With beauty, seeing is believing

If men stopped to think about the mathematics of feminine beauty rituals, they may conclude that women will never add up in their book. Balancing the beauty equation is not about absolute values.

For example, they may assume that excess hair is a variable that in every equation must add up to zero. Zero excess hair equals more beauty. With the liberating techniques of laser hair removal gaining immense popularity it’s easy to arrive at this conclusion. However, adding hair to certain areas is just as desirable as removing hair from others.

This summer we saw hair extensions grow in popularity, thanks to Paris Hilton and Beyonce Knowles. We even saw them on people we know. Thick hair on your head is a sign of femininity and youth. Another area where more is preferred to less is on your lash line. Eyelash extensions are a wonderful way to add to your doe-eyed quotient. It is a process that is not for the impatient nor is it for the compulsive texter as you are required to keep your eyes shut as eyelash upon eyelash is glued onto your existing lashes one at a time for the most natural lush look possible.

I went to Michaela’s Salon in the Fort to see for myself – no pun intended! The process took 30 minutes per eye and I was impatiently clutching the armrests in anticipation. An hour later, I was allowed to open my eyes. The stinging sensation from the adhesive that hadn’t fully dried yet was unpleasant but once my eyes stopped tearing I found myself staring at a girl with a full fringe of lovely curly lashes that I had only seen at the Shu Uemura counter! I was told to brush them straight every day, never sleep on them and basically handle them with care. I remember thinking to myself how troublesome this was and that I doubt that I’d ever go through the hassle again, but after a few days of catching a glimpse of these new accessories, I started to realize that seeing is believing.

Now two weeks later, my fringe has thinned gradually as I was told it would. Although it looks great during the first week, the second week you start sleeping on your side again, scrubbing your face and rubbing your eyes thus making the extensions twist and tangle permanently in an alien-like manner. This shouldn’t stop anyone who wants to have a fuller fringe from trying lash extensions. All it takes is patience, care and a very still sleeper.

Leech Is More

As Manila urbanites, we have all witnessed product launches and events that leave us with distinct memories of the fabulous new offerings that were celebrated and the food and drink we enjoyed.

One launch that stood out in particular, not only for the unique product but also for the original way it was presented, was the Biorica skincare line launch.

Biorica products are so unique in that they enjoy the middle ground between cosmetics and medicine. Each product contains Hirudo Medicinalis, more commonly known as leech saliva extract. This extract is touted to be a wonder ingredient as leech saliva has been used in the medical world for centuries. In modern times, leeches are used for such delicate procedures as finger-grafting and blood clots. The leech saliva works on the blood and cells so the implications on skincare are enormous.

The total extract has properties that stimulate cell metabolism and skin neuro-receptors. It affects microcirculation and will enhance and strengthen the effect of any complementary active ingredient since it allows deep and quick penetration into the skin. It affects skin cells through strong anti-oxidant and anti-radical action.

Sounds technical? It is! These products are said to have cleared everything from persistent acne (the saliva extract allows the acne-fighting ingredients to penetrate deeply) while the extract itself normalizes the skin’s natural function.