How to get rid of dry skin on face♥

source: Freepik

We all know menopause is inevitable.   Skin changes are one of the side effects of it. The drop of estrogen during menopause causes dry skin and acne.  

I started protecting my skin at 35, so I felt I had prepped my skin for menopause. Of course I thank my parents for good genes.  

Last month, I started experiencing dry and flaky skin: around my mouth and the lower part of my cheeks.  Since I just started using a new product (that time)  sun block and makeup primer in one, I thought it was the cause of the dryness.  So I decided to stop using it, but my face remained dry and flaky (even though I still use my favorite skincare).

I was planning to visit my dermatologist, but I thought of trying Clinique moisturizer again (if it does not work - it's derma time). I stopped using it - let's admit it's a bit pricey I have no choice because I know it's one of the best moisturizers in the market. Instead of using my usual facial wash, I tried Cetaphil cleanser.

After two days of using the Clinique moisturizer + Cetaphil Cleanser in the morning and night time (with my skin care).  My face became less dry and flaky (on the specific areas I mentioned).  Five days later, no dryness or flakiness and my skin became more soft and smooth.

Now these two products will now form part of my daily facial care routine.  

Here are also some of the things we should do to prevent skin dryness and flakiness during menopause:

1. Hydrate - drink at least 8 glasses of water.  I know I am guilty of this sometimes... but I am working for it.
2. Sleep - try to get quality sleep.
3. Don't smoke
4. Don't drink alcohol
5. Use sun screen / sun block to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
6. Moisturize!

*This is not a sponsored post.

Metallic bags anyone?

A shiny and shimmering statement piece is coming this Spring and Summer of 2024.  A soft launch of metallic bags was seen on the last part of 2023.  So expect more : Metallic Silver, Gold and Rosy Golds ... I'm excited.

Preppy outfit + Metallic bag --- I love it!♥

Here are some of Metallic bags from high end luxury to budget friendly.  My fashion mantra is always - Style or Fashion need not be expensive... You can innovate or make an extra effort to search for affordable fashion finds.

source: Chanel

This Mini flap bag with star coin purse is one of my favorites, well as we all know Chanel doesn't come cheap.  This comes in two variants - Light Gold and  Light Purple.  Dimension : 7.8 x 5.85 x 2.54  inches.  There is also a slightly smaller version of this mini flap that measures 7.4 x 4.9 x 2 inches comes in 3 colors: Metal Pink, Metal Purple and Light Gold.

This is the larger version of the Chanel mini flap that only comes in Metallic Silver and measures 9.36 x 6.04 x 2.93 inches.

source: Dior

Miss Dior mini bag in classic Cannage lambskin material and measures 8.5 x 4.2 x 2 inches  and comes with a chain strap.

source: Prada

This Metallic Leather tote comes with an adjustable strap : Dimension 17.5 x 15 x 5 cm.

source: Michael Korrs

MK Tribeca Metallic Convertible Cross body bag in  Pale Gold : Dimension - 7.5 x 4.5 x 1.25 inches.  This bag also comes in Silver and Black.

source: Michael Korrs

Who would not love this Kendall Small Metallic Shoulder Bag it's super cute!  This comes in 3 colors Gold, Silver and Anthracite (like Gun metal). It measures 9..25 x 6.5 x 2.25 inches.

source: Marc Jacobs

source: Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs also have metallic versions of his famous bags - The Snapshot and The Slingshot.  Both bags only come in Metallic Silver.

source: Mango

This Cross body with double handle bag from Mango is dual purpose that is aside from being so cute.  It's a 2 in 1 bag, you can carry it by hand or cross body.  Dimension: 21 x 22 x 7cm and also comes in green and black.  This is also very affordable, it costs P1,695.00.

source: Mango

If you are into large bags, this metallic shopper bag from Mango is for you. This zip enclosure oversized bag measures 65 x 34 x 19cm.  Price: P9,995.00

source: Mango

Bottega Veneta feels... you have to get this Mango braided bag.  It has a detachable strap and comes in two colors (Silver and Beige).  Dimension : 20 x 16 x 12cm. Price: P2,495.00

source: Gentle Woman

source: Gentle woman

Source: Gentle woman

The Thailand based - Gentle Woman also has it own share of Metallic bags :  The Dumpling bag,  Silver  Price Micro Tote and Twinkling Puffer tote.  Price ranges from P1,500.00 to P3,500.00.

Review: Goli Pre+Post+Probiotics Gummies♥

source: Amazon.com

As they say, good health starts with a healthy gut.  If you have an unhealthy gut you normally experience the following: upset stomach (bloating, gas, constipation), fatigue, skin conditions, bloating, and some autoimmune conditions.  Probiotics help improve these things.  Few years ago, I started  suffering from  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) which is also known as Acid Reflux.  I have experienced this more often especially when I reached menopause.  Even though I tried to stay away with foods that trigger it.  Bottom line: Digestive problems is really one of the side effects of perimenopause and menopause.  

Last week I started taking Goli Pre+Post+Probiotics.  It's the first 3-in-1 gummies that combines :

• Prebiotics - "a non-digestive food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon and thus provides host health." - according to National Institute of Health.  Prebiotic foods include: Banana, Oat, Garlic Strawberry, Asparagus, Nuts  to name a few.
• Probiotics - I know we are more familiar with this - these are live microorganisms that when consumed provide health benefits such as yogurt, yakult and other fermented foods.
• Postbiotics - According to Harvard health - "Are the waste left behind after your body digests the Prebiotics and Probiotics.  Healthy postbiotics include nutrients such as Vitamins B and K, amino acids and substances called antimicrobial peptides that slows down the growth of harmful bacteria."

Imagine combining these three in gummies form: which can provide Digestive Health, Immune Support  and Balanced Gut.  Actually I have already saw these in Goli website last year but that time it's not yet available here in the Philippines.  Luckily when I checked two weeks ago, it was already here!  That's why I purchased it right away and I wanted to give it a try.

All you have to do is to take 3 gummies once daily.  In  my case, I take it in the morning on an empty stomach.  Honestly, after taking it the first time I already experienced some changes in my stomach.  I felt less bloated, less gas and less burping.  Hopefully this will continue.  

The only downside is that it was too sticky so it's hard to get it out of the bottle and the price.  

Here it cost around P927.00 + shipping fee.  Got it from Shopee so I was able to get a free shipping voucher.  One bottle has 60 gummies so one bottle is only good for 20days.

Verdict: ♥♥♥♥ out of 5  - It's effective but kinda pricey.

**This is not a sponsored post.