Category Archives: beauty & wellness

Layered Hairstyle

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Posted by leyn on October 21, 2009 – 9:42 pm
Filed under beauty & wellness

Hey Leyn,

Hey Hey! Anyway I’ve been checking out the net for some great hairstyle/hairdo for my medium length hair but still I can’t find anything that fits my personality and maybe my face shape. So yeah, I decided to consult you :] oh wait ako pala si trisha. So eto i have a round face, black colored layered hair with a slightly side swept bangs so anong babagay na hairstyle sa akin kung saan pwede ko syang i-use everytime I go to school or even everytime I go to the mall with my college friends. hoping that you’ll reply to my message :]

More power! and thank you

trish

Dear trish,

Sorry for the late reply. (O diba, parang text lang). As what you’ve said, you can’t decide for a hairstyle that defines your personality. Well I have no idea what type of chic are you – you may be a rocker, girly or a stylish one who loves wearing hair accessories. Hairstyle sometimes doesn’t just depend on your face shape or features. Your hair line is one factor. Bangs cut is recommended for girls with high hairline that’s why the look isn’t appropriate for everyone. There are times we may notice that “this” style appears good on a celebrity then if we copy the hairdo, it just doesn’t look right on us.

I cannot directly suggest the BEST fashion for the crowning glory, so everything is still up to you. Basing on your description, I can picture that your hair is like this:

I also maintain a layered hairdo with side bangs because it fits any season. But if you’re willing to experiment, consider a makeover with these styles:

You can try full bangs if you have a high hairline. Full bangs looks good on girls with smaller face and will make you look younger.

This hairdo is perfect for those who have fine strands of hair. It’s low maintenance and appropriate for a modern gal. Just like Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl Season 2. However, if you have coarse or thick type of hair, you need a relax treatment to keep the ends straight. (So that doesn’t make it low maintenance after all. Lol.)

Practice your styling skills and buy yourself a curler. You need to torture your hair a bit when unexpected parties call. Add volume using hair mousse. If you get used to it, you can do this in a matter of 10 minutes.

For accessories, you can wear headbands but I suggest that you stick with the darker shades. Head accessories with black, silver and gray stones are the latest trend. Mahirap nga lang humanap so this will challenge your shopping expertise.

Just remember that no matter what hairdo you’ve got, it all fails if you don’t keep it clean, frizz-free and shiny. :)

Love Lots,

Leyn

Short Do

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Posted by leyn on September 3, 2009 – 4:33 pm
Filed under beauty & wellness

Hi Leyn! =)

Ayan, sa wakas, nagkaroon na rin ako ng chance na magemail sayo sa Dear Sosyalera blog mo. Kasali ako sa mga dumarami mo pang fans na naaaliw at nage-enjoy magbasa ng blog(s) mo. Oo, fan ako. :D Hehe. Anyways, may problema kasi ako. Kakapagupit ko lang kasi ng buhok. (see attached picture) And this time I decided na magpagupit ng as in maiksi. Naiinggit kasi ako sa buhok ni Nina. Haha! Last time ata na ganito kaiksi ang buhok ko eh nuong college ako. Since then, pinahaba ko na ang buhok ko.

The day na nagpagupit ako, gustong-gusto ko ung itsura ng buhok ko. Mega style kasi nung naggupit. Naisip ko, mas madaling i-manage ang short hair. Wash & wear lang. Here comes the problem – naisip ko lang kasi. Few days after kong magpagupit, ayan na, nagsisimula nang magkaroon ng sariling buhay ang buhok ko. Hindi ko na malaman kung panong style ang gagawin. Buhaghag (tama ba term) kasi ung buhok ko eh. Manipis na buhaghag. I’ve stried styling it on my own pero failure. Siguro kasi, di naman talaga ako sanay magayos ng buhok. Hehe.

So Leyn, pwede ka bang magrecommend ng kung pano pwedeng ayos ng short hair? Saka hair products na pwedeng gamitin. Nagpunta na kasi ako sa mall, eh sa dami ng products, di ko alam kung alin ang bibilhin. Ayoko namang magtry lang ng kung ano, kasi sayang sa pera, tas baka masira pa lalo ung buhok ko. Ayoko rin namang bumili ng sarili kong salon para lang laging maging maganda ang ayos ng buhok ko. Haha. Pero sana ganun ako kayaman. LOL.

Thanks for reading my email & more power to Sosyalera. =)

– Karmi

Dear Karmi,

I hope by the time I post my answer, sana hindi pa mahaba ang buhok mo. Haha. Anyway, I’m not a Pro when it comes to hair styling and maintenance, but since I’m still updated with hair vanity, I can just attest to some methods I’ve tried before.

It’s natural that our hair looks at its best after going through a salon haircut. Of course, our stylists won’t leave it unpleasant but its maintenance is all up to you. Some people effortlessly fix their hair because their hair type is ‘fine’. Unlike with some people who have the ‘coarse’ type, which needs the aid of hair styling products just to achieve a desired form.

Treatment

I really want to try a short hairdo but unfortunately, my hair type isn’t that manageable (medium thick type). So I need to maintain it long to avoid fly-away ends and the weight will drag it down. With your case, I’m not sure what hair type you have but a salon treatment will help. Try a Relax Hair Treatment AFTER a Hair Strand Test and if not qualified, just pamper yourself with any Oil-based hair treatment.

And because I know you’re not here in the Philippines, here are some products available everywhere.

Products

  1. Schwarzkopf Essensity Clarifying Shampoo and
  2. Schwarzkopf Essensity Richesse Masque – If you want something organic, try this Schwarzkopf set.
  3. Kérastase Nutritive Sublimateur Jour – Applied as an afterbath conditioner w/o rinse. Just dry your hair with it to achieve a smooth and silky effect.
  4. Kérastase Nutritive Nacre Nutri-Sculpt - Shine enhancing treatment wax
  5. Loreal Elseve Smooth-Intense Daily Rinse Out Treatment - Used as a regular conditioner after shampoo.
  6. Loreal Elvive Night Serum – Leave on product for overnight use. Treatment for frizz and rough feel texture.
  7. Thinning Scissors – Ask a friend to trim your layered-bob cut hair using these scissors. Also great for trimming bangs.
  8. Shower Comb - To avoid split ends due to hair drying, it’s better to use big combs to untangle hair strands.
  9. Rat Tail Comb - Best for styling especially after applying wax or hair spray.

Accessories

If you’re kikay enough, then I believe you can wear hair accessories if you want (para hindi masyadong mag-concentrate ang tingin ng iba sa nagulong buhok mo. Haha.) For casual wear, thin headbands are my bet.


One trick is to dry your hair after shower. Don’t just leave it wet and let it dry while you go to school or work. You just have to take note that this routine is prone to split ends. Basing on my habit, I let my hair dry with an electric fan instead of hair blower. A stylist once advised me to face against the fan while drying. This is to avoid fly away ends and the hair’s form will go inwards.

The illustration sucks, pero parang ganyan. Haha.

For me, I can’t think of any style for short hair but let it down. Simple but sexy. You may have acquired a perfect hairdo from the best salon but what matters is how you keep the style. Not everyone is blessed with perfect-shining smooth strands and we have to deal with it. Each of us has to know what brands get along with our hair. Try reading online product reviews so you can also check what’s within your budget. I may suggest some products I’ve used before but these might not flatter your scalp. Just like soaps and skin creams, it’s a process of trial and error. :)

I didn’t include your picture here para naman sa privacy. Haha. Thanks mimay!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Not-so-healthy Diet

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Posted by leyn on March 2, 2009 – 4:04 pm
Filed under beauty & wellness, women's clothing

Dear Ms. Sosyalera,

I am one of your readers, from the moment that I saw your link from greenpinoy’s blog, I was hooked. I even read all your past entries. :) I would like to seek for your help regarding the effective way of losing weight. Medyo stubborn kasi ako at palaging hanggang umpisa lang at sana rin po matulungan nio rin ako sa mga pwedeng masuot pag nasa office at kapag casually hanging out with friends lang. I’m 21, a young professional, chubby and is seeking for your advice. :)

Thank so much Ms. Sosyalera! Your insights are greatly appreciated.

dearie04

Dear dearie04,

Honestly, I never got chubby in my entire life so I don’t want to give false hopes with diet advices. Napansin ko nga na wala pa yata akong kilala personally na talagang pinapayat instantly ng slimming pills, work-out, vegetarian diet etc. I bet if you know a friend or someone who really did get slimmer with the use of certain products, you wouldn’t ask for this advice. Though meds and exercise work naman, it takes time, money and determination.

Let’s just observe what’s happening in reality. If you really want to lose weight effectively, your food intake might not be that healthy (o diba rhyme). Totally skipping a meal isn’t required but just reduce either breakfast, lunch or dinner. Kumain ka na tipong “pang laman tiyan lang” like 2 slices of wheat bread replacing a rice meal every breakfast. Oo nakakagutom, but of course you have to sacrifice. When you start eating small amount during meals, you’ll really get used to it.

As much as possible, fast food meals should be avoided. You can prepare a home-made sandwich and just heat it on lunch. Uber malakas makataba ang softdrinks kaya you have to get used with cold tea or water.

If you work-out, your body will be toned and muscles might be developed. So there are tendencies that you have muscles but apparently you still have fats. Therefore, you have to concentrate in doing cardiovascular work-out like jogging, jumping with the jumping rope (redundant!) and boxing. These exercises are really practical especially if you don’t have time and enough budget for gym maintenance.

Diet pills and laxative drinks (like Fitrum and Biguerlai Tea) work but you’ll feel side effects such as headache and stomach reactions. I don’t think this idea is right for you since you’re working everyday but you can try drinking those laxative teas during weekends.

Mentioned above are diet essentials that people usually do when they start losing weight. It may take time to burn fats because our body built depends on our genes, metabolism and lifestyle. Personally speaking, when I have this “I feel fat” syndrome, I tire myself by commuting when going to school/work. Don’t take short cuts and do a lot of walking. The thrill of public transportation is really tiring, sweaty yet slimming.

Well, i’m no dietician but I can I help you with fashion.

  • Instead of wearing the usual formal top and black skirt for office, why not try shopping for 1-piece suits slash smart dresses. Also, avoid layering clothes.
  • Slacks are must-haves but avoid trousers with butt-fitting style.
  • Wear pumps with heels.
  • And Lastly, plastic earrings are for teen-agers. Young professionals are way better with simple baubles like pearls, gems and gold/silver jewelleries.

Those are my usual basic pointers but you can also check my previous answers regarding plus size fashion and casual clothes for chubby people. A lot of L-sized girls close themselves with plain, boring and safe style. Thus, I encourage you to choose girly clothes and kikay designs as long as the fabrics are not stretchy.

Thank you dear!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Spa in the City

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Posted by leyn on October 29, 2008 – 9:47 am
Filed under beauty & wellness

Hi leyn musta musta?

nakikita kita sa YM na online pero madaling araw. ndi na kita minemessage dahil parang nananaginip pa rin ako nun tuwing ioopen ko ang YM sa cellphone ko. ANW, natawa ako dun sa new entry mo tungkol sa mga masahista. parang nakakatakot naman yung mga picture. naalala ko nang mabasa ko to sayo na magtatanong pala ako ng mga magaganda at affordable na SPA na pedeng puntahan.

Hindi para sa akin, para sa parents ko. Naisip ko since malapi tna ang 24th year anniversary nila this December, bakit hindi na lang yun ang iregalo ko sa kanila sa anniv at sa pasko na rin. hahaha (kuripot mode).

San ba yung mga affordable pero hindi naman tulad ng nifeature mo sa blog mo ha na mga spa. kahit simpleng massage lang siguro.

Maraming Salamats,
Popoy I.

Dear Popoy I.,

Aloha! Maraming salamat sa pagiging isa sa mga suki ng Inbox ko. Na-appreciate ko at kay Sosyalera ka nagtanong knowing na napaka-undetailed ko sumagot. Haha. Anyway, hindi ako magmamagaling dahil hindi ko naman alam ang lahat ng spa sa buong Pilipinas.

For the benefit of all, I’ll be mentioning 3 Spas to represent low-priced, reasonable and luxurious way of pampering. If you are on a tight budget, why not try the Big Apple Express Spa. You get to have a whole body massage for only 299 pesos.

Pros: Inexpensive and easily located. The franchises are usually inside the malls. I know one branch operating in Gateway Cubao near the LRT 2 station. You won’t get intimidated coming in since the place is just like a commercial facial center.

Cons: Since it’s called, the “Express” spa, don’t expect royalty treatment. Everyone pays the same price as yours. Once you get the short therapy then your hour is over. Also, the room is not that private because you’ll have the massage together with other customers.

For weekend people who really intend for a wellness experience, they can visit the Wensha Spa in Manila CCP area. Their foot and body spa package rates 800 pesos only – including food, drinks and access to their pools, sauna and shower room.

Pros: Aside from the consumable spa package, customers will be given assigned lockers during the time of their stay. The ambiance is relaxing and fair enough for the few bucks paid.

Cons: I’m not sure if couples are allowed to be at the same room while the treatment is on-going. Rooms are separate for males and females. Also, if you live somewhere in the east side, then you’ll have a long way to travel just to get there. I heard Wensha also have a branch in Timog QC but not as good as what they have in Manila.

Privileged and spa addicts of course prefer to spoil their bodies in sumptuous places. If you’re one of them, prepare at least 6,500 pesos for a Chinese inspired therapy at the Chi Spa in EDSA Shangrila Ortigas.

Pros: The types of scrubs and oils that will be used are examined first depending on the customer’s preferences. They cater quality and imported products plus spacious and calm exclusive room for privacy. You will not just experience simple massage but cleansing, bathing and detoxifying procedures. Given that you paid for a high-priced spa, you won’t feel rushed at all.

Cons: Expensive.

Enough of that, I’m not even paid. In case you’re planning to treat your parents elsewhere, siguraduhin mo lang na wholesome ang spa na ‘yon. Nakakahiya naman kung mga mala-Maskuladong Masahista ang sasalubong sa inyo. But you know what, you have a brilliant idea in treating your parents para naman something new ang iyong gift. You still have time to research though. Advanced Happy 24th Anniversary kina Tito at Tita! ;P

Love Lots,

Leyn