AZTEC INDIAN HEALING CLAY Mask (Review + Tutorial) IS IT REALLY EFFECTIVE?!

One of the most hyped products on the internet nowadays, especially by beauty bloggers, is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay! But is it really effective? The brand claims it is "The World's Most Powerful Facial". I took it to test and tried it on my oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin and you won't believe what the result is!

What makes this mask special is that it is deep pore cleansing because of it's 100% natural calcium bentonite clay content. The brand claims it is the world's most powerful facial (mask). The main ingredient is the Indian Healing Clay (powder). 

I did my research and found out that it comes from the Death Valley, California where it is sun-dried for up to six months in temperatures that sometimes reach 134 degrees. It could be used for facials, acne, body wraps, clay bath, foot soak, knee pack and insect bites. 

JUST HOW BAD WAS MY ACNE?!
Here's how my face looked in 2012. If you haven't read about it yet, check out my full acne story HERE. Forward to 2018, my face has somehow improved for I have overcome the puss and intense acne breakout. However, I still get a couple of spots and I still battle with oily skin and acne spots.

AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY

WHERE TO BUY IT :

• HEALTHY OPTIONS - If you are reading from the Philippines, you could but it from any local Healthy Options branch. However, the problem with this is that the clay is so popular that they run out of it fast. Useful tip for you is to visit a Healthy Options that is less crowded like at the upscale malls. 
• iHERB - This is where I got mine. The beauty in ordering here is that you could order even if you are from the Philippines or a reader outside the Philippines. Out of the other online shops that have this, this site sells it the lowest. But unlike most Philippine-based online shops, iherb offers free shipping but you'd have to wait for over a month for it. If you want your item to be delivered in just a few days, you'd have to pay for Php 200 to Php 700 shipping fee. My tip is to order total worth of items Php 2,000 ($40) and up. 
• AMAZON - If you are from anywhere else than the Philippines, great news! You can get this at Amazon! They are often in stock and also perfect if you are from the US since it won't cost a fortune for the shipping fee. 
• CALYXTA - Another local (Philippines) online shop that sells it is this. Though they sell it for Php 650, it is still better than settling for unguaranteed know-offs. The catch, though is that they are also often out of stock of it.
• LAZADA / SHOPEE - This would be your LAST OPTION as I am not convinced the ones they sell are authentic. If you really, really want to try it then go purchase from their shops. But if you could wait until a nearby Healthy Options restock it, then it would be much better!

HOW MUCH IS IT :

The price depends where you're getting it from. I got mine for Php 420 from iHerb but I had to buy a total of Php 2,000 worth of other items to avail the Php 200 shipping fee. If not, I would have spent only Php 420 for the actual item but pay Php 700 for the shipping fee.

Other online shops sell it from Php 550 up to Php 950. Amazon offers it for $9 up to $12 per jar.

Another important ingredient of the Healing Clay Mask is Apple Cider Vinegar. It is also one of the most popular products these days as this claim to help the body and gives a lot of health (and beauty) benefits. On the label of the Clay, it states it should be mixed with equal part of raw apple cider vinegar. However, if you can not stand the smell of it or if you are allergic to it, you can simply use water to mix with your clay. 

Apple Cider Vinegar in the brand Bragg's is also available at Healthy Options and other online stores. What's good is that it is also now available at local groceries in the Philippines such as SM.

So, this is my skin BEFORE using the Aztec Healing Clay Mask. Note that I used the mask for a total of 3 times before I did the video and wrote this review. If you notice, although my skin doesn't have the intense acne it used to have, I still have couple of active spots and my deep acne scars are still visible. If we remove the light I used in this photo, you would have seen that my face is oily, bumpy yet dry, wrinkly and flaky. Yes, it is still bad.

HOW TO USE THE MASK :

• Mix clay with equal parts of raw apple cider vinegar or water. 
• Use non-metal bowl and utensil.
• Stir the mixture well to a smooth paste. Add more if necessary.
• Apply about 1/8 inch to the face or area where you need it.
• Let it dry for 5-10 mins. for delicate skin and 15-20 minutes for normal skin.
• Remove clay by washing with warm water.

HOW IT FEELS : 

For first timers, the feeling of tightening caused by the clay and the powerful smell of the apple cider vinegar may be too much, But once you've applied it, you will feel your skin tighten and you will feel your face pulsate! If you apply enough amount and leave it on to dry, it will look like the photo below.

FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION, WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW : 

One of the most satisfying thing ever is removing this mask! It feels itchy when you have it on and you may feel a bit uncomfortable with it. To be honest, each time I have it on, I always just bear with it and look forward to removing it. Once it dries, it's also satisfying to peel off the dry flakes as you will see and feel portions of your skin looking and feeling clean and smooth. 

You can remove it by simply using warm water. It's also a bit of a challenge to remove as it is sticky and thick. What I do to remove it is I use a facial wash so it's easier to get rid of.

When you remove the mask, you may notice slight redness of the skin. It is normal and will disappear in about 30 minutes. What you will feel after is that the skin is visibly lighter and glowy. It also feels clean and fresh as impurities and oil have been cleansed out! Although, I haven't noticed any powers of it on blackheads and active pimples, it does it's job in deep cleansing the skin. 

Here's how my skin look one the first time trying the mask.

After 3 days, I tried it for the second time. 

After another 3 days, I used it for the 3rd time and here's the result.

What I noticed is that, though it didn't do anything to combat my pimples, it did a great job lessening the oiliness of my skin and making my skin look tighter. If you have flaws on your skin, the trick is to make it appear tighter so flaws and scars become less visible.

PROS :

• It visibly reduces appearance of pores after using it.
• It makes skin smoother and clearer by eliminating oil and dirt.
• You only need 2 ingredients to make 
• Preparing time is short. 
• You can use this clay jar for up to 20 times, depending on how much you use per preparation. 

CONS : 

• Skin feels itchy while you have it on.
• Healing Clay Mask is always out of stock, you have to get it online.
• It doesn't heal active pimples.
• It could be messy to prepare, apply and remove.
• The effect is only temporary so you'd have to use it over and over. It's not something that helps the skin from the inside. 

Overall, I'd say this is a nice product to try. What's good about it is that it could be use by many people so you could share with family and friends. There's not much to rant about this clay mask as it really is good. The only thing I have to note is the fact that on their packaging, they claim that it is the "World's Most Powerful Facial", I'd say it is good and effective while you use it but I reckon this is NOT the best the world has to offer. 

If you liked this post, please don't forget to FOLLOW me on my social media accounts!

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Kristine  

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EXCESSIVE UNDERARM SWEAT SOLUTION | Solusyon sa Basang Kilikili

Probably my most embarrassing secret is that I have sweaty underarms! It's so humiliating especially if you work in the beauty industry where people expect you to be at your tip-top game! 

I honestly had second thoughts before doing this post. I was scared I'd be judged, hated on and bashed even more by some unmellowed internet users. But same reason why I ever shared my acne story on the internet, I want people to somehow find inspiration and hope. This may be a simple "sweaty" post for some, but for those who have this problem, we know how this affects our confidence and sometimes, our outlook in life.

SWEATY UNDERARM! What causes it and is there ever a solution for it?

Excessive sweating is also called HYPERHIDROSIS. It is the excessive sweating of certain areas of the body, in this case, the underarm. It usually starts in adolescence or young adulthood. Most people with this type of condition are healthy and it's not alarming. But what people who have this typically suffer from are embarrassment and frustration. Some people even have it on their palms ad feet, which hinders them from being sociable. I did my research and found out that most people who suffer from this condition don't really seek help from the doctor and just try to live with it.

MY UNDERARMS STARTED SWEATING WHEN...

My excessive underarm sweat started when I was about 12 years old and was in transition from elementary to high-school. I remember it was our school wash day where we are allowed to wear civilian outfit. I was wearing a denim dress with long-sleeves. I clearly remember it was a gift from a relative from the US, hence the design. I noticed the underarm part of my dress was darker and it was wet! When I got home, I found some "tawas" in our bathroom so I applied it on my underarms. I was hoping it would stop my underarm from sweating but little did I know, that day was the start of my unending relationship with my sweaty underarms. 

For 19 years, I dealt with my embarrassing underarm. All those years, I had to be VERY careful what I wear. My underarm is NOT stinky at all but when I don't take precaution, it could smell like sweat. (obviously) I had to be careful I wash my clothes carefully, pick the right fabric, print and color of my clothes so when I'm out, the sweat mark around my underarms isn't too obvious. I also had to be careful moving so my friends and my BF don't accidentally touch my wet underarms. It was embarrassing to attend events and talk in front of people especially when it's at a hot venue because my underarms would surely be sweaty and wet when I move and people will notice. TRULY HUMILIATING.

There are many natural ways and over-the-counter treatments and solution for excessive sweaty underarms. But for today, I will be talking about a clinical treatment I had recently at Flawless. 

MY FLAWLESS CLINIC : There are many Flawless clinics in Manila but the one I often go to is Flawless Farmer's Plaza branch in Cubao.

TREATMENT : Flawless Underarm SWEATOX

It uses small amounts of botulinium toxin to significantly reduce sweating by temporarily blocking signals that stimulate sweat glands on areas such as underarm, palms, feet, etc.

PRICE : Sweatox starts at Php 7, 200 per session for 25 units - Php 28, 500 for 100 units. 

Basically, if you've heard of Botox, this is what they will do to your underarm. This treatment focuses on the muscles in the certain area and temporarily paralyzing them. Hence, if you have botox around the face, it will appear fuller, younger and plump. Same goes with the Sweatox. It freezes the sweat glands on the underarms causing the excessive sweating to decrease as well.

Here's what they use for the treatment: 

I had this treatment back in October 2017. I didn't post about it right away because I wanted to make sure it was safe and effective and that there are no harmful side effects. 

If you are scared or needles, injection and pain, THIS TREATMENT MAY NOT BE FOR YOU. But, if you are the type who would do anything for the sake of beauty and CONFIDENCE, then this treatment may be the treatment that would change your life. Maybe not forever, but at least say... for 12 months?!

For more information and to see the FULL-TREATMENT, watch the video below :

I did the final talking part and uploaded this video in March 2018. I waited 5 months because I wanted to know if it's really effective and if the effect really lasts. Impressively, my underarms are still dry until now. Yes, they do sweat but they only release about 3-5% of the sweat it used to release before I had this treatment. It is barely noticeable and doesn't stain my closes at all!

PROS :

• Effectively decreases excessive sweating
• Last for up to 12 months
• You only need 1 session for it to take effect
• Be more confident after this treatment
• Only licensed and professional Flawless doctors will do the treatment

CONS : 

• Pricey if you need 100 units of Botox
• The treatment hurts, especially if you're scared or injection
• The underarm will be bumpy and have spots the first few days after treatment
• Other areas around underarm such as chest and back will be noticeably sweaty than normal but not excessive
• Not a permanent treatment

Overall, I would say this is a LIFE CHANGING treatment I should have gotten earlier!!! Imagine having to suffer for 19 years with the most-embarrassing underarm ever. I couldn't wear outfits which were trendy such as chiffon top, gray-colored shirts and tight clothing. It also affected my confidence as I refused to speak in front of the class or participate in presentations because I was conscious they'd see my wet underarms. As a blogger, it also affected my choice of clothes. I mostly wore black and plain outfit that would conceal my underarms. 

But now, I am worry-free and confident. I can now do sports without having to worry. I could also freely choose whatever clothing I want to wear without having to worry if it would make wet stain visible. It also made me closer to my BF as I became more confident to move around him since I wasn't careful of my armpits. 

I really am thankful for this treatment! If you are suffering from the same thing, there is still hope! If you are curious about this treatment or any other Flawless treatments, check out their online accounts or visit any near Flawless clinics near you! 

If you liked this post, please don't forget to FOLLOW me on my social media accounts!

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Kristine  

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WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE BEAUTY CARE A PART OF YOUR DAY

You should never take your beauty care, or your skin, for granted. While it may be possible to skate through for some time with haphazard care, this will catch up with you in time. Nobody wants to be the woman who looks into the mirror one day and discovers that her face is becoming lined and wrinkled. It’s true that none of us can totally escape what time and gravity will do forever, but there are certainly ways to keep looking good no matter what age you are. Learning proper skin care should actually begin when you are a child, but definitely by the time the teen years have rolled around.

Healthy Skin Is No Accident

Even if you were born with genes that have given you normal, healthy skin, there is no guarantee that your skin will stay that way. If you want your skin to stay healthy, you have to give it some respect, not only as regards the products you use on it, but as regards your lifestyle as well.

·         The most dangerous enemy your skin has is the sun. While the most visible sign of sun damage will be sunburn, the real harm to you skin will occur in the middle layer, the dermis. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun will penetrate right down into this layer where it will start to break down the elastin that keeps your face bouncing back when used, and will also harm the collagen which forms the skin’s connective tissue. This will contribute to sagging and wrinkling, and this can occur while you are quite young if you are a serious sunbather. UV light can also alter the DNA in skin cells, causing them to become cancerous.

·         Exercise should be a regular part of your life. Exercise helps to keep your body trimmer and will increase circulation. Increased circulation means that more blood will be delivered to your face to nourish the skin, healing any damage done by environmental factors.

·         Smoking is one of the largest contributors to wrinkling of the facial skin. When you smoke, some of the oxygen in your blood is replaced by carbon monoxide, starving your skin cells of the nutriment they need to stay healthy.

·         Your choice of diet will also affect the health of your skin. Although it’s been proven that foods such as chocolate will not cause pimples or acne, you should keep in mind the old phrase “You are what you eat”. A diet of junk food and a lot of greasy or sweet food will not provide the nutrition you need for your body to function as it should.

·         Getting the proper amount of sleep is also essential to maintaining your good looks. Our lives are full of stress, and this takes a toll on every part of us. As Shakespeare said, “Sleep that knits up the raveled sleeve of care”, and it does just that, refreshing both our minds and our bodies.

Choosing the Best Products for Your Skin Type

All skin needs help to stay as healthy and young-looking as possible. When you are collecting your skin products there are always several things to keep in mind.

·         You should always be aware of your skin type, this will have a direct influence on the treatments that you choose. Dry skin will require cleansers that will not strip away too much essential oil, and a moisturizer that will help nourish dry skin and prevent flaking. Those with oily skin will need a cleanser that can remove excess oil so that pores do not become clogged and inflamed. Likewise, the moisturizer used for oily skin will be lighter than that for dry skin and will not aggravate skin conditions.

·         Those who have acne will have to be a bit more particular in their choice of skin treatments. If you have acne, you are actually dealing with several skin problems at the same time: oiliness, infected pustules, and sensitive skin. Getting acne under control will require a proactive approach, where acne is directly treated to help it to heal. Acne is not just a surface problem, it originates beneath the skin as well, in overactive sebaceous glands.

·         Sunscreen should be considered a part of your face care regimen if you are going to be spending any amount of time outside. Sunscreen will usually be applied after your face has been washed and moisturized, before foundation makeup is applied.

One of the best ways to choose products that will help your skin stay healthy is to read the label of ingredients and do a bit of research online. Product reviews can help steer you to cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup that will best fit your skin type and condition.

* * *

If you liked this post, please don't forget to FOLLOW me on my social media accounts!

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Kristine  

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VLOGGER PR BOX UNBOXING (Libreng Makeup for Vloggers!)

One of the perks of being a vlogger (and a blogger) is that we get we stuff. Depending on which topic or genre one is blogging about, one often get items and products in that category. Because I mostly do beauty, fashion and lifestyle posts, I do get quite a number of makeup and skincare items. 

In this blog post, I will be sharing some of the sponsored items I got in February 2018.

WHY DO ONLINE INFLUENCERS HAVE TO POST THE FREE ITEMS THEY GET FOR FREE? 
While most brands and sponsors don't really require influencers to post all items they get for free, I personally believe there are 3 reasons why we feel we have to post them anyway.
1.) FOR THE VIEWERS - Aside from wanting to be entertained, most readers and viewers these days turn to blogs and vlogs for product updates, recommendations and reviews. Influencers post the items so their followers would know the latest trend and could also get an idea what to buy and what to try next.
2.) FOR THE BRAND - This is a personal opinion but I think one of the reasons influencers post the free stuff is to somehow thank the brand for sending them the item. It's a very simple act of thanking someone who gave you something, don't you think?
3.) FOR THE INFLUENCER - One of the top reasons why influencers exist is to "influence" their audience. What better way to do so than by recommending items and products they have recently got, tried and liked!

I personally am always grateful to brands that sponsor because I admit these are things I won't be able to get for myself had I not been a blogger. 

Do you spot any favorite brand or item in my flatlay above? If so, be sure to watch the video below for close-up look on the item and to know my thoughts about it and the rest of the items!

Here are the items I got in case you can't watch the video OR 
if you want direct link to each of the item so you could start SHOPPING! :)

L'oreal Brow Artist Expert Eyebrow Liners 
Comes in 7 shades to match all hair colors and skin tone
I did a Lazada Live on this. Click here to watch the video!

Althea Korea Box Luck Me Set (Lunar New Year)
Althea Korea shop

CHARIS Korea ROMAND Creamy Lipstick
Available on my Charis Korean online shop
CLICK HERE to BUY!

CHARIS Korea Superface Lights Camera Action Cushion
This is one current FAVORITE cushion because it matches my skin tone and skin type.
It's not cakey and heavy unlike other Korean cushions I've tried. Available on my Charis Korean online shop
CLICK HERE to BUY!

CHARIS Korea Cotton Candy Set.
It's what I used when I filmed the video and took photos for this post.
I love it, too!
Available on my Charis Korean online shop
CLICK HERE to BUY!

ELLANA Minerals Cosmetics
This is also my recent discovery in makeup. I love it because it's safe and gentle for my acne-prone skin. I did a makeup tutorial using ALL Ellana items, 
CLICK HERE to watch the video.
I also have a DISCOUNT CODE if you want to buy Ellana. Use my code RealAsianBeauty to get Php300 off your purchase valid until April 11 only. 
CLICK HERE to go to Ellana's online shopping site!

Miss Bella Blending Sponge and Makeup Brush Set 
This is my current favorite brand of blending sponge as it is soft and blends any makeup on the skin effortlessly and flawlessly! Visit them on their IG account! 

TONY MOLY is one of the leading Korean brands when it comes to makeup.
I did a makeup tutorial using ALL Tony Moly items.
CLICK HERE to watch the makeup tutorial on YouTube. 

MAYBELLINE Matte Metallic Lipsticks 

The FACE SHOP Flat Velvet and Glossy Lipstick 

iHerb is an online shop. Personally, I don't like their shop as they are quite pricey compared to other onlines. They do offer free shipping but it would take months for the item/s to arrive. If you want the parcel to be delivered within days, you'd have to pay and it's pricey! I only ordered because I really wanted to try the Aztec Clay, which wasn't available in other online shops I know or local Healthy Options here in the Philippines.

VICE Cosmetics Lippies

Colorette Cosmetics 

Esfolio Philippines 
Check out their online shop here

That's everything I got for free for the month of February. Like what I have mentioned above, I am really grateful to each and every item I get no matter how small it is. I hope you enjoy my haul videos as much as I enjoy filming them!

If you liked this post, please don't forget to FOLLOW me on my social media accounts!

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Kristine  

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HOW TO BE PRODUCTIVE THIS SUMMER! (Sun Prepaid Gigasurf50)

If you find yourself sweating even after taking a bath or if you're already craving for cold and sweet halo-halo, then it's time to admit SUMMER has come once again!

How do you like spending your Summer days, though? I always feel the best way to enjoy it is to get close with nature. When I was younger, I used to spend summer vacations in the province with my grandparents. Now that I am older, I still make sure I breathe some fresh air by going on out-of-town trips. 

One of the nearest places from Manila is Sta. Rosa, Laguna. I have also blogged the Top things to do in Sta. Rosa, Laguna here. In the photo below, you see me chilling by the water in comfy outfit with my pet Fluffy.

Spending time with my dogs is one of the most stress-relieving activities for me. I just love how dogs are so loyal, playful and happy yet needy at the same time. 

But as a blogger, I need to be connected to the internet so I could update my followers. I need to be productive and keep my posts up-to-date. But how do I do it even though I go out of the town? Simple! I stay connected by using my Sun Cellular phone!

Sun Prepaid recently launched the GIGASURF 50! What was once only available for SMART subscribers can now be enjoyed by SUN subscribers as well! How awesome? SUN GIGASURF50 comes with 1 GB internet, 300 MB for YouTube and UNLI text to all networks! What's even more amazing is that it only costs Php 50 and is valid for 3 days! To avail this, all you have to do is type GIGA50 and send it to 247 using your SUN cellular phone.

And just to prove how awesome the service is, I tried it when my family and I went to Tagaytay last weekend. Honestly, if you are on top of a mountain, you wouldn't expect your phone to still be working, right? But SUN Cellular proved me wrong! I was honestly impressed at how fast the internet is when I subscribed to SUN GIGASURF50 for the first time. I was able to check my YouTube videos, respond to some YouTube comments, post on my Instagram timeline and Instagram Story plus chat my friends on FB messenger! 

If you work on the internet, you will understand how important it is to always stay online. Yes, spending quality time with loved ones is more important, but who says you can't check your SNS accounts from time to time while still giving your family the quality time they deserve? I am so glad I have tried this newest service from SUN hence I am sharing it with you now. 

I feel I am at my best when I am able to relax, unwind and breathe some fresh air.

If you want to see more about my fun weekend with my family in Tagaytay, be sure to watch the video below. 
You need to watch it if you are curious what you can do in Tagaytay for 20 PESOS, too!

I feel like the best way to be productive is to multi-task. By staying connected to the internet though I'm miles away from home makes me feel I have done something productive for the day. As a blooger, you will agree this statement is rather true! Hehe

If you liked this post, please don't forget to FOLLOW me on my social media accounts!

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Kristine  

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