Magic Shop

Jun

2021

Ways to Hide Skin Imperfections

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A common beauty quest is finding ways to hide skin imperfections for that flawless-looking complexion. Everyone wants to look camera ready but also wants to look just as attractive when meeting people in person. So here are some quick fixes to hide common skin imperfections. If done correctly, they can help banish blemish like magic!

Eyebrow Pencil or Powder

An eyebrow pencil or powder is a quick way to fix sparse eyebrows due to overzealous plucking or if your brows are just patchy. Get a pencil or powder that’s one shade lighter than your brows hair color. Apply the product to your brow in short, feathery strokes to fill-out the patchy areas. You will need a small angled brush if you’re using powder. Make sure to check in the mirror to ensure that your “drawing” blends in well with the rest of your browse. Use a clean eyebrow brush for blending. It’s normal to have to wipe and redo them if you’re just starting out.

Highlighting Pen or Powder

If your problem is puffy eyes, then a highlighting pen or powder is the quick fix for you. It is recommended that you first use an eye gel or another product to help reduce the swelling. Afterwards, use an eye cream and/or a thin layer of foundation to even out your skin color as much as possible. Then apply a slightly shimmery highlighting pen or powder along the part below where the puffy part is. This will lighten up the area to hide shadows caused by the swelling so it becomes less noticeable. For this quick fix, less is more; so do this with a light hand.

Tinted Foundation or Concealer

Tinted foundations or concealers helps to hide common skin blemishes such as acne, sun spots or age spots, skin redness, and large pores. The trick is to apply them correctly. If the blemish is small like acne, then just apply concealer or tinted foundation on that spot and use a brush or your fingers to blend into the rest of the skin. For issues that cover larger areas like large pores, than applying concealer and/or tinted foundation is a much better way to even out overall skin tone and hide the blemish. Luckily, there are now foundations that also act as concealers as well as sun screen. So pick the best one for your skin type and lifestyle.

The Best Foundation is Healthy Skin

Not everyone can have flawless skin all the time. But it becomes easier to maintain flawless-looking skin if you have healthy skin. It helps to have good beauty habits to maintain healthy skin. A basic and important factor in achieving healthy skin is cleanliness and hydration. So don’t forget to clean your face and apply your moisturizer everyday to maintain clear, plump, and youthful-looking skin. You can also follow a more elaborate routine such as the Korean beauty regimen to really level up your skin care routine. Practice makes perfect. Be consistent with your beauty ritual so you can integrate the habit effortlessly. You can thank your self for the beautiful results later on!

Feature Image: Original Photo by kevin laminto on Unsplash.

Jun

2021

Day vs Night Moisturizer: Do You Really Need Both?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Do you use face moisturizers? If you are more than 20 years of age and have not yet started using one, it is time to do so. Moisturizing your face will help you look younger and make your skin softer. It hydrates the skin. It also prevents and heals dry skin. There are many types of moisturizers based on ingredients, formulations and usage. It all depends on your preference and your type of skin. In addition, most beauty brands offer two kinds of moisturizers or creams, one for morning and one for night. The question is day vs night moisturizer: do you really need both or is it just a marketing propaganda of cosmetic companies to make you buy more of their products?

Importance of Moisturizers

The importance of moisturizing in skin care cannot be overlooked. Moisturizing is an important step in your skin care routine. It keeps your skin healthy and it protects it from dryness and skin irritation. Those who started using moisturizers early in their lives benefit from having healthier and younger looking skin when they get older. Just like how the body needs water in order to be healthy, skin as the biggest organ in the body works the same way. A healthy and vibrant skin depends on its ability to retain moisture. Thus, by using moisturizers early in life, you are slowing down the aging process of your skin.

Day vs Night Moisturizer

How many times a day should you use moisturizer? Do you really need to apply both day and night moisturizer? Aside from the time of application, what is the difference between the two?

Day Cream

During the day, your skin is subjected to UV rays, pollution, make up and other chemicals that may harm the skin. Because of this, day creams are normally designed for protection. They also tend to be lighter and non-greasy in texture. They are also easily absorbed by the skin because they are designed to be worn underneath the makeup.

Night Cream

Unlike day cream, night creams are designed for repair, restoration and regeneration. As a result, night creams are often thicker, richer and heavier because they have higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients designed to penetrate your skin during the course of your sleep.

Do You Really Need Both?

Yes, it is possible to use only one kind of cream but you will not be able to take advantage of its maximum benefits. Using a day cream at night might not be as effective as a night cream because it does not contain higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients. The same is true if you use night cream in the morning. Since most day cream already contains the sunscreen needed to protect your face from the harmful UV rays; you will have to apply another product to get the much needed protection. And besides, you might not want to walk around looking all greasy if you use night cream in the morning, do you? Thus, it is advisable to include both morning and night creams in your beauty regimen.

Tips in Using Moisturizers

Whatever you choose to do, always remember the following do’s and don’ts in using moisturizers:

Choose a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for your skin type. Is your skin oily, dry, extra dry, combination or aging?
Refrain from using hot temperatures in washing your face.
Moisturizer is best applied on damp skin. Don’t towel dry your skin completely.
Apply it immediately after cleaning your face, preferably after applying a toner especially at night. A toner helps remove excess dirt, oil and make-up.
Apply the moisturizer in gentle circular motion.
Don’t forget to apply moisturizer on your neck and chest too.
Don’t wait until you are old to start applying moisturizer. They can be used as early as 21 years of age.
Do take your skin care regimen seriously. Apply them daily, not when you just feel like it.
Do consider switching moisturizers when there is a change of season. In cold months, your skin tends to be drier so heavy creams are a must. In warmer months, it is recommended to use light creams especially when it is hot and humid outside.
Dermatologists recommend that you use a sunscreen or day cream with an SPF of at least 30.

Edited Version. First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 23.12.2018

Feature Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels

Jun

2021

10 Ways Turmeric Can Benefit Your Health

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Turmeric can benefit your health in many ways. It is a superfood that you can add to your morning hot chocolate. This addition does change the taste; adding a hint of spiciness to it which will warm you up as you drink. This may be an acquired taste but a healthy one so try dissolving some in your hot chocolate and give it a sip. Adding turmeric to your daily food intake is one way to boost your optimal nutrition. Try it out for at least a month and experience the positive results.

Here are 10 more health benefits of turmeric and its main component curcumin that you may not be aware of.

1. Anti-Inflammatory

One of the reasons I add this to my hot chocolate is to avail of its anti-inflammatory effects. We tend to have inflammation in the body when we do physical exercise for the first time or when we change exercise routines. It also helps reduce inflammation for faster healing of wounds. Crush it into a paste and apply to wound to speed up healing.

2. Eases Joint Pain

For people suffering from arthritis, turmeric helps manage inflammation and pain around the joints. One of the best ways to take turmeric instantly is through a smoothie. Add just a small amount of the powder or a freshly grated amount and blend to the consistency you like. This is one of the easiest way to use turmeric to benefit your health.

3. Antioxidant

Turmeric has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental pollutants. It boosts the body’s natural antioxidant capacity which in turn strengthens the body’s defense system. This is good for our appearance and for our overall health.

4. Antimicrobial

An added property of turmeric is that it is antimicrobial which further boosts the body’s immune system. Consuming it with black pepper enhances the body’s consumption of turmeric. You may try adding this combination next time you make curry. It is used to remedy cough and colds.

5. Heals the Gut

Most of our health problems stem from digestive issues. It is important to heal the gut in order to maximize nutrient absorption of the food you eat. Turmeric can be used with pumpkin to make a hearty, gut-healing soup. This is one of turmeric’s benefits to health that we need to maximize.

6. Improves Liver Function

Turmeric’s antioxidant effect seems to be so powerful that it can help reduce or stop toxin damage of the liver. This is good for people who need to take strong drugs for conditions such as diabetes and other health issues. Strong drugs may hurt the liver with long-term use so adding turmeric to your diet can help detoxify the liver.

7. Can Help Fight Cancer

Did I mention that turmeric is anti-inflammatory, has antioxidant properties as well as antimicrobial? This makes it a powerful ingredient in cancer prevention and treatment. So make sure to add turmeric to your daily intake to help your body prevent cancer.

8. Protect and Improves Brain Health

Turmeric is also brain food and can help enhance long-term brain health. It can also help stave off conditions such as Alzheimers by protecting brain functions as we age. If we want to keep our memories sharp into old age, let’s be sure to get our daily dose of turmeric.

9. Helps Protect the Heart

Turmeric has been shown to protect the heart by reducing inflammation, free-radical damage and strengthening heart functions. Some people take turmeric as a tea to benefit their health.

10. Improves Mood

This spice has been used in treatment of depression. It has been shown to reverse detrimental brain changes that happen in depressed person’s brains. At the same time, it helps boosts the mood to combat depression.

Some Considerations

We must always remember that too much of a good thing can be bad. The same is true for a spice that’s considered healthy. Turmeric has many health benefits but it also has some side effects that apply to your personal condition. So here are some side effects to consider:

Upset Stomach

When taking in large amounts, turmeric can result in an upset stomach. The same components in turmeric that aid in digestion can irritate the stomach when taken in a large dose as it stimulates production of gastric acid.

Blood Thinner

One of the side effects of turmeric’s many purifying properties is that it thins the blood which may make you bleed more easily. This can help in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure but for those taking certain medication, this may not be applicable. For example, pregnant women should avoid taking large doses of turmeric. It’s best to consult your doctor.

Stimulate Contractions

Apparently, foods seasoned with curry, of which turmeric is a major spice, stimulates contractions and eases child birth. Studies also suggest that turmeric can ease PMS symptoms.

There are many ways to add turmeric to your diet aside from adding the powder to your hot chocolate, smoothies and curry. You can also use it in your salad dressings or drink it as a tea or even as an ingredient in your juice. Plus, you can sprinkle it or use it fresh for your main dishes and sauces. Try to get it from your organic food market so you reduce any other side effects.

Updated. First published on Pinoy Smart Living on 2018.11.03.
Feature Image: Original Photo by Chinh Le Duc on Unsplash.

Jun

2021

The 10-Step Korean Beauty Regimen

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Do you have a favorite Kpop Idol? Are you a fan of Korean Dramas? If you are, you probably noticed by now that Koreans have one of the best skins in the world. It can be genetic or possibly because of their diets. But the main reason is that they take their skin care very seriously. So serious in fact that they follow an extensive 10-step Korean Beauty Regimen. And it’s not just the women, the same is true with men. In fact, the Korean beauty product industry is included in the top 10 in the world.

So, if you want to achieve a younger, brighter and flawless looking skin; you may want to integrate their 10-step morning and evening beauty regimen into your lifestyle.

1.CLEANSE

AM: Water Only

The first thing that they do upon waking up is to wash their face with water. No soap, no cleanser, just plain water. The purpose is to keep the face hydrated and to remove dirts and impurities that were accumulated during sleep.

At night, instead of plain water, the Koreans follow a two-step cleansing process:

PM: Double Cleanse

a. Oil Cleanser

The first step is to remove make-up by using an oil cleanser. An oil cleanser removes not only the make-up but also excess oil, sebums and pollution that were accumulated in your face the whole day. Use circular motion when cleansing your face.

b. Water-Based Cleanser

Water-based cleansers remove water-based impurities that were not removed by the oil cleanser such as sweat and dirt. Just like the oil cleanser, use circular motion when cleansing your face.

2. EXFOLIATE

Exfoliator

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that are clogging the skin. That is why regular exfoliation is needed to prevent build up of dead cells that may clog your pores resulting in break outs. However, daily exfoliation can cause dryness and irritation. It is recommended that you exfoliate your skin not more than three times a week.

3. TONE

Toner

A toner is used for extra-cleansing to remove remaining dirt, oil and make-up. It shrinks your pores, reducing the risks of dirt and other impurities from penetrating your skin adding an extra layer of protection to your skin. It also restores the PH balance of your skin. Use a cotton pad and swipe and pat it gently onto your skin.

4. ESSENCE

Essence

For Koreans, essence is probably the most important part of their Korean skin regimen. Essence is used after a toner to add another layer of hydration to the skin. It is a little creamier compared to a toner. Although both toner and essence serves as hydration for the skin, a toner’s primary purpose is to remove the remaining impurities while an essence primes the skin for better absorption of serum and creams. It also contains anti-aging and complexion-enhancing ingredients. It is designed to penetrate deeper into the skin. Apply it by placing little drops into your palms and patting them gently onto your face.

5. TREATMENT

Serum, Ampules and Other Treatments

This varies per individual. You can apply it or you can totally skip it. It all depends on the condition and the requirement of your skin. For others, it can be an acne treatment for pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. It can be a treatment to remove redness, brown spots or pigmentation. It can be for skin rejuvenation or anti-aging treatment. Again, it all depends on your skin. Just apply it directly to the concern areas.

6. MASK

Face Mask

The purpose of a face mask is to expose your skin to prolonged contact with moisture and whatever nutrients that your skin needs. Just like the treatment, use a mask containing nutrients that your skin needs. Leave it on your skin for 20 minutes. Do this twice a week.

7. EMULSION

Emulsion

Emulsions are water-based thus they are lighter than creams and less concentrated than serums or treatments. Its main purpose is to lock the skin moisture. It hydrates and seals the essence, treatment and mask that you just put in your skin, reinforcing their benefits.

8. EYE CARE

Eye Cream

The purpose of eye creams is to prevent or lessen fine lines and dark circles around your eyes. When applying eye cream, remember that the skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive part of your skin. So, apply it as gently as possible.

9. MOISTURIZE

Cream

Moisturizers keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness and itchiness. Apply daily both in the morning and at night. Pat it on your face and on your neck.

10. SUNBLOCK

Sunscreen

Put sunscreen in the morning. It will protect your face from the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is recommended that you use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

For Koreans, instead of a simple sunblock, they replace this last step with a BB cream. BB cream stands for beauty balm or blemish balm. It serves as a foundation, primer, sunblock and even moisturizer. It is not too heavy like the regular foundation but it works like it. BB creams also help cover lines and scars and give glow to the skin. It helps you achieve the no makeup look. That’s why both Korean men and women use it. It also contains the SPF needed to protect your skin.

First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 21.04.2019

Feature Photo by Jess @ Harper Sunday from Pexels

Jun

2021

The Magic Shop

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Did you know that you can find your dreams in the magic shop? It is where you can be whatever you want to be. It’s a magical place where you can create the you that you want to become; the reality that you want to live. However, it is not a physical place; there is no address to look up. But it is always accessible to those who believe in its magic.

The Magical Mind

We all know the power of the human mind. It has sparked many inventions that greatly benefited humanity. Most of us however don’t believe in the abilities of our own minds. We are always in awe at the great minds who made great innovations but we seldom look to our own accomplishments. Most of the time, we use our mind to focus on the mistakes of our past instead of imagining what we want for our future.

Sometimes you change your mind… Sometimes your mind changes you.
Binyomin Scheiman

When we control what our mind focuses on, we can change our life. There is a mind-body connection technique that athletes use to practice. They imagine what they would do to win their game through visualization. You too can do that. Imagine yourself achieving your goal. How does success look and feel? What sounds do you hear when you realize your goal? Use all your senses in your visualization so you can teach your mind to focus on this version of reality that you want.

The Mysterious Heart

Emotions are at the core of our life experiences. It is often our emotions that lead us to make certain decisions even if they don’t make sense to our mind. When we follow these sudden urges and impulses, especially if they’re negative emotions, we often regret them afterwards. The good news is, just like our mind, we can learn to control our emotions and become better at how we process them. We can also control how we express our emotions towards other people.

Your intellect maybe confused, but your emotions never lie to you.
Roger Ebert

Our heart is considered to be the place where our emotions come from. Have you ever experienced a conflict between what your mind tells you and what you truly feel? This is because our emotions reflect our truest intentions. It also gives us hints of other people’s intentions towards us. We often refer to this as a “gut feeling” or intuition. In the end, our intuition turns out to be right. The sad fact is, not everyone trusts their own gut feeling or intuition. Learning to trust our feelings is an important step in changing our life. It helps us believe in our self and in our own abilities to reach our goals.

The Power of The Magic Shop

The magic shop is a therapeutic technique used in psychology to help individuals heal their inner wounds. Some people may be in a negative state of mind or are feeling confused and overwhelmed. The magic shop is where they can process such issues safely with the help of a therapist.

The psychological wares of the Shop are created out of real experience and brought about through fantasy, wishes, desire, faith, and hope. The products that people seek are custom-made. It is extremely important that each person get something that fits uniquely, or gets rid of something distasteful or modifies it constructively.
Earl Koile*

The magic shop is a place where you can imagine whatever you want, however you want. Here, you can express your truest intentions without fear of judgment from others. You can always go into the magic shop whenever you want because it is a space that you always carry with you. All you need is to close your eyes, open your heart and focus on creating what you want. It is a place where you can transform things into something better.

There are not many basic rules except that people pay for things they want to get or things they want to get rid of.
Earl Koile*

When you go into the magic shop, you do not only go to create what you want. You also need to give up what you don’t want in exchange. This process helps you to clarify what you truly want and don’t want. Your feelings will guide you in making your choices as you go through your creation or transformation process.

The Magic is Within You

Although this technique is used by therapists; it can also be useful to us in our daily lives. The magic shop is a place we can always go to when we are feeling down and want to cheer up. We can open the shop to take time to process our feelings and set our intentions for the future. We can use it to discover more of our selves. The most important part of this process is to keep an open mind and an open heart.

The magic in the shop is the magic within you. It is only waiting for you to use it. How powerful your magic is depends on how much you can believe and what your true intentions are. Once you go out of the magic shop, remember to use the compassion, kindness and understanding you extended to yourself in the shop towards others. This is one of the most effective ways to help you manifest the magic from the shop into your reality.

If you already have a meditation practice, then going into the magic shop would be easier for you. Before you go in, ask your self: What do I wish to acquire in the magic shop? What would I trade for it? How do I want to transform my life? What would I do to achieve it? Good luck and may the magic of the shop create miracles for your life.

*Quotes from The Magic Shop: The Therapist Masquerades as A Shopkeeper
Featured Image: Original Photo by Almos Bechtold on Unsplash.