AMW Reports: Skin Dermatology and Laser Center

Remember how I've always been telling you that I have the simplest and most basic skin care when I was growing up?  I just started to be vain when I worked in China for a good 3 and a half years!  I worked in a language learning center back then and schedule was crazy!  I can start work as early as 7:00am to 12:00nn and will have another class scheduled from 7:00pm until 9:00pm!  I usually ended up staying inside the office the whole afternoon to prepare for lessons and that entails to sitting in front of the computer for the whole day!  On rest days, I would go to nearby Spa centers just to relax and unwind!  There's one a couple of blocks away from my place and I started to go there to enjoy their spa services!  But they turned out to be good friends of mine and they would give me free facials!  Seriously, it was the best 2 hours spent in a week!  I always get VIP treatment with my own special room and get extra services! I guess it really helps to be friends with them huh? hehehe

I ended up purchasing a membership card (10 sessions + 5) and went there at least once a week!  Those were the times I had my faith in facials!  My skin has to go through 4 seasons and it gets really painful and dry during winter, with the facial treatment done for my skin type, I breezed through winter without issues at all!  Because of stress and work schedule, I do have more breakouts during those times, teaching in front of a big group of professionals took a toll on my skin!  With breakouts starting to rear its ugly head, I would go visit the center and it'll be gone in no time!  

When I came back home, sad to say, I had a couple of bad experiences so I ended up not going through facials anymore!  It has been more than 5 years!  Either I visit some facial salons and just have the usual facials without the painful pricking or peeling or not do anything at all and depend on my trusty at-home facial treatments!

Recently, I got an invite to try a beauty center --- SKIN Dermatology and Laser Center.  I nearly said no but thanks to my researching skills, I've learned that The Spa moves into the beauty world with this extension.  In this center, you can come in and have Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS)-accredited dermatologist to give you an in-depth skin consultations.  That's a number one priority for me for anyone to touch my skin!  I also had wonderful experience with The Spa on my Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy so it's another "yes" point for me!

At SKIN Dermatology and Laser Center, though the term Laser made me feel like running to the opposite direction, I was quite surprised that I was never intimidated with it!  I guess because of the welcoming and cozy atmosphere that greeted me when I got in the center.

Let's not forget the best Ginger tea I've tasted a couple of months ago at The Spa, they serve it here as well!

While enjoying my cup of ginger tea, I had a consultation with the attending dermatologist.  I told her my skin concerns and my allergic reactions experiences on products I've used.  I also told her that I am not into hard core peeling as my skin is very sensitive.  She listened to my concerns and she created a personal skin plan for me that my skin would appreciate!  

It will be the Ultimate Diamond Facial which combines a Signature Facial with Diamond Peel.  My heart skipped a beat when I heard the word "PEEL" but I was reassured it won't do bad for my skin!  We'll see...

First thing I asked before the facial was done are the products to be used.  I was told by Maricel that it's Dr. Jeff.  Dr. Jeff Skin Care is from the USA and the company constantly expand its product lines to offer new treatments and state of the art ingredients for spas and skin centers just like SKIN.

Let the treatment start...

Thanks to Maricel for the wonderful treatment and for answering my queries.

Here's step by step treatment base on my understanding and good 'ol memory!

• I actually went there without makeup but just to make sure, Maricel cleanse my skin with Dr. Jeff Cleansing Lotion.  She did it with massaging motion.
• After cleansing, she gently wiped off the cleansing lotion with cotton cloth.  Applied toner all over my face and neck.
• A gentle scrub, Honey and Almond was applied all over my face.  I again, advised Maricel my issues on scrubs and dry skin, she reassured me that Honey and Almond works really well for dry and sensitive skin. 
• Gently massaged the scrub all over concentrating on the sides of my nose, gentle on my cheek area and a bit of pressure on the forehead.

• After gentling removing the scrub, Maricel applied an enzyme on my skin thinly.  This will harden up and peel off including my dead skin!
• Maricel  uses her fingers to gently remove the hardened enzyme, it wasn't as rough as it sounds!  It's actually quite relaxing!
• As the face is clean and ready, steaming was done for 10 minutes to help unclog pores.  The rest of the 10 minutes went really fast because I was given a lovely massage on my back, neck and scalp! 
• Diamond Peel was done.  It felt super weird at first.  I feel a bit of pain because I can literally feel the tiny diamond pieces scratching against my skin while a tiny vacuum sucks away dirt and dead skin cells.  At this stage, I was acting the mature Nikki because I advised Maricel on the tiny pain I felt and she lowered down the vacuum strength which felt way much better afterwards!  Its really important to speak up when you do treatments like these!

The Diamond Peel was worth it!  She showed me the filter from the Diamond Peeling machine and here are the dead skin and excess hair from my gorgeous face!  *laughs*  In fairness to me, Maricel told me my skin isn't that dirty and its actually well taken care off! 

Applause to Nikki for taking care of my skin!  *claps claps claps*

After the Diamond Peel, dermatologist came in to do pimple injection, I had one rearing its ugly head on my chin area, the injection is obviously painful but its bearable!  Worth it because I don't have that pimple at this very moment!  Sorry I forgot to take a before and after shot of it!  But mark my words for it!  There's a couple of comedone extraction performed to remove some tiny marks like millia that we thought its just white heads!  

I was a bit scared that I'll be walking out with marks on my face, the dermatologist reassured me that it'll be fine because they will apply anti-inflammatory cream on my skin!  But I advised her if the ingredients of the anti-inflammatory cream includes steroids, she said yes, and I told her I'll give it a skip as I'm one of the few exceptions who's allergic to the said ingredients.  Better safe than sorry right? 

But the wonderful part?  Even without the anti-inflammatory cream,  I came out the center without red marks or scars!  I actually look refreshed and super clean and I even went out for dinner inside a mall!  

It's a great experience for sure!  The in-house dermatologist is super friendly and she understands how scared patients are especially on injections or extractions and she would make sure to divert your attention by telling you stories or asking you questions!

I was told these type of treatments can be done twice a month or once a month depending on your skin condition!  They did not hard sell me on any products and the dermatologist can also prescribe a daily regiment perfect for post treatment if needed.

I would like to thank people from SKIN Dermatology and Laser Center for making me feel comfortable!  I am not the type who would go for SKIN treatments weekly but if I have days wherein I really need to detoxify my face from all the cosmetics and pollution, I will definitely go back!  

Ultimate Diamond Facial price: Php2,800 (approx $63.00)

They also offer various treatments like  Body treatments, Anti-aging treatments, Complexion Recovery, Skin Whitening, Fillers, Facial Peels and of course, for those getting ready to tie the knot --- Laser Hair Reduction!  Feel free to contact them and and book yourself a consultation!  It's nice to know the dermatologist who work there are licensed and part of the PDS! 

SKIN Dermatology and Laser Center

The Spa Wellness at the Fort

Building 8, 908 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

tel. no: (632)403-8000/(632)856-5858/(632)856-3035

Website: www.thespa.com.ph

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Note from Author: Service was done for review purposes.  All information written are based on the writer's personal experience.  Author did not and will never receive payment for positive reviews.  Please try their services at your own discretion)

Weekend Food Tripping at: Rockwell Bazaar + AMW Gives Winner

Hi everyone!  Hope Saturday went well to a lot of you!  How did you brave the traffic over the weekend with sales here and there?  I, tried to stay away from those areas!  I actually had a nice chat after lunch by the way with the YT Guru Michelle Phan as I was told she will be collaborating with Close Up Philippines, she doesn't have all the details yet so I can't share any juicy information for now!  But it's nice to know she wanted to visit the country especially Boracay!  

I've decided to fill in the day for official Nikki Relaxation day!  I've booked myself a Facial (which my last was gazillion years) and I am so happy that the facial "steps" were similar and as relaxing from my previous facial experience when I was still working in China!  After facial, I skipped to the next relaxing location!  Hair Salon!  I've booked myself a Kerastase Hair Treatment because my hair is getting long and instead of getting a cut!  I have them specially treated so I can enjoy my long hair more before they decided to commit suicide and I have to chop them off!

I will definitely share you all about my experiences as the days come!  I know it should be relaxing but it's nice to report what happened and share to readers my experiences!  

After the relaxation day, I have to let Mr. AMW relax too right?  And everyone knows that good tasting food is close to his heart next to Mrs. AMW!  I'm no. 1 and food is no. 2 for sure! :P  

We went to Rockwell and we saw a couple of food stalls right outside!  It was a bit late and we don't want to eat too much so here's our simple weekend food experience! 

Swiss Gourmet Hotdog Sandwich

Php80.00 (approx $2.00)

We weren't able to take a photo of this but we ordered 2 Hotdog sandwiches!  Tastes really good!  The sausage is crunchy on the outside and seriously juicy on the inside.  Poured over some ketchup and mustard and its great tummy filling food!

Piri Piri Chicken

Php130.00 for the Chicken pieces  (approx $2.95)

Php70.00 for Jambalaya Rice (approx $1.60)

It's not the best place to eat chicken using paper plates and plastic spoon and fork!  But boy oh boy!  The chicken was cooked on a charcoal and the scent is just nose-tacular!  Poured over with mild or hot sauce (Chili mixed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil), combined with the very tasty Jambalaya Rice, we did not mind eating this while standing up!

Jambalaya Rice serving

We actually love to share food and we were a bit full!  Yogurt definitely is the best bet on dessert but we can't seem to find our favorite Red Mango at Rockwell.  We settled on Lulu Belle and ordered a large size of Plain Yogurt, no toppings!

Plain Yogurt Large

Php120.00 (approx $2.70)

Sad to say, I've been a plain yogurt eater for the longest time even way back before they got famous down here (one bragging rights I am proud of).  Anyways, I am quite disappointed as the yogurt taste wasn't there!  It's just too bland for my liking!  Just my opinion though!  I'm sure if you mixed it with your favorite toppings, it'll be ok!  Mr. AMW on the other hand mixed this with Oatmeal Crispies we purchased and he was fine with it!

As you can see, we've been food tripping again no matter how simple our dishes are!  So off we walk around the mall with full tummy!  And suddenly, we passed by Mc Donald's and we have to slap our forehead for not leaving a space in our tummy for our ultimate favorite junkfood that's available on certain months of the year....

Mc Donald's Twister Fries!!!We swallowed our gluttony instinct and walked away *sobs*

Someday...someday....later?!!? hahaha

Before I end this post, I will finally announce the winner for the AMW Gives: L'Oreal Wear Infinite Pressed Shadow thank you so much for joining the contest everyone!  I am really happy with the responses and I love how most of us have faith in the Lord, our family, friends to give us the strength to survive any trials that may come our way!  Don't we all have problems and issues in life?  We're obviously not alone! :)

Because it is a contest, only ONE winner will be chosen and I've pasted all the "User Names" that has correctly replied the query with the right requirements and used my trustee Fruit Machine to pick up one winner!  Congratulations to...

Sarah Curativo!

I will email you Sarah for your mailing address!
To the rest, hey!  Don't worry, as you know, there's always hope and there will be more contests coming up soon!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Have a great weekend food tripping!

Nail Art Tutorial: Easiest Polka Dotted Nails!

Happy weekend everyone!  I am quite excited for this weekend because I've been really busy working my cute butt off!  *laughs* My weekend ended on a good note though, I've had wonderful dinner with highschool friends and it was a night spent with loads of stories and of course, laughter!

After my Korea trip, I removed my nail polish and left it "nude" for almost a week!  I wanted it to rest from polish application because that's how we should take care of our nails!  Give it a time off!  

I am not planning to do anything drastic and I wanted to spend only 10-15 minutes!  So here's the easiest nail art design (I think) I've ever done!  I find doing this takes shorter time than nail art stickers!  Inspired by the gorgeous polish shade I bought from Korea!  Very playful and reminded me of playful 60's dresses while dancing on the tune of "Great Balls of Fire!"

AMW Reviews: Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush (F80)

I was sent Sigma brushes from Sigma USA for reviews in the past, and I have local readers asking me on how to purchase and I felt bad advising them to purchase online because I know how frustrating it is to wait, to pay extra for shipping and sometimes, getting the chance to lose your package on its way from West to East.  

I am super excited, when my previous Dollface Personal Makeup Seminar Batch 2 student Trisha messaged me telling me she brought down Sigma to our shores!  And it's not the pre-order type!  All brushes are actually on hand and I've seen them displayed during The Events Factory Bazaar at Eastwod Libis. 

I know I have enough brushes, yes, for professional use!  But I'm still alright for personal use and when it comes to my ultimate favorite K-brushes, it's all for me babey!!!!  She brought in individual brushes and it was wonderful to see a full size version of the Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush for foundation users out there!  

I've used this for weeks, even brought this along on my Korea Trip, I told Trish I won't but it's just too cute to leave behind!  Here's what I have to say to the Sigma Flat Top Synthetic K-Brush...

Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki says ---
This exclusive flat top synthetic kabuki was designed to deliver a flawless makeup application. The Sigma Makeup F80 is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder or liquid products. The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff your liquid foundation. The long handle adds comfort to your makeup application. The synthetic fibers are ideal to be used with liquid products and can be easily cleaned.

AMW says ---
Pros

• During shipment: packed really well by the seller and the brush is well protected.

• No bleeding, no shedding during wash. (first wash til the very moent)
• Bristles are super soft!  No scratchy feel even if you swirl all over your face even under the eye area.
• No weird scent as compare to other new brushes!
• Handle length is just right for both personal and professional use.
• Multi-functional: can be used on powder, liquid or cream foundation/concealer.
• If used with liquid foundation: no need to use a lot as this does not absorb the liquid foundation due to its density! 
• Can be used on mineral and traditional makeup.
• Works for both medium to heavy coverage, because of its shorter bristles' length, heavy coverage is easy to achieve!

• Ferrule is attached to bristles really well!  Very sturdy.
• Density: the most dense flat top k-brush I've owned to date!

• Not expensive for its durability and quality!  I've owned several Sigma brushes and they are still good as new (as long as you take care of it)

Cons

• Will stain if you did not clean this properly (please check tips on how to clean this brush especially if you use cream/liquid type foundation)
• Takes a bit longer to dry up again, due to its density!

Overall

Worth the investment!  I even use this on clients to buff additional "setting powder" under the eye area!  The length of the brush is just perfect to use professionallyl!

Tips

• For that airbrush use, apply using stippling motion with a liquid foundation.
• For that super nice coverage, apply with powder or liquid foundation using buffing motion!  
• Do not forget to add additional coverage with stippling motion under the eye area, sides of the nose, corners of the mouth for that "bright/awake" look!
• Deep cleansing: swirl this brush with Olive Oil to remove liquid or even powder makeup!  Proceed with using baby shampoo + mild dish washing detergent to remove excess oil! 
• After washing, gently squeeze off excess and swirl the brush on a clean towel, leave it laying flat on the towel for air drying.  
• Never blowdry or add heat for quick drying!
• If you are a type who like to carry this along during travel, purchase a Brush Guard to protect the bristles, or better?  Purchase this cutie!!!

 

**photo from Sigma

Will I repurchase?
No need, this one is enough for me and it looks like it going to last!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes medium to heavy coverage!  Great if you want to hide those pimple marks!  Works best on Mineral Makeup Foundation!

Where to purchase and how much?
International readers can purchase at Sigma Beauty Website.

Locally at Pink Slippers Boutique for Php1,100 (approx $25.00) plus shipping.
To save up on shipping and if you want to checkout products in person, they are at Moonlit Bazaar this October 15, 16 and 17 at Rockwell.
Add them up on Facebook: PinkSlippersboutique Ph/ Pink Slippers Boutique

Just because, I want to show you the Sigma FT Synthetic K-brush against my first Flat Top K-brush love EDM Flat Top Brush !  Length comparison as shown on photo below!

The reason why Sigma FT K-brush gives a nice heavy coverage aside from its density is its brush lenth!  Shorter than EDM.. (aaaww, they look so sweet..teehee)

Well, I rest my case!  I am impressed and will remain so unless something happens to it!  Will revisit if there's any changes (whether good or bad). 

Do you even use Flat Top K-Brushes?  
I do, especially on days my skin is acting up!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Bulletin: What's Up In the Metro

Dear Philippine Readers:

Happy Friday!  Yet another AMW Bulletin to give you information on "What's Hot and Happenin'" in the Metro!  Friday --- Payday!  A lot of sales and bazaars coming up just like the Moonlit Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent over the weekend where you can see brands like Beauty & Minerals, Dollface and Sigma!  Sale of Forever 21 and a whole lot more!  

Aside from that, there's a couple more information I got over my email box that I think some of you maybe interested in partey!!!  I may not be a party animal but I'm one dancing and health freak!  If you are too....Click HERE for more information

(Please click photos to enlarge)

Giordano Philippines has released a new line of graphic shirts which I saw in store designed by us Filipinos!  The 5 graphic tees were available which was chosen from hundreds of entries sent to the Giordano Design-A-Graphic-Tee Contest.  A li'l birdie told me they are limited as only 500 pieces were produced per design!  Just to show you how cool the designs are, I've included a photo of the shirt from the Grand Prize Winner Mr. Lheo Dayumat!  Cute!  I want!

Made-to-order dresses would be cool right?  And what's even better?  They are of course homegrown talent --- Kaye Olfindo!

Kaye's ready-to-wear line, kstyled, was launched August of 2005.  She's been around!  And she does not only connect with clients from the Philippines but also from other countries!  So another thumbs up for Filipina designer!  Click HERE to go to her site.

Last but not the least, there are several makeup schools popping out around and there's going to be another new one coming in!  Make-Up Designory (MUD), is the largest make-up school in the U.S. With the emergence of MUD in our Philippine shores, students will be able to study (as I was advised) the state of the art techniques in beauty make-up artistry, hairstyling, character and special effects make-up!

Be in the know!
Do check back every now and then for more AMW bulletin!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!