Dead Skin Cells Be Gone (Part 2)
By Karla Alindahao

TURNAROUND 15-MINUTE FACIAL

Used weekly, this high-powered exfoliator delivers a radiance and smoothness that is usually only achieved by a light microdermabrasion — but with significantly less irritation and stress to the skin. Safe for all skin types, this pearly-blue gel power booster teams up with its hard-working daily exfoliating companion for phenomenal, rapid results.

Properties:

• Oil-free
• Gentle enough for everyday use
• Appropriate for all skin types and all ages
• Non-acnegenic
• Allergy tested
• 100 percent fragrance-free
• Patent-pending technology

After eight weeks of using Turnaround Concentrate twice a day and turnaround 15-minute facial once a week, skin clarity will improve by 65 percent and smoothness will improve by 48 percent.

BUT WHY THE HYPE?

“If you look at the cycle of life… We are born, we mature, and we make choices in our lives…. That direct us in different ways…. The same is true for our skin. We have used this learning to incorporate various technologies and ingredients in Turnaround Concentrate that work with different stages of skin’s development in order to maintain optimum skin renewal.” – Debbie D’Aquino, Vice President of Product Development, Clinique Worldwide.

Cell renewal is a natural process that occurs daily from birth to old age to keep skin healthy, radiant and glowing. However, many daily assaults such as sun exposure, environmental aggressors, urban living and plain old aging all interfere with this vital cycle causing skin to prematurely look and feel dull, coarse and uneven.

Created for anyone who wants even-toned, soft skin, Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer enhances skin’s natural processes day and night. New leaps in cosmetics science have allowed Clinique’s research and development team to go beyond what has previously been possible in Clinique Skin Care. By triggering the skin’s own natural mechanisms, it not only performs better but also appears less stressed. The silky lightweight serum works tirelessly to speed fresh, vibrant cells to the surface. New enzyme technology uses an exceptional, time-released delivery system that continuously works gently yet effectively within multiple surface layers of the skin. Fine lines fade as skin’s natural radiance is turned up another notch. Skin looks dramatically brighter, even-toned and luminous. The ingredients target and enhance desquamation where skin sheds off the very top dead surface skin cells, cell renewal and the skin barrier.

Historically found in the bark of the willow tree, salicylic acid is a gentle and non-irritating natural ingredient that helps release the bonds that hold dead surface skin cells together, thereby encouraging new cells to reach the surface. Clinique has used the acid in products from its inception but new exciting leaps in technology allow for two distinct types of delivery that complement each other for a more precise, direct and continuous approach to exfoliation.

1. Targeted and fast release: Salicylic acid, in the catazome liposome delivery system, is attracted to dry patches of skin so exfoliation happens where it is needed the most.
2. Slow and steady release: Salicylic acid, when encapsulated in a tiny microsphere, allows for an extended and controlled release. The longer-lasting result is less flaking and smoother, softer and more radiant skin.

Enhanced Cell Renewal with Chestnut Extract, Yeast Extract, Adenosine Phosphate and Creatine

Enzymes play a vital role in overall skin health and certain enzymes are responsible for supporting the desquamation process by loosening dead surface skin cells. It was recently discovered that chestnut extract works as a powerful enzyme activator. This natural ingredient mimics the signal that encourages cell renewal without causing stress to the skin.

Yeast extract, adenosine phosphate and creatine provide energy and nutrients needed to increase and enhance natural and consistent cell renewal.

Enhanced skin barrier with salvia sclarea (clary) extract ferment support the final steps of exfoliation. Clary sage extract helps promote the formation of the important skin barrier which is necessary to maintain healthy skin.

Additional benefits:

• Immediately gives skin a flawless look using polusilicone-11 and special optics, including green tint oxides, to help scatter light which makes skin appear brighter.
• Anti-oxidant help minimize past sun damage, making the skin tone even out. They also promote healthier looking skin by fighting off free radicals, which can lead to damage.
• Suitable for all skin types, it contains laminaria saccharina extract which is known to normalize excessive surface oil on skin but will not cause dry skin to feel drier; and sodium hyaluronate which helps attract and hold moisture to the skin.

+++++++

AVAILABLE MARCH 06 / ALL CLINIQUE COUNTERS

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Dead Skin Cells Be Gone (Part 1)

By Karla Alindahao

For the longest time running, the St. Ives Apricot Scrub seemed to be the best thing in the world. And yes, just like the age-old Pond’s cold cream and Nivea moisturizer (the classic one that comes in a blue tin) it is still a great thing to use once every two days especially for those with oily skin. But hey, the world did move on and exfoliating is no longer limited to scrubs and all those rough thingies you have to rub on your face. Science and technology have actually developed so much more products since the Apricot Scrub and yep, they do sound legit.

And more scientific too. This March, Clinique will be launching two new products that will be revolutionizing the whole exfoliation craze.

Clinique reveals new levels of radiance with two new products in the Turnaround Franchise

To Clinique, exfoliation was never a trend. It was, is and will continue to be a tried and true method to create great skin with astonishing long-lasting results.

Exfoliation is the little black dress of skin care. It always works and it will never go out of fashion. Exfoliation benefits all skin types. Through exfoliation, dry skin becomes softer and better able to absorb moisture, oily skin manages excess oil and achieves a more even skin tone, and aging, dull or damaged skin appears smoother and more youthful. Exfoliation will indeed “turnaround” any skin — making it look healthier and more beautiful.

For more than three decades, Clinique has been at the forefront of advocating daily exfoliation for all skin types and all ages. In 1968, Cliniques signature Clarifying Lotion revolutionized traditional exfoliants by including salicylic acid in the liquid formula. This little twist made the ordinary extraordinary.

In 1992, Cliniques team of scientists finally made its dream come true: embedding salicylic acid, natures most gentle and trusted exfoliator, in a new liposome system and successfully adding it to a comfortable cream base. Cliniques exfoliating Turnaround Cream made its breakthrough debut and worked wonders throughout the night.

Fast forward to 2001, Clinique launched Total Turnaround and wowed women all over the world with its rapid radiance-inducing effect! The natural amino sugar, Glucosamine, which plays an important role in the cell renewal process, was added to the Turnaround mix, creating this totally transformative beauty elixir.

But today, the demand for fast and dramatic — yet safe and non-invasive — cosmetic results is at an all-time high. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and reconstructive Surgery, by the end of 2005 there will have been over ten million non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States alone.

To meet this demand, Clinique is launching TURNAROUND CONCENTRATE VISIBLE SKIN RENEWER and TURNAROUND 15-MINUTE FACIAL. An unprecedented way of looking at skin and its multiple surface layers has led Cliniques scientific team to the development of these innovative formulas.

New state-of-the-art delivery systems and patent-pending technology have made it possible for exfoliation to go deep within the skin’s surface. The discovery that chestnut extract works in amazing synergy with Glucosamine and Salicylic Acid resulted in a formula that creates breakthrough action. This supports skin in optimizing itself — naturally. Exfoliation works beautifully in sync with skin’s natural renewal cycle. Lines and surface imperfections appear to be erased. Skin feels refreshed, soothed and super soft. The look is flawless, perfected and gorgeously glowing.

TURNAROUND CONCENTRATE VISIBLE SKIN RENEWER

Used daily, this highly concentrated yet lightweight serum prompts a renewal process that is multi-level and time-released. This gentle exfoliator with an addictive texture should be applied morning and night to help even out the skin tone, erase lines, reduce effects of past sun damage, minimize pores and eradicate minor imperfections — leaving skin extraordinarily radiant and flawless.

Properties:
Appropriate for all skin types and all ages
Oil-free
Non-acnegenic
Allergy tested
100 percent fragrance free
patent-pending technology

Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net

4 February 2006

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SO… You want a new look…
By Karla Alindahao

It’s always been some sort of thing to say “You must have been really depressed” to some poor kid who just got a drastic haircut. Just like the whole Pinoy thing of telling other friends how fat or how thin they’ve gotten over the long or short period of time you’ve spent apart. But if you think about it, there is only one long and short story — people’s looks change. Some on purpose and some by accident. And it’s not exactly a sign of depression to have your hair cut just like that. Going from Julianne Moore long hair to Natalie Portman bald could just be as plain and as simple as wanting to have a different look. And yes, it is normal for people to want to change their image. IT IS ABNORMAL TO NEVER WANT TO.
But the question is how far can you go without overdoing it and looking like an idiot? Not everyone is a beauty expert and not everyone will know exactly what to do. But there are four choices the non-beauty experts can choose from. And all four choices can actually change your look dramatically.


CHANGE CUT.
Duh. As stated within the first few sentences of this article, it is quite obvious how a haircut can change your look.

CHANGE HAIR COLOR.
Although you don’t necessarily have to go on and do the extreme thing, a subtle change in color will affect your looks dramatically. People with sharper features are advise to go lighter while people with rather bland or not-so-prominent feature can actually go darker. But of course, if you want to go all out and do the wild thing, experimentation wont kill you. Just make sure that you don’t color too often because it will damage your hair.
If you’re happy with your hair color, you can actually go for highlights instead to make your face a little brighter.

TWEEZE YOUR EYEBROWS.
They say that changing the shape of your eyebrows is like getting an instant facelift — and that’s true. Tweeze your eyebrows accordingly (meaning take out all the excess stuff ) and you’ll find that it makes a world of difference. Here’s a tip for non-tweezers, check out any website that show high school pictures of Hollywood stars and take a good look at their then-teenage-bushy-eyebrows…. They look much better now don’t they?

CHANGE YOUR EYECOLOR.
Now , when I say change your eye color, I didn’t mean go marilyn manson (and the strange look of his other eye.) If tweezing can give people dramatic results, so can a change in eye color. And more often than not, people will never be able to pinpoint this particular change because surprisingly, not at lot pay attention to this kind of tiny little detail. The best is to always go for something that will suit you or lighten your eyes. Paris Hilton wears blue on her blue eyes to sort of do the whole extreme blue-eyed babe thing — and it works too…

Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net

3 February 2006

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See the World in a Budget

By Michelle Puzon

A few years ago, budget travel was synonymous to cheap flights and bad hotels. It is not so the case now. With the onset of budget airlines – Air Asia, Tiger Air, Jetstar Asia and the like, budget travel is now synonymous to cheap flights and good accommodations. Say hello to the latest trend to hit the Philippines – tipid travel.

To do this, you need three things – your credit card, your valid passport and internet connection. You will need both for flight reservation and booking your accommodations.

For flight reservations, budget airlines practice is that everything is done online – from booking to payment. Plus, they don’t issue any actual tickets; they make use of e-tickets. With e-tickets, you simply have to print out and (with your valid passport) present at the counter.

Keep in mind that not all budget carriers neither have the same seating policy nor take off from the same airport. Seating policies per airline goes as follows:

Jetstar Asia – Seats can be chosen just like traditional carriers. Flights booked with this airline take off via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Air Asia/Tiger Airways – Seats are distributed on a first come first serve basis. Both carriers leave via the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga.

Also remember that budget carriers can offer low-cast airfare for a reason. They employ a no-frills concept – meaning there is no such thing as complimentary toiletries or snacks or blankets. If you are hungry, you pay for it as soon as you order. There is no in-flight entertainment such as movies or magazines. They also do not have a frequent flyer card, so no matter how much you fly with a particular carrier; there are no additional rewards outside the cheap fare.

For your accommodations, there are a lot of online sites that offer special discounted rates. You can check out www.precisionreservations.com , www.octopus.com for available rooms for a special rate for locations across Asia. It is also advisable to check out their local sites that offer online booking such as www.Langkawionline.com or www.malaysia-hotels.net for Malaysia. There are usually links to hotel bookings on the budget airlines web page, and I recommend you check them out for discounted accommodations!

More money-saving tips:

1. Purchase your tickets ahead of time to avail of super low fares. Air Asia gave away 1,000,000 free seats last December to celebrate its anniversary and you can book flights from December 2005 to October 2006. All you had to do is pay for the travel taxes. So be on the lookout for those kinds of promotions. I got to book over holidays and paid only Php2,000 for a roundtrip ticket to Kuala Lumpur!

2. Choose a weekday departure and arrival when possible. Weekend flights get filled up faster so airlines usually offer discounts to fill up the weekday flights.

Book as a group (minimum of three) to get discounts on fees. The discount does not extend to the taxes that need to be paid though!

Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net

2 February 2006

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Habits of Healthy Women (Part II)

By Michelle Puzon

This is a continuation of my previous article, Habits of Healthy Women, wherein I enumerated 3 tips on how women can better manage their health. As mentioned in the original piece, women have the tendency to neglect their own health in lieu of fulfilling their roles as wife, mother and daughter. Hence, sometimes they do not even consider taking steps in maintaining their good health or work towards having a better one. I would like to give a wake-up call to women all over that it’s about time they should think of themselves and their own bodies! Here are some more tips they can follow in pursuing a live of good health.

Check your breasts regularly.

Perform a self-breast exam regularly. Do this a few days after your period ends as this is when your breasts are less likely to be swollen or painful due to hormonal changes.

Inspect your breasts in front of a mirror, first, with both arms on your side and next with both arms raised above your head. Check for any skin or shape changes. Squeeze each nipple and check for discharge. If you have yellow or bloody fluid coming out of your nipple, go see your doctor at once! Examine each breast for lumps while standing and again while lying down. Start from near the nipple moving outward in a circular motion. If you feel a lump, consult with a doctor for confirmation. While most of time, the lump is benign, do not take that chance! There is always the risk that you may be facing breast cancer and early detection and treatment increases your chances of cure and survival.

Look for a happy environment.

Women have always been greatly affected by their environment. Indeed, it is not uncommon for women to dress up according to their mood or current state of life. Hence, it is not illogical to think that women can create the kind of life they want, first simply by just willing it – and ultimately going for it.

How can you do this? Keep in mind the following things:

Make sure your work keeps you healthy and happy.

Ensure that your work environment does not expose you to hazards beyond the norm. In other words, make sure that your work place keeps you S-A-F-E. Also, look for a work environment that provides you with a manageable level of stress and that you relate well with your colleagues. Good relationships and time management helps ensure that you feel accomplished at the end of the work day.

Also, researchers have found that the more time you spend at work, the more anxious and unhappy you feel. Work smart – manage your time and don’t dawdle. Try as much as possible to avoid overtime.

Strengthen your relationships.

Relationships help de-stress you. Technology has given us new ways to be in constant communication with each other. Send an out-of-the-blue thoughtful text message to help brighten the day of the people you cherish. Or go that extra mile to have lunch with your cousin to talk about her life. Outside of your normal relationships – family, husband and boyfriend – make time to be with your old friends (college/high school barkada). Touch base with your roots, it’s nice to reminisce and at the same time, see how you’ve all grown as individuals.

RELAX.

Reserve an hour every day to do something you enjoy – be it playing a game, reading a book or plain sleeping. It doesn’t have to be complicated, you just have to engage in something that you truly truly enjoy. Making this a habit helps preserve one’s sanity. And besides, life is too short, do make time to enjoy it!

Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net

1 February 2006

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Habits of Healthy Women (Part I)
By Michelle Puzon

Women often view themselves as care-takers of another. And sometimes, this view precedes women’s need to set aside time and energy to take care of themselves too. If you are a woman reading this article, ask yourself, “Are you healthy?” If you’re not very sure if you are indeed healthy, don’t fret. Here are some tips from health professionals to get you started. (Men, if you are reading this, show this article to you ladies, it will be a great help to them!)

1. Watch what you eat

Eating the right kinds of food help you avoid not only weight gain, but also lifestyle diseases like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.

Women in particular have to be more on guard against heart disease. While heart attacks tend to hit men more than women, when heart attacks happen to women, they are more deadly and debilitating. In fact, women are less likely to survive a heart attack and are more likely to die within a year after their heart attack.

Diabetes is another disease women should look out for. Women are much more susceptible than men to develop the disease and the risk of having the disease increases with age.

While weight-gain prevention helps women, it is even more important for regulate one’s diet. Say no to crash diets! This does more harm than good. Instead, develop your taste for low-salt, low-fat, high fiber, and unsweetened (or no artificial sweetener) foods.

2. Don’t smoke (or stop smoking)!
Reasons why you shouldn’t smoke:
The following symptoms are signs that you need to go to your doctor:
a. Absence of menstruation.
b. Irregular or short menstrual cycles.
c. Pain during menstruation (dysmonorrhea)
d. Pain during intercourse.

If you are over the age of 18, and still experience dysmenorrhea or irregular menstruation – go to your OB GYNE now. These may be signs that you may have some irregularities in your reproductive system. Also, if you suspect that you may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) – do not run and hide in shame. See your doctor. Infection can cause infertility. Confront it and get help – STDs have to be treated early to preserve your fertility. Seeking the advice of a medical professional may help you correct your problem. However, if you wait too long, you may decrease your chances to even conceive.

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GET CONTACTS!
Fresh Look

By Karen Alindahao

The eyes, they say, are the windows to the soul.

And with cosmetic contact lenses providing brighter and more intense eyes, get ready to reveal a more attractive and confident you.

Changing eye color not only makes women feel better about themselves; more importantly, it encourages them to completely transform the way they look. Surveys reveal that changing eye color inspires women to be more adventurous with cosmetic shades, encourages them to shop for a jazzed-up wardrobe and motivates them to lose weight and get in shape.

Following the beauty trend of adding shimmer and shine to hair, lips, nails and skin, FreshLook Cosmetic Contact Lenses uses a proprietary pearlescent effect that illuminates both light and dark eyes without changing their natural color. The lens design features an inner starburst pattern that adds a beautiful twinkle to the eye and a charcoal outline that provides definition, giving the entire face a natural radiance.

FreshLook Cosmetic Contact Lenses are available in the best-selling gray, blue, green and brown as well as in these stunning effects: Moonlight adds a silver glow; Eden provides a glimmer of green; Autumn gives the eyes a bronzy sheen while Sunrise adds a sparkle of gold. And these are just a few of the various shades to choose from — each achieving a different look based on a persons natural eye color, hair color and skin tone. There’s always a FreshLook hue to match every outfit and current state of mind — whether women are feeling confident, glamorous or sexy.

Now produced utilizing a new thermal cure manufacturing process and ultra violet absorber, FreshLook lenses have been made to be more comfortable than ever. On-eye lens movement is reduced thus providing optimal centering of the lens on eye for a perfect fit. With the addition of an ultra violet absorber, the lenses also now help protect the eyes from harmful UV rays, making it ideal for our tropical weather.

FRESHLOOK IS AVAILABLE IN ALMOST ALL OPTICAL SHOPS.