How to Dye your Hair Gray? How to Maintain it?

Before the year ends, I told myself it's time to change things up for 2016. I made a big change with my hair color and I have no regrets. I feel more confident about my hair and my style. It really changes the way I see things. I am loving fashion more and more and my weirdness. I don't want to go with the waves, I want to go against it.  Especially in the Philippines because some people can really judge you with the way you look, the way you dress up and etc so some people are afraid to take the risk of showing who they really are. What I realized when I changed my hair is how I love fashion and how other people do not appreciate it.

So, if you are like me go for a change! #BeYouBeDifferent

For sure you can still see my yellow tones because those are my past hair colors and I've been really struggling bleaching them off but I learned you can correct these yellow tones by using Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo. You can order from DIY BEAUTY SHOP. This protein-enriched conditioning formula tone down brassiness on blonde and silver hair. It shampoos away yellow, and refreshes faded highlights.

Before you settle on your gray hair, you have to be mentally prepared that you are willing to put your hair through the potential damage from bleach and dye. Second, you have to know how to take care of your hair after.

Once you have fully decided, I'll guide you through the process.

1.) Bleach your hair

Warning. This will take awhile. Mine took 5 hours to make my black asian hair this bright. Gray dye on top of light blonde hair results in the gray hair color. It took me three processes because I dyed my hair brown black before. If you are planning to bleach your hair, do not dye your hair black, brown and red. These are the colors that you should stay away from if you're planning to achieve this look. Yes, it will look crispy and dry but I'll share to you later the home treatment that you can use so it won't cost you a lot for salon hair treatments. 

2.)  Apply Gray Dye

Separate your hair into 4-6 sections depending on how thick or long your hair is. This will make it easier for you to apply the gray dye.

Apply Vaseline or lotion around your entire hairline from forehead to the nape of your neck so the hair dye won't stick to your skin.

Then start applying the grey hair dye evenly through each section of hair until hair is all covered up. Make sure to start from the roots. Leave the dye on your hair for approximately 30-45 minutes.

3.) Wash your hair

After 30-45 minutes, rinse the dye out of your hair. Make sure to use a color-safe shampoo to wash your hair followed by color-safe conditioner. Blow dry to see results and style it whatever you want. I personally use Morocco Argan oil to make it shinier and softer that I got from CYNOS INSIDE HAIRCARE. 

How to Make Hair Color Last?

1.) Use Sulfate-free Shampoo

When shopping for shampoo, always look for "Sulfate-free" or "Non-sulfate" Shampoo and Conditioner for your hair. I had one question: What are sulfate, anyway? Sulfates, essentially, are what make shampoos turn into a thick lather in the shower. This ingredient, which is standard for most shampoo products has additionally come under attack for causing frizziness and damaging colored hair. Even after getting Keratin or Brazilian Blowout, hair stylists will recommend sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain the style. I personally use Matrix Biolage. Whenever I don't use these two, my hair is all over the place.

2.) Get a Hair Treatment

You don't have to go to the salon to get your hair treated. You can use Skala Argan Marroquino Hair Treatment Conditioning Cream. It deeply restored, nourished and revitalized hair. Your hair will have its natural shine and silkiness. Bye bye dry and dull hair! I got this from DIY BEAUTY SHOP.

What products did I use?

Wella 050 (Cooling Violet - Silver) Hair Dye, Skala Hair Treatment from DIY BEAUTY SHOP

Matrix Biolage Shampoo & Conditioner from MATRIX PHILIPPINES

I love my new hair. I think it's really fun to experiment and try different colors, so I'm probably going to dye it blue or something else. Because why not? #BeYouBeDifferent

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Til' my next post! <3

A Fast Way To Get Rid of Dead Skin Cells Off Your Body by Skin Philosophie

I am so happy that I was able to visit my derma, Skin Philosophie. I've been really busy with my Volleyball season and finally I have time to have some pampering. As a volleyball player, it's normal for us to have scars. These scars are very difficult to remove completely so Dr. Kyla Talens advised me to try Full Body Microdermabrasion.

How does it work? Microdermabrasion is a safe, effective and non-invasive skin resurfacing procedure that deeply polished and stimulates the skin using densely packed genuine laser-cut diamond tops (See photo below) to remove dead skin cells. Removing dead skin cells promote the growth of healthy new cells for a smoother and flawless complexion. This is absolutely perfect for my case.  I have a lot of scars. You just can't imagine my dilemma.

The Microdermabrasion system works based on 2 function: exfoliation and vacuum. It comes with a tipped wand of varied size and coarseness for different types and depths of resurfacing. The wand tip is made of natural diamond chips which polishes the skin and removes dead cells, which are then vacuumed back into a waste filter.  Look at those dead cells. Bye bye dead cells!

Many people ask this question, "Does it hurt?" Definitely NO, you may feel a slight abrasion and suction but there's no pain at all.

And, "How long is the Procedure?" The treatment time depends on your face and/or body areas and skin condition. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Rough skin zones and larger body areas may last longer.

For those who are really interested, this is perfect to treat acne scars, chicken pox scars, body scars and other discoloration. When used in the underarms, it can help with ingrown hairs and discoloration. This is a lot safer than chemical peel.

Lastly, I'm really excited to share the result. My skin feels smoother and it looks lighter. Right hand undergone Microdermabrasion. As you can see, I even have battle scars on my hands from volleyball. Perks of being an athlete.

Everybody wants fast results so I highly recommend this treatment from Skin Philosophie.

Results can be seen and felt right after the first treatment with an improvement in skin texture and appearance.  Remember, you can do this every 2 weeks and avoid sun exposure. Make sure to apply sunblock.

For queries, please call +639178664433 and Follow them on:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/skin.philosophie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinphilosophie/

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Til' my next post! <3

My Post-Workout Outfit

I just want to share my fashion fitness regime before the year ends. True fit and fab women would know when it comes to what to wear, to and from the gym. Throw all your baggy old t-shirt and start mix and match your regular wardrobe as well as your workout one.  In my case, I like to wear something loose after I workout. A t-shirt is fine to wear as long as it just needs to be a decent one like a loose V-neck T-shirt or a T-shirt dress like what I'm wearing. It's lightweight and comfortable enough to wear under those sore muscles. You wouldn't want to wear something tight and you can't even walk straight or you can't raise your arms after a good workout. Right?

Adidas have really stepped up over the last seasons. They have been focusing more on fashionable and wearable clothes that women will really look forward to wear in and out the gym. This season they've dropped some pieces that I'm really happy to wear.  

A loose V-neck T-shirt or a T-shirt dress is a must-have basic to add your gym bag.

T-shirt Dress: ADIDAS
Footwear: ADIDASSnapback: HATSOCIETY PH

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Chanelling My Inner Kylie Jenner

I know everyone's been talking about Kylie Jenner's drastic transformation like her lips, her chest, her waist. Everything is very different from the first time we saw her in the 1st season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. However, there's only one things that's really consistent with Kylie Jenner... Her style. She may be best known for her beauty like the random changing of hair and full lips but her style is just awesome.

She is one of my style icons because she dresses up differently from her older sisters so for this outfit that I'm wearing I'm channeling my inner Kylie Jenner. Kylie loves denim so I pulled out my oversized ombre polo and wore it as a dress then paired it with a pair of H&M thigh-high boots that Matt gave me last Christmas. Polished this outfit with my favorite cats eye shades so far that I got from Georgina Sasha, studded backpack from Twinsies Shop and Veloci watch.

Amazingly enough, dressing like Kylie Jenner kinda boosted my confidence. I really admire how unique her style is. She totally rocks edgy and crazy outfits.

Do you agree?

Top: FASHION BUDDY 101

Footwear: H&M

Bag: TWINSIES SHOP

Sunnies: GEORGINA SASHA

Watch: VELOCI

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Til' my next post! <3

Red Dress Through The Holiday Season

Who's already planning on what to wear this coming Holiday season? The season of Christmas parties is fast approaching and the inevitable question is, "What to wear?" This is not an easy question to answer especially to women. So here's one outfit idea but you can have these following options as well: 

1. Go all-out and dress in a party dress. 

2. Keep it simple or minimalistic and effortlessly chic with top and pants ensemble. 

3. Dress up your casual jeans but match it with a sparkly or metallic top.

For my outfit, there's no denying the power of wearing red. I feel instantly more confident, bold, and sexy in the hue. This color really inspires my holiday dressing. 

Remember this quote, "A woman never needs an excuse to wear a flattering red dress with heels!"

Dress: THE BRAND TRUNK

Footwear: TRES SHOES PH

Bag: THE BAG MASTER

Necklace: T AND M ACCESSORIES

Watch: VELOCI

Hat: Terranova

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Til' my next post! <3

Bringing the 70's Back

Is anyone else super excited about the comeback of flare jeans other than me? Since it's ber months, this pair of jeans is going to become a closet essential for the colder season. Y'all can have all of the skinny jeans you want but I'm not giving up my flares.

Did you know that Flared hems on jeans like "Bellbottoms" and "Wide Legs" were huge in the 70's and 90's?  Your favorite stores, like Forever 21 and H&M, are already full of different sorts of flared jeans. You can also find them from online shops where I got mine. 

If you want to look your best wearing flared jeans but are petite like me, I really suggest you wear high heels or wedges so your look won't be compromised. Also, the trickiest part is the length. Make sure their hem ends a few inches above your soles, which make your jeans long enough to have your heels or wedges peek a bit from underneath. You don't want to step on the hem of your jeans. I go for comfort over anything else.

For those who are scared to pull these flares off, don't be! Give it a try and discover the beauty of the 70's and 90's fashion. I'll keep on wearing mine with confidence. So, will you wear this look?

Top: SCAIRA PH

Bottom: SCAIRA PH

Bag: Primadonna

Accessories: Forever 21

Watch: DANIEL WELLINGTON

Footwear: STYLE BERRY

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Get to Know More About Mel And Matt For Kahoy Edisyon By GS

Matt and I are so happy and blessed to be chosen as the first brand ambassadors of GEORGINA SASHA #KahoyEdisyon - the second version of the Kahoy glasses made of bamboo can be replaced with your prescription glasses. This is out first ever ambassadorship together and we are thankful to be part of the GS family! Just so you know, this is our first ever legit photo shoot together as well. But for Matt's case, he doesn't really do modeling. Let's just say it was his first time but I think he's a natural without bias. ;-)

For both of us, we see the world through eyeglasses and contact lenses. How about you? Have you been seeing the world through contact lenses and/or eyeglasses? Then you can probably relate to us. If some people can't get out of the house with their phones and wallets but for us, we both can't get out of the house without our eyeglasses on.

Another dilemma for us is choosing "The Perfect Pair" because the frames you chose will absolutely define you as a person until you get your next pair of glasses. Good thing, Georgina Sasha just released Mowgli which is a true classic bamboo wayfarer frame with prescription. It also features a universal fit and unisex design. Many people, including men and women, desire to spot wayfarers but the question of the most suitable face shape for the famous pair of glasses, crops up all the time. Have no fear with any wayfarers frame because it's the only style available in the market which are suitable for every kind of face shape; that's why it's a perfect everyday accessory. Before, Matt and I tried to look for "couple eyeglasses" but we weren't able to find a nice pair. Now, thanks to Georgina Sasha, we've found our couple eyeglasses. 

Just a little history about Mowgli: if you know the Jungle Book cartoon then probably we are on the same page. The owner Georgina Sasha Krauss thought the character's names are perfect for the Kahoy Edisyon sunglasses because they are very unique and easy to remember.

Mowgli II is the second version of the classic Mowgli bamboo frames with brown lenses. The owner came up with this new version that can now be replaced with prescription lenses! And the people with blurry eyesight say "yay"! Plus I assure you that they are light weight, have polarized lenses, UV protection, and it floats on water. I personally don't worry about losing my glasses again if I go to the beach.

There are 3 basic colors available: natural bamboo, tinted black and tinted brown. If you opt to have the optical glasses, it takes them about 5-7 days to replace the lenses with the grade recommended by your optometrist. Georgina Sasha has a collaboration with Ideal Vision to ensure you that the lenses are very high quality. No wonder the lenses fit perfectly because Ideal Vision uses a lens-crafter machine on Kahoy Edisyon bamboo frames. Awesome, right?

So stay tuned for more new styles of Kahoy Edisyon! #MelAndMattForKahoy

Oh by the way, get 10% off upon checkout by using our promo code: melandmattforkahoy

GEORGINA SASHA
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BRAND TRUNK: A One-Stop-Shop for your Fashion & Beauty Needs at South

I have always loved fashion, make-up and shopping, but as an adult and my busy schedule with work and practice, I don't have plenty of time to shop. It's really frustrating if you weren't able to shop what you want. You know what I mean? So I've found a place where you can buy clothes, bags, accessories, make-up, organizers, beauty products and etc. other than the "Department Store". If you're around South, this is the place for you.

Last Sunday, Matt and I explored the South after church. What I love about Sundays is there's no traffic. Well, maybe a little in some areas but it's incomparable to the traffic on weekdays. It's been awhile since the last time I've been to the South but it was worth it because we had a great lunch and I found the Brand Trunk concept store located at the upper ground floor of Alabang Town Center beside Fudge Rock. 

What brands to expect from the store?

For Fashion & Accesories:

BRAND TRUNK

URBAN SCENE PH

LYRA SHOPPE

WATERMELON AND COMPANY

RHIPES BACKYARD

STYLEBERRY SHOP

MENTAL CLUTTER PH

 SWISH CLOSET

BASIC NEEDS MNL

TOP PICKS CLOTHING

For Artsy Stuff and Organizers:

SHMILY ARTS AND CRAFTS

For Make Up:

MAKEUPHOLICS

For Organic & Local Made Beauty Products:

SOOPERBEAUTE

Oh by the way, they will also open their flagship store with 40 independent branch in Ayala Mall Serin on November 13!

It's one-stop shopping for you and all of your girlfriends! You and your friends can relax and shop together all in one spot and have a fun, unique, personal shopping experience. Plus, saving your time and money!

Also, if you're interested to be a brand partner, please do e-mail your concept presentation, links to website, social accounts, items you intend to sell and price range to teambrandtrunk@gmail.com

Happy Shopping! <3

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Til' my next post! <3