I recently had a chance to spend time with friends and colleagues at the City of Dreams Manila. See that breathtaking sight? It was ours for 2 days. 

SALE: S&R Membership Shopping

Hey guys! I couldn't believe I'd breeze my way through S&R during their recently concluded sale. I've been a silent member for months and never got to shop until a couple of weeks ago when I didn't pass on the chance to check out the items on sale. 

(L) Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo  |  1.18 L  |  Php 499  (SALE: Php 399)
(R) Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Conditioner  |  1.18 L  |  Php 499 (SALE: Php 399)

These Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are the reasons why I keep coming back to S&R. They're fairly priced and cheaper even on regular tag. I love that they come in humongous 1.18 L bottles with pump dispensers. Considering I have long tresses that reach my elbows, a bottle lasts around 5 to 6 months! Imagine how these can last if you have shorter hair. I love how the shampoo cleanses my hair thoroughly leaving it feeling soft and silky. The conditioner is as wonderful because it truly nourishes my hair leaving it tangle-free.

Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion  |  532 mL |  Php 999.95 (Buy 1 Take 1)

The next thing I look forward to whenever I go to an S&R sale is the BUY 1 TAKE 1 promo on Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. I love how this product is mild and hypoallergenic yet keeps my skin moisturized the entire day. This is why I never fail to avail the promo even if I still have a bottle in stock. 

(L) Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar  |  113 g  |  Php 379.95  (6 bars)
(R) Dove Advanced Care 48 h Anti-perspirant Deodorant  |  74 g  |  Php 199.95

I also got a couple more of Dove products that I'm quite curious to try. First is the Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar. I don't remember hearing about this product in the past or else I would've tried it earlier. I'm excited about the promise of renewed skin without the harm effects of peeling because this bar is also made of moisturizing cream that won't dry your skin. Another Dove product I got is the Advanced Care 48h Anti-perspirant Deodorant for sensitive skin. My under arms aren't sensitive but I still got 2 of these because I heard from a friend that this variety works so well in whitening the underarms. I'll let you know if they do on mine too! 

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream  |  566 g  |  Php 749.95

I've always adored Cetaphil and have been wanting to buy a tub of their Moisturizing Cream since I saw one in Greenhills. In the past days, I've developed rashes on my cheeks and forehead so I got to try this mixed with a mild topical steroid and they worked so well after just a single use!

Spectra Jumbo Cotton Balls  |  300 pcs  |  Php 99.95
Delon Premium Cosmetic Cotton Rounds  |  100 pcs  |  Php 99.95

These were a sight to behold! Being a skin care junkie makes me all giddy and excited about cotton. The cotton balls are as cheap as the ones I get from a medical supplier. The cotton rounds are better than my last  from The Body Shop. This is more textured hence best used to remove makeup. 

Crest 3D White Luxe Multi-Care Whitening Rinse  |  946 ml  |  Php 349.95

I'm not so crazy over mouth wash but I like to whiten my teeth every chance I get so the label "Glamorous White" won me over. I'll see if this product truly does what it claims and I'll keep you posted.

(L) Kirkland Signature Vitamin C 1000 mg  |  500 tabs  | Php 1,299.95
(R) Kirkland Signature Vitamin E 400 I.U.  |  500 softgels  |  Php 999.95

These supplements are hands down the most cost-effective purchase I made. I've been buying supplements from the local drug stores and supermarkets in the past years and never did I realize how much cheaper buying from S&R is. Good thing I got to browse through the shelves where these were displayed on my way to the counter.

eos lip balm  |  5 spheres  |  Php 749.95

Last of all is my most cherished purchase, a pack of eos lip balms! This has got to be my best find. I am so obsessed with eos lip balms that I intend to buy more. Good thing I don't have 3 of those included in the pack because I'm sharing them with a good friend. Each balm only costs Php 149.99 which is definitely cheaper compared to buying them from online sellers individually for Php 250. 

Overall, my experience with shopping at S&R was worth every effort. I got to buy a lot of discounted items and regular items that are still cheaper than when bought in local stores. I highly recommend you be a member and start to benefit from perks of being one. The only downside of shopping at S&R, most specifically during sale, is the big crowd that awaits you.

Any thoughts on S&R shopping or on any product mentioned above? Don't be shy, comment away! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week ahead.

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ACNE SUMMIT 2014

Hey guys! I recently attended the Acne Summit 2014 by the Acne Board of the Philippines at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. The event was sponsored by Galderma, a world renowned company specializing in research and development of dermatological solutions to restore and improve skin health. 

Image courtesy of ashworthroad.com

There was a myriad of interesting topics tackled by our local experts in Dermatology but I won't pound you with all the details. I'll just share with you what I find interesting and helpful to properly care for your skin especially when faced with a common skin condition such as acne.

Image courtesy of acnetreatmentexposed.com

I have my share of nightmares about acne in my early teens and I thank my dear mother for not letting me go through that ordeal on my own. She sought the help of a friend who referred me to a Dermatologist. So if you're suffering from acne, please consult a skin expert. It's always best to get the proper treatment from a professional rather than playing doctor.

Image courtesy of cityline.com

Experts also stressed that acne is multi-factorial and not solely caused by one thing. Most interestingly, one speaker even mentioned that makeup doesn't cause or aggravate acne nor does it delay treatment response. So to those concerned, you can still put on makeup! Yey!

Image courtesy of stylist.com

If you're skin is acne prone like mine, here are some useful tips to live by. Basically, your skin care products should be non comedogenic. You might want to stay away from products containing oleic acid and isopropyl ester that tend to plug your pores. Remember, oil free is not the same as non comedogenic, just make sure to check product labels carefully. Your skin care products should not worsen your acne. Emulsifiers, lanolin, fragrances and mineral oil have the tendency to do that so try to keep away from them as well.

Image courtesy of redbookmag.com

As for the ideal cleanser in Acne, it should be gentle, pH balanced, can sustain hydration, soothing, can control sebum, soap free and alcohol free.

Image courtesy of stylist.com

Never go out unprotected from the harmful rays of the sun. An ideal sunscreen should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays with a high SPF. 

Image courtesy of hormonehealthforbusys.com

Most importantly, adherence to treatment plays a major impact on good outcome. Once you are given a regimen, follow it. If nothing happens, inform your doctor about it. You need to work together for best results. 

The good thing about the event? Galderma provided everyone full size bottles of Cetaphil Oil Control Foam Wash and Oil Control Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30. I'm so excited to try them and let you guys know what I think. How about you? Have you tried any of these products from Galderma? Do share your thoughts on the comments section below. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!


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