Summer is finally here! It’s time to unwind, relax, turn your brain off for at least a couple of days and, of course, go bathe in the sun and in the water. Could there possibly be anything else you need? Oh, yes, there definitely could. You need something refreshing to drink, some nice food to enjoy and, most importantly, you need something perfect to wear.
After taking a quick look at the luxurious swimwear Amaio Official has to offer, you quickly realize that you actually have no idea about how to find the perfect things to wear for this summer. One part of you doesn’t really know what it exactly needs and the other part of you isn’t sure about where to shop for the things it knows it needs. How about we kill two birds with the same stone? The stone being this article, and the birds being your lack of ideas about what to wear and where to find that.
Think About the Sun and the Water
When summer wear is in question, you need to think in terms of clothes that will be perfect both for the sun and the water. What does this mean, exactly? Let me make it a bit clearer. There are those swimsuits that you can do everything in but swim. In other words, they are perfect for bathing in the sun, but the minute you step into the water, you’ll regret the decision of buying that piece of clothing.
You don’t want that to happen, do you? You want to be comfortable and at ease both when in the water and when exposed to the sun. When the sun is in question, you’ll also need to think about tan lines. On the other hand, being in water requires you to wear something comfortable that won’t drag you down when it gets soaking wet. How can you succeed in finding swimwear like that, perfect both for the water and the beach?
Materials Matter
The absolutely first thing that you should take into consideration is the material of the clothing item. The material will determine whether a particular swimsuit is actually suitable for the water or not. Getting enough tips on the type of fabric you should choose might even make you think that you could easily make your own swimsuit after having learned such an important lesson. There is also a lot of additional info online on how to make this piece of clothing yourself if you are feeling adventurous.
If you are anything like me, you won’t bother with doing that when there are so many perfectly made swimsuits out there. All you have to do is learn about the materials and you’ll be half-ready to choose your own piece. I’m saying half-ready, because there’s another important factor that you need to take into account. We’ve covered the part that has to do with water and now it’s time to think about the sun.
Model
When you are sunbathing, you want to wear something that won’t leave too many unpleasant-looking tan lines. The sun can get really warm, can’t it? Well, that’s the whole point of sunbathing and, instead of blaming the sun for the tan lines, you should blame your poor choice of clothing. Make sure to never underestimate the power of the sun and choose a swimsuit that you will be comfortable in and that won’t leave unappealing and distasteful tan lines all over your body.
Where to Shop
After having covered the topic of what you need to look for, now it’s time to take a quick look at where you should shop for the perfect luxury swimwear. Of course, it’s not like I can tell you to go to a specific store or a website and shop from there, because different people have different preferences. In fact, nobody should tell you where to spend your money.
Finding the right shop requires you to check its reputation first. You need to see whether people were satisfied with the products they bought there. This is easily done by reading reviews and testimonials that previous customers have justify. That’s the best way of deciding where to shop.
Before starting this blog, I checked my first post about wearing contact lenses. It was published way back in 2013. Oh my gosh, it means that I’ve been wearing contact lenses for seven years now! I wear contact lenses every time I go out of the house. The feeling is very liberating—freedom from eyeglasses. However, I stopped wearing contact lenses since the start of the community lockdown because according to health experts, the virus that causes COVID-19 can enter the body through the mouth, nose and eyes. In early March, I felt unsure if wearing contact lenses is still safe, so I opted to switch to glasses in the meantime during this pandemic.
After much research, in the last week of April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put this concern to rest. It says that there’s no evidence suggesting contact lens wearers are more at risk than eyeglass wearers. While this is good news, there can still be a risk if proper eye care and good hygiene is not practiced. The main points are to always wash hands well before inserting or taking out the contact lenses and avoid rubbing or itching the eyes.
To further learn about the do’s and dont’s of contact lens wear in the time of COVID-19, I’ve attended a webinar hosted by Alcon, the global leader in eye care. In this post, I’m sharing the 5 facts you need to know about contact lens wear and coronavirus and more tips below.
Eye Care and Contact Lens Wear During the Coronavirus Pandemic
1. You can keep wearing your contact lenses.
I especially prefer wearing contacts nowadays when wearing a face mask outside is required because of three reasons. First is contact lenses can be an instant upgrade to your look. I always wear colored but natural looking lenses instead of clear ones. Second is I tend to touch my face more often when wearing glasses to lift them up to proper place. Third is my eyeglasses fog up when I wear a face mask.
The good news is there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmission by handling of contact lenses. Standard contact lens care techniques should be adequate during the coronavirus pandemic.
2. Good hygiene habits are critical.
As you know, touching your face and eyes when inserting and removing contact lenses may pose a risk to getting infected with the virus. It’s important to exercise proper and regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds followed by hand drying with unused and clean paper towels. Remember: cleaning hands with alcohol is not enough.
3. Regular glasses do not provide protection.
Just when I thought that eyeglasses can shield the eyes from infected respiratory droplets, a position supported by the US Center for Disease Control and Protection says that there is no scientific evidence that wearing spectacles or glasses provides protection against COVID-19 or other viral transmissions. This is because the virus can still reach your eyes from the exposed sides, tops, and bottoms of your glasses.
4. Keep unwashed hands away from your face.
Whether you’re wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses, if you can break the natural habit of touching your face with unwashed hands, you can lower your risk of infection. Sometimes you can’t help to feel an urge to itch or rub your eye or even to adjust your glasses. Instead of using your fingers, use a clean tissue or consider adding moisturizing drops to your eye routine.
5. Discontinue wearing contact lenses if you are sick with any symptoms.
Getting sick is not fun, and it’s especially unpleasant when you have eye discomfort. So when you’re fighting off any sickness or infection, the best thing you can do for your eyes is give it a rest from contacts. This can help prevent discomfort like dry eyes, blurry vision, and pink eye. You may resume using fresh, new contact lenses and lens cases once you return to full health.
Which Contact Lens is Best For You?
If you’re a novice contact lens wearer, choosing the best contact lens may be daunting and overwhelming. I’ve used several brands already and from my experience, Air Optix is still the most comfortable one. It’s the first ever brand of contacts I’ve tried. 🙂
AIR OPTIX® plus HydraGlyde®, with SmartShield® Technology is designed for the new contact lens wearer (or upgrade on lens technology) who wants long-lasting performance. Why you’d want it: it’s the first and only colored contact lenses with very high oxygen (six times more breathable* than the leading color contact lenses). These contacts can be worn up to 18-20 hours a day and can be used daily for 30 days or a month.
Air Optix Colors: P1,595
Air Optix in Pure HazelThese “breathable” lenses are perfect for me because I wear contacts more than 12 hours a day.
DAILIES® AquaComfort® Plus, with Blink-Activated Moisture Technology is designed for the contact lens wearer who wants the ultimate contact lens wearing experience. If you want contacts that feel like nothing but with exceptional comfort and visual acuity, this is for you. If you’re not a regular contacts wearer (like you only plan to wear contacts once or twice a week, this is also for you. Just dispose once used.
Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus: P1,495
FreshLookcontactsare designed for the expressive beauty consumer who wants enhanced eye color and definition. Take a pick from fresh and bright colors and feel more attractive, expressive, and confident. These contacts feature a 3-in-1 technology so the color of your eyes will come out naturally. Most popular colors are blue, green, gray, and pure hazel.
Freshlook Colorblends (monthly): P1,195
Freshlook One-Day: P1,095
Dr. Jeanette showing a pack of ready-to-wear Freshlook contacts
Contact Lens Care Systems and Solutions
Of course, a great contact lens wearing experience won’t be complete without the best contact lens solution. Again, I’ve tried several brands of contacts solutions, but the best is still the first I’ve had—Opti-Free, also by Alcon. Opti-Free (300ml) costs P349.
The “platinum standard of contact lens wear” by Alcon is their AOSEPT PLUS ® with HydraGlyde®, which kills 99.9% of all micro-organisms. It has a triple action cleansing that deeply cleans lenses, carries away deposits and debris, and lifts away protein. What’s good is that it’s suitable for all type of contact lenses.
The AoSept Plus solution ensures your contact lenses remain comfortable for even up to 16 hours of wear. It’s ideal for those looking for a contact lens solution with high level cleaning and disinfection efficacy. It can just be a bit tricky to use it.
First, you have to place the contact lenses into the barrel case that it comes with. Second, fill in the barrel with the solution until the line. Third, leave it (without shaking the barrel) for six hours or more. Then, watch the “magic” of disinfecting happen.
Dr. Jeanette showing a demo of the procedure
This hydrogen peroxide solution is not multi-purpose, so please make sure to wait up to the recommended six hours for complete neutralization. The result is a preservative-free solution proven to not cause further irritation to the eyes. When you want to wear your contacts, open the barrel, get the contact lens and put them directly on your eye. Note that the AoSept Plus solution is good for 100 uses (around 2-3 months).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mICc5HE5JK0
Dry eyes a problem? To maintain eye moisture, using lubricant eye drops like Systane Ultra can provide instant relief and extended protection. 1-2 drops are enough to lubricate and refresh your eyes. There’s no such thing as “overusing” of Systane Ultra, since it doesn’t contain steroids. There are several types of Systane, for mild and severe dry eye problems and those sensitive to preservatives. So make sure to visit the eye clinic to know which one will be best for you.
Other Tips and Key Takeaways
Do not wear lenses more than the scheduled period. One of the best lessons I learned from the webinar is that you should still replace your lenses according to the recommended replacement schedule, even if you don’t wear them every day.
Never reuse old contact lens solution. Change your solution daily or as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important to do this even if you don’t use your lenses daily.
After inserting the lenses, discard the solution and clean the lens case with contact lens solution (not water!). Dry the lens case with a clean tissue and let it dry upside down on a tissue.
Try daily disposable contact lenses. This may help reduce opportunities for surface inflammation and infection that are associated with reusable monthly replacement contact lenses.
Contact your eye doctor if you are experiencing a severe condition or an eye emergency.
If you want to have beautiful hair, you need to take care of it. True, this also depends on your genetic predispositions, but it is mostly connected to proper care. Nothing comes to you if you don’t make an effort. And the effort you need to make in this regard is really small, so there are no excuses you can think of other than your laziness.
I am sorry if that came out a bit harsh, but that’s the way it is. People need to hear some harsh truths from time to time. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not my intention to diminish the real thinning and falling out problems that some women can experience even if they do take care of their hair. However, there is a solution for this issue as well, and, once again, it’s up to you to put a bit of effort into resolving it.
When you decide to take that crucial step and finally consider using hair regrowth products, you can’t just go out and buy something without doing proper research beforehand. I suggest you start with reading Keranique reviews, since there is no better proof of effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of a product than the honest words of people who have already used them. User experience is the key towards finding out the truth about anything.
Why Reviews Are Important
While I know that you want to jump on board immediately and get started with the treatment, reading reviews should always be your first step towards finding the right product. There are a lot of things you can learn this way, which is why disregarding and neglecting the research process is never a good idea. And it is especially harmful when the products in question are directly connected to your health, including the health of your hair.
It is important that you understand why reading reviews is the logical and necessary step in the process of making your purchase decision. Of course, checking the ingredients and examining the label on the product is also significant, but it sometimes tells you absolutely nothing. The information on the label is either scarce, or it looks as if it were written in a language you don’t understand.
I mean, do the words “minoxidil” and “propylene glycol” mean anything to you? I suppose they don’t, unless you are an expert in…what field is this exactly, chemistry? On the other hand, words as simple as “it works” coming from a reliable source, i.e. a real user of the product, speak volumes. That’s the most significant thing you need to know, isn’t it? Whether the product works or not… Check this out.
And from there, you can take your investigation a step further and look into the time frame necessary for it to work, the proper way of using it, the price and many other useful things. But, the bottom line is, if you don’t find evidence that something works, you definitely won’t bother looking into anything else. Why would you want to know the price of something that has no effect at all? So that you can make an informed decision about wasting your money?
Speaking of wasting money, that’s exactly what will happen if you decide to skip the research part and just buy the first hair product that comes your way. And, no, seeing it on a commercial is definitely not enough. I don’t think I can ever emphasize enough the significance of reviews and testimonials, no matter how hard I try. But, it never hurts to try some more.
What You Can Learn About Hair Regrowth Products From Reviews
In an effort to “try some more”, I want to explain what it is exactly that you can expect to learn about hair regrowth products by checking their reviews. I have already mentioned Keranique as an example, to bring all of this a bit closer to you. But, remember, you can apply this knowledge to any product of your choice. So, without further ado, let us get started.
Is There Any Visible Growth?
The whole purpose of these products is to grow your hair, isn’t it? That’s pretty clear and straightforward. And that’s also your ultimate goal when you set out on your search. You probably won’t be looking to regrow your hair if it isn’t falling out or thinning. You have a specific need and you need something that specifically targets that need and fulfills it.
So, what I have described above is actually how the whole market works. Manufacturers recognize the consumers’ needs and try to fulfill them. And how do you know if a hair regrowth product can fulfill your need? Simply by checking whether people are saying that they have seen any growth whatsoever during the period of using it. If they aren’t mentioning this part at all, I suggest you don’t reach for your wallet.
When Can Growth Be Expected?
Naturally, after seeing that people are mentioning growth, you will get curious about when they first noticed it. But, this information is not important only to please your curiosity. In fact, if there is no info whatsoever about the time frame, you can’t even be sure that the product works in the first place. Do you need to use it for years? And if so, could it just so happen that something else influenced the quality of your hair during those years?
How Should The Product Be Used?
This is a no-brainer. You need to know how something works in order to get the best out of it. Of course, you will probably find instructions on the specific product. But, still, it’s better if you hear it from a real person. We all love to experiment sometimes and you need to know whether experimenting with the way you use hair growth products is advisable, or if you should stick to the instructions. I suggest the latter.
Pimples and acne alone can be annoying enough. Having a scar left behind just makes it worse. Acne scars can create a permanent or long-lasting textural change in the surface of the skin. If you’re wondering how acne scars happen, well the answer is simple — Improper treatment.
Acne is caused by an inflammation, which will most likely develop into a scar when it heals. Depending on the sensitivity or how prone a person’s skin is to acne, the scar can get deeper and wider. The best way to remove acne scars is to either have it taken care of by a professional who specializes in acne scar treatments.
You may have stumbled upon this article because you are worried about your acne and you’re searching for ways to prevent acne scar development. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Isn’t it better to start preventing acne scars from happening rather than having them treated? The easiest way to do so is to avoid doing these bad habits that we’ll mention in this article.
Things You’re Doing Wrong That Leads To Acne Scarring
1. Popping Your Pimples
Some may think that popping their pimple or acne can help get rid of them quickly. What they don’t know is that this is what causes the acne scars and blemishes. When you try to squeeze your pimple, you’re pushing the bacterias further into the skin. This will automatically lead to scarring. Instead of popping your pimple, try applying topical creams that will help make them get smaller and it will soon fade away on its own.
2. Excessive Face Cleansing
Facial cleansing is one of the most important daily routines. But, too much of it won’t do any good. If you think that washing your face three to four times a day will help keep your face away from pimple breakouts, you thought wrong. Instead, what happens is your face gets dry and irritated. This can also lead to excessive oil production. Washing your face twice a day (once in the morning and at night before going to bed) is enough to keep the face clean.
3. Not Washing The Face Properly
Our advice to you, don’t just use any kind of facial cleansing products. Some products can be too strong for some skin types. There are three types of skin: oily, dry, and combination of both. If you have oily skin, we advise that you go for a facial cleanser that contains exfoliating substances. This can help lessen oil production. For dry skin, go for organic products and lessen the use of exfoliating products. Make sure to apply moisturiser from time to time to keep the skin hydrated. Also, make sure that the washcloth you use to wipe your face is clean to avoid pimple breakouts. Some people tend to rub their faces with the towel and this just irritates the skin.
4. Your Phone is Covered With Dirt
Believe it or not, our mobile phones can be dirtier than toilet bowls. Our hands can sweat without us noticing it. And this oil and sweat can stay on the phone for some time. We tend to hold our faces while holding or after holding our phones. This means that we’re transferring the oils and bacterias from our phone to our face. Make sure to clean your mobile phone from time to type to at least lessen the bacteria it carries.
5. Discontinuing Acne Scar Treatments
People should know that acne scar treatments do not work immediately. Learning how to be patient can help them a lot. Some over-the-counter acne products may not work for some or may take some time to work. But if you want to get immediate results, the best way to achieve that is to seek help from a dermatologist. If you are not ready for cosmetic treatment procedures, these doctors will advise you the right acne scar products. But you will have to be patient with the results. Trust me, the wait will be worth it.
Stylish accessories at home, at work and even on our travels can not only make us feel good and make us shine, but they can also be practical. The best accessories make us feel more confident and all-round happy. Here are some of the latest accessories that could soon be your favourites, including jewellery, stylish bags for all occasions and innovative technology accessories that help you get best from the gadgets you already use at home.
Jewellery
Quality and colour
Nothing dresses up an outfit quite as well as quality jewellery, with fun 2020 trends to experiment with and colourful jewellery on the runway of most fashion houses now finding their way into stores. Gold and silver are now joined with an explosion of colour, with bright floral 24k gold earrings as well as long beaded necklaces. Mix up the colours in your jewellery for a fun yet stylish look, sure to impress.
The single earring
The single earring is also popular this season, on the catwalks of Tibi, Marc Jacobs and many others. All you need is an earring that makes a big enough statement on its own. If you have a medium or large-sized earring, bear in mind that “less is more”, so consider drop earring in a bright colour or choose a tougher, more angular style.
Pearls
Classic pearls remain on-trend in 2020 in every shape and style from baroque to classic, including headpieces to really shine in the crowd. You can wear pearls every day and never tire of the look, or instantly upgrade a look with a pearl choker.
Innovative technology
UltraLight for smartphones
Customised mobile lighting is a piece of innovative technology that will vastly improve the pictures you take on your phone when the light is low. The innovative Moon UltraLight is a new, ultra-portable lighting with intuitive touch controls that customises brightness to take the best pictures in dim or dark locations. It also has a vast number of what it calls “colour temperatures” that create better quality pictures of those of us with darker skin tones. Best of all, it fits nearly all phones and cases and is easy to take on your travels.
Soundbar or speaker
There are soundbars, and then there stylish soundbars for your home. And then there is Vizio’s new Elevate soundbar with its turning speaker pods at each end of the 48-inch bar that automatically rotates upward when the bar detects sounds which then bounce off the ceiling for immersive sound. When finished, the pods resume their forward-firing position for better stereo sound. It has Chromecast built-in and even includes voice-assistant compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa.
Bags
There is so much inspiration for a new bag this season. There are drawstring styles right through to structured cube bags, so you are sure to find something that will suit have a practical purpose, but most importantly, make you feel like a million dollars.
There are on-trend vintage-looking floral styles across all designs or choose citrus orange as the new neon which looks great against neutral tones. You might want a practical sling bag, great for comfortable travelling because it leaves your hands free and if you choose one with an adjustable strap, this can be worn on the shoulder and as a crossbody.
At the other end of the scale are micro bags for the minimalist that can hold just your phone, wallet and keys or perhaps your Earbuds, lipstick and credit card. Or try a tote made from wicker, raffia, straw and other natural fibre materials are also on-trend.
One of the most special moments in a person’s life is the day they are engaged. It has been a long-standing tradition that one partner asks for their significant other’s hand in marriage by offering an exquisitely designed ring.
Over the decades, engagement rings have taken on many shapes and forms. The most traditional stone to use in an engagement ring is a diamond. Not only because they are a girl’s best friend, but also mainly because a diamond is extremely valuable and durable.
Not to mention the gorgeous light reflections it can create when shaped into different forms. If you are the lucky partner who gets to choose the engagement ring then your first question might be, “What is the best diamond cut?”
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve come up with a concrete list of diamond cuts you can consider for a unique engagement ring.
FOUR DIFFERENT CUT GRADES
Diamonds are graded according to the cut. The more intricate the shape the more value the stone carries. It varies from poor to ideal:
A poor grade won’t have a polished finish or be symmetrical. This will cause the stone to appear less sparkly.
A good grade will have an adequate amount of sparkle, polish, and symmetry.
A very good grade will appear to have lots of sparkle combined with a great polish and symmetry.
An ideal grade will have terrific sparkle that combines an excellent polish and perfect symmetry.
The grade affects not only the appearance of the stone, but also the value and quality. It is also a direct reflection on the diamond company’s craftsmanship. As well as how skilled the diamond cutters are.
Shaping diamonds is a skill that started back in the Middle Ages. To put extreme emphasis on the stone’s brilliance, jewelers have developed diamond cutting to create the perfect polish and symmetry.
Diamond shaping can be divided into two categories: Step cut and brilliant.
The step cut is a stone that is square or rectangular in form with facades parallel to each other.
The brilliant cut is when a stone is shaped from its rough form into a polished well-refined jewelry piece.
11 TYPES OF DIAMOND CUTS
There are many types of diamond shapes, but here is a list of the most common ones in the two categories:
Round – A brilliant shape that’s extremely popular amongst married couples. This traditional style looks like a circle from above, but from the side it has the signature diamond shape. It has 57-58 facets.
Princess – A square that was developed in the 1960s by English man, Arpad Nagy. The perfect form when you want to use most of the rough diamond.
Cushion – Third in line when it comes to the popularity toll, the cushion is shape that was also known as the ‘old mine’. A delicate square with rounded edges.
Marquise – This cut has an interesting back story. It dates back to the 1700s. It resembles the shape of King Louis XV’s mistress, Marquise de Pompadour‘s lips. Pointed at both ends.
Oval – A refined oval shape that was developed by Lazare Kaplan in the late 1950s. It’s a unique shape that remains classic. It has 58 facets.
Emerald – Previously known as the table, the emerald is the most popular step cut. A rectangular shape that is extremely tricky to shape perfectly. In modern times, many celebs have been seen sporting the emerald style on their fingers.
Heart – A perfect display of everlasting love, the heart shape cut has 59 facets and is extremely popular amongst couples around Valentine’s festivities.
Radiant – A step that combines the sophistication of an emerald shape by using the brilliant technique. Developed by genius diamond cutter, Henry Grossbard, it’s an exquisite diamond.
Trillion – Not that popular amongst diamond lovers, and commonly used as side stones. The Trillion has 31 facets and almost resembles a triangle.
Pear – Also commonly known as the teardrop, the pear has increased in popularity over the past years. It can have as many as 71 facets and is one of the most exquisite brilliant cuts.
Asscher – The Asscher has 50-58 facets and can exceed 74. It resembles the Emerald without having the flat tabletop in the center. Rather a cascading effect from the top.
Click here to learn more about the amazing diamond cutting process.
In the rough, diamonds don’t reflect as stunningly as they do when they are polished. Choosing the perfect form will have an effect on the way light reflects off the stone. The more intricate the design, the more detailed and shinier the stone will appear.
As long as you do your research regarding the above-mentioned cuts, you’ll be able to pick the perfect one that suits your partner.
I always want to feel confident with my smile. I spent good money on two years of orthodontic work to get my teeth in tiptop shape. For that, I’m grateful to my kind dentist who’s been patient in adjusting my braces monthly. He had recommended laser teeth whitening before, but because of some caution about tingling pain and side effects, the idea didn’t seem convincing enough. So when I read about the painless teeth whitening procedure at The Smile Bar, it quickly caught my attention. Especially since the price of the procedure is marked down at DealGrocer.com, I thought this would be an awesome opportunity to make my smile a little brighter.
About The Smile Bar
The Smile Bar prides itself in offering first-class services in a unique spa-like environment. Following its success in Hong Kong and Bangkok, The Smile Bar launched its flagship store in BGC and newest branch in Vertis North to provide exclusive, safe, and effective alternatives to teeth whitening and whitening toothpaste for clients in the Philippines. I’m closer to Vertis North so I booked a session last weekend.
Single Whitening Service
Their single whitening service uses the patented technology of Swedish brand, Brilliant Smile, to lighten teeth by 2 to 9 shades in just 1 session. The procedure starts with a Smile Tender assessing your teeth using The Smile Bar’s teeth shade guide. A pre-whitening treatment is done right after, which includes a mouth cleanse using their exclusive in-house products, so you’ll be selfie-ready 24/7 with whiter teeth.
About My Experience
Upon arrival, I was amazed by the facility’s clean, white walls. Love the minimalist modern decor! The staff made me sign something like a waiver form and took me into the treatment area. Using their bleaching shade guide, she assessed the current shade of my teeth (S20) and showed me the possible whiter shades that can result from the treatment.
Then, she instructed me to wipe off my lipstick, gargle with their mouthwash specialized to clean and freshen mouth before brushing the teeth, brush my teeth, and rinse.
Next, I sat on the egg chair while listening to the staff as she explained about the procedures and do’s and don’ts of the single whitening session. They’re pretty straightforward and easy to understand. Just the basics: wear the goggles or protective glasses to protect your eyes from the UV-free LED Plasma Light, bite gently on the mouth guard with the dark blue whitening gel, and don’t move a lot (so their equipment will stay in proper position).
The whitening gel contains 6% hydrogen peroxide that’s very potent. What the UV light does is that it activates the hydrogen peroxide in the gel.
The staff offered their iPad and headphones for entertainment, but I preferred using my phone and play games instead. Time went by quickly. I didn’t feel any tingling sensation, pain, or any difference at all throughout the 20-minute session.
After the treatment, we went to the treatment area once again for the assessment. My teeth were four shades whiter, from S20 to S16! Honestly, I was hoping for S12. 🙂 Anyway, the staff said most people have the same result as mine and recommended another session (Double or Triple Whitening) for pearly whites ahead.
For post-treatment care, I was advised not to eat any colored food or liquid in the next 3 days. Otherwise, to prevent staining and preserve the result, they offer Nano Seal which is applied to the teeth. This comes with an extra charge of PhP 1299.
The Smile Bar Price List
The Smile Bar Locations and Contact Information
Vertis North, Quezon City
Level 4, Ayala Malls Vertis North
North Ave, Quezon City
(02) 8256 7711
(0917) 590 0792
Hours:
Daily, 11AM – 10PM
(Last appointment will be at 8PM)
Eyelash extensions are on trend lately. The bigger, the longer, the bolder, the better! I had the opportunity to try out eyelash extensions at Ayumi Japan Eyelash last Sunday. Located in Unimart building in Greenhils, Ayumi Japan Eyelash offers services such as manicure, pedicure, nail art, foot spa, eyelash extensions and retouches. All products are sourced from Japan. 🌸 In this post, I’m sharing my experience and thoughts about lash extensions and the Swedish massage therapy. Also, below are tips and answers on what to expect which I think will be useful and helpful mostly for the uninitiated but curious. 😉
Ayumi 5D Lash Extensions at Ayumi Japan Eyelash (Greenhills, San Juan)
When I went in for the first time, I had zero idea about lash extensions. Will the application be painful? How long will the process take? Which type of extension swill be best for my eyes? How long will they last? How should I take care of them? What are they made of? These were the burning questions in my mind, which were all answered during my visit.
Reception area:
Lashes room:
First things first: What are lash extensions?
Unlike temporary false lashes, eyelash extensions are semi-permanent synthetic, faux mink or silk fibers which are applied strand by strand to your natural lashes to enhance your eyes. The benefits of mink lash extensions are that they are more feathery looking and lighter in general, so they put less pressure on your lashes.
Lash extensions are carefully applied one at a time using a specially-formulated, semi-permanent glue that won’t irritate or damage the natural lash. Each set should last about four to six weeks, depending on how you care for them and general wear and tear.
What types of lash extensions are available at Ayumi?
As mentioned above, Ayumiuses products from Japan. Premium sable light lashes and high-grade glue are used so these will not damage but enhance the growth of natural eyelashes. Ayumi eyelash extensions are also said to be long-lasting because of their quality and craftsmanship. Individually applied to natural eyelashes, they last for 3 to 5 weeks with retouches in between. There are extensions that feel a bit harder and those that are soft and light.
The health and thickness of your natural lashes as well as the shape of your face and eyes will be used to determine the right set of extensions for you. If you’re unsure, don’t fret! They have a menu to help guide the consultation, and the staff helps determine the lash extension that will best fit your aesthetic.
I told them I prefer a natural look and not too much with a dramatic voluminous effect. The staff suggested the Ayumi 5D Lash Extensions 12mm with a natural “C” curl.
Selfie before the procedure
How did the application process go?
I laid on a comfortable table with my eyes closed. The staff cleaned my eye area before beginning and placed pads and tapes around my eyes to allow her to get as close to the lash line as possible. The bottom lashes were shielded with under-eye tapes. This was the most uncomfortable part since I could feel the tapes whenever I blink while my eyes were close. Anyway, I got used to the mild discomfort after a while.
She then glued individual fibers to my own lashes at the root, stopping many times to look from different angles and brushing the lashes to make sure everything was perfect. During the application, we chatted and she explained what she was doing so I could understand. When she had finished, I slowly sat up and used a hand-held fan to finish drying the lashes before the mirror.
What to expect and what to do before the application?
It’s one tiny lash at a time, so don’t expect it to be snappy. Typically, it takes at least 90 minutes and possibly upward of two hours depending on the style of the lash extensions. In my case, the application took about an hour.
To get things done faster, you should arrive without makeup or mascara at least. Also, visit the restroom before the appointment begins since you won’t be able to open your eyes until at least the next hour. If you can find a way to relax, you can take a nap. I couldn’t take a nap because I was worried about my contact lenses.
Speaking of contact lenses, another tip is to remove them before the procedure. Since I was wearing contact lenses and didn’t bring a contact lens solution and case to remove them, I was worried about having an eye infection, having dry eyes, or worse, having swollen eye I couldn’t even open. Thankfully, my eyes were okay after dropping artificial tears to lubricate the lenses and relieve the dryness problem.
“After” photo
What was my first reaction upon seeing the result?
It gave me a little shock. I didn’t expect how the lashes would look but I was impressed overall. The extensions really made my eyes look bigger and more striking! My eyes now looks amazing without any other eye makeup. No need to worry about having raccoon eyes with mascara or my eyelashes falling off with strips anymore! I love that the lashes are strategically designed with angles to ensure every last lash is curled.
What to do and not to do after?
Dont’s: After-care instructions include not wetting the lashes for the next five hours (so that the glue can dry completely), not applying mascara, and only using oil-free makeup and makeup remover. The following should also be avoided: steam, putting my face directly into the water in the shower, rubbing my eyes, and sleeping face down. All these can harm or damage the extensions or worse–make the natural lashes fall out.
Do’s: To preserve lash extensions, keep them clean and gently brush them with a pristine mascara wand or spoolie brush every day. The less you mess with them, the better and longer they are going to stay.
How much did it cost?
Lash extensions can be a splurge. They’re perfect for special events and occasions and for those days when you want to look instantly beautiful and polished. The prices at Ayumi range from PhP 1,000 to PhP 5,000, depending on the type and desired look. For proper maintenance, you can go back for a retouch (P500) or a repair (PhP 750) every ten days.
Massage Therapy at House of Resha
Ayumi also has a spa area which debuted recently. It’s called House of Resha and it specializes in facials, body massages, body care, and lash lifts. I had the pleasure and convenience of getting a body massage right there as well.
Facial room:
Massage room:
One step into the massage room and I found myself drifting away into an oasis of calmness. House of Resha’s massage room is a peaceful and tranquil place with its own glass shower enclosure, so guests can take a shower before the massage. Toiletries and pampering sets of products are provided in the powder area, to give you that helping hand when you need to unwind. Bathrobe, slippers, disposable underwear, and disposable shorts are also available.
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The therapist used a body lotion and massage oil that glided smoothly on the skin. With confident hands, she dished out 60 minutes of pure relief. Flowing, firm, consistent. She was attentive to adjusting pressure and found all of my tight spots in my back. The massage technique used was Swedish massage, a treatment for better circulation and manipulation of soft tissues of the body. Soothing instrumental music played in the background, and as if sounds go through the muscles, the tunes almost lulled me to sleep. After the massage, a warm towel was used to wipe off the excess oil.
Worth recommending?
Yes! The long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping can definitely help relax and energize you, especially after a long walk or shopping around Greenhills. It’s a feel-good way to rejuvenate your body and indulge yourself without the exorbitant price tag of a luxury spa. If you prefer gentle rubs that will send you to slumber, then House of Resha is the place for you.
Wrap Up
Ayumi and House of Resha (in the same space) in Unimart Greenhills are like hidden gems. The moment you enter, you are in sanctuary, away from the busy shopping environment. The therapists will take you through their various services and offerings, you pick your treatments from their menu, and your pampering begins. Set your mind free, soothe your senses, and bid your stress and worries goodbye. Prices of their services are reasonable, so money will be well spent. 😉
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