The Battle Scars

Let's take a moment to discuss the inevitable: wounds and burns. On a regular day, we are already susceptible to the run-of-the-mill scratch (and then some), but working with knives and heat tends to turn the odds against one's favor. In fact, getting injured was an integral part of my "Cons" list while I was deciding whether to go for a life of cookery or not. (Obviously, cookery won.)

Besides, the fear of getting hurt causes way more panic than when you actually do end up getting injured. Whenever I accidentally cut myself with my knife, the sharp blade does a quick enough job that the wound doesn't even sting immediately. You basically see the bleeding first before you even feel the smarting. The same goes for burns: When it does start to hurt, the first impulse has always been to press the affected area to the nearest chunk of ice rather than to exclaim about my agony. --Or is it because I just happen to be a woman with a high tolerance for pain?

However you decide to react to an injury, the most pressing concern is still the treatment that must be administered. A tetanus shot is such a big deal that it's good to keep it up-to-date for the sake of convenience. Anyone will tell you that it's a pain in the ass to be bleeding already, and then be told that you have to rush to the hospital to get that shot.

Now once the bleeding part is over, the next mode of action would be to apply some medicine to the problem area:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="344"] Clockwise from Top-Left: Band-Aid Antiseptic Wash, Betadine, Rhea Hydrogen Peroxide, 3M Nexcare Steri-Strip, Polysporin Ointment[/caption]

The doctor from a hotel clinic I went to instructed me to keep the wound as dry as humanly possible. That meant covering the area with plastic or donning gloves when in the shower, to prevent unnecessary moisture. This is followed by Hydrogen Peroxide that helps dissolve crusted/clotted blood (i.e. the scab), thus preventing it from accumulating and getting infected. Admittedly, this is the part that sucks the most as getting the crusted blood out may require the repeated swipes of a hydrogen peroxide-soaked cotton ball, which proves to cause a stinging sensation.

Personally, I like to use Johnson&Johnson's Band-Aid Hurt-Free Antiseptic Wash that can be splashed on a cotton ball and essentially disinfects as well. The difference is that this does not dissolve crusted blood like peroxide does, so perhaps this is best for smaller injuries. Oh well, you may just have to white-knuckle it with the peroxide.

Betadine comes next, followed by a healthy amount of antibiotic ointment. My brand of choice is Polysporin, which has proven its worth time and time again. It works fast on anything from an infected pimple to an inflamed ingrown nail. I have the tube with the maroon label meaning it contains a formulation of 3 types of antibiotics. Too bad that it is not available here in Manila, so this is definitely a request I have to make from relatives who travel.

Lastly, big or deep cuts may be "taped" with 3M Nexcare Steri-Strips, the last resort before stitches may be required.

This process should be repeated 3x a day until the wound heals completely. It's definitely a time-consuming hassle, so you're sure to be more careful the next time.

Post-healing, a tube of Contractubex becomes your new best friend. Pricey but effective, scars do lighten a bit and become flatter with religious application.  Though I have yet to see a scar from a cut eradicated 100% completely from my usage. If you are on a budget, Sebo de Macho is the next best thing. My mom swears by it for lightening scars.

Sometimes, the unsightly and painful occupational hazards almost make one want to re-think some choices. Well, almost.

 

*Images from the ff. official websites: MIMS, Band-Aid, Drugstore.com, Philusa Corp., and Polysporin.

Best Makeup Remover by Maybelline

For me, the quest for the best makeup remover is a story of evolution. That is, my habits have morphed over the years into a skincare regimen that I can now be proud of -- or at least, be satisfied with. I've tried tons of products from cheap to costly, but oftentimes, the best ones don't have to be expensive. Really, that's an advocacy of mine. Repeat after me: The best products don't have to be expensive all the time.

As a teenager, my earliest "makeup remover" was simply soap and water. To this day, I find that any non-exfoliating face wash by Pond's has similar effects to bareta (laundry detergent bar) on clothes. Hey, I'm not knocking Pond's! I'm currently using their Pure White face wash because it gets the job done. All I'm saying is that their washes are so sudsy/soapy that light makeup immediately comes off. (But there is some residue left that has to be eliminated with toner and a cotton ball).

When I learned to use waterproof mascara and foundation, the story inevitably changed. Improper eye makeup removal would cause leftover mascara to smudge and feel sticky round the eye area, while the foundation would clog the pores and cause breakouts. I opted for the classical Pond's Cold Cream or baby oil. While makeup was removed successfully, it did take a lot of effort to ensure a makeup-free face. Especially for waterproof mascara, I had to dab the cold cream on TWICE and wipe off with a few sheets of facial tissue. The main issue at hand was all the rubbing, followed by the icky greasy feeling! Wrinkly, raw, and oily skin made me worry. Even when I got to try out Shu Uemura's famous cleansing oil, the same rubbing and massaging motions required made me anxious. Was there no product that let makeup easily come off with minimal rubbing and scraping?!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="461"] Holy Grail of Makeup Removers[/caption]

Finally, I bought a bottle of Maybelline's Makeup Remover (PHP99.00/40mL and PHP199.00/70mL; no idea why it's more expensive per mL to buy the bigger bottle than to just buy 2 smaller bottles) and it worked like a charm. Shake the bottle to mix the white and blue liquids inside, soak a cotton ball, and press gently onto the eye area for a couple of seconds. I was sold on the fact that it didn't hurt my eyes AT ALL and the makeup dissolved well onto the cotton ball. You can use it for regular to heavy makeup. What's more, it required the least amount of rubbing. And while the bottle states that it's good for Eye & Lip makeup removal, I use it on the eye area as well as all over the rest of my face, though I've never tried it on my lips as I don't want to accidentally get any in my mouth--just my own personal OCD thing.

Funny thing is that Maybelline Philippines hasn't really highlighted its makeup remover so much. They keep focusing on lipsticks and BB creams, but I honestly think that this product is such a gem to their lineup. Seriously. Try it  and find out for yourself.

Fruit & Lettuce Smoothie

While I highly doubt that going vegan is on the cards for me, I still try to make a conscious effort to eat (and drink!) healthy. Coincidentally, I had some organic lettuce lying around the house last week and was inspired by this recipe for Green Goddess Smoothie to make my own green smoothie. --The similarities end there, by the way: My ingredients are completely different.

Blend together the following:

• some ice


• A handful or two of lettuce (the sweeter varieties are advisable, though I personally used a bag of assorted greens)


• 2-3 slices of cantaloupe


• 5-8 grapes


• some tofu (optional)

If you're looking for a great fiber fix, this one's for you. The lettuce does wonders, so add more if you want to up your fiber intake.

In terms of taste, using assorted greens will give a bitter tinge because of the lollo rosso. But as I didn't mind that mild "kick", I went ahead with it. The resulting drink has the color of pesto and a "green" taste reminiscent of wheatgrass.

The grapes act as the main sweetener and highlighting flavor for this drink, so you can add more or less, depending on your sweetness preference.

I can't promise you that this is going to taste like something from Jamba Juice, but I am so impressed by the fiber from the lettuce that I'm making it my new smoothie key ingredient alongside tofu.

 

Happy Drinking! :)

Vaniderm White Lotion

Visiting a Vaniderm-sponsored event ages ago, I was able to take home some swag. The "gift pack" contained moringga pills, lavender oil, and VCO body lotion. I only got to test the products recently, since I have so many other lotions stockpiled in my drawer.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="199"] Smooth Vaniderm lotion[/caption]

For the record, I'm well-aware that Vaniderm's main line of products are health supplements, but I'm just not enthusiastic about the stuff. No glutathione, thankyouverymuch. But I'm more than willing to try out a lotion that boasts olive, avocado, and grapeseed oils among its ingredients.

Vaniderm White VCO Body Lotion comes in a clear 200mL container with a simple twist-to-dispense pump. The thick, calamansi-scented (Philippine lime) liquid inside is a slightly translucent white that feels cool and pleasant to the skin. That is to say it's neither too creamy nor too runny and gets absorbed well. I find the smell to be invigorating and light, so maybe others would think it better-suited for daytime use. Another factor to consider is the sun block component the lotion bottle is boasting, though it's not indicated what SPF level it has.

I can't vouch for its whitening abilities, since it's not something I consciously watch out for. Moisturization-wise, though, this is a good lotion to keep skin feeling fresh and hydrated in an air-conditioned room. The scent is clean and fresh, so it's a great after-shower product. If you're looking for a non-sticky lotion formula, this is a good bet.

KFC's Baked Dishes -- Try Them Now!

I've long since lost my faith in "quality" fast food. Besides Burger King (dee-effing-licious), there's hardly ever a restaurant that really draws my attention. KFC was no different, especially because of the huge disappointment that was the Cheesetop Burger. --And then they came up with their BAKED menu offerings.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="614"] Baked Pasta: (L) Marinara, (R) Creamy Chicken[/caption]

This particular variety features baked versions of pasta (around PHP 125) , supreme rice bowls (around PHP 135), and egg tarts. Both pasta and rice bowl can come with your choice of either marinara or creamy sauce.

Okay, so even if the plating is so-so, the ooey-gooey melted cheese on top looks inviting to cheese-lovers of all ages. And what's more, the taste is actually pretty darn good. The firmness of the pasta is fast-food quality, but the sauces are well-seasoned. I'm talking about the herbs and spices bit here, and I think it matches KFC's 11 herbs and spices distinction. And speaking of chicken, I got some tender, moist morsels in my order and I loved it!

The marinara sauce is zesty, while the creamy sauce is rich (as it should be). --A far cry from their runny, starchy Alfredo sauce. And the "homemade gourmet" taste is not lost on me.

Here the kicker: These products aren't available (yet) in other KFC branches. I was told that they're still in the market research stage. If you want to drop by for a taste, it's available in their Shopwise, Araneta Center branch and in Market Market, Fort Bonifacio. The items are on the menu for a limited trial period only. If the market test flops, kiss these tasty treats goodbye.

It's a carbfest for certain, but does the word "baked" lessen any of the guilt?... I guess that part's up to you.

 

 

Quick Fix: Buko-Lychee Galore

For those who crave a diet-friendly kitchen, it's a must to have some healthy pantry (and fridge) staples to avoid reaching for the junk food. I'm a self-confessed smoothie junkie, so my stash includes fruits, low-fat milk, tofu (the ones that are packed tightly in plastic to form cylindrical tubes), and honey. I always crave an ice-cold glass right after a workout, because it seems like the quickest cool-down I can think of.

Ingredient-wise, tofu is my current obsession. I've always been a fan of soy milk, and tofu gives my smoothies a velvety texture. Plus, I get full much faster from the burst of protein. Yay!

After recently trying out a bunch of smoothie flavors, I'd like to share my own twist on the delightful Buko-Lychee Shake. Coconut cream adds a pleasant "Virgin Piña Colada" touch.

Ingredients:

• 6 big cubes of ice


• 1/2 cup of milk


• 1/4 tube of tofu


• 5-6 pieces of lychee from the can (drained and washed)


• 2 Tbs coconut cream


• 1 Tbs of honey

Procedure:

Whirl everything in a blender. Enjoy. :)

Ellana Lip Gloss Review

I haven't fully gotten into the mineral makeup trend yet, but I am for natural-ingredient cosmetics. I've replaced my old lip balms with ones that contain natural oils, and I'm a big fan of argan oil. It helps put my mind at ease, knowing that I'm skipping all the nasty chemicals whenever there's a chance.

Last week, while I was in SM Megamall's grocery store (the old one), I stumbled upon the makeshift bazaar just beyond the cashier counters. There was a tiny area devoted to non-food items, and that's where I found Ellana Mineral Cosmetics.

Because of their reasonable prices and simple packaging, I decided to check their testers out. The lip palettes seem to have a good amount of coverage and are, obviously, convenient to lug around, but I didn't like the color combinations much. I'd love to try the loose powder next, since I get such a nice, natural look from using that vs. the pressed variety. But that day, I settled on their lip gloss (PHP 150) instead.

The tubes look simple yet classy with their clean packaging (no box) and their gold lids. I definitely prefer that to those over-the-top labeling schemes where you can barely see the actual product inside.

The color I chose is called Snuggle, a vibrant raspberry-magenta with some slight shimmer.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="553"] On the tube[/caption]

When I picked up a tube from the display, I noticed some oily residue leaking from the tube and onto my fingers. The salesperson assured me that the glosses tend to leak naturally, so I should keep the tube upright when possible. She also said that the leaking only happens in the beginning, so I shrugged it off and paid for my gloss.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="196"] Color Swatch on the Ellana website[/caption]

Smeared on my hand, the color looks bright but comes on quite sheer. Personally, I prefer a lip gloss with high pigmentation/thick coverage. I'm talking about the kind that can pass off as an ultra creamy lipstick. But for the "everygirl", sheer gloss is foolproof for a touch of color to the pout. It's a no-brainer option and a quick way to alter your look, even if you don't want to use a lot of makeup.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Almost perfect[/caption]

However, I do have Cons for this:

First, the leaking never stopped. The tube made a mess whenever it got tilted. Formulation-wise, I'm happy that the gloss isn't sticky on the mouth. Alas, that same runny factor has caused it to leak from the container and bleed when on the lips. You can't over apply, or you stand to make a mess. Second, I'm not sure if perhaps the product just isn't right for me (in Filipino: Hindi hiyang sa akin.), but I've been having a reaction to it. My lips get a bit itchy after a couple of minutes. Though I haven't suffered a bad irritation, the itching has made me wary of using this.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="323"] Leaking away[/caption]

After all the leaking though, what remained was a thickly pigmented paste that more resembled liquid lipstick. The newly concentrated color resulted in this:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="491"] A darker magenta color[/caption]

Um, perhaps the leaking was a bid to improve it?

The Verdict: Personally, maybe the product just isn't compatible with my skin. I wouldn't swear off this brand just yet as I want to give mineral cosmetics a chance. Hopefully, my next purchase will yield better results.