Last February, through a comment, Steph asked what’s the best Kerastase product in town. While I’m no pro when it comes to hair nor Kerastase products, I can safely (and proudly!) say that I’m just plain nuts over the brand that I’ve tried almost everything they brought here in the Philippines. Yes, even the Kerastase Capital Force Densifying Modelling Paste (I used it in this FOTD) that’s meant for the dudes is one of my boudoir residents.

My Kerastase boudoir as of February 2012

Answering Steph’s question is a real toughie because each Kerastase product (and range) is created to perfection for different hair conditions. Based on the shampoos (bain) I’ve tried, these three products became my easy faves:

• Apres-Soleil  — fantastic cleanser during summer time; great for those with limp hair.
• Nutri-Thermique — an absolute must if you blow your hair dry on a daily basis. Works well and hard when rinsed off with warm water.
• Force Architecte — excellent in terms of damage repair.

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Over the weekend, Sydney and I were on BBM and she told me to share a pic of my makeup stash. I’m too embarrassed, really because they’re too plenty. Instead, can I just share the least number but my favourite (and best in my opinion) roster of SKUs in my boudoir? *wide grin*

Say hello to my favourite luxury: hair care. Words of wisdom from Mother Goose: you can mask body odor, hide pimples, fake cheekbones, but you can never ever skimp on hair care products. I have a sensitive scalp and very thin, frequently coloured hair strands that fall off when stressed. So yes, I have absolutely searched high and low and these are the only products that work for me (so far!) at home.

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It’s only Tuesday and I feel so spent. :-/ Me thinks it’s the weather + lack of caffeine. It’s already Jan 17 and I’ve only had one espresso to for 2012! Withdrawal symptoms — yes I definitely have it (and my eyebags are giving that fact away!).

I wore this nutty face to a beauty editorial stint earlier. My first peg was my “daily” taupe look but my boss for the day didn’t like it. She pulled out an old photo where I was wearing red, violet, and blue eye shadow and wanted to do something like that. I stuck with red just because it’s so delish, wildly unexpected, saucy, and well, hot.

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How many times have you been to a salon where after a particular treatment, you’re bitin with the output? For someone with coloured hair, I always end up with the following:

• shiny hair but lacking moisture
• slippery smooth hair but lacking luster
• moisturized hair and scalp but dull finish

me, myself, and I pre-treatment

Sure I can get everything in one sitting but it will take hours being tied to my chair since I need to get 2-4 different treatments (which I by the way find unimaginable since I have short hair). My brand of choice when it comes to expert hair care, Kerastase, has finally heard our plea and came up with FUSIO-DOSE.

Fusio-Dose turns the salon into a high-tech laboratory and initiates a new era of personalized hair care. Highly concentrated on active ingredients, Fusio-Dose allows the hairdresser to propose a customized formula for each client, a perfect alchemy for a made-to-measure result. With four expert diagnostic steps aimed at determining the dryness, colour sensitization, strength, and density of the hair, the hairdresser analyses the client’s primary and secondary needs of the hair so as to offer in-depth treatment.

After diagnosis, the most suitable monodose concentrate is selected, along with the intensifying booster that corresponds to each type of hair. The resultant fusion is exclusive and custom-made, ensuring sublime results and immediate effects. The shot of efficacy fills the hair with beauty.

Kérastase puts the very best of L’Oréal technologies into the hands of hairdressers. 4 powerful technologies (monodose concentrates) in professional formulas which can be fused with up to two of the 4 active ingredients (boosters) in highly concentrated doses to obtain multiple combinations: only one created for every need.

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My wallet is in deep regret that its owner is massively addicted to shu uemura. Why? It’s yes, reasonably priced for its superb quality but it never goes on sale. I think all the stars are aligned at the moment because this October, you can score limited discounts to my all-time favourite beauty brand. :)

If you haven’t (why not????) tried shu uemura’s infamous Cleansing Oils, now’s the best time to try and buy! Until the 31st of October, you can scoot over to the shu uemura boutique at the 2nd floor, North Wing, Power Plant Mall Rockwell, Rustan’s Makati, and Rustan’s Tower and enjoy 15% off on their iconic cleanser. How? Just swap your old facial wash or makeup remover for a fresh bottle of the shu uemura Cleansing Oil of your choice.

The second way to score a discount from shu uemura’s through the exclusive Societe De Kerastase card:

Once upon a time, I thought this beauty’s just for my hair fancy. Their tie ups left and right and now nabbing me an exclusive 10% discount from shu uemura (plus more brands!) just made it my fave privilege card of the moment. :)

The thought of getting those pretty and colour punched pressed eye shadows for as low as Php 625.50 is making me smile from ear to ear. :) Who wants to go payday Friday shopping with me? :)

Just for fun I thought, can I slim my current must-haves into a say list of 10? Let’s see… :)

Last month, the unthinkable just happened. I thought it was purely out of my training (running) that I’ve been feeling sharp pangs on my right ankle. H, being quite an expert when it comes to sports related injuries (as he’s accumulated a handful overtime), suggested that I get myself checked ASAP. At 28, I was diagnosed with mild arthritis on my right foot. Wait, let me say that again — mild arthritis (!!!). Turns out, because of being overweight once upon a time (170 lbs. max) and pushing myself to my limits every time I run, I’ve worn out my ankles and my right foot just got the first blow. I’ve had my first of many PT sessions (with the currents and all) and one of my prescriptions include taking a break from wearing my beloved Havaianas flip flops and Anthology flats. *dies*

I can’t wear flat shoes and slippers and stilettos. *dies again* In fact, even if I could, they really make my ankle hurt SO BAD. I naturally asked the doctor what I should wear since I can’t wear rubber shoes to work. He asked if I’ve heard of FitFlops. I said yes and he said I should give it a try because most patients with the same condition found relief in it (in between PT sessions and medication).

I’ve been long lemming for the FitFlop Electra Strata in Tiger Eye but 1) I find them hella expensive at Php 3490 and 2) they’re always (no exag) out of stock everywhere. I guess some things really have to wait for the perfect timing because apart from having a legit reason to grab a pair  (hrrhrr), the pair I’ve been lemming for was finally in stock, anddddd I got it as a gift (you read about this in Twitter right?). *cartwheels*

Did it live up to its promise of tension relief? Oh my goodness. I can’t believe I waited this long to get a pair! It’s true what they say — it’s so hard to go back to other shoes or sandals once you’ve tried these. I’m lemming for another pair (same style but in black for versatility) and this trio I spotted in TriNoma:

The gripe about these boots called Dash? They’re Php 6990 a pop! OUCH!

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I slightly panicked in Twitter some 48 hours ago because I just realized that 1) I’ll be working the rest of the week and 2) I’ve yet to pack my bags for my upcoming beach trip this weekend. While I can live in just two tanks, a pair of shorts, bikinis and a coupl’a undies, I can’t quite afford to leave the same beauty junk I brought to La Union at home. Is there anything I’m missing? Or do you see anything I should ditch? HALPZ!

Can’t live without that ginger rub at the moment! :)

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Even before I started blogging, my biggest challenge has always been sticking up and consuming toiletries down to the last drop or swipe. Apart from clear dissatisfaction or irritation, I just get tired of products easily. The products below met (some even exceeded) my expectations and today, by the power vested in me by Junkie Poo, I order all of you to applaud as I’ve consumed everything in this photo set down to the last guzzle! #goldenmoment

left to right

NU SKIN Celltrex Ultra Recovery Fluid
Obagi Nu-Derm Eye Cream
Pure Beauty Super Brightening Eye Gel
Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Treatment Gel
Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35
Neutrogena Fine Fairness Cleanser
NU SKIN Exfoliant Scrub
Clinelle Soothing Skin Toner
Leyende Lift Off Natural Peel-Off Face Masque

Kerastase Masque Nutri Thermique
L’Oreal Professional Nature Serie Oiliss Masque
Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath
Myra Vita Quench Lotion

Nivea Sparkling White Whitening Scrub
Nivea Sparkling White Whitening Foam
Nivea Sparkling White Whitening Day Care
Nivea Extra Whitening Inner Cell Repair Body Milk
Nivea UV Protection Body Lotion
(I didn’t brighten up with this range but my skin’s left smooth and glowing)

I have a fresh and massive roster of products to road test and share with you and I can’t wait to feature them! :) What product category and price range would you like me to review first?  Make-up, hair care, or skin care? Low (below Php 300), medium (between Php 301-Php 1000), or high (above Php 1000)? HELP!

I had the gorgeous opportunity last week to be part of the unveiling of another Kerastase breakthrough.

EXPERIENCE EXCLUSIVITY, LUXURY AND DIVINE—ALL IN ONE PLACE
Be a Société de Kérastase Member

Because you deserve nothing less than the best, KÉRASTASE PARIS, the leader in luxury and professional hair care, brings the spectacular experience of hair care beauty bliss with its first VIP program in the Asia Pacific, SOCIÉTÉ DE KÉRASTASE.

 

Kérastase brings its Société members the complete exclusive experience with professional hair diagnosis and personalized hair care treatments, along with private events and members-only privileges. VIPs can also experience the ultimate lap of luxury and personal service through lavish treats on their birthday and other special occasions.

 

Société de Kérastase is open to everyone who purchases a Kérastase product or salon hair treatment from Kérastase partner establishments. Clients earn one point is earned for every P100 purchase and ultimately become a Société VIP upon accumulating 100 points.

 

Kérastase products and treatments are a result of innovative breakthroughs on research and technology, and the luxury brand brings this expertise closer and more personal to its clients with Société de Kérastase. This year, with the launch of the Société Online Secretaire, VIPs can now access exclusive information and updates on www.SocieteDeKerastase.com. For all interested clients, the website also features complete information about the program, as well as the all the available Kérastase products to address one’s hair care need.

 

With the Société, divine hair transformation, beauty and exclusivity come together like no other, only from Kérastase Paris, the number one luxury hair care.

The Kerastase girl in me’s jumping up and down and can’t quite stay still. Exag but true.

The rewards program launch was held last Thursday at Bistro Filipino (3rd Avenue Corner 28th Street Bonifacio Global City, Taguig). I’ve dined in Chef Laudico’s restaurant multiple times and it never fails to give me that fuzzy feeling on every visit. As a non-Pinoy dish fan, this place always wins me. Exclusively for the Kerastase event, they had volunteers from Lyceum (that’s what their badges read) to help us out with our degustation.

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