6/1/11 - 7/1/11 - Shen's Addiction

For me, it was through my Tita Toni's vanity. I was nine or ten when I first opened that tin can and I swear this is the first time she'll ever know about this. I didn't understand it at first, the rich creme along my skin and everything. But one thing I know... I love the smell of it!

My next introduction to this brand was when I was in highschool and I wanted to have a fairer skin. But it was more important for me to like the scent. For more than 5 years, I've been using NIVEA Extra Whitening Lotion that I think this was the 3rd or 4th time it revamped its packaging. It was what I would say, my go-to lotion.

When a friend from Nivea informed that they turned 100 years in caring for millions of skin worldwide, they wanted to include us in the celebration by sharing with us a the famous blue tin can and making me reminisce my childhood again. I'm sure if my Tita knew about the me playing with her Nivea Creme before, she'd be taking this one just to teach me a lesson. Lol.

Now that I have a bit of experience in testing different moisturizers like face creams and lotions, I find it not surprising that a product like this would be a bestseller. It's a multi-tasker and what we would call "Pang Pamilya". Everybody can use it, any skin type and discriminating no body parts.

Ever since receiving this, I use this as a hand cream. My hands been dry like crazy ever since we decided not to hire a maid. From washing dishes and clothes, to cleaning floors and the bathroom, my hand took a beating. Rich moisturizers like Nivea Cream really do come in handy especially during these unpredictable weather changes. And since it comes in a compact packaging, I can keep it in my makeup kit.

Caring for my skin has been an important aspect in my life for the past three years. When I think about why, the only thing that comes to mind aside from the harsh reality that the sun is drying it up, is that I want my boyfriend to always feel a smooth skin whenever he touches me. I want the contrast of our skin to be apparent and I want him to know that for the rest of our lives, he'll always have a soft skin to touch no matter what. Cheesy, noh? Hehehe!

Got no choice, I fell in love with a man who richly deserved to be loved and spoiled. :)

Nivea has gone from making the Nivea Creme to an international success and they have found that skin differs from one country to another. It was important for Nivea to uphold their mission which was to give a better skin for everyone. From that invention of Eucerit, Nivea have built a multitude of products that caters to all skin type. They provide us tropical dwellers with sun care to moisture rich lotions and bath care for those living in cold climates, up to creating separate lines for babies and men.

Thanks to Mikki for sharing these things to me about Nivea and making me reminisce again about my childhood kakikayan and how I am still one even now.

Happy Birthday to Nivea!

To know more about Nivea products, please visit their facebook page.

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News of pregnancy of beauty and feminine products and prime time actress, Andi Eigennman, surfaced out. Her mother, veteran actress, Jaclyn Jose, has already confirmed it. Her daughter is 18 weeks and 2 days pregnant at 21 years of age.

Through this, RH Bill is back on track. And people who approve of it is seriously pushing for the passing of said bill. With all the news of STD' cases and unwanted teenage pregnancy rampaging all over, I am not surprise.

But seriously, do we need the government to help protect us in deciding on doing what we already know isn't suppose to happen to us if we only stop for little while and think?

I'm not going to be holier than though person and tell you that I'm all saint that's why I'm not a teenage mother. No, definitely not. I have my fair share of being a rowdy teenager and dating men who wanted nothing but to get into my pants or skirt, despite me not having the lushest of body or anything. If I list them all down now, 24 hours isn't enough. I would probably need a week.

But what got me through those times my hormones were raging and my heart and other parts of my body seem to overcome my brain was my deep fear for my mother.

It's no news that I was very close to my mother and its no news that I was a difficult child. I ran away, tried different bad things, my parents got called several times to the principal's office and almost didn't graduate third year high school. I had those "peer pressure" moments, made out with a guy at the back of the school and had boyfriends really young. I even called myself once, a sexual being. I did try a lot of different things at a really young age.

But seeing how my mom suffered from work and how hard times and money were for us, made me realize that if I succumbed to all the sexual tensions and got pressured by my friends who are doing it, I know that I will just add to my mom's sufferings. I was already more than she could take and I couldn't afford to add more trouble for me.

There were times when I would look at my mom and wish that she would just stop with what her doing and rest. But she couldn't since bills came every month and I was studying in an expensive school with an expensive course. I wasn't doing that well in school, too, and I was scared to give her more than she could take.

Most of all, my mom instilled in me ambition. She said that not everyone is lucky to survive teenage pregnancy and have a great life. Not everyone is strong enough. And she didn't want me to take a chance because I may not be that tough after all. Not with how much money she was making, we certainly can't afford another mouth to feed.

She instilled in me dreams of going to Europe, having expensive things, living in my place... that if I go get pregnant, I should have most if not all of those things already. She instilled in me that she isn't capable of giving me all life's luxuries and that only my education is the only thing she can leave me. She also told me that she wouldn't have anything to do me when that happened because I have seriously disappointed her and threw out everything she taught me. Seriously, with the hundred of times she told me that, I believed her.

I think most parents do what they can to protect their children and shelter them from all life's monsters. But there will come a time that WE should take charge and make our own decisions. Whatever education we have, we are children of our parents and I think its time we look into their lives. How do they pay their bills, buy our cellphones, pay for our school and our leisure. It's time to ask what they expect from us and do what we can to achieve it.

I know how it is to be in love and to prove that love in whatever way we can. I know how it feels to want to tear yourself away from your man and just be one with him. Damn sure, I know how all those feelings. But Bill or no Bill, we should know that every action has an equal reaction. Most importantly, you and boyfriend are not the only person in the world. And most likely, he's not going to be the last man on earth. Not everything is about romance. And not everything if about just getting off and feeling that oh-so fantastic orgasm.

So before you do the deed... think of yourself first ten years from now. Think of your first dream of who to become when you grow old. Think of your parents or guardian. Think of the consequences first, please. Since I cannot go into details of how I was able to survive those years without having to succumbed to teenage pregnancy or drugs, I'm sure you have the right tools and teachings from your school and parents and even friends to help you do the right things.

Everything can wait... I cannot express how true this is. I am a living attestation on that.

I admire women who were able to become a magnificent mother despite the fact of having to deal with it in such young age. Sometimes, I find myself envying them because now I won't have my mom to be there when that happens. But I was glad I didn't have to let my mom go through with that.

Remember that MTV series 16 and Pregnant? That everyone in the family becomes involve when there's someone pregnant at such an early age? It's true. I've seen it. Imagine if I let my mom go through all the things with her hypertension and all... seriously, I would have killed her earlier. And with how difficult times are now these days, please think before you let another being into this world.

But if it really can't be helped... please use protection. So, if you're a teenager... please please think before you "do". Yes, pun intended.

Most of all, we are a God-fearing nation. Ask for His guidance when you think you can't think anymore.

Disclaimer: I am not judging teenage moms out there and cannot presume to know the difficulties or the joy of it. Like I said, I admire those women who were able to become good parents despite at such a young age. I am just sharing my two cents and experience on this subject and I hope that with this post, I can open a troubled teenager's mind out there to think before they act. So please refrain from unnecessary mean comments. Thank you.

Photo credit here.

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I'm sure many were surprised when sexy radio DJ Angelika or fondly called Angelicopter, announced to the world that she had her breast augmented at the most famous cosmetic surgerical clinic, Belo Med. It's not often that we have someone admit they had undergone such procedure. After all, we want to get enhanced for people to mistake it as something real...

Isn't that the usual case? How can these celebrities announce nationwide (worldwide, even) that they were cosmetically enhanced? Aren't they scared to be judged? Isn't natural beauty important to them?

Seriously, I'm laughing myself at typing those words. Because natural beauty comes in being real and I do admire these women for rejoicing the fact they can now enjoy a much slimmer and well-proportionate bodies, cosmetically-made or otherwise.

Looking at Angelika during the Belo Blogger's Night, I was surprised on how natural she was. Nothing seemed off unlike with other ladies I've met who had the same procedure done. Although breast augmentation is the farthest thing on my mind, her confidence was so contagious that I'm sure half of us there wanted one even if my 36D breast size didn't need it. Perhaps, a lift instead.

Angelika talked to us about the whole process she went through, on how she first talked to her husband about it, consulted with several cosmetic surgeons as well as members of her family and friends. Bottomline is, even when you're doing this procedure for you, you need to be aware of the people that are important in your life before going through anything invasive. With that and all knowledge and support she needed, Angel had the procedure done and VIOLA! A fabulous looking body in no time! She was even wake-boarding in Laoag, a few weeks after! :)

Angelicopter with the silicone implant.

Why did she do it anyway? After giving birth and intensive breast feeding, Angel's breast size dropped down from a B to A. I've asked friends who breastfed if they noticed any changes from their breast size or nipples and some of them told me that they did while some said they haven't noticed any difference. I guess, it differs from one woman to another. For Angel, she felt her confidence waning whenever she's in a bikini or just with her husband. She didn't feel like her old self. Breast Augmentation was something she has always wanted even when she was single, so thinking of it as a way to improve her appearance was a typical thing for her to contemplate doing.

And now, she stands before us looking magnificently like a goddess with an angelic voice and witty brain that will knock any man's socks right off.

Angel can only thank Belo Med Group for having the latest techniques and technology because Belo's Breast Augmentation will allow her to breat feed again, as its procedure is a lot safer with lesser complications pre and post-surgery. The way they do it by way that makes the breast look natural as it's inserted near the muscle and not the fat or skin. The jiggly-wiggly it still there and production of milk isn't hindered. You never have to fear your skin from sagging and the implants are safer from outside elements.

Serious medical stuff, I tell you. Some of the words Dra. Belo were saying wasn't even within the realm of my vocabulary. But she was able to explain that their way is the latest in cosmetic surgery and they provide a safer alternative to breast augmentation.

I know many are still apprehensive to get anything invasive done. I am not about to push you to contemplate on it. But me, well, aside from limiting my food intake to healthy options and exercising... cosmetic surgery isn't very far from my mind. I want it and I aim to have it. Maybe not now... probably in the future.

I'm even thinking of having my Deviated Septum removed at Belo... :)

What about you? Have you ever thought of getting a cosmetic surgery?

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There's more important things in life than beauty. I've heard it so many times before and yes, I do agree. But without beauty, how do we know those that isn't? How do we know that black makes an elegant color for a small cocktail dress? How do we know that a red lipstick brighten our smile even more and makes our skin appear fairer, lighter?

Just like our skin when we were younger, we have this soft beautiful supple skin, protected from all harm. Our mother ensured this... But as we grow older, we now have the responsibility to take care of that skin that our mothers have held dear for many number of years.

It took me awhile to finally realize that nobody's going to take care of my skin but me. But taking care of it, was a lot harder than I thought. I would get lazy often that I miss a step or two. Aren't we all guilty of that?

But one thing I never forget (aside from cleansing my face) is applying sunscreen! Quite honestly, ever since I've achieved a clearer face (thanks to my Obagi Trupeel experience), I've only been using a few products on my face. I would even go to work with nary a makeup on! Surprising, isn't it? Lol. All is good when I know my skin is very well protected.

And what's been protecting my skin for quite sometime now, from summer to the start of the rainy season? It's the Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++ UVA.

I kind of like the idea that my sunblock is made from what used to be an apothecary, the beauty cosmetic counters of the olden days. Makes me feel like I'm part of those times but with better products and technology. For years, Kiehl's have been on the journey of providing the best in skin care, one of those is the Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA +++ UVA.

If you're a stickler for sunblock like I am, then you will enjoy this product as much as I do. It has everything I like in a sunscreen, such as:

Easy to apply because of the Ultra Light formulation.
It is a broad-sprectrum sunscreen which provides protection both from UVB (Burning) and UVA (Aging).
High SPF - Hello, SPF 50 PA+++!
I love the scent. Triggers my brain that I'm very-well protected from the sun.
Doesn't cause any skin irritation or allergies.
It really protects my skin from sun damage.
White cast isn't too obvious in flash photography

I've been using this sunblock almost everyday for more than 2 months now and so far, my skin hasn't changed in color. After coming from an intensive peeling treatment, it was important for me to protect my skin from dark spots. I knew Kiehl's was perfect choice since it's been known to be safe for any skin types, more so for sensitive skin.

Sunscreen are best thing out there to slow down aging or prevents our skin from looking dull and lifeless. The sun may be the giver of life but constant exposure to it isn't healthy for the skin. Even during the rainy days, the sun seeps through the clouds and could cause major damage to our skin. Not something be would want if we want to achieve beautiful skin.

To become beautiful, we don't necessarily have to undergo treatments, surgery or what nots. Sometimes, its as easy as protecting our skin with a sunscreen. As the old addage go, prevention is better than cure. So if you choose to become beautiful, start by protecting your skin with Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++.

The photos below provide you the ingredients and swatches of this product.

Check out the ingredients!

A pea-size like this is enough for the whole face

Easy to blend and gets absorbed easily

Provides a flawless finish.

Here's a few things I think we should know. I got this from Kiehl's Manila Facebook Page.

What is it about the sun that seems to attract rumors and myths? There are so many myths about sunscreen and how best to avoid the damaging effects of UV rays. To clear up any confusion, we took the top ten sun myths and debunked them. Here’s the scoop:

Myth #1: SPF over 30 is no more effective than 30
False: While the difference between SPF 30 and higher formulations is small, there is a difference — and every little bit counts.

Myth # 2: Sunscreens shut out all UV rays
False: Sunscreens let it some UV light, even those labeled SPF 100. Plus, not all sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB ray. Use a broad-spectrum sun protection to get the most coverage. At Kiehl’s all of our sunscreen formulas protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Myth #3: I don’t need sunscreen on a cloudy or winter day
False: The sun’s dangerous UV rays are present throughout the day, every day of the year – even on cold, cloudy or otherwise seemingly sunless days. At Kiehl’s we recommend wearing a facial product with SPF every day.

Myth # 4: SPF 30 is twice as strong as SPF 15
False: Higher SPF factors do not proportionately increase the protection provided. SPF 30 does not provide twice as much protection as SPF 15, rather it provides only about 5% more protection.

Myth # 5: I look healthier with a tan
False: What can we say? A tan is a warning sign that your skin has been damaged — even if you never experienced a sunburn. If you’re addicted to that “healthy” glow, stick to self-tanners like our Sun Free Self Tanning Formula. Never go to a tanning booth, which also damages the skin.

Myth #6: Once I achieve a “base tan” I don’t need to wear SPF
False: Whether you are tan or not, your skin can be damaged by UV rays.

Myth # 7: If I sit in the shade, I don’t need to wear sunscreen
False: You can still be exposed to the sun’s rays, as shade doesn’t completely block the sun. Plus, on the beach the sand actually reflects sunlight and increases the amount of UV radiation you’ll receive.

Myth #8: As long as I don’t burn, I’m wearing enough SPF
False: Invisible damage and skin aging are also caused by UVA light, which does not cause reddening or pain.

Myth #9: Sunscreen should be thick and heavy to be effective
False: New technology and the latest ingredients have lead to sunscreen products that are lightweight. For examples, our new Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ goes on light and matte, not gloopy and thick.

Myth #10: If I have covered all my skin with lotion, I’m wearing enough sunscreen
False: Most people don’t use enough sunscreen! You need to apply an ounce of sunscreen to your body to completely cover it; Kiehl’s recommends reapplying every 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

*Taken from kiehlsgivesback.com

We all want to be beautiful and it doesn't have to be so hard, right? Start with a sunscreen. Better yet, start with Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++. Believe me, your skin will love you for it!

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++ UVA (30ml - Php1995, 60ml - Php2995) is exclusively available Greenbelt 5 and SM Mall of Asia.

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