A thick, glossy head of hair can be a woman’s pride and joy and it seems to be a generalisation that only men are susceptible to the hair loss process. However, hair thinning and loss also commonly affect many women, who may feel less equipped to deal with the change than male sufferers.

Female hair loss can occur for a number of different reasons and finding the cause of your condition could be the first step towards treatment or acceptance of your change.

• Telogen Effluvium:

This is a stress related condition or a reaction to certain medication, which promotes a hormonal reaction and the shedding of hair from the scalp. Connected to the growth cycle of the hair, telogen effluvium can occur suddenly, but usually gets better naturally over the course of six months.

• Alopecia Areata:

This hair loss is caused by an autoimmune disease, which causes the white blood cells of your body to attack the hair follicles, causing hair production to slow and the follicles to shrink. This can affect patches of hair or the entire scalp and although the hair stops growing the follicles themselves are dormant rather than dead, meaning hair growth can begin again.  However, research is still inconclusive about how to artificially induce this returned hair growth, so at the moment the sufferer must wait for the hair to naturally begin its growth cycle again.

• Androgenetic Alopecia:

This is related to the hormone levels within the body and is generally an inherited condition, from either the father or the mother. The genetic information that causes this type of hair loss involves the production of an enzyme called DHT, which if over produced causes the hair follicles to create thinner and thinner hair strands, until they stop production completely. This can affect both men and women, with the hair loss in men affecting the crown and hairline, while in women the loss is noticed at the sides and top of the head. This condition cannot be stopped completely, but certain lotions, including minoxidil can slow the process of balding and thicken the remaining hair. Hair transplants can also be used to increase the thickness of the hair, but are generally considered a last resort and are often more effective in the treatment of male hair loss.

• Chemotherapy:

This anti-cancer drug is used to destroy cancer cells, but unfortunately it also attacks other cells within the body, including the hair follicles. Chemotherapy doesn’t always cause this reaction and you will know within two to three weeks after you begin your chemotherapy treatment whether you will suffer hair loss. You may also only lose patches of hair, or feel tenderness in your scalp, but losing all of your hair is also a possibility.  However, you can prevent the loss of hair during chemotherapy with the use of a cool cap, to cool the scalp and reduce and in some instances prevent, hair loss. Cold caps can come in the form of a gel filled cap or a cap refrigeration machine, which must be worn some time before and after your chemotherapy begins. However, chemotherapy hair loss isn’t permanent and once you stop receiving the drugs your hair can start growing back again.

• Pregnancy:

During pregnancy your body produces more oestrogen, which promotes hair loss and hair production. However, once you have given birth the levels of oestrogen drops and your hair goes into the shedding part of the cycle. This usually occurs 3 to 4 months after the birth of your child and 60% of your hair can be lost. However, 6 to 12 months after the initial hair loss your hair will return to normal. You can do certain things to prevent extensive hair loss after pregnancy, which includes using conditioners and shampoos which contain silica and biotin, avoid tight hairstyle such as ponytails and cornrows and add vitamin B, biotin, vitamin C and vitamin E to your diet, although always consult your doctor before making any dietary changes.

Hair loss can be a demoralising situation, but many conditions are only temporary and new solutions to hair loss are being found every day. However, finding support and understanding could be the very best thing you do after hair loss and many groups now exist to help you discover people who can empathise with you and help you come to terms with your situation.

Becky Mackay is an online writer, with a keen interest in health and lifestyle. For more information on hair loss and other health conditions visit her Twitter page @FreshHealth11

Image credits

Local celebrities like Angel Locsin, Anne Curtis, Kris Aquino, and Vice Ganda have spared time in distributing relief goods here Cagayan de Oro 2 days ago. Whether or not it was for media mileage, as some critics have made an issue out of it, bottom line is that they’ve helped increase awareness on what’s going on here. We appreciate their efforts to help out and bring smile to the people in evacuation centers. Local government sectors from other cities like Davao City have pitched in too. The generosity shown by everyone who reached out gave life to what Christmas is all about.  If you want to do your share, here are the ways you can help:

photo credits: Bon Aserios

From Bayanihan Online:

Here’s a compilation of recent tweets and retweets regarding monetary donations for areas affected by Typhoon Sendong. Please note that these are copied as is. Let us know if there has been a misinformation and we’ll do our best to rectify them immediately.

FOR MONETARY DONATIONS

1. 7/11
• We accept cash donations for victims of Typhoon Sendong. No service fees will be deducted & donors will be provided an official receipt.
2. ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya
• BDO Peso Account
• Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
• Account Number: 39301-14199
• Swift Code: BNORPHMMBDO Dollar Account
• Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
• Account Number: 39300-81622
• Swift Code: BNORPHMMPNB Peso Account
• Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
• Account Number: 419-539-5000-13
• Swift Code: PNBMPHMMBPI Peso Account
• Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
• Account Number: 3051-1127-75
• Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
• Swift Code: BOPIPHMMBPI Dollar Account
• Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
• Account Number: 3054-0270-35
• Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
• Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
3. Angel Brigade
• For CASH donations, deposit to Isdanco Foundation via any RCBC branch office:
• Account Name : ISDANCO Foundation (RCBC Main Branch, Ayala Avenue, Makati City)
• Account Number: 4001577579
4. CDO Bloggers Inc.
• CDO Bloggers Inc now accepting Paypal Donations: francis.siason@gmail.com
5. All Cebuana Lhuillier pawnshops
6. Citibank
• Citibank Citimobile: Charge donations by texting CITIGIVE<space>KAPAMILYA<space>AMOUNT<space>MPIN to 2201 (Globe/Sun) and 350 (Smart)
7. DepEd
• The Department of Education, through the Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (DepEd- CSCA) is appealing for donation in-cash or in kind for the flood victims of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. Please send your help to DepEd Region X in CDO or to DepEd-CSCA, DepEd Complex, Meralco Ave. Pasig City. For queries, contact 6318495 or 6363603 or write to our Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/csca.deped
• DepEd will forward all relief goods, clothings and other donations to Mindanao through partnerships with Philippine Airlines Foundation and the LBC Express Foundation.
8. DSWD
• Land Bank of the Philippines
• Peso: DSWD Donation – 3122-1011-84
• Dollar: DSWD Donation – 3124-0055-81
• Donations may also be sent via GCash.
• Text DONATE<space>AMOUNT<space>MPIN<space>DSWD and send to 2882. Example: DONATE 1000 1234 DSWD
9. Enderun
• Enderun Community Drive — Address: Enderun Colleges 1100 Campus Avenue McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City
10. Gawad Kalinga
• Through Bank DepositGawad Kalinga Philippine Peso Current Account
• # 3101 0977 56 BPI EDSA Greenhills
• Gawad Kalinga US$ Savings Account
• # 3104 0162 34 BPI EDSA Greenhills
• Swift code: BOPIPHMM
• Donate online: http://gk1world.com/DonationPage.aspx?page=form&section=sendong
11. GLOBE
• Gcash: For GCASH, donate through Red Cross by texting DONATE <amount> MPIN REDCROSS and send to 2882.
• Text: Text RED <amount> and send it to 2899. You may donate in these denominations: 5, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000.
12. GMA Kapuso Foundation
• METROBANK Peso Savings Account
• Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
• Account Number: 3-098-51034-7
• METROBANK Dollar Savings Account
• Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
• Account Number: 2-098-00244-2
• Code: MBTC PH MM
• UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB) Peso Savings Account
• Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
• Account Number:115-184777-2 or 160-111277-7
• UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB) Dollar Savings Account
• Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
• Account Number: 01-115-301177-9 or 01-160-300427-6
• CEBUANA LHUILLIER
13. Habitat for Humanity Philippines
• Donate to @HabitatPhils deposit to BPI CA 2421-0014-67
• Fax your deposit slip to (02)8565389
14. Iligan Bloggers Society
• Donation Paypal ID: singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com
• UNION BANK Account: Revilla N. Carbonell-Noel – 109451077611
15. Iliganon Association
• Iliganon Association in Manila accepting cash and clothes donations.
• Contact VP for external affairs Lisa Lluch 09175098165
16. La Salle Academy Iligan
• Cash donations may be deposited to La Salle Academy Iligan via
• Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Account No. 0820-016221-030
• Kindly inform Lourdes Melegrito of DLSU COSCA the details of your donation
• Email lourdes.melegrito@dlsu.edu.ph
• Tel. No. 524-4611 local 147
• Telefax 523-4143.
• BPI Account name: La Salle Academy. Savings Account Number: 9353-03-62
• Additional details for those outside the Philippines:
• Swift code: BOPIPHMM.
• Bank Address: 935 Quezon Avenue cor Lluch St. Iligan City.
• Bank Telephone Number: (+63) 63-223-8053; (+63) 63-223-8054
• Please make a digital copy (or photo) of your deposit slip for proper documentation and email this file to Br. Raffy Reyes FSC, president of LSA: raffyreyes1018@gmail.com
17. La Salle Greenhills
• Donations in cash can be received at Gate 2 of La Salle Green Hills at 343 Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550.
• You may also call any of the following telephone numbers for further inquiries:
• Alumni Office — 721-2729, 722-7750, 725-4720
• GS Principal — 721-2482
• HS Principal — 721-8914
• Buildings and Grounds Office — 721-8904 (Telefax)
• La Sallian Mission Office — 726-5851 (Telefax)
18. MINCODE
• The Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks is joining hands with Balay Mindanaw (NGO member of one of MINCODE’s member networks, Mindanao Congress) in mobilizing material and financial resources for the typhoon victims in NorthernMindanao. We are asking for your support for our unfortunate brothers and sisters in Northern Mindanao.
• For cash donations please deposit in the following accounts of the BALAY MINDANAW FOUNDATION, INC.
• Peso current account no. 1768022630 – BDO Xavier Branch, Cagayan de Oro City
• Dollar savings account no. 2044006882 – Bank of the Philippine Islands (SWIF Code BOPIPHMM), Velez Branch, Cagayan de Oro City
• Bank charges have been waived for donations thru BDO
• Contact: Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig
• Balay Mindanaw
• 53A, 12th Street, Zone 2, Upper Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines
• www.balaymindanaw.org
• Mobile Phone Numbers:  +639188877111  and +639177176000
19. National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
• Tel. No.: (02) 376-7330
• Mobile No: (0910) 495-0095
• Email: nujphil@gmail.com
• The NUJP is also collecting donations for media workers in areas hit hard by Sendong:
• Metrobank Peso: 229-722-9507-458
20. One for Iligan
• Iliganons Sa Manila Inc., BDO Checking Acct 5308004019 Asia-Tower Paseo Branch
21. One Meralco Foundation
• OneMeralco Foundation is accepting cash donations in G\F Lopez bldg, Meralco Center, Ortigas.
• Call 6328301, look for Joy.
22. Oxfam
• Leading UK charity Oxfam GB now accepting donations for those affected by Sendong. Donate now.
23. Philippine Daily Inquirer
• The Philippine Daily Inquirer is accepting donations for victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong.”
• Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Help Fund’s Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) current account No. 4951-0067-56, under the name Philippine Daily Inquirer Inc.
• For inquiries, call PDI corporate affairs at 8978808 and ask for Bianca Kasilag or Connie Kalagayan.
24. Red Cross Philippines
• Donate via http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate.
• You can also donate through mobile load. Text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart).
• Smart subscribers may send financial help to the Philippine Red Cross through text. To donate, cellphone users should send RED to 4143. Valid donation amounts are 10, 25, 50 and 100 and will be charged to the subscriber’s prepaid load or postpaid bill.
• Globe subscribers may send help to Red Cross. Just text RED and send to 2899. Valid donation amounts are 10, 25, 50, 100 (For ex, RED 10).
25. RockEd Philippines
• Rock Ed’s potable water fund and underwear drive for CDO and Iligan
• BPI Loyola Heights 3080-0073-44 Rock Ed Philippines.
26. Sagip-Tulong. To donate,please visit their website.
27. Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
• Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
  BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
  BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12
28. SMART
• Smart Money: Donors to Typhoon #Sendong may help through Smart Money acct. no. 5577-5130-6822-1104 at any BDO, Hapinoy or Cebuana Lhuillier outlets.
• Text: Smart subscribers may donate to #Sendong victims via text. Send RED <amount> to 4143. Valid donation amounts 10, 25, 50, 100.
29. TV5 Alagang Kapatid Foundation
• Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc. is accepting donations for the flood victims of storm ‘Sendong.’ Cash donations may be sent through the following accounts:
• Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.
• BDO Savings Account No. 005310-410164 and
• Bank of the Philippine Islands Savings Account No. 1443-05333-2
• Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. also has dollar accounts, for those who wish to make donations from abroad and/or in dollars. Donations may be made through:
• Bank of the Philippine Islands
• Beneficiary: Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.
• Beneficiary Account No.:  1444-0214-85
• Beneficiary Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands – Ayala Avenue SGV Branch
• Address: 6758 Ayala Ave, Makati City, Philippines
• Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
• Banco de Oro
• Beneficiary: Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.
• Beneficiary Account No.: 10-5310-46264-4
• Beneficiary Bank: BDO Unibank Inc – BDO Makati Ave-Ayala Branch
• Address: Ground Floor L.V. Locsin Bldg., 6752 Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
• Swift Code: BNORPHMM
• For inquiries, please call News5 Aksyon Center hotline – 938-6393.
30. UP Manila
• Direct bank deposit to UP-PGH account: DEVELOPMENT BANK OFTHE PHILIPPINES 0410-002882-035. Thank you. Every centavo counts.
31. World Vision Philippines
32. Xavier University
• Bank DepositAccount Name: Xavier University
  Account Number: 9331-0133-63
  BPI MAIN BRANCH

WORLDWIDE

1. Now accepting #Sendong donations: All LBC branches in
• US
• Canada
• Donate via GlobalMedic.
• Website says Rapid Response Team there now, more to deploy.
• The donations go to water filters and rehydration salts that were deployed to PH Navy [via @noreenbautista]
• KSA
• UAE
• Singapore
• To All Pinoys in Singapore we can drop our donations at LBC AirCargo #04-077 Lucky Plaza, Orchard Rd. (via @beejing)
• Hong Kong
• In HK, LBC in Worldwide offers to send your donations for #Sendong victims for free. They will have a drop box frm tom. (via @raymond_ph)
• Brunei
• Malaysia
• Taiwan
• UK
• Spain
• Italy
• Australia
• If u r in Sydney, LBC in Main street Blacktown is a drop off center and will deliver relief goods for free. Call for details. Dont hav no. (via @jimparedes)
• LBC Branch Finder http://bit.ly/hZF0nG so you can drop off your donations and they will send it to the distressed areas for free! [via @mmdirections]

Nikita Agatha boasts of being able to do anything from scratch. She picked up her flair for fashion from her grandmother and mom who loved dressing her up when she was little. She considers Sari Yap, editor in chief of MEGA Magazine, as the judge to please, urging Nikita to carefully think of her designs. She cites Alexander McQueen as her idol for his out of this world construction of outfits that women can wear.

Dino Bancoro recently started as a fashion designer sharing that the pieces he presented during the audition were his first ever creations. Through YDC, he hopes to learn more on pattern making and sewing since he has yet to formally study fashion design. He admits that he still needs polishing but is proud to say that he has the vision and creativity that would amaze people.

Hazel Cargado is a registered nurse. However, after graduating and passing the board, Hazel felt lost. Eventually, she decided to go back to what she really wanted. After finding a fashion design school in Manila, she quickly grabbed the opportunity to learn. Through YDC, she hopes to find her personal directions in design.

Mara Chua has a motto that anything and everything can be inspiring. He believes that to be successful, talent is not enough. He sharpened his technical skills in pattern making and learned sewing through a seamstress who made his clothes. He cites Rei Kawakubo and Bjork as inspirations that allowed him to expand his horizons and stretch his aesthetic.

Kirby Cruz wants to represent his feelings through his designs. His goal is to have an identity that makes his pieces unique. As a fresh fashion graduate, he feels the need for the right exposure and he believes YDC is the best venue for him. He loves the design of Hussein Chalayan and Alexander McQueen since Kirby is fascinated where these designers find their concepts and ideas.

Ched Dalogaog is a fashion instructor at one of the top fashion schools in Manila. He tells a story with his creations, incorporating pop culture and considering the modern women who will wear them. He believes his edge is his understanding of color, textures and fabrics that other designers take for granted. By joining YDC, he hopes to establish a brand that he can introduce to MEGA, hoping to also be acknowledged in the industry.

Corleen Duero specializes in constructing basics but still adding a touch of style. Hailing all the way from Surigao, Corleen is proud to represent the south and hopes to be a designer who can bridge fashion and design from Manila to Mindanao. He admires Issey Miyake, always remembering the quote of the designer, “These clothes are no wrappings, you can understand them the way you want, you can wear them the way you want.”

Oz Go’s designs dwell on futuristic and experimental looks. At a young age, he discovered his affinity for fashion when he became obsessed with drawing her mother’s wedding gown. He took a course in fashion design and eventually mounted a show during Philippine Fashion Week. Being the younger brother of singer Rachelle Ann Go, he is proud to mention that they still share the same room and creates outfits for her to wear.

Robin Gundran is the youngest member of this year’s competition. At 18 years old, he showed his creations and wowed the judges during the go-see. He received negative remarks from a lot of people who did not believe in his passion. However, he turned this into his motivation. He knows that with perseverance, he can show his detractors that he can get past them, and achieve fame and success.

Ann Lorio is an industrial engineer from Cavite who wanted to shift to fashion design. Despite her parents’ initial doubts on her dream, she travelled to Manila and worked to buy a sewing machine. After seeing her passion, her parents eventually showed support to her. With her background in engineering, Ann attacks a design starting with the structure. As a YDC contestant, she wants to learn and make her mark as a designer.

 Cristian Mallabo believes that God has a purpose why he’s alive and in the competition. His mother attempted to abort him but he survived. For as long as he can remember, he’s had a passion for clothes. He was motivated when friends and family started to ask him to create party clothes for them. He wants to be known as a designer who can brave through any challenge and hopes to win in order to give back to his aunt and sisters.

Porfi Medina thinks of fashion more as a form of activism and advocacy. When he was in elementary, Porfi’s grandmother opened a dress shop. At that tender age, he would observe the fabrics and sewing, starting his dream to become a fashion designer. He views his craft as a form of expression, translating social issues and its relevance into ensembles. He wishes to convey a message on pressing issues in society with every design he makes.

Renan Pacson simply wants to make his family proud. He initially took up Hotel and Restaurant Management but eventually found his calling in fashion. He studied Clothing Technology and was lucky to have the support of his parents. Luckily, he was accepted not based on his audition pieces, but based on how he packaged himself. His biggest challenge is to find his signature aesthetic and intends to find this in YDC.

Ismael Palma tried his luck during the auditions for the first season of Gen M: YDC but did not make the cut. At that time, he still did not know how to sew so he took his failure as an opportunity to improve. He decided to learn more about sewing and developing his designs. He was accepted this year and shares that whatever the judges say, he will keep in mind and apply.

Erica Panlilio hopes to dress up Katy Perry because of her fun playful personality. She started looking up and imbibing the stylish attitude of her grandmother when she was young. During the go-see, she had a major setback because the judges thought that she had a styling problem. Still, she was chosen to be one of the finalists and she believes that through YDC, she can grow and become a top designer.

Ram Silva designs for a cause. He intends to help the dying weaving community in Panay and Iloilo. During the go-see, judges were surprised with his mix of native materials to create a modern look. He keeps in mind the advice of Sari Yap, EIC of MEGA magazine, that what other designers learn outside in six months to a year, they can experience and learn in YDC in two months.

Mary Ty is inspired by YDC alumna Furne One, hoping to be as successful as him. Mary has never joined a fashion competition because of her fear of rejection. She tried her luck by joining Philippine Fashion Week but did not succeed. Edwin Ao, another YDC alumna, urged her to join the upcoming YDC. Her quirky comments amused the judges and are sure to liven the intense challenges for the YDC hopefuls.

 Geoffrey Zordilla has always wanted to study fashion design. Initially, he had to struggle with his parents’ disbelief. Still, he pursued his dreams and is currently a fashion design student. He is enthusiastic to experience YDC’s challenges and to learn how to mingle with fellow designers. Nature inspires him, feeling relaxed and comfortable in its serene environment.

Support and vote for your favorite designers through the online poll and the auction of their creations at www.Megastyle.ph. Keep watching the MEGA Young Designers Competition 2012 every Saturday, 7 pm on ETC, with replays every Sunday at 10 am.

Generation MEGA Season 3: The MEGA Young Designers Competition 2012 was created for TV by the MEGA Publishing Group.

ampeg svt classic

Fashion 21 Double Up Mascara promises up to 2x longer and stronger lashes in an instant. It comes with the following directions:

1. Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, if desired, before using a mascara.
2. Apply mascara starting at the base of your upper eyelashes.
3. Draw the wand gently outward up to the tips.
4. Hold the mascara wand vertically to color your lower lashes.

So how did it go? Let me put it this way, I’m glad that it was given to me for free. Fashion 21 has great and inexpensive products that I love, such as the 2 way cake and blush, but this Double Up mascara is a big disappointment, at least in my opinion.

After curling my lashes, I gently applied the mascara as directed. It yielded longer and thicker lashes but it was too heavy that it instantly straightened out the lashes I previously curled. I blinked, and the next thing I knew, it was all over my eye area. The consistency is too damp that it stains the skin, unless you prevent yourself from blinking for a few minutes or face the fan to dry it off. In the end, I noticed my lashes to be thicker and longer, but straighter than usual and pointed downwards.

I hardly use this because I don’t have the patience to wait for it to dry. On a positive note, I think it can double as an eyeliner because of its rich formula. Still, it will take some time to dry.

Rating: 3/10

Pros:

• sturdy packaging
• no clumps
• thick formula
• makes the lashes longer and thicker
• affordable at Php 225

led

You are invited to join this contest to get a chance to win Bobbi’s limited edition Party Collection Deluxe Travel Kit and PHP 10,000 worth of Bobbi Brown products.

Here’s what you have to do:

• Like the Bobbi Brown Philippines Facebook Page 
• Look for the “Be Your Own Bobbi Beauty Expert” App on the left side below the page’s profile pic
• Launch the app
• Register
• Recreate Bobbi’s beauty tips on yourself, then upload your photo less than 1MB
• Answer a short question- “How does this tip make you pretty powerful?”

A winning entry per week will be chosen based on the quality of both the photo and the answer. A grand prize winner will be picked towards the conclusion of the contest.

What I initially noticed about this product is its gorgeous packaging: sleek black lipstick case that comes with a mirror on the side of the cap and LED light on both sides of the tube, which turns on by pressing the button below. The Fanny Serrano Night Light Lipstick comes handy even when it’s dark. Whether you’re inside the movie house, in the car, or out clubbing, the lipstick is like a secret weapon you can launch anytime as the need arises. Doctors can also transform this into a pen light when examining patients during emergencies.If you’re the creepy type, you can likewise use it to scare off people during brownouts at night.

I was sent the shade in Pink Vodka. It is bright and strong enough to perk up your look but not as tacky as red. It’s perfect when you’re on the go and hardly have any makeup on except powder and lipstick. This perky shade makes up for the lack of color on the rest of your face. What’s interesting about this is when it’s applied to the skin for swatching, it’ appears faint, but when put on the lips, it transforms the puckers into a bold, seductive arsenal that speaks power. Go easy with the application as the color can be very strong if too much is applied.

I go for lipsticks that don’t have an annoying scent. I’m glad that the Fanny Serrano Night Light doesn’t have this problem. But what I love most about this product is that it lasts long! I can put it in the morning and come home in the afternoon still with it on, albeit lighter after some meals and snacks. This is a lipstick you can trust that you won’t be looking drab by mid-day just because your lipstick wore off after a few hours. This is best for weddings as the makeup artist won’t have to worry about the color fading after the bride has eaten lechon from the banquet.

For a smooth application, put on lip moisturizer prior to the lipstick. Otherwise, I noticed it to stick to outer areas of the lips and I have to apply another layer to ensure its even distribution.

As to the dilemma of long last lipsticks that tend to be more drying on the lips by nature, I can’t really conclude that this has a drying affect as I have dry lips to begin with. For all its worth, at least I didn’t find my lips to be cracking or more dry than ever.

Rating: 8/10

Pros:

• Long-lasting
• Comes with LED lights
• Can double as a pen light
• Mirror on the side
• Sleek packaging
• 12 colors to choose from
• No annoying scent
• Affordable at Php 299

• Needs lip moisturizer for a more even application

I’ll post the swatches soon in a separate post.

The Fanny Serrano Night Light Lipstick is available online through Weemall, The Philippine Online Shopping Mall. Great news for readers of vanityclinic.com, as you can avail of 5% discount for products appearing on “The Doctor is vaIN” page at Weemall. Just enter this discount code upon checking out: DOCTORISVAIN. Happy Shopping!

the north face backpacks

I was sent the Fashion 21 Fine Blush Powder in #5.   When I saw its packaging, I doubted that it will make it to my staple of makeups as the brush looked rather stiff. Since it was given to me for review, I had to try it out  and give it a fair chance.

The blush comes in loose powder form that has its own dispensing container with brush.  The powder gets through the holes towards the brush when you tap it downwards.  Sometimes, I have trouble getting the product out so I have to tap it again to be transferred to the brush. This can be a good thing, coz it prevents the too much application of the blush. I love how it fits on my bag and the fact that I don’t need to bring travel size brushes to put it on.

Upon testing, I was pleasantly surprised that the brush wasn’t as bad as it looked. I was expecting an itchy, abrasive feel but did not get it. Although not as soft as Suesh brushes, it’s not stiff either. Just right to get the job done. The container can be opened so washing the brush requires detaching the head from the lower part. 

The #5 shade reminded of of merthiolate, but nonetheless pretty when applied. The shimmers are kept to a minimum, so there’s no worry about ending up with  sparkly or oily cheeks. The shade is peachy pink that’s subtle on the skin, leaving a fresh and glowing look.

Pros:

• convenient to bring along
• fine powder
• no break outs
• brush is tolerable
• has UV protection
• distributes evenly
• leaves a fresh, glowing appearance
• affordable at  Php 155

Cons

• difficult to get the product out
• have to detach brush from the lower part of container to wash it
• average staying power

 
plus size maternity clothes

Does it measure up to our standards? Let me dissect its performance.

When I swiped it at the back of my hand, it gave a rich consistency which stayed even after washing it off. I had to rub it with soap, then apply a Bobbi Brown cleansing oil to totally erase it. Pretty impressive, I thought to myself. But then here lies the problem with waterproof eye products: they can stand water but not oil. The lids have oil glands, and for walking oil mines like me, it can be a problem.

When I lined my lids, as it’s where it’s intended to be used, it relatively went well. I tried another brand before that left me with raccoon eyes even before I got out of the house. Smudging did not happen with the Fanny Serrano Long Last Liquid Eyeliner. However, after about 3 hours, I noticed the lines have faded away. It blended with the rest of the eye makeup. No distinct line remained.

At another time, I applied a thin line very close to the lash line and it disappeared more quickly. I decided thicker lines should do the trick. But then after putting on thicker lines, they still faded. I guess it will work on non-oily lids like how it lasted long at the back of my hand.

Liquid eyeliners are generally more difficult to apply than gel forms but the Fanny Serrano Long Last Liquid Eyeliner doesn’t require makeup artist skills to put it on. The brush evenly distributes the product which dries quickly.

Pros:

• Minimal or no smudging
• Waterproof
• Dries fast
• Rich consistency in one swipe
• Easy to use
• Applies evenly
• Affordable at Php 195

material handling

I honestly wasn’t expecting much from this local brand but the instant that I swiped it on the back of my hands, I went “whoah!” for its velvety smooth texture.  For it’s dirt-cheap price of Php 185, it wasn’t the result I had in mind. It totally caught me by surprise. The next thing I knew, I was looking forward to using it to work.

For the first few days of trying it on, I took note that the coverage was moderate to heavy. There were times I would glance at the mirror while driving, and thought to myself that I looked “made-up.” I normally wear mineral makeup for foundation because it looks natural and feels light on my skin, so it took some time getting used to a two-way cake foundation on my face. But then this was a good thing for my scar-ridden skin. Fashion 21 Two-way cake smoothened my complexion like miracle although I still needed a few dabs of concealer powder for a perfect finish. It felt light even if the coverage was on the heavy side.

Two way foundations are called as such because they can be either applied as is (dry) or with a damp sponge. The latter yields heavier coverage which can lead to a mask-like effect if not done properly. So far, I haven’t tried applying it wet although I use it over  liquid foundation.

Apart from the texture that earns my approval, I love its oil-control properties! It’s been a while since I used a foundation that tamed my  facial oil factory. I work at one clinic in the morning and drive for about half an hour to another one in the afternoon. There are times I hardly have time for touch-ups. Once, I rushed to my afternoon work without applying oil blotting agents or powder and found that my face wasn’t as oily as expected.

I can’t attest that it won’t cause breakouts coz I had some zits (mild, not cystic ones that usually terrorize my skin) on my forehead after a few days of using it. The powder has very mild scent. I usually get breakouts when a cosmetic has scent. It can either be  due to the  powder or my crazy hormones and idiosyncratic reactions. I can’t conclude which caused it.

Papaya supposedly functions to brighten the skin. Indeed, I feel that my skin is brighter whenever I use this. But then it could be due to the shade of the powder that they sent me. It was in shade 2. Fashion 21 Two-Way Cake with Papaya Extract comes in 4 shades, with #1 being the lightest. I think 2 is slightly light for  me although after oxidation (acidic skin that darkens the makeup), it suits just right.

Summing it up, I’m  highlighting its strong and weak points:

Pros:

• smooth velvety texture
• superb oil-control
• scent is very mild and not annoying
• feels light on the skin
• not chalky nor cakey
• finely milled powder
• UV protection
• brightens skin
• very affordable: Php185
• refills available

The two remaining teams have to first produce a motion editorial. The photographers have to execute their ideas not just in print, but through a video that will establish their edge. The fashion stylists, make-up artists and hair stylists have to produce the look that will work and highlight the photographer’s vision. Last, the model must not just pose for the camera but act out the scenes to complete the motion editorial.

The final challenge is one of the main highlights that will seal one’s mark in the fashion industry. The team will be tasked to produce a MEGA magazine cover. Being the best fashion magazine, it has always been a great pressure to put together the look of the cover. The cover must convey the content and feel of the entire magazine. The challengers will know first-hand what it takes and what must be done to perfectly deliver the glossy cover of a magazine.

This is the final episode that everyone shouldn’t miss!

Everyone has witnessed the struggles and triumphs of everyone through all the challenges. Still, friendships were established in the course of the competition. Their skills have been tested with their creativity improved. Now, it all boils down to the final judgment for the last ten finalists.

The question is, who makes the final cut to becoming MEGA’s Top Fashion Crew? Find out tonight on ETC.

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