VERDICT: HIT

Impressive and promising. That is how I would describe Novelina Hair and Scalp Treatment after using it. Novelina Hair and Scalp Treatment is an affordable do-it-yourself solution to help restore the hair’s lost moisture because of chemical treatment or daily styling. Without leaving the house, I can treat my crowning glory to a hair spa for 5 to 10 minutes tops. Just apply it on hair. Wet or dry, it does not matter. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse and boom!

https://www.facebook.com/theskincareaddictofficial/photos/a.1844108185848733.1073741828.1839901316269420/2141589329433949/?type=3&theater

Novelina Hair and Scalp Treatment helps me rejuvenate my dry, brittle and damaged hair due to extensive exposure to the sun and sea and stress from the recent hair coloring session I had. After initial use, my hair felt moisturized and natural oils and proteins seemed to have been restored.

If you are in a hurry, watch the vlog below instead. Otherwise, proceed. Happy reading!

It has been a while since I did a HIT OR MISS Vlog. The last time I did a HIT OR MISS Vlog was nine months ago (lol). Click here to watch it.

I have been busy traveling. Do watch my latest travel video featuring Siargao here.

What is HIT OR MISS anyway? HIT OR MISS is one of the segments in my Youtube channel where I do product reviews to check if the product actually delivers its product claims and promises. Most of the products that I review are skin care products being a skin care addict myself.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2054508594567903&set=a.292413750777405.78604.100000263479267&type=3&theater

The rainy season is the lean season, if I may call it, for any travel blogger for obvious reasons.

https://www.facebook.com/joeljawsandrada/posts/1891465017576820

I actually got stranded due to heavy rains and floods last week in Pangasinan when my brother and I went home to celebrate our Mom’s birthday. I also got sick. But it was all good because I got to spend more time with family.

https://www.facebook.com/joeljawsandrada/photos/a.1607497679306890.1073741828.390344921022178/1888307254559263/?type=3

However, I am saddened by how bad my home province was struck by the recent typhoon.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1843464182356801&set=a.149996791703557.22124.100000797118879&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/marc.zulueta/videos/2118296648203628/

I have friends whose houses were flooded for days. Government and private establishments had to close down and electricity and internet were intermittent.

Now, I am back in Metro Manila to do non-travel related content.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2068440989841330&set=a.483262851692493.117322.100000263479267&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2068038526548243&set=a.483262851692493.117322.100000263479267&type=3&theater

My next scheduled trips this August are Bataan, Carabao Island and Guimaras. Well, apparently, the rainy season is not that lean a month after all. I just pray for sunny days ahead.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2070854519599977&set=a.483262851692493.117322.100000263479267&type=3&theater

All the traveling that I did last summer have taken its toll on my hair. I was traveling non-stop and was exposed to the sun and sea for long hours. I also got invited to a hair coloring session. Click here for that entry.

I so badly needed a hair and scalp treatment that is both easy on the pocket and one that I can do at home. I mean just look how stressed out my crowning glory is in the photo below:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156599772881672&set=a.10150250409141672.369897.720376671&type=3&theater

Fortunately, Novelina Cosmetics sent me a do-it-yourself hair and scalp treatment product to try.

Just how effective is this Do-It-Yourself Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment? Let me share my experience with you. Watch my short HIT OR MISS Vlog below:

As it claims, this do-it-yourself hair and scalp treatment solution helps in restoring hair’s lost moisture due to chemical treatment or daily styling. It can protect hair before and after hair salon services such as rebonding or hair coloring that use chemicals that stress the hair and scalp.

https://www.facebook.com/theskincareaddictofficial/photos/a.1844108185848733.1073741828.1839901316269420/2142143876045161/?type=3&theater

Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment contains a hydrating blend of emollients that increases moisture retention in hair.

Product Claims/Promises:

• Instantly rejuvenates dry, brittle, or damaged hair
• Replaces moisture, natural oils and protein lost during chemical treatments

Features:

• A Japanese formulation
• Strengthens over-processed hair
• Has a refreshing clean scent

Directions for use:

• Apply liberally to wet or dry hair.
• Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rinse.

Ingredients:

Aqua, Mineral Oil (Liquid Parrafin), Cetyl Alcohol, Oleyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Aloe Extract, POE Liquid Lanolin, Silk Peptide Solution, L-Threonine, Sodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid, Antiseptic, Perfume, Citric Acid.

Novelina Hair and Scalp Treatment is available in the following sizes:

• 200 ml tube for Php 200.00
• 500 g jar for Php 455.00

Novelina Hair and Scalp Treatment is for sale online. Visit the Novelina Cosmetics Online Shop here. It is also available on Lazada Philippines here.

Novelina Hair and Scalp Treatment is:

• Formulated in Japan by Novelina Cosmetics Co., Ltd. Osaka Japan
• Manufactured by Novelina Cosmetics Co., Ltd. Shanghai, China
• Exclusively Distributed in the Philippines by Tritan Ventures, Inc., Tritan Plaza, Magallanes Commercial Center, Makati City, Philippines 1232

For more product information, visit https://www.novelinacosmetics.com and https://www.facebook.com/novelinacosmetics

Signing out for now. Peace!

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The post HIT OR MISS? | DO-IT-YOURSELF NOVELINA PROFESSIONAL HAIR & SCALP TREATMENT PRODUCT REVIEW appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

Watch the original video here uploaded by ABS CBN:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQbgmxMzbHw&t=13s

Thanks, Showtime, for bringing Tawag ng Tanghalang back!

Congratulations, Noven Belleza, for being the Grand Champion at the recently concluded Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT) sa Showtime Grand Finals on March 11, 2017 at the Resorts World Manila! Noven is a rice farmer from Negros Occidental. Truly inspiring! As the old Filipino adage goes, “kapag may itinanim, may aanihin” or crudely translated to English, we sow what we reap. And, winning TNT is only the beginning for Noven to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Thanks, everyone, for watching!
Did you like Noven’s performance? Please send your comments below.

Signing out for now. Peace!

The post CONGRATULATIONS NOVEN BELLEZA │ WINNER OF TNT appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

Tretinoin is a medication for acne and photoaging treatment. I normally would not want to talk about it because I am not a dermatologist. However, I have been getting messages asking about Tretinoin after featuring it in one of my blogs as one of my skin care essentials found in my man-bag.

Looking back, my first Tretinoin was prescribed to me by my dermatologist. Now, Tretinoin cream may be purchased over-the-counter (without prescription needed) from the local pharmacy. I use Tretinoin to address my occasional adult acne and for anti-aging purposes. Recommended usage is to apply once daily at bedtime. I only use it though once a week to minimize its side effects. Side effects may include dry skin and photosensitivity. I also read that it may cause a stinging or burning sensation. Although, I have not experienced this yet.

To address dry skin, I make sure I use a good evening moisturizer. During the day, I wear sun protection such as an advanced daily facial moisturizer with SPF 15 and a cap to protect my face from the harsh UV rays of the sun.

Tretinoin works for me but may not work for everyone. It is best to consult a dermatologist first and carefully read the product insert before use.

Have you used Tretinoin? Let me know in the comments section below.

Thanks. Signing out for now. Peace!

The post WHAT IS TRETINOIN? appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

Since my brother, Jemdahunk, loves the Glacial Marine Mud so much, we decided to make a demo video. Contrary to the almost abrasive “charcoal-slash-glue” blackheads remover circulating online, this facial mud pack is light and gentle. Probably one of the best facial mud packs I have come across recently!

Glacial Marine Mud is rich in minerals, sourced from a remote glacial estuary in the Pacific Northwest. It is great for all-over body use, too. It is safety-allergy-dermatologist tested and effectively removes impurities and dead skin cells without affecting normal cells. There is less flaking when dried due to the presence of sea botanicals. There is minimal water separation, too.

This forms part of my almost weekly skin care routine which I coined as Mud Pack Saturday. It is also one great way to spend quality time with friends and family while catching up on things that transpired during the week or while watching a game on TV or during a Game of Thrones marathon on a Saturday.

This amazing product is a must-try. Great testimonials abound online, too. Go and visit the shop now! Free shipping within the Philippines.

Hope you guys enjoy the weekend and have a blast! Signing out for now. Peace!

The post MUD PACK SATURDAY WITH BRO appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

This is the first part of a series. My brother, Jem aka Jemdahunk, the author of the viral video “How To Dance In A Club” joins me to talk about what he has been up to lately, his skin care routine and everything in between.

It has been a long time since he has done any online video lately. That is why I willed myself to avoid splicing the chit chat during video editing to keep its authenticity. Hence, the reason for the 3-part series. Otherwise, I would end up with a 15-minute video. I will be uploading the 2nd and 3rd parts soon.

The post MY BRO JEMDAHUNK IS BACK appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

It is of utmost importance that all (men included) take good care of their skin. Let me keep it simple. The basic rule is to cleanse, tone, moisturize and protect. Use products that can do all four while at the same time hydrating the skin.

Hydration is key. Trust products that are dermatologically tested, too. Choose what is good for the skin or what is Hiyang. Hiyang is a Filipino term which means compatible. One’s skin care routine does not have to be tedious. The simpler the better. Consistency, my friend, is the objective. Just do the routine on a daily basis. Remember to consult a dermatologist, too. We have different skin types and the products that I am using may not be suitable for your skin type.

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Here is my first Vlog. This makes it official. I am a VLOGGER! Lol.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLjY9v8LtVo?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=281]

Surprisingly, talking to a camera can be quite therapeutic. I might just post more vlogs in the future.

Big thanks really for taking the time to read my blog posts at www.theskincareaddict.com. Rest assured that I will keep them short, sweet, relevant and informative.

Keep that skin cleansed, moisturized and protected!

Thank you. Till next time! Signing out. Peace!

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Last Christmas, I got to spend quality time with my siblings in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with minimal costs. It was their treat! See how happy I am in the photo below? Yes, I am blessed to have them. My brother is based in Sharjah and my sister lives in Dubai.

With my siblings at Carrefour in Deira City Center, Dubai.

At Jumeirah Beach Residences’ The Walk which stretches along the beach of the Dubai Marina of the Persian Gulf. 

To shuttle to and fro Sharjah and Dubai, I would take the Dubai Metro. It is still the fastest means of transportation. Taking the cab can be expensive and challenging during rush hour.

Lining up for a taxi in Deira City Center.  

Whenever possible, my sister would drive us all the way to Sharjah. Sometimes, she would let me drive her car, too. Before coming to UAE, I got an International Driver’s License from the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP). And yes, I got it in a jiffy!

For more information on how to secure an International Driver’s License, visit http://www.aaphilippines.org/products.aspx?pages=international-driving-permit

At the Coral Beach Resort in Sharjah. Me trying to achieve that looking-to-the-horizon-Instagram worthy shot and then the little brother sneaks into the frame.  

It was my first time in UAE and first time to see and swim in the Persian Gulf.

Based on my A1 sources (hehe), I learned that the Persian Gulf is one of the most important bodies of water in the region and, in fact, the world. Located in the heart of the Middle East, the Persian Gulf serves as the primary means of transport for gas and oil from Middle Eastern countries to supply the world’s energy demand. The gulf is thought to contain close to 50% of the world’s oil reserves.

Sources: 

http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/persiangulf.htm

https://www.reference.com/geography/bodies-water-middle-east-156523492bcfdd3a#

https://www.reference.com/geography/persian-gulf-located-84afd58a415d267?qo=contentSimilarQuestions

There is another body of water that is closer to home and as important in the world (the universe rather). And that, my friend, is the human body.

Pasok ba sa segue? Pwede na?

The human body is a body of water in that it comprises about 60% water. As it operates, it continuously loses water through sweat and urine. Hence, keeping the body hydrated is vital. Below shows what water can do to keep the body in winning form:

Source: https://water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html

Water helps keep the body oxygenated, skin included being the largest organ.

Just how many glasses of water per day is recommended?

Also known as the Rule of 8, the health authorities’ recommendation is to “drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day.” Note that it states fluid and not water. All fluids count toward the daily total. Food and other beverages also contain water.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256

My brother enjoying his Japanese Ramen Noodle Soup and a glass of water during his last visit to the Philippines.

Just how big is 8 ounce or 236.588 ml?

Well, during my younger years, an 8 ounce would mean a bottle of a popular soda. This size, I believe, is phased out. Hint. Hint. I am not that young anymore. LOL.

Anyway, the point is, 8 ounce is less than half of the commercially available 500ml bottle. Sisiw!

Photo lifted from http://www.terapeak.com/worth/embossed-coca-cola-classic-chattanooga-tn-8-oz-empty-coke-bottle/322023596141/

In addition, below are the best times to drink water:

• Two glasses of water in the morning after waking up to help activate the internal organs
• One glass of water thirty minutes before a meal to aid in digestion.
• One glass of water before taking a bath to help avoid high blood pressure
• One glass of water before going to bed to help avoid strokes and heart attacks

Source: http://www.lifehack.org/359591/drink-water-the-correct-time-stay-healthy

Talk about timing is everything.

I must admit though that drinking four glasses of water before leaving for work can be challenging. Just imagine being stuck in Manila traffic en route to work and Mother Nature calls. LOL.

Just the same, stay healthy and hydrated. Drink up and keep that good-looking skin!

The upcoming posts will be about the skincare essentials in my Billabong man-bag. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The post BODY OF WATER appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

I love traveling.

Rushing to the boarding gate at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to catch a flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

My previous post as a Regional Brand Manager brought me around Asia Pacific. There were times when I would hop from one country to another four times a month. The business trips were short and sweet, say, I would:

• depart Manila on a Monday morning;
• report to the office abroad upon arrival in the afternoon;
• check in the hotel after work;
• report to the office the next day at 8 AM for meetings or fieldwork;
• attend a dinner meeting with the team;
• head to the airport for a flight back to the Philippines or to the next country the next day.

Hectic ba? Mejo. 

Whether traveling for business or leisure, it is vital that I arrive fresh and in tip-top shape.

At the Internet City Metro Station on my way to visit my sister in Dubai.

Visit http://www.billabong.com/asia/ 

 At the Nagoya International Airport, Nagoya, Japan

On top of the multivitamins in my checked luggage and the skin care essentials in my Billabong man-bag (contents of which I can share in my next posts), below are my top five travel buddies:

Headphones

Do not get me wrong, okay? I love kids! However, most of the time, kids especially toddlers on the plane are not accustomed to the stress of flying. Hence, they easily get irritated (perhaps bored?) and resort to endless rants and crying.

This situation calls for creativity and resourcefulness on the part of the parents and the surrounding passengers. For me, I just put on my Sony headphones, up the volume and shut out the sounds of the aircraft and everything that comes with it and in it. Note that all gadgets may only be turned on after take-off and before landing.

Visit http://www.sony.com.ph/

Waiting to board a flight departing Manila.

Sunglasses

Aside from making one maporma (translation: stylish), wearing sunglasses during flight may help protect the eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun. It may also help fix jet lag by minimizing exposure to the bright ultraviolet light during travel and help adjust the biological clock.

Sources:

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/uv-protection/sunglasses-shopping-guide?sso=y

http://blog.aclens.com/2012/04/16/benefits-of-wearing-sunglasses-the-benefits-you-dont-know-about/

By the way, wearing sunglasses at immigration counters or while queuing for immigration or customs is simply not allowed.

Further, sunglasses need to be taken off while boarding. I asked one of the ground staff why. She simply said, “for proper identification and to make sure all boarding passengers do not have sore and red eyes”.

I think this is the famous  The World Islands located in the waters of the Persian Gulf, 4.0 kilometers (2.5 mi) off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Eye mask

Sleeping is one of my favorite hobbies. LOL. That is why I do not find any difficulty sleeping while flying with the help of an eye mask. Catching a few z’s can help regenerate the body and give that much-needed reoxygenation of the skin.

Eye mask provided by Etihad Airways http://www.etihad.com/en-ph/

On board the Dubai Metro.

Face mask

Wearing a face mask reduces the risk of contracting influenza. In this day and age when a new strain of virus can just emerge, it pays to be extra cautious especially when abroad. In my case, I wear it on and off the plane. Thanks for having a flight attendant for a brother, he keeps a box of face masks in his room!

Wearing a face mask may also prevent sniffing unfamiliar odors making one’s commute more pleasurable.

On board the cramped Dubai Metro.

Water

Frequent traveling can take its toll on the body. To combat this, I keep myself hydrated before, during and after the flight. I also drink room temperature water. I read somewhere that there are benefits in drinking room temp. Although some say cold water may be a better option to cool down the body’s temperature after work out or when having a fever, I have yet to do my own research to validate this. Perhaps, this can be a good topic next time.

This I know by heart that hydration is key to healthy skin.

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Summer is just around the corner! Any plans yet? Being born and raised in a tropical country, my family just loves going to the beach to spend quality time while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.

My brother and me enjoying the sun, sand, and sea of the Persian Gulf in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Although I love going to the beach, I am mindful of long exposures to the sun. As much as I can, I try to avoid it, which is close to impossible while on the beach. LOL.

Just how bad is the sun’s rays to the skin?

A dermatologist friend once told me that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are classified into three: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC does not enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Thanks to the Earth’s ozone layer! UVB causes burning. This is the type that can burn the skin darker during long exposures in the sun. On the other hand, UVA causes aging. Hence, even if one is in the shade under a tree or an umbrella, UVA still gets to seep through and can penetrate deep into the skin. The harmful effects of the UVA may be seen in 5 to 10 years time with the appearance of premature aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.

Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Understand-the-Effects-of-Different-UV-Rays

That is why it is important to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Below are 5 ways to protect skin while basking in the sun, sand, and sea.

Stay in the shade during the sun’s peak hours and that is from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is the best time to have long talks with family, munch on light morning snacks, enjoy a cold beer, read a book, listen to music or just lazy around.

Wear white. White clothes reflect the sun’s rays, thereby, helping prevent the harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin.

Wear sunglasses and/or a hat to protect the face and eyes. Yes!  Our eyes need protection, too.

Wear a rash guard. I am not a big fan of rash guards but my brother is. He wears it to protect his tattoo from the sun’s rays and prevent fading and keep the colors true for longer.

Use sunscreen. According to my dermatologist friend, a good sunscreen should be able to protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays, that is, it should protect skin from aging and burning. The sun protection factor (SPF) should be at least SPF 30 and should be reapplied every 2 hours or after excessive sweating or swimming. For the face, use a product that is light and will not clog the pores.

Watch out for my next posts as I share the product that I use for sun protection.

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The post SUN │SAND │SKIN appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It also reflects how one takes care of his body. Follow me as I share the many things I do and not do to keep a healthy looking skin.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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