Saladbox April 2016 Unboxing: A Fresh Start with VMV Hypoallergenics | #VMVxSaladbox

It's time for a Saladbox unboxing once again! This time it's their April box in collaboration with VMV Hypoallergenics. The box "Fresh Start" contains skincare and makeup items which will definitely take you out of that beauty rut and introduce your skin to a fresh start. It was Benefit Cosmetics last month and now it's VMV Hypoallergenics.

VMV Hypoallergenics is a company founded by a Filipino Dermatologist-Dermapathologist, Dr. Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell in 1979. She is a board-certified member of the American Boards of Dermatology and Dermatopathology.

What I like about VMV:

Validated hypoallergenic

100% Dye-Free.

100% Free of Irritating Waxes (including Beeswax and its cross-reactors), Phthalates, Parabens + Preservatives.

100% Free of All-Types-Of-Fragrance.

Non-Comedogenic, Non-Drying. Non-Darkening. Usage + Patch-Tested

Contents:

VMV Hypoallergenics Superskin Starts Here Set (P1245) The set contains a cleanser, toner, and a moisturizer. This one is Regimen C which I am assuming stands for Combination Skin Type for my skin. The Hydra Balance Gentle Cream Cleanser has 30ml product and  is formulated with monolaurin, virgin coconut oil, and antioxidants. The Superskin 2 Primer Toner has 30ml product. It has Mandelic Acid which is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid like lactic acid and glycolic acid) derived from bitter almonds. This toner promises deep-cleaning. acne-managing, firming, mattifying, and brightening therapy. The third product is the Hydra Balance Smart Moisturizer which hydrates the drier areas of my face without clogging the oily T-zone area. It has 30ml of the product and it's perfect for moisturization on the go.

VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Sport Sunscreen SPF 70 (P515) This is a holy grail sunscreen for many. This has water-resistant formula making it useful even when swimming or doing water sports. I included this on my recent article Sunblock 101. I used it this morning to work. It's non-sticky and it absorbs quickly. I layered my foundation over it and it went on smoothly.

VMV Hypoallergenics Velvet Matte Lipstick in Saloon (P1075) I chose the shade "Babe" since I already have this shade but I am glad they sent this one so I have another for back up. I love this lip color! I categorize it under nude/MLBB lippie. The matte finish is surprisingly moisturizing. It's lightweight but not to the extent that you forget you're wearing a lipstick. The longevity is quite questionable since after 4 hours there is only a subtle hint left. The good thing is that it has minimal transfer.

VMV Hypoallergenics Gift Certificate for Skin-a-Jiffy Free Facial (P750) No expiration on this one! I'm excited to try it! According to their website, it includes the following treatments:

1) Skin Picker-Upper  - This dual-action clarifying-hydrating facial perks up tired-looking skin.

2) Waltzing Matte-ilda - Instant ""mattification"" that gets oily skin cool, clean, and refreshed in smooth, simple steps.

3) With All ""Dew"" Respect - Dry skin gets its ""dew"" with softening, moisturizing quickie.

TOTAL VALUE OF THE BOX: P3585.00

About Saladbox

A saladbox is a skincare, makeup, and services box subscription for P500/month. Each box will be curated by favorite beauty brands every month. Last March it was Benefit Cosmetics and this month it's VMV Hypoallergenics. The value of each box is approximately P3000-P3500. They also hold events such as beauty soirees and workshops featuring the brands.

Visit http://www.saladbox.com.ph/ for more details on how to subscribe to their plan.

Here are the popular hashtags on Instagram to search for Saladbox features:

#saladboxph #VMVxSaladbox #BenefitxSaladbox

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Sunblock 101: SPF, Sunscreen vs Sunblock, Active Ingredients Explained

Summer has been with us for more than a month now and I hope everyone is having their daily dose of SPF! I have to admit, sometimes it's a hassle to apply sunscreen and skipping it is the easiest thing to do. But there are times when I come to my senses and realize that I have to give my skin some love and protect it from the harmful rays of the sun.  I have said this before and repeating it now, it is of grave importance to put sunscreen every single day or else your old age skin will have to pay for it.

Here are some must-knows about your sunblocks.

UVA vs UVB

UVB stands for Burn. It is the primary cause of sunburn. UVA stands for Aging. It goes deeper into the skin and causes premature photoaging and also sunburn at some extent. It is more potent in generating free radicals and causing oxidative damage to DNA and macromolecules.

Both UV rays are linked to skin cancer with UVB being the more carcinogenic between the two as it induces direct chemical damage to the DNA. UVA rays, however, is more abundant in sunlight and indirectly damages our DNA by producing free radicals whenever it is absorbed by other molecules which are endogenous photosensitizers.

SPF and UVA-PF

Sun Protection Factor is a measure of protection against UVB
The amount of UVB radiation blocked by SPF 15 is 93%, SPF 30 is 97%  and SPF 50 is 98%. Going beyond SPF 50 does not add a whole lot of protection. 

UVA stars (PA in North Asian countries) is a measure of protection against UVA. It is recommended to use sunblocks with UVA★★★ or PA +++ which delivers 60-80% protection from UVA rays.

With the statements above, we can simply say that SPF is for UVB rays while UVA stars/PA is for UVA rays.

Sunscreen vs Sunblock

Sunscreen and sunblock differs in the kind of protection it offers. The former being chemical and the latter, physical. It is both effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays through different mechanisms.

Sunblock

• physical kind of protection
• The usual ingredients: zinc oxide & titanium oxide
• It leaves a white cast on the skin when applied
• It is good for sensitive skin

Sunscreen

• chemical kind of protection 
• usual ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.
• No white cast
• Sensitive skin may react to some of its ingredients (like PABA)

A small table of the common ingredients in sunblock/sunscreen and their sun protecting properties

Application
Recent studies have shown that the following mode of application is effective: apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply once within 1 hour.

Here are some promising products to try.

So there you have it! Whether you are simply running some errands or you are enjoying your favorite summer destination, remember to never skip the SPF! Love and protect your skin!

For comments, questions, and suggestions feel free to comment down below.

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Kikay Kit Currently

The trick for a lightweight kikay kit? Multitasking tools and products! I'm talking about lip and cheek mousse in a tube, a trusty palette with highlighter and bronzer which can double as eyeshadows. A peach lipstick that I use as an undereye corrector. Mix and match them all!

What's in your kikay kit currently?

Product Feature: VMV Hypoallergenics Lipsticks

It has been a bit quiet lately here on my blog but I am here again! 

I recently purchased two lipsticks from VMV hypoallergenics. I am having a hard time looking for a lipstick shade which is close to my natural lip color. I know, you might be thinking that finding a lip color which resembles your natural lips defies the sole purpose of a lipstick. But I just want something to enhance my lip color, making them look healthier and more polished. 

I have not tried VMV but I have heard good reviews about this brand. It being hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, are some of the benefits which sound absolutely appealing to me. The product claims to be:

• Validated hypoallergenic
• 100% Dye-Free.
• 100% Free of Irritating Waxes (including Beeswax and its cross-reactors), Phthalates, Parabens + Preservatives.
• 100% Free of All-Types-Of-Fragrance.
• Non-Comedogenic, Non-Drying. Non-Darkening. Usage + Patch-Tested

These are all good news!

I bought two shades: 

1. Beet Sugar - subtle shine finish
2. Saloon - velvet matte finish

Packaging looks simple and sleek