRA GENTLE

Exfoliant Scrub gently smooths skin's surface by releasing dead cell buildup and pore-blocking impurities. Use twice a week after cleansing for a luminous glow.  Smooth, even skin reflects light more perfectly, to make your glow in-front of video and still cameras!  This is made from natural marine diatoms (fossilized algae), that are also gentle on the skin and not rough, like most scrubs!

For Glow and more Alive Looking Aura (the day itself)


GALVANIC HOME SPA

The secret weapon to have for a quick glow your big day! Small, smart, and powerful, the ageLOC Galvanic Spa features patented self-adjusting currents and interchangeable conductors for the face, scalp, and body. Together with Nu Skin’s specially formulated treatment products, this home-spa gives you an instant lift and brighter aura.  So easy at home.  No need for expense spa treatments.

There you go!  My Top 3 Must-Have for a glowing Bride or Guest on this Wedding month of June!

If you are interested to get these amazing products, you call drop by Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines with offices at 15th Floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines or call 689-NUSKIN.

xoxo,
ripemango

Whiten or Brighten? There's a difference!

Philippines recently elected 12 new senators, and one of the interesting new senators is the infamous Nancy Binay.  She's the current daughter of the Vice-President Jejomar Binay.  So much has been said regarding her not so sterling qualification.  Being a former Chief of Staff of her Dad, she has no other qualification, aside from her father's surname.

But I think the worst label that has been thrown on her is regarding the nature of her skin.  Filipinos always have this mentality of looking up at fair-skinned as beautiful.  This despite that we have beauty queens who are on the "dark side" like Venus Raj.  Common Pinoy still think that White means beautiful. Afterall, why do Whitening, Lightening creams sell so much?!

So, even if I did not vote for Nancy Binay.  I feel for her.   It is extremely hurtful to be judged of one's skin color.  But that's Philippine politics for you!  No holds barred. They will throw-in everything to taint the opponents and beat them whether in the publicity and polls.

Speaking of Filipinos and our desire for a whiter and fairer complexion.  I don't think it's a sin to prefer a clearer skin, as long as we don't judge others for being otherwise!  

I was just in the Philippines two weeks ago and I was amazed at the numerous new products on whitening!  Before it was just Likas Papaya, and Block and White that were dominating the shelves and airwaves.  Now, there's Silka, (even an orange and green papaya!), Kojie, even Belo joined in with their mass-appeal Belo Essentials Whitening Line! All of them comes in soaps and lotions!

Going to my neighborhood dermatologist clinic, I saw they also offer Gluthathione injections!  Wow. More intensive! I wonder if those direct infusions to the veins, with the goal of suppressing melanine production would eventually give you a different "race" altogether :)  Let's face it,  our skin color comes with our race!  

But then again,  skin lightening need that be that extreme.  A lot of women I know, even men, use these lightening creams, soaps just to get a more even skin tone.  Regular sun exposure due to our weather, has given their skin dull, and lifeless appearance.  They just wanted to even it out.  They don't aspire a Kabuki, Chinese or even a Caucasian.  They know they are Morena, but they want a more bright, alive and glowing skin.

For folks who are after this "brightening" rather than "whitening" effect on their skin, I think, the most interesting product line to try is the  Nu Skin Tri-Phasic White System.  It's clinically-proven to achieve even-toned and glowing skin.  Just one of the many innovative products of Nu Skin Enterprises.

There are 5 steps to this regimen. 

The Tri-phasic White Cleanser -

• Diminishes the appearance of skin discoloration.
• Cleanses and brightens skin for a fresh, radiant appearance.
• Pearlescent, moisturizing cleanser leaves skin silky-soft while improving skin tone and texture.

The Tri-Phasic White Toner -

• Soothes skin to reduce potential discoloration resulting from irritation.
• Visibly reduces discoloration on the surface of the skin by gently exfoliating skin cells to remove the appearance of accumulated dark spots and discoloration.

The Tri-Phasic White Day Milk Lotion-

• Helps promote bright complexion

• UVA and UVB sunscreens (SPF 15) help prevent ultraviolet rays, the most common cause of uneven skin tone.

The Tri-Phasic Night Cream-

• Features diacetyl boldine to calm and soothe skin.

The Tri-Phasic White Essence-

Inhibits the synthesis of discoloration in the following three ways: 

• Contains antioxidants to help calm free radicals.
• Reduces the appearance of discoloration.
• Promotes a brighter, more brilliant complexion.

The best thing about this product line, it doesn't claim to give you a white Caucasian or Oriental skin as most skin whitening systems do.  This is for people who are proud of their skin color but wants a more polished, illuminating and glowing skin!

If I will suggest the best skin care regimen for Nancy Binay,  it will be Nu Skin's Tri-phasic White System.  There's nothing wrong with her skin color, but her complexion could use more life!

If you are interested to get this amazing Tri-Phasic White you call the company directly at  689-NUSKIN or drop by their offices at 15th Floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

Steps to a Brighter You!

More Energy for Active Moms!

I was complaining to my friends two weeks ago --  being a full-time mom to 3 kids, and working part-time, with a total of 2-hour commute daily.....  is sooo exhausting!  More often than not, at the end of the day, when the kids are tucked-in, I just want to hunker down to bed myself.

But then again, I still have to be a wife!  I try to stay up late for my husband who brings work home til about 12pm, when I normally would hit the sack.   I am so tired! 

Is this the sign that I'm getting old?  At 38, I try to eat healthy,  and squeeze some pilates in between fetching the kids from their tuition centers.  But still, I don't feel revived! 

My friends recommended this latest product from Pharmanex, the health supplement brand of Nu Skin Enterprises.  It's called Ageloc R2.  It's another revolutionary product as it's address Aging at the source .. our genes.

There are actually two components that make up this product.  

Taken in the morning, ageLOC R² Day optimises cellular energy production to help you recharge and take control of a new day.

Taken in the evening, ageLOC R² Night optimises each cell’s natural purification process, helping you start each day feeling refreshed and renewed.

So, unlike all the other multi-vitamins and supplements in the market, it's more tailored to give you a boost in the morning, when you need it and allows you a restful sleep at night.

I've been taking Ageloc R2 for a week now, and so far, I've seen improvement in my energy.  I'm more alert as soon as I wake up in the morning.  I don't feel sluggish and there's no dragging of feet like before; and at night, I am more relaxed and my sleep is deep, unlike before when I wake up at the first sound of my maid banging pots and pots in the kitchen.  Less dreams, as well.  I actually hate dreaming at night.  It gets me anxious since my subsconcious is acting overtime.  It's probably the reason I wake up tired before.

If you are interested to get this amazing ageloc R2, costs 8,000 Php for a 30day supply;  you call the company directly at  689-NUSKIN or drop by their offices at 15th Floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

This is me --- more energetic and longer stamina to run and play with my growing children!

xoxo,
ripemango

Best Fashion Advice, I take to Heart.

Less is More.

Applies to almost everything. From make-up, clothes and accessories... As soon as I chose my outfit for the day, I ask myself.   What is the "ONE" thing that's going to be the central focus of the eyes?  


Wearing printed clothes -- that means, it's the prints that's the focus

All the other things (necklace, earings, bracelets, bags) must be subdued ; (plain beads, stud earings, thin bracelets, pearls)...  nothing else that will distract people from the nice print you are wearing.... except perhaps Red Lips (but shadows, blush-on are also pale); no bright colored nails as well.

Wearing plain colored clothes - might call for accents; accessories

I am very fond of fun, quirky necklaces that I use for to perk up a plain outfit.  Either the color is the same family of the dress, or completely contrasting.  Works out as well.   Note on buying acessories. Be wary of cheap-looking ones.  Buy cheap, but with Oomph. 

Sets of Earings, Necklaces & Bracelets-   Unless you're the Queen of England, and they are real jewels.  Never wear them in one go!  Take a hold of yourself, dear.   Isa-isa lang! :)

If you're wearing dangling earings, leave your shoulders bare.  So people's eyes can focus on those fabulous earings!  Your admirers have only two eyes each,   give them a breather!  It goes the other way around (outlandish necklace, stud earings, plain dress.)

Clothers with Imbedded Accents - some clothes are already embellished.  Let them be. Refrain from adding acessories  that will further complicate things.   Less is More! 

Make-up- I wish I am an expert on make-up but I am not. I just follow good taste.  I  follow the same rule, Less is more.   Especially for everyday wear, no need to pile on the eyeshadows.  Again, what is the main focus?  Is it the gorgeous new lipstick or the smokey eyes?   


Store up on Classics.

Need I say more?  Black, dark blue jeans, plain white/black shirts, little black dresses, black skirts. White Polo shirt. These are the ones that you can wear everyday, without people noticing you're wearing the same thing over and over again.  Put on a different accessories, layer and you look different altogether.

Same things with bags.  Go for Classics. We cannot buy all the nice latest IT bag.  It's so hard to keep up!  Invest in ONE great piece, instead of buying many but cheap ones.  (Got this from Nina Garcia).


Easy on the Trend.

Colored denims, Harem Pants are fun and quirky but how long will the trend last?  If you buy them, cheaply, go ahead.  Otherwise,  save your money for something else more lasting, and could go a long, long way..


Don't be afraid to try something, you don't normally do.

If you're the t-shirt and jeans type of person, wouldn't it be fun, showing up one day in a nice dress or skirt?  If you normally shy away from make-up,  how about trying on the new BB cream fad?  You will never know, you might like it!


Dress for yourself, second for others.

I read somewhere that, Women dress for each other.  Otherwise, if we dress for Men, we can just go around naked. :)   But no matter what, you must do it to have a little fun.  Gain confidence and put the twinkle in your eye.  :)


Style is Effortless.

Above everything is, it should all look Effortless.   Nag effort, before di mukhang nag-effort! :)


That's about it.... Gosh, I feel like this is written by a Gay person :)   Tim Gunn!

xoxo,
ripemango

Happy Fifteenth Nu Skin Philippines!

My favorite personal care company, Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines celebrated a milestone this year, their 15^th year anniversary!

Could 15 years go by so fast?  Nu Skin Enterprises opened in 1998, with offices at 15^th Floor, Octagon Building, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.   They distribute the  most technologically advance products in anti-aging.   Nu Skin Enterprises is from Provo, Utah.  Philippines is their 26^th (?) market.

Nu Skin have showcases in Makati, Alabang,  Pampanga, Cebu and Davao City.  These showcases and galleries may not be familiar to you, because Nu Skin products are largely brought to the public by their able network of individual distributors.

These are the men and women who best represent the products and the amazing business opportunity, that continue to improve lives of people.

 

The amazing thing about Nu Skin as a company, they do not rest on their laurels.  They continue to innovate on their product offerings.  I was introduced to Nu Skin by my cousin, when she demonstrated the non-surgical facelift.   My face was literally stretched with its fine albumin-based powder and liquid activator.   After a few minutes of looking like a dried-old prune,  I rinsed out to a  fresh, zero-wrinkled me!  I was sold, and I keep hunting for Nu Skin products, even if my cousin moved to Canada for good.

Right now, the company’s premier anti-aging line that completely  revolutionizes  skin care is the Ageloc Tranformation.  I wrote about it here.  SHOW ME AGELOC

As Nu Skin celebrates it’s 15^th year, we not only give tribute to it’s amazing product but more importantly, to these game-changing network of Philippine distributors who continue to make a difference to people’s lives and continue to demonstrate how excellent networking should be done.

Most of Nu Skin distributors, even prior to even joining Nu Skin, are professionals, corporate mavens and businesspersons who are successful in their own fields.  They believe in the unique Nu Skin opportunity, as a great vehicle to provide time and financial freedom.   Every Nu Skin distributor has a life-changing story to tell.

As Nu Skin enters a new phase of  growth, with their ambitious goal of being a 1 Billion company in the Philippines, we wish them all the best and no doubt, Nu Skin Pilipinas, Sama-sama, Kayang-kaya!

If you want to be a part of Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines.  You may get in-touch with them at telephone numbers 632-8-NUSKIN (868-7546) Or you  may drop by their office at  15th floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines. 

Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines, with offices at 15th Floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City continues it's annual tradition of giving cheers and laughter to the children of the Child Health in Life and Development Foundation (CHILD).

The CHILD foundation is composed of children who are born with life-threatening congenital heart diseases and are under the care of the Philippine General Hospital's Pediatric Cardiology Department.  The employees and independent distributors of Nu Skin Philippines work hard to generate funds for the operations of these children.

For Christmas this year, Nu Skin Enterprises brought the children to the Museo Pambata, the first children's discovery museum in the Philippines located in Roxas Boulevard, Metro Manila.  It's actually a great venue for entertaining these children, as most of them are in delicate heart condition, and they can't be stressed or too exhausted.

After all the fun and entertainment, Nu Skin Enterprises gave the most valuable gift of all to the children, a donation of more Two Million, Six Hundred Fifty-Thousand Pesos (2,650,000.00) for the completion of 75 heart operations for the year and for the purchase of expensive infusion-pumps, crucial for post-operative care of the patients.  What a great gift ... literally, gift of life!

Arlene Asidao, Nu Skin Philippines' Sr. Manager for Sales and Marketing and Rose Castillon, Manager for Marketing turned-over the awesome donation to the PGH doctors, headed by the hardworking Dr. Pia Malanyaon of CHILD Foundation  Don't you just appreciate these doctors who work as public servants?  They can get lucrative pay anywhere else, but they chose to stay with institutions like PGH, where the are most needed by our less privileged kababayans.
 

Kudos also goes to private institutions and individuals who make "helping" as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.  It's the biggest testament to any company's mission statement.

If you want to be a part of Nu Skin's initiative for with the children of CHILD Foundation,  just call Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines with telephone numbers 632-8-NUSKIN (868-7546). You may drop by their office at  15th floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines.