Product Review: Jozi Curls Curl Enhancing Spray

 I've been struggling to retrain my curl pattern due to hair damage so I've tried out products that could help me regain my luscious curls back. One of the products that I have tried recently is the Jozi Curls Curl Enhancing Spray. Here what I like: 

- Free from Parabens, Phthalates or Colorants. Vegan, Clean and Cruelty-Free

- Infused with sustainably sourced African Plant Extracts like Raw Shea Butter, Honeybush and Marula Oil

- Keeps my hair hydrated, shiny, smooth and frizz-free for hours. Smells great too!

- Non-greasy and prevents product build up

- Created by curly haired women for curly haired women

-Affordable, only $4.99 for a 250ml bottle!

The only thing I don't like is while I do want to love this product, it seems that my hair type does not seem to enjoy it as much. For reference, I have 2a hair with normal porosity and I did not get the same wonderful results as my fellow curly hair girls with type 3 to 4 hair. I'll probably try again and see if I get better results next time!

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I'm Back!

So it's been a year and a few months since I left the Philippines. I promised myself I'd keep this blog active so I can document the whole thing and also keep the posts more "personal". The goal was basically hitting two birds with one stone, I get to easily update everyone about my life AND maintain my blog how it was before---less ads more original content. Win-win situation. Sounds great, right? 

But lots of things happened and I wasn't able to what I wanted to do. I've been working two jobs non-stop like crazy. Picture this - I used to work 14.5 hours a day before! My only "personal time" was limited to biphasic/polyphasic sleep and dinner. It realized it was THAT bad when I had to choose between a taking a cat nap, having lunch or a quick shower. I was burned out, lack of sleep and fatigue was the norm for me. I knew I had to stop when I realize I was breathing very audibly, found it difficult to breathe and had more chest pains than usual. Really scary. 

Fast forward to now, I think I'm doing a lot better. 

Reasons Why I Was on Hiatus:

1.) Lack of time - I don't have two jobs anymore so I'm not as busy as I am now.

2.) Slow unreliable laptop - I bought a super powerful gaming laptop last year yay!

3.) No local events to attend - I figured I can make my own content without it, not a problem.

4.) Creative block - I'm in desperate need of a creative outlet right now.

Basically, I ran out of excuses as to why I'm not blogging anymore. I think it's a perfect time to come back. 

For now, I don't have much to share mainly because I have no idea where to start. Seriously. Some of the things that I'm still working at most of the time is purely adjusting here. From what I've been told, California isn't as bad as most states in the East coast. However, growing up in a tropical country... everything seems to be cold to me. Really.

Like I said in a previous post, I don't get to use the things I've accumulated in the Philippines just for the reason. So when I got back here again, I left behind a bunch of stuff there. Ended buying new things that I thought might suit the weather here better (a perfectly valid excuse to splurge lol). Here's some of the things I'm currently trying out:

Skincare Products

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

The Ordinary Buffet & The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Anti Aging Peptide Eye Cream By Alana Mitchell

Organic Rosehip Seed Oil by Sky Organics

USDA Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Dead Sea Mud Mask & 100% Pure African Black Soap by Spa Organics

Foxbrim Organic Castor Oil

Contact Lenses

Hubble Contact Lenses

O-Lens Bling Some in Coral Pink & O-Lens Symphony Green

Waldo Contact Lenses

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I have more stuff I'm currently trying out but these are the ones I like so far. Someone please cancel my Amazon Prime subscription or at least hide my cards! Just kidding! Hahahahaha. Not sure if there's people still reading my blog. If you're reading this, thank you so much for the support! I'm just so happy to be back!

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Is Social Media Giving Us Unrealistic Beauty Expectations? What is the Impact?

Nowadays it’s pretty impossible to find someone who isn’t on at least one kind of social media. The unique combination of Filipino culture, where everyone knows everyone else and sharing information is as natural as breathing, meeting with smartphones and data plans means that social media connectivity thrives in the Philippines.

In fact, Hootsuite and We Are Social’s Digital 2019 report shows that Filipinos typically spend about 10 hours and 2 minutes on the internet on average every day— more than any country in the world.

All this time spent online has its effects, and not just on your phone bill. Admit it, sometimes scrolling through your Facebook and Instagram feed brings a twinge of emotion, and not always good. In between pictures of someone’s dog or birthday party, it’s likely you’ve seen your friends living lives that look more exciting than yours. Bustle quotes a study by French researchers that reveals that spending more time on social media comparing ourselves to others is more likely to make us more depressed.

According to studies compiled in this essay on Medium, only thirty minutes of media can change the way a girl perceives her body. In the Philippines, where people spend an average of 10 hours, the impact of social media on self-esteem might be even more extreme. Young girls looking at beautiful women online might feel even more insecure about themselves than ever before.

If you’re on Instagram, you’ve probably heard of the term “social media influencers.” These are people becoming celebrities online who are quickly changing the landscape of what’s hip or cool, and they’re as accessible as a quick tap on the ‘Follow’ button. This BNY Jeans post on ’50 Instagram Influencers to Follow in the Philippines in 2019’ shows just how many top influencers there are in the Philippines, and there are probably thousands more.

Looking at the perfect, glamorous lives of these influencers as they travel around the world has a definite impact. Younger and younger girls are beginning to use makeup, and more boys feel insecure about their bodies. When faced with so many ideals of beauty and wealth on your phone, it can be hard not to feel like you’re not up to par. That’s why more young people now are spending more money so they can mimic the lives they see online— whether it’s flying around the globe, buying tons of makeup, eating at expensive places, or buying the latest pair of sneakers, you can be sure that the cause is something along the lines of, “I saw it online.”

However, if social media has its downsides, it does have its silver lining as well. Due to the “democratization” of information, and how easy it is now to set up your own accounts, some influencers out there are challenging beauty standards. This Women in the World article rounds up just five influencers who are changing the idea of what it means to be beautiful, but there are sure to be many more.

What we see on our phones isn’t always the reality, and sometimes we forget that these posts are actually carefully curated to show all the ups of life without the downs. It takes hours of undocumented effort to get that perfectly made-up, stylish shot, and no one really looks that good just getting up. So with all things, take what you see on social media with a grain of salt. You might not realize it, but you’re actually doing just fine.

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Check out the rest of Pinay Buzz for more articles on beauty, lifestyle, and adventure!

5 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Hair Extensions

Disclosure Statement: This is a sponsored post. All views or opinions expressed on this blog are unbiased, based on my personal experience with the product or company and might vary from others.

Being the practical person that I am, I made it a priority to have all my beauty services done in the Philippines before migrating. Why? I knew for a fact that getting the most basic manicure/pedicure, haircut or facial would cost me more than what I usually pay for. Last December, I got myself an impulsive haircut (that only costs $2) at Team Sir George Salon - despite the fact that I'm trying to grow out my hair.

Having shorter hair is also practical, just imagine the time and money you get to save! However, I personally think that I look best with long bouncy curls. Mermaid locks are the bomb! In my case, waiting for my hair to grow out isn't the best option, especially if I'm indecisive with switching up my hairstyles on a regular basis.

The answer for this beauty dilemma? Hair extensions! Whether you'd like to clip them on or have a professional attach it for you, instant volume and length can always be achieved! Interested in getting your own?

Hey Sugar Waxing Salon: Now Open in Robinsons Galleria

One of the perks of living in the Philippines is having endless access to the sun all year-round. However, it has its disadvantages too.. When you have the choice to head to the beach or pool any time of the year, you're expected to maintain a smooth and flawless Victoria's Secret body constantly when you slip into a bikini. It's difficult and exhausting keep up and to fit in with others expectations of beauty. Not everyone is blessed with fuzz-free skin.

Here's a good news for the ladies in the North, this hairy issue can certainly be sorted out by a quick appointment to your nearest waxing salon no matter what season. At Hey Sugar Waxing Salon, they make all-natural and 100% sugar grooming options accessible to clients of all shapes and sizes. They use 100% naturally hypoallergenic sugar wax that minimizes side effects such as allergic reactions and chemical irritations caused by traditional wax - a gentler but no less effective way to keep your skin smooth and hair-free. Giving the clients the much needed TLC that they need while making sure they also feel fabulous about themselves as well.

Another reason to book your appointment is Hey Sugar's interiors are so IG worthy. Ever corner looks so warm, inviting and discreet. The place is ideal for the sensitive beauty services that the customer will be getting since it so clean there and the materials they use are sterilized ensuring that perfect pampering moment.

Let your worries disappear and rest easy, knowing that you're in the hands of expert aestheticians who are trained to deliver only the best results. For newbies, this means you can easily ask your aesthetician any questions about the process and advantages of sugar waxing and get a clear answer; for veterans, you know you will step out of your appointment knowing there's no other place that can give you the same results using all-organic hair removal methods.

According to Hey Sugar's Marketing Head, Arvin A. Amaro - “We strive to bring reliable and fast services, but also connect with our customers—it’s a very personal grooming procedure, after all, and we are dedicated to making customers happy and comfortable. Clients expect quality service, superior treatments and affordable prices but not at the expense of a warm and comfortable environment—and that’s exactly what we have waiting for them here”

Want some sugar? Head on to Hey Sugar, the all-natural waxing destination now open at Robinsons Galleria!

Hey Sugar! Waxing Salon currently has 33 locations nationwide, including in Unimart Greenhills, Ayala Malls Centrio CDO, UP Town Center, Festival Supermall, SM Bicutan, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Bacolod, SM Calamba, and our newest branch Hey Sugar Robinsons Galleria. 

For more information on Hey Sugar's services and nearest branches. Follow their Facebook Page heysugarwaxingph, Twitter heysugar_waxing and Instagram heysugar_waxingsalon. Or you may call them for bookings at 940-9592 or text 09366420530.

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Ooh La Lash Opens At Unimart Greenhills + Helpful Trivias About Eyelash Extensions!

I'm not born with dark double lashes like Elizabeth Taylor. When I was young, they've even resorted to trimming these short fringes in hopes of having it grow longer and thicker. You name it, volumizing mascaras, curling mascaras, lengthening mascaras, waterproof /water-based mascaras and even 3d fiber lash mascaras I have already experimented with just to achieve that. On some special occasions I'd even go all out and adorn my peepers with a set of falsies. I usually wear false lashes with invisible clear bands so it wouldn't look as fake and feel heavy.

Along with other beauty bloggers, I got invited to the Grand Opening of Ooh La Lash, Hey Sugar and Nailaholics at their newest branch in Unimart, Greenhills (Mezzanine Level) last Friday. Nothing prepared me for what was going to happen! I know I wasn't blessed with beautiful, long thick lashes AND I wasn't sure if I was ready for such a commitment but.. I GOT MY EYELASH EXTENSIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME!

Era Of Chromatics: Weens Cosmetics Philippines Launches Their Holiday Collection

So I finally decided that I'll put down those nail clippers and stop cutting my nails very short. I'm kind of tired hearing the same remarks that I always get when I'm having my manicure done. So what's the perfect way to show off my "claws"?

Get these babies coated with anything shiny! Fortunately, this season keeps on giving! One of my favorite local brand Weens Cosmetics launches their Holiday Collection. And trust me, the entire collection would put your Christmas decors to shame once you see how spectacularly glam and sparkly they look!

So what's their theme for this collection? Due to popular demand, they came up with QT's "Era of Chromatics" and it's all about Holo or Duo-Chromes!

FREE Manicure & Stress Relieving Hand Massage! Celebrate National Pampering Day with Nailaholics!

Consider this the best excuse to give yourself that much needed day of pampering. 

Mark October 17 on your calendars—because from 10AM to 12 noon, you can head over to any Nailaholics branch nationwide and get a relaxing manicure and free hand massage for free. 

For many, a trip to the nail salon is a rare indulgence. All too often, work and the daily grind of busy schedules keep them from getting the necessary “me-time” that everyone craves and needs. But as Nailaholics celebrates and takes part in the country’s first ever #NationalPamperingDay, the brand hopes to remind everyone that it’s OK to take some time for yourself and indulge. 

Perhaps no other nail salon in the country is better known for having perfected the art of a quick, urban pampering the way Nailaholics has. Their interiors are inviting, their service is efficient, and the promise of getting whisked away from realities of looming deadlines, to-do lists, traffic, and whatever else awaits outside the doors of this quaint Hamptons-themed escape, becomes possible—even if it’s only for a few hours. 

“We get that,” says Arvin Amaro, Marketing Head. “And it’s exactly why we we’re celebrating National Pampering Day. We want to give people who need a break a quick escape where they won’t have anything to worry about. So be sure that you head over to your nearest Nailaholics branch to get pampered for free.” 

To know more about this event, like and follow Nailaholics on their social media accounts:

Nailaholics FB Page: Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa

Nailaholics Instagram: _nailaholics

Nailaholics Instagram: Nail-a-holics

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Contact Lens Review: K2015 Gray (JS)

Most of the time, I find myself more attracted to colored contact lenses with interesting patterns. I love the ones that are so "out there." Especially the ones that provide either a very drastic color change or a very noticeable enlargement to the irises. I think if you're gonna drop the glasses and stick something foreign into your eyes, at least make it different from your regular look. Right?

When I first saw the K2015 Gray (JS) online at Klenspop, my first impression of it was it's just another grey lens that wouldn't do much. But when I got these last month, I was a bit surprised. Compared to the photos on the site, they look a bit different in person. They're mesmerizing when worn, especially outdoors!

Beauty Feature: Blushing Beauty Opens at SM Mall of Asia

When we think about aesthetic clinics, the first thing that comes to mind is they're there for people who wants to look more young or fresh than they were. What we're forgetting is even the young millenials now are just as obsessed about their appearance themselves. Especially now with Facebook Live and Snapchat being the new in thing, it's hard not to look selfie-ready since you'll never know when the cameras come pointing at you!

The interesting discovery I had last weekend was this new pretty cute skin care clinic that caters best for the young image-conscious millenials out there. I ended up there because I got invited by Ms. Abi to their Grand Opening at SM Mall of Asia. This finding was very timely since my skin is starting to look terrible again from all that lack of sleep and the amount of stress that I got the past few weeks.

Breathing Your Way To Beauty: Aqua Mineral Launches the First Salt Room in the Philippines

Before anything else, I'm sorry if I haven't posted anything here for the past few weeks. Going back to working in the corporate world had my hands all tied up. Honestly, I don't have as much time for myself as I did with freelancing. But hey, it's a part of growing up. Trying out new things that will challenge you are the same things that will help you improve to be a better person. However, too much challenges will definitely stress you out. From what I've learned, stress is alright as long as it's "eustress" but if it's "distress" it's the kind of stress that is unhealthy and harmful to the body.

Different people have different ways on dealing with stress. Some get massages, some eat to their heart's desire, some enjoy a bottle of wine and others even smoke. But have you ever tried hanging out at a salt room to make yourself feel better?

Weens Cosmetics Philippines Launches QT Nail Magic Collection

I like wearing nail polish even if my nails aren't the ideal "canvas" when it comes to most nail art. I don't normally wear them before since I usually get my hands dirty when I was a Fine Arts student back then. Every time I do plates I always end up getting whatever gunk and goo on my hands so I figured it wasn't really practical to have my nails done in the first place. Another thing I don't like is when they also tend to leave annoying yellow stains that can't easily be removed by acetone. Ugh.

Luckily now, we have more choices in the market so we don't have to settle with cheap toxic nail polishes anymore. Last May 13, I got introduced to the QT Nail Magic Collection by Weens Cosmetics Philippines at Tra Vinh Authentic Vietnamese Noodles.

Weens Cosmetics is a local brand by Armadale Manufacturing Corp. that also carries different beauty products like nail polish, nail polish, colognes, skin care, hair care, bath / shower, baby care and medicated oil / balms.

What makes it so different is that this brand in particular is the first and only FDA approved brand that manufactures cruelty-free and vegan nail polish locally with the 5-Free Formula. The 5-Free Formula means it's free from the top 5 most harmful carcinogenic chemicals found on most nail polish brands.

Product Review: Swan Dance Kabuki Makeup Brush

Here's a fact: No one likes applying makeup with a scratchy sparse makeup brush. Ever.

Why? It won't help apply and blend your makeup in a seamlessly flawless manner if the bristles are too sparse. Chances are it will end up a looking bit streaky, so don't expect an "airbrushed" look with that application. In addition to that, it will be harder to pickup more product from the pan if the bristles aren't dense enough. And that's not very helpful at all. Isn't it?

For the longest time, I have been contemplating buying any ultra dense makeup brush that I could get my hands on. More specifically, I was eyeing every Oval Paddle Brush, Kabuki Brush and Mushroom Brush in the market. So happy to say that I've already crossed out one from my beauty wishlist.

Bioessence Unveils New Product Lines for Different Skin Ages

On my pursuit of trying to be the best version of myself, one of the things that I always wanted to achieve was to have a clear complexion. How you present yourself is a reflection of how you take care of yourself. And we certainly don't want people to think that we can't manage ourselves properly, right?

What I've learned last Friday during the Bioessence Launch that was that you should also consider your age when it comes to buying beauty products particularly skin care products to properly address different skin concerns. For example, why bother slathering on anti-acne products if you're already at your 80's? Let's be honest. There is no such thing as a "miracle product" that could fix all skin problems in just one go.

Hair Diaries: Window Shopping at Mofain

The past few weeks up to now is undeniably hot since summer is around the corner. So hot that it's hard to skip a shower anytime. How do you bear living in a tropical country with this heat? I ended up wearing light colored tank tops, rehydrate as often as needed and keep my hair up on a bun.

I'm guessing that most of my girl friends couldn't resist the tempting urge to have their long locks chopped off. And if you did, it can't be helped to be remorseful sometimes and not miss your hair since it's not something you could just grow in a heartbeat.

With all those upcoming weddings and other special occasions coming up, it's that perfect time to showcase a different hairdo! Some hair growth products might help but it probably won't catch up with the date.

Vitamin E: An Effortless Way To Maintain Your Youthful Glowing Skin

2016 is a year for all natural, we get all serious whenever we see another DIY video on YouTube to achieve a more natural makeup, hair- do, or even a fashion OOTD. Looking natural is the way to go, achieving this looks, makes you look younger and effortlessly beautiful. Gone are the days when you put on so much blush on and foundation to cover up your blemishes, this years, trend is all about, less is more. 

It’s the same issue for our skin, sometimes we get so addicted using so many products on our skin. In belief that it’ll make our skin more radiant and smooth, but that’s not always the case. Using less skin care products can be healthier for you, using a skin care product that will give you all the benefits that your skin really needs.

Eau Thermale Avene Introduces Hydrating Make-up Remover To Filipinas

It's a known fact, sleeping with your makeup on is an ultimate no-no! Cosmetic products exist to help women improve their facial features or cover imperfections. But while an average woman uses 12 different products everyday—which all in all contains about 170 ingredients according to a research by U.S. organization Skin Deep—their desire to look good might do more harm than good especially when proper skin regimen is not practiced.

This is the very reason why Eau Thermale Avène—the leading dermo-cosmetic brand in Europe—recently invited some of the country’s most prestigious beauty and wellness bloggers and members of the media at the Salon Beauvoir in Makati, City to educate them on how to properly care for their skin before, during and after applying make-up.

Product Review: Proactiv Solution Integrated Acne Treatment System (60 Day Kit)

Growing up, I'm guessing that most of us have been through that awkward phase during our puberty that we have to deal with stubborn acne breakouts. I remembered during my elementary days that I had a big zit on the center of my forehead and had to resort having bangs just to cover it up!

Even as a young adult, some of us still have to live with it due to hormonal imbalance, lifestyle change and most definitely stress. A few months ago, I have encountered a product that caused me to have severe acne breakouts to the extent of having 1-2 pimples a day growing out at that rate! What's worse is it was THAT bad I even had some growing on my neck. So gross.

Product Review: Chacott Finishing Powder Sparkle in Lavender

I love multitasking and I'm sure most of us do. So how about a multitasking beauty product that works as much as you? Picture this.. a makeup that could take the place of three products!

Introducing the Chacott Finishing Powder Sparkle from Beauty Shopper PH! It's a long lasting, fragrance-free translucent fine powder from Japan that has won awards and has been highly raved online!

Product Review: Magic Potions White Allure Line

As I was doing my regular makeup routine, I was surprised to find out that I've already finished another concealing stick again. It was a bit annoying because as I've recalled I just got my Fashion 21 Perfect Stick a few months ago. I don't usually put much stuff on my face when I had clear skin.

And then it hit me, why focus too much on concealing my skin problems... when I could just focus on a better skincare routine instead? Right? As I've remembered most makeup artist would tell us that your face is a canvas, if it's not primed well then your "masterpiece" wouldn't look as smooth as you want it to be.

A photo posted by Kamila (@kamilacinco) on Dec 6, 2015 at 8:14pm PST

As for me, I went on a search to find something that will improve my skin condition. Having too much dark spots on the face takes up time to conceal and is also pricey in the long run. Not cool.