Cutex Brights! Cherry on Top and Blueberry Blast

Matte with microshimmer. Quick quick quick post!

Cherry on Top and Bluberry Blast. Sounds like they're good to eat! Yum!

They come in other colors too so do check them out.

Texture is not think, not thin. Just right! It's easy to apply and comparing to other nail polish this one seems to be comparable to more expensive brands like Opi

Awesome candy colors. They look like KikaysiKat colors don't they?

10 Starbucks Drinks That Won't Ruin Your Diet

Can't stop going to Starbucks? Worried about your diet? Who here is a coffee addict? Raise your hands! Well a friend of mine is addicted to Starbucks because she says it helps her with work. Does coffee really do that to you? Does it really make you more productive? That's the reason why she's semi-dependent and running on coffee fuel. I accompany her every breakfast but I rarely order because one, I find it too pricey for a cup of joe and two, it isn't really healthy to drink a cup full of sugar filled frappucino everyday don't you think? While I do have a couple of favorites from Starbucks when I feel like going there, I thought of listing down drinks you can order that will not ruin your diet. 

Especially to people who are struggling to lose weight but can't keep off Starbucks premises :) 

1. Hot coffee and tea

Tea and coffee are without a doubt the healthiest thing available, as well as the most budget friendly and figure friendly of the lot. That said, be aware of all the calories of the add-ins such as cream, milk, and sugar. There is always a bold coffee pick, a mild pick, and at peak hours decaf and blonde roast are brewed. My blood type is coffee, so most of the time I drink a grande pick coffee with no room for dairy.

 2. Iced tea

This drink is zero calories, is super refreshing, and is healthy. If you want it to be a lightly sweetened you can add your own truvia or ask for 1 pump of sugar-free vanilla.

 3. Iced coffee

The base iced coffee is sweetened and comes with milk, but I would recommend you ask for it unsweetened without milk and add in your own add-ins.  “I would like a ___sized, unsweetened, no milk, iced coffee.”

 4. Espresso or Americano

An Americano is espresso with hot water added to it. There are a few more calories in an Americano than there is in a cup of coffee (20 vs. 5), but it is worth the calories if you like strong coffee. This drink is available over ice if you are in the mood for an iced coffee when it is not available during the winter months.

 5. Americano misto or café misto

A misto is half coffee or half americano and half steamed milk. I tell all of my friends and family to order a misto instead of a latte because it is less expensive, it has less calories, and because they taste better.  A grande, non-fat, café misto (made with coffee) is 60 calories and I would estimate that an Americano misto with non-fat milk is 80 calories. If this is too boring for you, order your misto with one of the sugar-free syrups (sugar-free caramel, sugar-free vanilla, sugar-free hazelnut, sugar-free cinnamon dolce, and skinny mocha). My favorite misto is a grande, non-fat, sugar-free caramel, bold coffee misto. This drink is usually about a dollar less than a latte.

 6. A chai tea latte 

If I was a betting women, I would wager than most of the ladies reading this drink chai tea lattes and consider it a necessary vice. There is a healthy way to get your chai fix that is not on the menu. Order it like this,“can I please have a grande, sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, chai tea tea bag, custom tea latte”. This little trick will make your drink be about 60 calories and it will taste amazing.

 7. Order a skinny syrup latte or a non-fat latte

On the latte spectrum, this is the healthiest option. A latte is espresso and non-fat milk and a skinny syrup latte is a latte with sugar-free flavored syrup. The only lattes flavors that are available skinny (non-fat milk, sugar-free): sugar-free caramel, sugar -free vanilla, sugar-free hazelnut, sugar-free cinnamon dolce, and skinny mocha. All of these drinks are good options if you need to quell your sweet tooth.

 8. Bone dry cappuccino

A cappuccino has the same ingredients as a latte, but is less milk and more foam. A dry cappuccino is made with only foam and espresso, no milk. It feels like a cup of air and I would only recommend you try if you are a fan of coffee. I must warn you, it is one of the least economical drinks because most of it is air.

 9. Make it One Pump

When ordering a custom flavored drink. You can still retain the flavor by saying to put in a pump of syrup. This will give you a stronger and more bitter coffee flavor but there's still a special taste to it. If you find it too bitter for your liking, request an additional packet of Splenda.

10.  Custom Skinny Raspberry Mocha

Half pump mocha half pump raspberry!  Simple sweet and easy! 

Hey! Do you have a special custom drink at Starbucks? :)

Be a sweetheart and retweet this post or share it on Facebook using the share buttons below <3

[What's New?] Dermplus Sunblocks

Press Release Time! I purchase Dermplus sunblocks in sachets in case of any emergency that I forget to bring my favorite sunblocks simply because it's available in almost every drugstore out there and it's super affordable.

Who doesn't love a little fun in the sun? The beach can be a perfect way to spend the day and

get some summer moments with your love ones. Summer means sun, shorts, sandals, bathing 

suits, and bronzed skin. But with beach hair and shorter hemlines comes the dangers that not 

only instigate the probability of skin cancer, but the aging process as well. Sun exposure is, 

essentially, subjecting yourself to sun damage – but in the same note, avoiding the outdoors 

altogether is both impractical and nearly impossible.



Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is the answer to your skin problems this summer. It is 

formulated with unbeatable UVA and UVB filters to protect your skin in the harsh ultraviolet 

radiation from the sun. Dermplus sunblock physically blocks and reflects light and it also helps 

heal skin damage caused by over-exposure to the sun. Dermplus Sunblock is available in 

different SPF’s like SPF 24 that is recommended for morena skin and for indoor use, SPF 35 

for fair skin and SPF 80 and 130 for extreme outdoor activities. Use Dermplus Moisturizing 

Sunblock and worry no more about the harmful Ultra Violet A (UVA) and Ultra Violet B (UVB) 

rays. Whether you go will spend your summer in Boracay, Cebu, Palawan or in Bohol, never 

forget your number one sun defense partner. 



Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is available in all leading drugstores, supermarket and 

department stores nationwide.

[SKINCARE] Vitapack MegaWhite Review

*Drumroll* *Drumroll* Presenting, the ultimate whitening supplement from one of my favorite glutathione manufacturers in the Philippines, VITAPACK!!!!! *jumps with excitement*

After finishing my SnowCaps stash, I moved on and got excited with Vitapack. If you can remember in my earlier posts as in eons ago, I reviewed Vitapack Beauty and raved about it because it worked really well for me. My wish got granted and they finally came up with a formula that consists of purely glutathione only and no weight loss thingamajigs.

If you're one of those lucky gals that is blessed with awesome bodies already and do not need any weight loss, that's probably one of the reasons you stayed off from trying Vitapack Beauty.

Well lo-behold...

Vitapack Megawhite Ingredients

• L-Glutathione 250mg - Anti-oxidant, Skin whitening
• Calcium Ascorbate 100mg (non-acidic vitamin C)
• L-Cysteine 50mg 

You may not be so familiar with their last component which is L-Cysteine. But this ingredient is very popular in Japan as part of their whitening supplements. Shiseido Purewhite, DHC, and HYTHIOL-C are just few

of the examples. 

What is L-Cysteine?

L‐Cysteine is an amino acid that works with vitamin C in preventing the skin’s production of melanin pigments. Since it has very high skin-whitening abilities, it is used in various anti-spot medicines and nutrition tablets.
 L‐Cysteine’s Skin-Whitening Abilities

• L‐Cysteine prevents the production of melanin. Therefore, even if your skin receives damage from UV rays, you won’t need to worry much about spots and freckles. L-cysteine can also wash your existing melanin pigments away with your dead skin cells, thus lightening the spots and freckles that you already have.

• L‐Cysteine stimulates the production of glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant that exists in the body and is very useful in preventing the production of melanin. Therefore, not taking enough L-cysteine can result in various skin troubles.

• L‐Cysteine has an antioxidative effect. It stimulates the activity of glutathione peroxidase enzymes, which protect the skin from reactive oxygen species (ROS). It also represses the activity of tyrosinase enzymes, which come from ROS and are involved in the production of melanin.

• L‐Cysteine activates your skin’s turnover, which is directly related to wrinkles and skin darkening. It helps your body’s metabolism, making it easier to flush out melanin pigments.

Taking L-Cysteine

• L-Cysteine is an amino acid that can be produced in your body using the essential amino acid, methionine. Therefore, taking enough protein will help your body create it. L-Cysteine can also be found in pork, rice, and fish.

• The amount of L-cysteine needed for it to help out with your skin troubles is about 200mg a day. Since it is very hard to get this amount from foods, we recommend taking L-cysteine tablets. Do not take more than is needed because too much L-cysteine can increase the ROS in your body.

I re-did my manicure today!

How much does Vitapack Megawhite Cost?

It costs 95php/Sachet or 950php/Box of 10

Is Vitapack MegaWhite Effective?

Yes, and this is one of the brands I trust when it comes to quality glutathione. I bet my bottom dollar I guarantee you that this is one of the glutathione that won't give you any ill effects like weight gain, pimples, acne, or "hot throat"

Where can I buy Vitapack Megawhite?

Exclusively available at Watson's

[SKINCARE] Garnier Light Complete Multi-action Whitening Cream UV Protection Review

I'm an advocate of TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. So Hooray for Sachets!

This will be the first of my many reviews for whitening creams available in the Philippine Market so make sure to keep checking for upcoming posts. Garnier boasts a number of benefit upon using their whitening cream. I will list down the active ingredients based on their ingredients list to try and explain why and how it works

Active Ingredients

• Snowpine White Source - I tried my hardest in researching what the heck snowpine whitesource is. To no avail, there aren't any valuable results. All the articles that point back to Snowpine White Source just directs it to Garnier's products. I hope Garnier provides more explanation to this ingredient since they are using this as their main selling point. If you have any idea what this ingredient is, it would be great if you can post it in the comments section below.

• Salicylic Acid (Micro-smoothing Agent) - Salicylic acid is a BHA. Beta Hydroxy Acid that works to exfoliate skin. It helps unclog pores and smoothen out skin since it is an acid. Most products use this as their anti-acne agent or pore minimizing agent. Some people are sensitive to this ingredient so be aware.
• Lemon Essence - A great source of vitamin C. We all know Vitamin C is known for lightening the skin.

I use this amount of moisturizer for the whole face

Bare face. No Makeup. Just with the Garnier Whitening Cream On. For those curious about my skincare, I just use random whitening soaps and take glutathione and vitamin C everyday.

Results

After 2 weeks of usage, I'm pleased to say this did not cause me any breakouts or irritation. It leaves a slight dewy glow on your skin that provides a nice base to your foundation. I really recommend this moisturizer for dry skin. With regards to it's whitening. It did give my skin more radiance instantly upon use but we can never really rely on whitening creams to give us that fair skin we want because they can only affect the upper layer of our skin which is the epidermis. The added SPF17 is good enough for short term sun exposure such as commuting through work or school. 

What whitening creams have you tried and what worked for you?

I Love Mangosteen! (Garcinia cambogia Benefits, Uses, Weight Loss and More)

This is actually Garcinia mangostana

Let's start with, way way back. Back before all the rave and rage on this upcoming popular fruit called Garcinia Cambogia, I can recall requesting this every time I get sick or go to the hospital because it's sweet tart taste is very comforting. Weird I know but this is my all time favorite fruit! It is popularly known as Mangosteen in the Philippines. It's mostly grown in Davao and is very expensive nowadays *sigh* Have you tried eating this fruit already?

Take note I enjoy this as a fruit and not as a weight loss pill or supplement. I still believe in proper diet and exercise!

Reduced Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Recent research shows that Garcinia cambogia decreases cholesterol levels by lowering the amount of fat that is stored in the blood. The supplement is also known for increasing the amount of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) in the body. At the same time, Garcinia cambogia works to stabilize blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Boosts Immune System

Garcinia cambogia strengthens the immune system and helps minimize the risk of contracting certain diseases such as the flu. It also decreases the severity of symptoms and enables for a faster recovery.

Ulcer Prevention

Garcinia cambogia extract has been shown to improve mucosal defense, which protects against ulcers and promotes overall digestive health. The extract also reduces the amount of acid in the stomach, allowing an increase in production of protective, gastric substances.

Weight Loss

There are three ways in which Garcinia cambogia aids in weight loss:
1. Reduces Appetite
The hardest part about a diet is always resisting temptation. Fortunately, Garcinia cambogia is a natural appetite suppressant that will help you get through this diet phase. The amount of serotonin, a hormone partly responsible for controlling your appetite, is increased with the use of Garcinia cambogia. As a result, you appetite decreases and so do the amount of calories you consume.

2. Prevents Fat Storage
Garcinia cambogia’s ability to prevent the storage of fat is perhaps its most astonishing factor. Normally, additional calories and carbohydrates that go into your body turn into fat cells and cause weight gain. With Garcinia cambogia, excess calories and carbs never get the chance to turn into fat cells and are eliminated right away.

3. Speeds up Metabolism
Garcinia cambogia contains high levels of HCA (hydroxycitic acid), which is a substance known to speed up the metabolism. This helps you burn fat at a much faster rate than you normally would.

How is Garcinia cambogia used?

For optimum results, the recommended dose can be split into three parts and taken at least 30 minutes before eating. Some people notice immediate results; however, Garcinia cambogia can take some time to have a full effect on your body.

I'm trying something out obviously, tee-hee :)

OOPSIES! I meant Garcinia mangostana and not Cambogia 

Mangosteen Health Benefits:

Mangosteen has been a part of the traditional medicine of various Asian countries for a very long time, and was once brought all the way around the world so that it could be sampled by Queen Victoria. The health benefits of mangosteen are known since 18th century and it has been proven that these benefits are not just mythical. It is a storehouse of essential nutrients which are required for normal growth, development and overall nutritional well being. Different parts of the fruit and plant are used in the treatment of various diseases and disorders. Here are some of the mangosteen fruit health benefits.

1. Antioxidants:

Scientific Research has revealed that Mangosteen contains a class of naturally occurring polyphenol compounds known as xanthones. There are two types of xanthones in this fruit – alpha mangosteen and gamma mangosteen. Xanthones and their derivatives have been shown to have several benefits, including anti-inflammatory.  Xanthones are an effective remedy against various cardiovascular diseases. These antioxidants have healing properties which heal cells damaged by free radicals, slow down aging and ward off degenerative diseases and physical and mental deterioration.

2. Low Calories:

This fruit is very low in calories (63 calories per 100 g) and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Nonetheless, it is rich in dietary fiber (100 g provides about 13% of RDA), which can be very important for individuals who are concerned about putting on excess body weight.

3. Vitamin C:

Mangosteens are rich in vitamin C and contains about 12% RDA per 100g. Being a powerful water soluble anti oxidant, vitamin C provides resistance against flu like infectious agents and scavenge harmful pro-inflammatory free radicals. Therefore consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C is vital for developing resistance against diseases. Folate plays an important role in foetal development and evolution of new cells in the body. This particular vitamin is vital during pregnancy and protects neutral tube effects.

4. Bloodflow:

Source: http://blog.seasonwithspice.com/2011/07/cooling-mangosteens-with-heaty-durians.html

Mangosteen aids in promoting red blood cells and prevents against anaemia. It improves the blood flow by causing dilation of blood vessels which helps to protect us against certain diseases like atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, heart congestion and severe chest pains.

By increasing the amount of blood flow to the eye, Vitamin C in mangosteen is effective against cataracts.1000mg Vitamin C per day is said to be effective in curbing cataracts and improving vision.

5. Reduces Cholesterol:

Diet rich in mangosteen is helpful in reducing the level of cholesterol in human body. It also helps to control the level of triglycerides to take care of proper working of human heart.

6. Tuberculosis:

Mangosteen fruit contains strong antibacterial and antifungal properties besides being highly effective in boosting weak immune systems. Its inhibitory action against harmful bacteria is effective for patients suffering from tuberculosis.

7. Cancer:

The antioxidants found in mangosteen help to prevent cancer and other cardiovascular diseases. It is a powerful and effective antioxidant that protects our body from free radicals that cause oxidative stress, or” cellular rust” that can lead to host of severe medical conditions.

8. Blood Pressure:

Mangosteen also contains high amounts of of minerals like copper, manganese and magnesium. Potassium provides protection against strokes and coronary heart diseases as it is an important component of cell and body fluids and controls heart rate and blood pressure.

9. Anti-inflammatory:

Mangosteen contains anti-inflammatory properties which is highly beneficial for people who suffer from sciatica pains which cannot be controlled by drug treatment. Consuming mangosteen two to three times a day will help to relieve pain through its anti-inflammatory and cox-2 inhibitor effects.

10. Alzheimer’s:

One of the major health benefits of mangosteen is its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is accompanied by symptoms like confusion and perplexity and difficulty in remembering things.

Not just mangosteen fruit, Mangosteen rinds and other parts also contain many health benefits.

• While the dried powder of mangosteen rind is used in the treatment of dysentery, its paste can be used to treat eczema and some other skin disorders.

• A decoction made of mangosteen rind can be used to treat diarrhoea, whereas a decoction made of mangosteen roots is used for regulating menstruation.

• A decoction made of mangosteen leaves and bark, is beneficial in bringing down body temperature and also to treat thrush and urinary disorders.

Benefits of Mangosteen for Skin:

11. Acne:

Mangosteen has natural antibacterial properties and antimicrobial compounds, which are highly effective in treating many common skin problems. Acne, skin blemishes, oily skin and dry skin can be cured by the consumption of mangosteen.

12. Repairs cells:

Xanthone compounds present in this fruit’s skin are the highest when compared to other fruits. These can cure skin diseases, repair the damaged cells in your body and protect them.

13. Body weight:

Intake of mangosteen is a widely used orthodox method for losing weight. Mangosteen helps in the prevention of weight gain, by burning down fat. Xanthones included in the mangosteen pee lhelp to aid weight loss.

14. Gum disease:

Mangosteen acts as a weapon to fight against the gum disease known as periodontitis. The gel of mangosteen helps to cure gum problems.

15. Menstruation:

Mangosteen can be very useful in reducing premenstrual symptoms like dizziness, mood swings, hypertension, etc. In Malaysia, a mangosteen root decoction is consumed to regulate menstruation.

16. Stomach disorders:

In the state of Philippines, the mangosteen is widely cultivated. They use its leaves and barks for treating diarrhea, dysentery, treat thrush and urinary disorders.

17. Anti – Ageing:

Aging comes about due to oxidation. Mangosteen is filled with antioxidants such as catechin (the antioxidant found in green tea). This helps in fighting free radicals. Hence, start consuming mangosteen to look younger forever.

18. Boosts your energy:

This fruit can help you feel refreshed and energized all day long. Its nutrients will help you look more refreshed and youthful. It provides a boost of energy.

19. Viral infections:

Xanthones present in mangosteen have the natural ability to attack fungal and viral infections. They even help to get rid of certain carcinogens from attacking your skin.

Some important tips for you:

• Juice made out of the mangosteen peel can make your skin feel tighter.
• Pregnant women should avoid consuming this, since it can be harmful to the fetus.
• Wash the mangosteen fruit thoroughly under running water and wipe it with a soft towel to clean it.
• Mangosteens are available fresh during the summer months.
• Injury to the fruit can make the whole fruit bitter and inedible.
• Always buy fresh fruits that feel heavy and have a bright purple colored skin. Dry and blotched skin indicates an old stock.
• Ripe fruits should be placed in a cool and dry place. They can even be stored in the refrigerator.

Longer exposure to warm conditions can cause the skin of the fruit to become dry and hard.