Lifestyle Blog by Sushmita: beauty

Hello!! It's been a while since I posted here. Way back 2020, I stopped posting because I am preparing for our baby's arrival. She's 1 year and 6 months old now!! Time flies isn't it?🥰 I've been mia for the past years. There's a lot of things happened for the past years including the covid cases that really affects so many lives. Thankfully, we're now under Level 1 which allows kids to go outside like malls, can dine-in in restaurants and playgrounds. (Thank God!)🙏

Ever since Lilli was born I became a full-time housewife, my husband doesn't want me to work because he want me to just focus on our baby so I've been really busy and I don't do blog for a while. So Lilli is a toddler now, I can finally be able to write here and do a video-blog if I have some more time. Haha!

So I'm gonna share this new resto we found along four lanes(FYI we lived in Balanga Bataan😊) we bring Lilli to Kidzoona in a mall and then we're looking a resto we can dine-in for dinner and just found this one.

We ordered Pork Sisig(Php190), Mozarella cheese stick(Php135), Baked Macaroni(Php140), Garlic Parmesan Chicken wings(Php175), Blueberry Cheesecake(Forgot the price😅)

We enjoyed the food. I think it is worth of it's price. The ambiance of the place was nice. It's quiet and I recommend you to get there around 4-5pm if you want to dine-in outside so it's not that hot.

But there's a little mosquitoes outside so it's better you bring mosquito repellent for your kids. The staff was nice too😊.

If you happen to drop by in Balanga Bataan, visit and try their foods! It's just along in Four Lanes😉

I include this on my vlog. It's actually my first vlog since the last post I made last 2019. Will link it here😉

Here's their updated menu as of 2022:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balangabeanleaf/

Website: http://beanleaf.com.ph/

Opening hours: Everyday at 11:00am to 9pm

Address: 28 Enrique Garcia Senior Ave., Four Lanes Tuyo, Balanga City Bataan

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As some of you already know that I'm pregnant. And as you notice that I didn't post anything related or pregnancy announcement on social media as I want to be quiet as much as possible to enjoy this journey with my partner💖 We've been waiting for this and we are so happy for this blessing. We found out last December 2019 that I'm 3 weeks pregnant and I'm currently 18 weeks today(March 2020) and have this little bump already! Can't hide it anymore! Haha!🙈

Anyways, this blog post is related to my current skincare and makeup products that I've been using during my pregnancy journey. Ever since I found out that I'm pregnant, I stopped all the products that I've been using because they contain some ingredients that can be harm for my baby's development or birth defects. I researched a lot of what ingredients should I need to avoid and what products are safe for pregnancy. So before I share the products, let me discuss with you on what you need to avoid when you're pregnant:

Salicylic Acid - It is also known as beta hydroxy acid that used to treat acne. Studies show that it is safe to stop using them when you're pregnant.
Retinoids - it is a skincare for anti - aging effects. Doctors do not recommend using them while pregnant. (This is important).
Petrolatum - (aka Petroleum Jelly) It is best to avoid Petrolatum because it may contain potentially harmful contaminants.

This is just the three most important but there is so much more that we need to know about the ingredients we need to avoid. And so, I researched the products that is safe to use and this is what I found out:

Neutrogena deep clean foaming cleanser - I've been seeing this product that was used by pregnant celebrities and influencers, and when I check the ingredients, I didn't see anything that can be harm for my baby. I've been using it for almost 2 weeks now and I feel my face so clean and fresh. I already used their toner before and I already in love with their products. There's other option of their foam cleanser, you can check it on their Instagram or Facebook. Bought it in Watsons Store for Php223 100g
Thayers Toner - I love that this toner is very organic and very safe to use. How I wish I've been known this before. It is Alcohol-free toner, Paraben-free, Phthalate-free and Gluten-free. How amazing is this! It's very gentle on my skin. I love the smell(I used the lavender), ever since I got pregnant I've been so meticulous in smell so I love how light this product. You can buy this in any healthy options store but my husband bought this in Watsons Store for Php295 - 89ml
Skinpotions Pore Pampering Soap - Of course I love local brands and I love how natural all the skinpotions products. I've been using their products ever since then and I am happy that their products is also safe for pregnant women. I used this every morning and then I used the Neutrogena deep foam cleanser at night. I noticed that my pores get visible(hormones!!) lately that's why I chose to buy this since it's about "pores" and luckily I don't have any acne on my face so I don't have a problem at all. I love also the smell of this soap and how my skin responds to this product. And look at how cute their packaging! You can choose other options of their soap based on your needs.
Skinpotions Tomato Serum - This is my all time fave serum. It really works on my skin and it's the best partner with the soap I use because this serum really tightens my pores. My skincare will never be complete without this serum and so this is what I chose to used. The smell of course, it was good and the packaging tho😍 I used it day and night after the toner.
Skinpotions Glass Skin Cream - And because my skin gets really dry because of "hormones" I chose to use this cream instead because it's a moisturizing cream. I already use their Snowberry Cream Mask but I think it is recommend for oily skin. I super love this cream, the smell was soooo good! And it really moisturize my skin and relax at the same time. This is my most favorite to used at night. Maybe I'll keep using this until I gave birth. Haha!😄

I ordered all these Skinpotions products online at BeautyMnl
Tomato Serum - Php295
Glass skin cream - Php450
Pore Pampering Soap - Php240
and I received the product the next day with a freebies! Thank you Skinpotions💕
You can also order through Lazada or visit their store, check the list here.
Coconut Mint Lip Smacker Balm - And because Petroleum Jelly is the one that I need to avoid, I stopped using Petroleum for my lips and I've been struggling with chapped lips for a month because of "hormones" again😓 And this lip balm saved my life! I saw this in BeautyMnl organic section and it is said there that it is safe to use while pregnant and even when you're breastfeeding. I honestly have planned to buy the Burts bees lip balm since that's the one I know that was safe but it was sold out in BeautyMnl and then I saw this product. Thankfully I ordered this because it's my favorite lip balm now! I super love the smell, it smells coconut mint. And I love how natural and organic this product. If you're curious, the ingredients that was used are: Virgin Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Soy Wax, Aloe Vera and Pepper Mint. I will be used this even when I'm not pregnant anymore. Hahah. I'm planning to try their other products too since it was too good for me and not too pricey tho. Bought this in BeautyMnl for Php105 and arrive the next day.
Morrison Stretchmark Cream and Collagen Lotion - There's a lot of option for stretchmark problem for pregnant women. And It's really hard for me to choose one and what are the best and good for my budget. I saw this product at Shopee, the Morrison brand itself is the store owner so I know that this is legit and found the good reviews there. I'm going to try this first and see the result. Been using it religiously for 2 weeks now and as of now I don't see any stretchmark yet. Hopefully this product works for me. I'm going to update here when I'm 30 weeks pregnant and see if the stretchmark lightens or shows. The price is Php899 for 2 Cream and 2 Collagen Lotion. Link here.
BLK Face Stack Multipot - I used tints for my cheeks but because I saw Anne Curtis using this (and she's pregnant) I think it's better to use something new and so I want to try this new BLK Face stack that can be use in lips and eye shadow too. And I'm amazed how light this product and very easy to used. I thought it would be feel greasy since I get to used the tints. I'm planning to try other shades too. Bought it in BLK store but you can order online at Lazada. Price is Php399
Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me - It's so hard to choose a right lipstick for me because I can't stand the smell of other lipsticks, maybe because I'm pregnant and others are not safe for me. I saw a blog about the products that was safe to use while pregnant and they said that Happy Skin brand is the safest for pregnant women. It's my first time to try this brand and it was pricey so I expected a lot for this product. I tried the two shades of their Shut Up and Kiss Me product — Brunch date and Wine Night Shade. I chose this lipstick because it says it's a moisturizing lipstick which I need because as I said I always struggle in chapped lips and it's always dry especially when I used a lipstick. And wow! The first time I used this, I completely obsessed because it is really has a moisturizing effect and after using it the whole day my lips was so moisturize and didn't experience any dryness. I'm so amazed with this, and that's why it's too pricey. Haha!🙈 But it's worth it! I promise. Bought it in Beauty Store in Eastwood for Php649 each or order in Lazada.

Thanks to my husband who bought all this to pamper myself😊

All these products are not sponsored and I'm giving you my honest review. Hope this helps to all pregnant women out there, remember we still need to take time for ourselves and deal that hormones😄

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After I got promoted last March or April I've become so busy due to additional work responsibilities and workloads and because of that I forgotten to taking care of myself. One day, I noticed that I'm getting an acne break out due to my stress! 😟It was the first time I'm having an acne in my cheeks and nose and it freaks me out because I've never had it before during my college days.

I am not a fan on any skincare products, I don't use any moisturizer, sunscreen, toner or anything on my face because honestly my skin type is not that oily that's why I don't have an acne in my face. BUT THIS TIME HAS CHANGED! For the first time, I got an acne on my face! Maybe this is what they called "ADULTING LIFE" Huhu. Where is my confidence now 😭

So last April, I've searched all about skin. What to eat, what's the best moisturizer, how to prevent acne etc., I've tried so many products (will not mention the brand) but unfortunately it didn't work. And now, this products that I will share with you are the products that worked on my pimples! It takes 3 months for me to show the result. Because while I am using it, of course there's still a break outs because of my menstruation so for me it's pretty normal. 😊

Here are the products that I used:

(this is the step by step procedure, remember that I used all of this day and night no absences)

1. AcneCare (Anti-Acne Soap) - Name says it all! It is my first time to used this soap and for me it really worked! It really helps to dry your pimples. Also this soap contains Ace-B3, Tea Tree Oil and Bio Sulfur.

2. St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub - It says Prevents Blemishes & Minimizes Pores. It's really important to exfoliate our skin and the number one we should use is a scrub to clog that pores. After using my soap, I now used this St. Ives facial scrub. I only used this for 2 times a week because I noticed that my skin gets dry but also the pimples! Also after I used this, my face is like a baby skin, it's so smooth!

3. Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner - It is my first time to use this toner and honestly I am also not a fan of toner because I had a trauma on the last toner I used. And because they say that I should really try a toner, I saw this product in Watsons and a bit curious so I bought and tried it. It's a bit pricey but for me it's totally worth it because this toner is really not that strong unlike the last toner I used.

4. Tomato Serum by Skin Potions - I saw this product in facebook and Instagram and it says that this is totally a worth it product. This serum smells like a candy, it's too sweet but it's really worked on my pimples because I noticed after I used this serum. I feel a burning sensation on my acne I thought my skin rejecting my serum. And on the next day, I noticed the my pimples get small! As in wow! Then after that, this Tomato Serum is now one of my favorite Skincare products and I can't live without this!

5. iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizer - Of course, you already know the importance of moisturizer on our skin. My before moisturizer is Aloe Vera Gel, and this is really nice on my skin but I want try a new one so I bought this moisturizer. I always saw this product in any store even in 7/11. This moisturizer is really like a water, it really absorbs your skin so fast and I see that my skin loves this product. And it feels that my skin hydrated the whole day of course if you drink a lot of water too!

6. Pimple Eraser by QuickFX - It says that it helps dry up pimples, helps diminish and reduce dark spots due to scarring, helps protect skin against the sun. I rarely used this product because it is only for pimples. When I have a pimple, I'm just going to put it only on the pimple area and leave it for a minute to absorb my skin. This really worked on my pimple because on the next day my pimple really dries!

7. Cathy Doll Whitening Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++ - I am really not a fan of sunscreen honestly. Because my face feels so sticky and it really uncomfortable for me. But when I research about our skin needs. It really required to put a sunscreen especially if you are working outside the whole day. Our skin really needs a protection under the sun and I found a perfect sunscreen for me. This product is from Thailand and it contains L-Glutathione with Cooling and Water Splash Effect. This products really absorbs your skin very well and it really has a Cooling effect after you put it on your face. It feels so refreshing all day!

Take Note: I use this every morning only NOT night.

8. Garnier Whitening Serum Cream - I heard that to remove your acne marks, you should use a serum cream. So I tried this product and I think It worked on my skin because my acne marks really gone. I am not putting this all over my face. I only put it on my acne marks only.

Take Note: I use this every night only NOT morning.

Products Price:

1. AcneCare (Anti-Acne Soap) - 150php at Watsons or any drug store.

2. St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub - 75php for smaller tube, 275php for the big one at Watsons

3. Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner - 395php at Watsons

4. Tomato Serum by Skin Potions - 295php; bought it in LG SM Megamall but you can order online here.

5. iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizer - 20php sachet at Watson; can be bought also in 7/11

6. Pimple Eraser by QuickFX - 59php sachet at Watson

7. Cathy Doll Whitening Sunscreen - 35php sachet at Watson

8. Garnier Whitening Serum Cream - 30php sachet at Watson

I am not saying that this worked on all skin types. I am just sharing the products I used that worked on my skin and maybe it'll worked for you also. So always try a product until you find the one that really work for you. 😊

All products are not sponsored. So this is really my opinion on every product I used.

Here is the result now after 3 months:

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It took me almost a month until I finally decided to go for Brazilian Wax not just for Summer ready but also to boost my confidence and to get a proper hygiene.😊 If you know me of course you'll notice that I am a "balbon" type so expect it that I am balbon all over the body that's why I am so jealous when I see girls that is hairless and flawless. So when the year 2018 started, my goal is to try the Brazilian Wax because you know the struggle girls when we are wearing a swimsuit. 😉

I research first the list of waxing salon in manila and read a forum about other's experienced in every salon. I tried to wax my underarm at Lay Bare Waxing Salon for almost a year but only underarm, I never been tried in Legs and Brazilian. But someone mentioned the Strip Manila, and I looked up their website and their main offered is all about Brazilian Wax.

"STRIP: Ministry of Waxing was born in Singapore at a time when the local wax culture was, shall we say, medieval.
Today, STRIP: Ministry of Waxing has a hairless presence in 10 major capital cities from Singapore, London, New York, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, to Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Bangkok."

I didn't booked an appointment in Strip because I preferred for walk-in only. I chose to try my Brazilian Wax in one of their branch in Ortigas, SM Megamall. I arrived at their Salon at almost 3pm, at that time I am so really nervous (and I think it's natural for the first timer right? 😁) At first, the lady at the counter gave me a form to fill up about my details because it's my first time to try Strip Manila and for history also. I thought I'll be waiting for an hour but when I finished the form the lady said (Ma'am let's start na po) I was shock! I want to say "Wait! I am not yet ready!" Haha but no I didn't say that. 😅

After I get inside in a room, the lady gave me a wipe that is sealed in a plastic and instruct me to removed my underwear only because I am wearing a dress that time and said to put it on the cabinet. I didn't take a picture inside the room because phone or camera is not allowed. There is a big cabinet inside the room. The room was warm and super comfy and cozy. The lady get inside after 5 minutes. The reason why I chose Strip is that they not double dipping the wax, after they use it they'll throw it in trash, also they doing the wax in less than 30 minutes. How about mine? Well my session lasts only around 15-20 minutes only! That was so fast! How was my feeling? Well, of course the pain was there but it is very tolerable! I didn't shout nor cry the whole time of my wax session, I am so proud! Lol. Haha. I didn't take any pain killer. I was so happy with the result tho there's a bleeding but it is natural because it is my first time.

My package is the xxxx Strip (All Off) - Regular Wax, price is 1598 but I got a 20% discount because It's my first time in Strip so I paid 1278 only! Wow! And the flavor that I picked is Strawberry. Yes the wax has a flavor.

Can I recommend Strip Manila for Brazilian Wax? It's a big YES! And I will definitely go back here after 4 weeks. 😊

What I like in Strip Manila:
✅ THEY NEVER DOUBLE DIP. After each dip they throw it away and use a new one.
✅ Their wax was warm and it help to open up your pores, so that the hairs will be waxed from the roots and in-grown can be avoided.
✅ All of their staffs are well trained and has a medical background.
✅ Their everyday mantra includes: Hygiene, Speed & Quality. (100%)
✅ They have annual QA training held by their Singapore team, so each year they have to renew and pass their tests.
✅ They are super hygienic! That's why I am super comfortable during my wax session.
✅ One of their rules is to make it fast. Their wax session lasted not less than in 30 minutes. Mine is only 15 minutes (so fast!).
✅ When you enter at Strip, the staff was very friendly, you'll feel welcome and comfortable.
✅ Love their interiors. Haha

What are the Pre Treatment Care?
✔ Don't attempt waxing the three days after and the first three days of your period/menstruation. Because our skin is very sensitive on that time and this is the reason that your wax will be so painful.
✔ If you are pregnant, it is better to consult to your gynecologist first. But it is safe to have a Brazilian Wax after your first trimester.
✔ If your pain tolerance is low, I can recommend you take pills for pain killer, 30 minutes before your session.
✔ If you have planned to go to the beach, make sure to make an appointment in a waxing salon 5 days before your trip.
✔ Don't drink a lot of caffeine on the day of your waxing appointment. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and makes waxing more painful (for both guys and girls).

What are the Post Treatment Care?
For the next 24 hours:
✖ After the procedure, make sure that you don't wear tight clothes at the waxed areas. This will be caused an irritation and ingrown hair.
✖ No hot baths, hot showers, or sexual activity. While your pores are open, they are vulnerable to irritation by the extreme temperatures and infection by bacteria.
✖ No Swimming or sunbathing
✖ No heat or UV treatments like sun beds or saunas
✖ No scrubbing of the treated area(unless you want a bacteria infection) I know we don't want it right?
✖ No intensive exercise
✖ Put Soothing Cream on the part that is wax 3 days after your procedure to prevent ingrown hair. Got mine at Lay Bare Waxing Salon click here product name is Soothing Cream.
✖ Do exfoliate every 4-7 days, 3 days after your wax.

Check their branches, prices etc., at their website: http://www.strip-manila.com
Instagram : @stripmanila

Does my blog post helps you? Don't forget to share it and/or share your brazilian wax experience too!

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