5 Tried and Tested Non-Petroleum Jelly Beauty Hacks

I have seen so many articles talking about the different uses of Petroleum Jelly. I love affordable all-in-one products. Petroleum Jelly definitely fits the bill. The thing is, my research on the different uses of petroleum jelly has also lead me to various articles talking about the dangers of using them. With findings ranging from clogged pores to cancer, I decided to play it safe and look for a better alternative.

 

I found two good alternatives to petroleum jelly. Alba Botanica's Un-petroleum Multi-purpose Jelly and Earth's Best Non-Petroleum Jelly.  Both of them use natural essential oils instead of the controversial petrol. Alba Botanica's un-petroleum is not yet available locally in the Philippines but you can find Earth's Best's non-petroleum jelly in Healthy Options.

Here are the five beauty hacks that I have personally found most helpful for me.

 

1.  Lip Balm

My husband has been diligently using petroleum jelly on his lips before going to bed ever since I have known him. Err, that did not sound quite right, did it?  But yeah, he gets really dry skin all year round and his lips are not exempted. I see the petroleum jelly on our bathroom counter and have been trying it the past months. I now understand his nightly passion for it.

But yes, we've now transitioned to the non-petroleum kind and it works equally well.

2.  Eye Cream

I have been using the non-petroleum jelly as my eye cream the past month. I pat it around my eyes every night before going to bed. They say it treats crows feet and prevents new ones from forming. I have yet to truly confirm its efficacy but it's cheap and it makes sense. So it's staying in my nightly routine until further notice.

3. Foot Moisturizer

Generously coat your entire feet with the non-petroleum jelly and put socks over them. Sleep with the socks on and I promise you will wake up with super soft feet!

4.  Eyelash Conditioner

They say it conditions, thickens and lengthen the lashes. Need I say more?

5. Make-up Remover

I do not regularly use eye make-up. And this is mainly because I hate removing them. I always end up with raccoon eyes that stays until the next day. This non-petroleum does the job. It removes make-up and conditions your eye area. Two-in-one!

If you're also iffy about using the commercial petroleum jelly, check out the two other safer alternatives. It's a handy product to keep in the house.
 

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Winners of the Belo Baby Contest!

Thank you to everyone who joined our recent Belo Baby Contest! We have picked three winners via Rafflecopter and will be contacting each of you separately via email.

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The French Beauty Solution

http://www.thefrenchbeautysolution.com/

I realized something recently. I love all things French. Okay, maybe not all things since I do not like fries. But then again, is that really French?!
 

What I am really saying is that I love the health and beauty philosophy of the French. I recently read a book written by my all-time favorite brand's co-founder, Mathilde Thomas. She talks about how she started Caudalie and all about French beauty and skin care. A lot of the things she shared resonated with how I am currently taking care of my skin.

"Good skincare is far better than hiding behind a mask of makeup"
 

The most important philosophy that the French believes in is that as far as skincare and make-up is concerned, having tons of make-up will not compensate for bad skin. It just won't look right. Invest in a good skin care regimen and you won't even need a lot of make-up to begin with.
 

"Live by the pleasure principle"
 

The French love luxe and elegance. It has always been the hallmark of French style. Mathilde Thomas says that "[French Beauty] is about choosing only the best and understanding that you are entitled to have a beauty routine that makes you look and feel beautiful at the same time." Your skincare routine should be pleasurable. Images of a French woman slowly putting on her night cream with candles and background music comes to mind. Of course that may be a bit exaggerated but the point is that our regular skincare routine must feel good to us. We must love what we use and use only what we love. The French expect their creams and serums to be "deliciously scented, with a texture that feels wonderful on the skin, and with ingredients that are pure and natural as possible." Sounds like my cup of tea.
 

"Squeaky clean is for windows - not your face or hair"
 

Having been influenced by Tin in 2013, I have stopped washing my face with soap and water for over three years now. I have been using Caudalie's cleansing water morning and night to clean my face. The only time water touches my face is when I go for a swim. Other than that, it's purely Caudalie. (read about my shift here). 
 

The book confirms my shift to being soap-free since our face (and hair) need not be squeaky clean as we were taught when we were kids. When we reach the 'squeaky clean' level, it means we have already robbed our skin of the natural oil that it needs. Go for gentle cleansing instead. Your skin will love you for it 30 years from now.
 

"A glass of red wine at dinner is good for your skin (and your health)"
 

There are so many other tips in the book that I have found to be extremely informative. From having a healthy diet to coming up with your own homemade body scrub, every chapter is a note-taking activity.

 

I'm not sure if the book is available in our local bookstores.  I downloaded the eBook from Amazon on Kindle. You can do the same.

Kick off those heels, get that glass of red wine and journey through the world of French beauty.

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Caudalie Polyphenols C5

Once in a while, I like to daydream some nonsensical 'what ifs'.  For example, I imagine what I will buy if I am being forced to spend a million dollars on something that's not a necessity (like food, shelter, tuition).  I know it's not likely to happen - kaya nga daydream lang.  In one of those random thoughts, I asked myself what brands I would shortlist should I need to decide to use all of those million dollars on just a handful of stores. Well, Caudalie is definitely one of them.

 

I have loved Caudalie for the past eight years and counting. I've written about my love story with Caudalie here , here , and here. Most of the products I have mentioned in my previous post are still part of my daily routine. I switch the night and eye creams once in a while as new product lines are launched by Caudalie.

 

My current choice during this season of stress and pollution, is the Caudalie Polyphenol C5 collection.

 

Free radicals are the main causes of skin ageing. They are generated by light, pollution, smoke... They attack our cells and trigger premature ageing. The same free radicals make our cars go rusty and turn fruits brown. They are responsible for 4 out of 5 wrinkles. - Caudalie website

 

Caudalie discovered that the polyphenols found in grape seeds contain the most powerful plant-based anti-oxidant in the world. With that they have formulated a serum that will protect our skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Anti-Wrinkle Defense Serum

 

I used the Anti Wrinkle Defense Serum every morning under my Shiseido sunblock.  It is oil-free and absorbs quite fast. The serum is very concentrated with anti-oxidants that are said to stop fine lines from forming into wrinkles. I imagine it as my skin's shield from the daily aggressors of the environment.

 

At night, I use the Overnight Detox Oil.  It claims to detoxify and renew your skin while you sleep. I don't know about you but that sounds really beneficial to me. I only use 6 drops of the oil, and gently spread it around my face and neck before bed. And that's it. I don't have any other regimen after that. 

 Overnight Detox Oil           

This dry oil helps to renew and protect your overtired skin while you sleep. Skin is detoxified and the complexion is revitalized. A cocktail of 5 essential oils and 3 vegetal oils, this 100% plant-based formula promotes cellular renewal and toxin elimination. On waking, skin is replenished and renewed.

I asked the Caudalie service center and was told not to use the Detox and the Serum over each other. Both of them are highly concentrated and must be used separately. This is why I decided to use the Detox Oil at night and the Serum during the day my skin's first line of defense.

 

I have been very happy with the Polyphenol C5 collection but am also tempted to try the newly launched Resveratrol Lift. We'll see. Maybe once my Detox Oil bottle is empty, I will test the new collection and see if it also works well for my skin. I am quite optimistic as I have not encountered a Caudalie collection I did not like.

 

Caudalie is not yet available locally in the Philippines but you may order online from Sephora.com.

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Zenutrients: Gugo Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner

I have always been on the quest for hair products that address my two hair problems: Perennial hair loss and dry hair. I have often found good products that promises one or the other but never both.  Now here's where it gets a little bit more challenging.  On top of these two requirements, I also need the product to only contain organic ingredients. 

 

I think the search is finally over. I'd like to introduce you to my current hair addiction - Zenutrients' Gugo Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner. I have used it for six months already and I am officially a fan.

 

I recently finished my 250ml bottle and just bought a 1000ml bottle to refill. Getting the larger bottle is a lot more economical but I might also get a 500ml soon as that comes with a handy pump.

The shampoo is quite watery but it lathers pretty well. Don't skip the conditioner because that's the secret to softer hair.

Zenutrients has recently sent me the Gugo Strengthening Hair Serum.  This is the latest addition to their growing Gugo line. This is a more potent serum that can be left on the hair overnight so it works while you sleep. The instructions say that you may also use it as a leave-on but I've yet to see how that works on my hair.

 

The serum contains Gugo extract, Jeju Aloe Vera, Green Tea extract, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus essential oils. I particularly enjoy massaging the serum on my scalp before going to bed as the Tea Treet and Eucalyptus oils make my head feels cool and minty.  Very refreshing after a long and busy day.

 

I've only started using it for a few days so I've yet to see the effects of the serum. But if it's anything like the shampoo and conditioner, then I've high hopes that it will do its magic on my hair.

 

ZENUTRIENTS

57 East Capitol Drive, Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Mobile number: 0932-8064417, 0925-8800687 and 0917-3252636

 

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My 5 Bag Essentials

Have you seen that mini Chanel purse or that neon MK Selma bag that's all the rave these days? I have been on the search for the best small bag since last year and was forced to downsize the contents of my bag in order to go with the trend.  So I went through my stuff and identified 5 essentials that must fit inside the bag before i declare it a winner. 

1. Wallet

Even though i rarely bring a lot of cash with me, my wallet is still an essential item in my bag. It's important that i have my Driver's License, credit card and ID inside at all times.

trendseve.com

2. iPhone

Smart phones are called such because they're not just for calling or texting anymore. I use my iPhone to read e-books, connect with friends over social media or entertain the kids on days when i'd like to eat in peace.

3. Tissue

Don't you just hate it when you wash your hands only to find out that there's no tissue in sight? So you try to wipe them over your jeans or wave them in the air [like you just don't care]. I always bring a pack of tissue (or two) since my kids need to frequently wash their hands when we're out in the malls. You never know where those little hands have been.

www.alltravelsizes.com

4. Mints

Mints will be your breathsaver after that large order of onion rings or garlic-ridden Aglio Olio pasta. If you're not a fan of onions and garlic, you can always offer them to the friend who is. As they say, when someone offers you mints, do not refuse.

My favorite mint of the moment is RioMints. I like that it's very compact and fits well into my mini bags. I also like that it's sweet at first before it gets really really minty and does not leave any after taste.

ensogo.com.ph

5. Mini brush

I honestly seldom brush my hair since it's naturally wavy. Brushing will just make it more buhaghag. But i still carry a little brush in case my hair gets really unruly and i need to tie it back into a bun or just brush it away from my face. 

I use the one from The Body Shop which is also perfect for fixing my little girls' hair.

beautyheaven.com.au

What about you? What are your top 5 bag essentials?

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Protect Your Stem Cells with Mustela

Just when you think Mustela is already the holy grail for all baby products, it just got even better! They now have a new formulation that protects the stem cells of the skin. Yes, stem cells!

Stem cells are really popular these days.  I'm sure most of us have heard of the wonderful benefits of stem cells these days. But what exactly is a stem cell? I did a little bit of research and found that stem cells are actually a reserve cell with the capacity to grow and multiply to replace dead or damaged adult cells. Some, but not all, organs and tissues in the body have a supply of stem cells. Skin is one organ that contains stem cells. Skin wounds are repaired by skin stem cells so it is very vital to retain them in our skin.

Two weeks ago i attended Mustela's launch for the reformulation of the Mustela Bebe line.  During the event, i learned that a newborn's skin contains a rich cellular reserve of stem cells at its highest potential. The problem is that this remains extremely vulnerable during the first few years of life while our skin's barriers are still being formed (usually until the age of 2).

The good news is that Mustela's new active ingredient, Avocado Perseose, supports the development of the barrier function and more importantly, protects the stem cells in the baby's skin. Once safely preserved, the original stem cells can continue to play its role of restoring and maintatining the skin throughout life.  

Mustela event held at the 2nd floor of Stacy's at BGC



Van Santos of Seek the Uniq hosted the event



Sharlene of Mustela Philippines talked about the new ingredient in Mustela Bebe



Cute table setting with Mustela borchures and the signature Stacy's colored mallows and popcorns

Cai of applesanddumplings, Tita K of LiveLoveLolz, Jen of Attachedatthehip, Eli of ThePaintersWife, me, Jen of MyMommyology



 

Yes, Mustela is from France, Tita K!

This new ingredient is available across all products in the Mustela Bebe line. Since my previous blogs on the Mustela products that our family has been using (Read about it here, here, and here), i have found more products that our family is now using.

1. Baby Shampoo

With my 2-year old's growing hair, i found it important to use shampoo now instead of just using soap all over. The shampoo makes her hair soft and more tangle-free.

2.   2 in 1  Hair and Body

This was actualy recommended to me by the Mustela sales assistant in their Glorietta 4 branch. The smell lasts longer than the other Mustela washes so this is just perfect for my very active 5-year old. I like that his hair still smells nice after the end of a very busy day.

3.  Facial cleansing cloths

I found this to be particularly useful for my daughter who loves to thumbsuck. i use this to regularly clean her hands while we're out of the house. I like that i can trust Mustela's ingredients and not worry that the wipes i am using contains harmful ingredients that my daughter may ingest.

4.   Agua De Colognia

Try it and you'll understand why our family loves it!

5.  Cold Cream

Tammy Tancinco of Mustela Philippines gave this to me as a gift after our trip to Korea during the winter. My husband's elbows were peeling and very dry so he decided to test this. We're very happy with the results and Dens' elbows have significantly improved. This is also very good to bring during your winter holidays where lips and skin become extremely dry. Great for the whole family.

So what are you waiting for? Rush to the nearest Mustela branch and start protecting your baby's stem cells!

Mustela is avaiable at the following locations:

Ayala Trinoma, 1st level (beside Mary Grace Cafe)
Robinsons Manila, 1st level Midtown wing (beside Topshop)
Glorietta 4, 3rd level (in front of Gourdo's and Play & Display)
Shangri-la Mall, 4th level (in front of Mothercare)
Megamall A, 2nd level (in front of Esprit)
Greenhills Shopping Center, The Shops, 1st level (in front of Watson's and Mary Grace)
Alabang Town Center, Upper Ground Floor, Connector Mall (in front of K & C Company)
SM Mall of Asia, 2nd level, Main Mall (near Osh Kosh and Periwinkle)

All Rustans Department Stores
All Landmarke Department Stores
Mothercare, Nationwide
PureBeauty, 2nd Floor Serendra, BGC and Harbor Point, Subic
Medela House, New Manila, QC
Chimes Specialty Store, Davao City

www.mustela.ph
Mutela Hotline 0917 895 9988
mustelaphilippines@yahoo.com
Facebook: Mustela Philippines

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Caudalie Serums and Creams (Part 2 of 3) plus a Giveaway



Bertrand and Mathilde Thomas (founders of Caudalie)
Photo from Caudlie's website

 On the first part of my Caudalie story, i shared the different cleansers that i've used. Now, i'd like to share the wonderful serums and moisturizers that i've tried the past years.

1. Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

I've had freckles for as long as i can remember. Anything that claims to lighten them is a hit in my book.  The Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is an oil-free formula that corrects dark spots and brightens complexions. It contains the patented Viniferine ingredient and claims to be 62 x more effective than Vitamin C.

It absorbs really well onto the skin. I used it twice a day after cleaning my face. This serum should be used underneath your moisturzier.

I only used one bottle before i switched the Premier Cru line (read about it below) so I don't know if it will completely erase my dark spots with continued use. I did notice a brightening effect and it felt realy nice on the skin once i applied it.

2. Premier Cru The Cream

This is the most potent serum + moisturizer product of Caudalie. It's called Premier Cru because it is known the be the Cream of the Crop. It has all the active ingredients of the other Caudalie products [Resveratrol to lift and firm, Viniferine to correct dark spots and brighten, and anti-oxidant rich grape-seed Polyphenols].

It is a wonderful moisturizer and i use it daily before going to bed. I don't use any other serum anymore (which is why i stopped using the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum). For younger skin with isolated issues like dark spots or signs of wrinkles, you will save money by buying the separate serums and just use a regular moisturizer. The Premier Cru is quite expensive but i found it to be very effective on my skin.

Photo from Caudalie's website

3. Premier Cru the Eye Cream

Aside from the Premier Cru, i also use it's matching eye cream that claims the same benefits but is specifically formulated for the delicate eye area.

I am on my second bottle and have been really happy with the results. I noticed less crows feet and undereye wrinkles in less than 6 months.

Learn more about the formulation of the Premier Cru line by watching the video below.

My Caudalie contest is ongoing. Join now and get a chance to win a bottle of Caudalie's foaming cleanser worth P1,200.

2 simple steps:
(1) Like the Breakfast with Tiffany Facebook page (https://facebook.com/densandfan)
(2) Follow me on Twitter (@densfan)

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My Caudalie Love Story (Part 1 of 3) and a Giveaway!

I first heard about Caudalie from a Parisian colleague whom i met in New York during a business trip back in 2008. She was sharing her love for Caudalie and everything natural/organic and i became curious. I started looking for Caudalie here in the Philippines to no avail. I was finally able to purchase a few of their products from Sephora in the US.  After my first encounter with the product, i became a believer.

Since then, i have tried more and more of their products and each one did not disappoint. Check out the video below for a message from the founder of Caudalie.

Now before i tell you about my mini contest, I'd like to share with you some of the Caudalie products on my shelf right now.

1. Caudalie Make-Up Remover & Cleansing Water

Since February of this year, i have began a radical change in my cleansing routine. I have stopped using tap water on my face. Yep, you read that right. I try to avoid getting my face wet when taking a bath and I don't wash my face anymore at night.

Instead, i have been using Micellar Water to remove make-up, clean and tone my face. Micellar Water is basically a solution consists of a dispersion of Micelles. What is Micelles, you might ask. Well, it can get very technical so please read about it here if you'd like to know more.  In beauty terms, i actually use the water as a make-up remover, cleanser, water and toner. I just soak the solution in a cotton pad and wipe my face with it as one would with a toner. It's very satisfying to see all the dirt come off until your cotton pads wipe clean.

Tap water hasn't touched my face for over seven months now except when i go swimming. It has been very effective and i didn't break out at all.

I have two sizes of the Cleansing water at home. One big bottle which i use at home and another one that i bring around to freshen up during the day. If you are still anxioius about going sans tap water, i suggest you use this as a toner after your regular cleanser. It makes your skin feel very clean and soft. None of those tight, squeaky clean feeling of a harsh facial wash.

2.  Caudalie Foaming Cleanser

This was the first ever Caudalie product that i fell in love with. This was, of course, before i discovered the Cleansing Water and stopped using tap all together. I love how gentle this cleanser feels on the skin. It pumps out foam and does not strip the skin of its natural oils.

My husband who is not particular about his cleansers even requested me to purchase this again. I was surprised and said 'i thought you don't really care about the brand of your facial wash'. And he said there's something about it that felt really different. He said his skin felt softer and he likes the subtle grapeseed scent (yes, bekki levelz lang ang comment).

It's very gentle yet effective in removing oil and make-up. I've used it for over 5 years and it has always been successful at removing the most stubborn waterproof make-up.

 

3. Beauty Elixir

The Beauty Elixir is one of Caudalie's bestselling products. Think Evian, only better. This product was inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary's elixir of youth. It claims to smooth away fine lines, tighten pores and give the skin a natural glow.

I've finished four bottles already and am on my fifth one. I spray it on my face after my cleansing routine and any time i need to refresh myself during the day. I love the scent of Grape, Orange blossom, Rose, Balm mint, and Rosemary.  It smells very relaxing - it's essentially a spa in a bottle. Seriously, try it.

Now for my promised giveaway. I will be giving away one 100ml bottle of the Caudalie Foaming Cleanser. I costs over P1,200 (coverted from USD) and is not available locally yet. The mechanics is very simple.

(1) Like the Breakfast with Tiffany Facebook page (https://facebook.com/densandfan)
(2) Follow me on Twitter (@densfan)

Please use the rafflecopter widget below.
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And that's it! :) The contest will run for a month and will end on November 2. I will announce the winner during the first week of November. Please note that this contest is open to Metro Manila residents only.

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