Vanessa Mayuga-Santos is a former model, VJ, sportscaster, luxury brand specialist and PR manager. She has worked with prestigious brands such as MTV Asia, GMA network, Guerlain, YSL, Jurlique and Decleor. Her most recent post was heading PR for Louis Vuitton Philippines where she successfully helped plan the flagship store re-opening in the highly-publicized event at White Space in 2011.
Currently, she is a full time wife and co-owner of Stella by Tala, a clothing line for young girls she recently launched with her cousin. One of her biggest hobbies is beauty and wellness and has slowly grown her social media presence under the tag #THEVAINMAMA with her monthly Q&A column for Glam-O-Mamas, her product reviews for Glamourbox and her beauty commentary on her personal instragram/twitter/facebook.
Her newest “baby” is being the purveyor of beauty and business partner for the new beauty section of Seek The Uniq which has just gone live last July 10th.
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FACIAL CLEANSERS
TONY MOLY Snail Foaming Cleanses – Surprisingly cool and refreshing. I use this when I am on my TONY MOLY moisturizer rotation.
PONDS Cold Cream & PONDS Facial Wash – Sometimes the simplest things work best. Ponds cold cream is the BEST makeup remover hands down. Beats all the fancy “cleansing oils” in the market (Honestly, just spend your money on a GOOD MOISTURIZER!! Cleansers are just basics.) Just follow up with the facial wash for squeaky-clean goodness….PS – I DO NOT BELIEVE IN TONING. I FEEL IT IS AN UNNECESSARY STEP FOR ADDED SALES (AT MY AGE)… MAYBE WHEN I TURN 50, I’LL RE-CONSIDER.
ST IVES Apricot Scrub – Again, this is an old time favorite since high school. Although recently, Ive been using as a body scrub as well!
CURE Aqua Gel – Yes I got suckered and joined the bandwagon on this CULT exfoliant. Still debating though if the “white flakes” are really from my skin or just the gel transforming. I actually tried it on my bathroom door and white flakes still came off!! HMMMM….
ETUDE HOUSE Wonder Pore Mask – I LOVE masks simply because they are pure fun. My daughter calls me “MOMMY MUMU” when I put this on and I chase her around the room. But it also actually works. I use it once a week and my pores feel much tighter.
TIPS:
a) I like clay mask better than sheet masks (they penetrate deeper) and
b) Pop this baby in the ref and when you apply the mask there is a delicious cooling sensation.
SPA & WELLNESS
JIVAMUKTI China Gel- YOGA has become such an important part of my life. I apply this gel before class and it gives an amazing cooling sensation while I am practicing. Perfect for sore muscles and can even double as a salve for mosquito bites.
ZENNUTRIENTS Massage Oils – I get weekly home massages to de-stress and I pamper myself by using the best massage oils. My favorites are ZENNUTRIENTS “Ginger RX” and “All Is Well”. They are all natural and also come in a mini roll-on, balm, and cooling spray versions.
SHUDH Hair Oil – SHUDH means “peace”. This is a homemade blend crafted by Sue Sahijwani personally for me. It is meant or relaxation and hair thickening. I use it when I get massages and apply also before yoga classes to keep my hair in place instead of hair gel.
HAIRCARE
*As you can see shampoo & conditioners are a personal obsession!! I’ve shared before that you must rotate brands every 3-5 days in order to get the best benefits. My current favorites are:
ZENNUTRIENTS GUGO SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER – This is one my favorite local brands and is honest organic goodness that really adds much needed volume to my fine hair. I invested in the 1 liter sizes as this pair is a regular in my rotation. Love also the real gugo barks floating inside the bottle – adorable.
DOVE Damage Solutions Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo & Conditioner – DOVE is also one my current favorites as this is the only “anti hair fall” that really worked for me. After only 5 days, my hair was full of luster and volume.
VIDAL SASSOON IONIC TRAVEL HAIRDRYER & BRUSH – The best hair dryer in the market. A must need for fine hair like mine. The brush was a GWP (love freebies!) and works perfectly with the dryer.
FINESSE Hair Mousse & Hair Spray
I love old school products – makes me feel young. These keep my hair in place.
PANTENE CLINICARE Hair Volumizer – I discovered this made in Japan hair volumizer in Mannings in HK. Love secret finds. I used to use PHYTO volumizer spay but this is a third of the price and works just as well.
SKINCARE
ESTEE LAUDER Advanced Time Repair Night Serum & Advanced Repair Eye – Skincare is most important in the evening as this is when your skin cells regenerate. I use this serum and eye cream every night with whatever current cream I am using (you DO NOT have to use all the same brand; just test for any reactions). This night repair serum is magic in a bottle.
ESTEE LAUDER PERFECTIONIST SERUM and Advanced Time Zone Night Cream & Eye Cream – This is the perfect anti-age regimen for me now. I am 35 and need some “time repair” magic. Has worked wonders. SECRET TIPS: a) Use the night cream day & night (it is so much better than the day cream), b) Use Perfectionist Serum as a base for a BB cream for a flawless finish.)
TONY MOLY Snail Cream Premium Moisturizer & Eye Cream – In my search for consumer brands that are effective yet still have a luxury feel, I discovered this quirky Korean Brand. After researching more about it, I mustered up the courage and tried the SNAIL moisturizer and eye cream. I am totally sold! Perfect light texture and my skin feels so healthy. Great value for money too.
GUERLAIN MIDNIGHT STAR & MIDNIGHT SECRET – Guerlain is close to my heart as it was the first beauty brand I launched in Manila. This is a my “secret combo” for beauty radiance.
MIDNIGHT STAR – One caplsule as a make-up primer. Instant radiance boost and sets make-up for hours. Protects your skin against cigarette smoke and pollution. I only use this for very special events.
MIDNIGHT SECRET – it is sleep in a bottle. You apply to a clean face and sleep only for 3-5 hours and its like you got an entire’s night sleep. This is not for regular use, only for beauty emergencies. TRIVIA: We sold the most number of Midnight Secret bottles in the world, when we launched the brand in Manila in 2006.
Gillette Razor & Gatsby Shaving Foam Gel – Unwanted hair is a non-negotiable. I just love the cute pink Sensor Excel for women I found in S&R and the Gatsby Foam gel works well and moisturizes at the same time.
DOVE Body Lotion – Dove is the “moisture expert” and this lotion is my recent favorite.
COLGATE Optic White Toothpaste – Who does not want a pearly white smile? This one works wonders.
ZENNUTRIENTS Lemongrass & Eucalyptus Mosquito Spray – Dengue is a big fear especially when you are a mom. I have a GALLON industrial size of this spray that the whole family uses. It is oil free and 100% organic and safe for the kids.
ZENNUTRIENTS Tea Tree Deo Spray – AMAZING. Keeps me fresh all day long and is gentle and organic while being anti-bacterial as well. This product is the BEST!
MAKEUP
FACE
HEY NATURE Black Diamond BB Cream – I am still on the fence about the entire BB/CC cream craze (Its basically just tinted moisturizer re-marketed as “skincare”)…I am currently using this as part of my test products for www.glamourbox.com. So far it has the best dewy finish, has skin firming properties, and does not feel cakey at all. The fact that it is an organic brand is a major plus as well.
GIORGIO ARMANI Powder Foundation – This is my one makeup indulgence. Quite pricey but quality is flawless and impeccable. TIP: Just get the compact once and stock up on refills. They are half the price.
GUERLAIN Terracotta Bronzer # 3 – The best bronzer in the world and was the first ever to be launched back in the 90’s. No shimmer just pure bronzing goodness. I mix this with my blush for contouring.
NARS Blush in Orgasm- Hands down the best natural blush color for day and night; the glow of love is the best. haha
MAC Hydrating Mineralized Facial Spray – I spray this right after putting on my make-up to set it. Keep a bottle in my bag at all times also to stay fresh all day long.
EYES
EYES OF HORUS Organic Mascara – This was the first product I reviewed for www.glamourbox.com. It is amazingly effective and long lasting for an organic mascara. My lashes stay pristine the whole day (up to 12 hours!). Removal is so easy too as you just need a simple foaming cleanser.
MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NW25- This has been my best friend since high school. It is the only concealer that works for my dark circles.
MAC Eye Pencil in “Stubborn Brown” – I’ve tried tons of eyeliners but this shade is the best for me and lasts the whole day.
MAC Eyebrow Duo Palette – Eyebrows are so critical as they define the shape of your face. I love this new duo from MAC.
Chanel Eye Shadow Duo – Am quite simple when it comes to eyeshadow and generally only use this for evenings. I just blend two colors (1 light and 1 dark) to brighten up my eyes.
YSL Touche Eclat – One is sold every 5 seconds around the world. Instant pick me up. Just apply a little underneath your eyebrow crease, on the tip of your nose, on your forehead and BLEND. Instant radiance!
SHISEIDO Eyelash Curler – Tools are just as essential as products. This is the one of the best investments you can make. Sometimes I just curl my lashes and don’t put mascara when my lashes need a rest.
LIPS
MAC Lip Conditioner – Any lipstick will not cure chapped or dry lips. I use this as an overnight treatment when my lips feel extra dry.
GIORGIO ARMANI Sheer Lipstick in #201 – I only use this on special occasions or date nights. No need for a gloss. Shade is wonderfully sexy without being over the top.
ESTEE LAUDER Double Wear Lipstick in “Stay Rose” – Recently discovered this amazing long wearing lipstick. I use it for work days and it lasts the entire day. Finish is quite matte so I balance it off with a gloss.
VMV SHEER LIPSTICK in “Toasted Cherries” – I love supporting local brands – and VMV is amazing. This is 100% hypoallergenic and I use this on my mommy days.
CHANEL & DIOR Glosses – Am not too fussy with gloss; these are my current favorites bought at SASA. I just use a neutral gloss to set/balance my lipstick.
BEACH BEAUTY
MAUI BABE Browning Lotion – I just discovered this last May from KAROTITAY (Karrots Nazarenno) and I am a true believer. Instant tan in just an hour. Smell is amazing – it’s a blend of coffee and macadamia nut oil. I hoarded 3 bottles as they are always out of stock!
BEACH HUT Scalp & Hair SPF & CARMEX Lip Balm SPF 25 – Don’t forget your hair and lips need protection under the sun too.
VMV ARMADA Face Cover SPF 40 – As much as I love to tan, I also do not want wrinkles. The HAPPY COMPROMISE – use the BEST sunblock on your face before tanning. I love VMV as texture is light and melts into my skin.
HAWAIIAN TROPIC Sheer Sunblock SPF 30 - Tanning is great but you do not want to burn. I apply this as well all over before leaving my room…I alternate re-applying this with MAUI BABE… PROPER TANNING TAKES WORK.
HAWAIIAN TROPIC After Sun Aloe Gel – Peeling skin is just not a pretty sight. I apply this LIBERALLY for 2 weeks after being exposed to the sun.
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FRAGRANCE
Scent is such a powerful sensory experience. My beauty training has taught me the importance of a good fragrance and how each note/scent tells a story. My current favorites are:
MUSTELA MUSTI Cologne and Acqua Di Colognia – I use this on “MOMMY DAYS” to keep me fresh as my babies.
JO MALONE “Lime, Basil, and Mandarin layered with Blackberry Bay” – I use this for events or dinners out with friends.
GUERLAIN Herba Fresca – I use this for work days to keep me going all day long.
FLORIS LONDON EDT – This is actually my husband’s but I sometimes use it when I feel like something clean & masculine.
GUERLAIN L’Instant EDP for “DATE NIGHTS” – This was the scent that my husband says made him fall in love with me The story of the fragrance is such: “L’INSTANT” is the moment when a man realizes that you are “the one”.
GUERLAIN LIMITED EDITION PERFUME GOLD DUST – Beauty should bring fun & magic into your life. I used this gold dust during my wedding and other important occasions. Also recently, for the kids during the shoot for the “Stella by TALA” campaign. The kids all loved the “PIXIE DUST” and it truly brought some magic to the shoot
CHINESE REMEDIES
*I love hunting for hidden beauty treasures and one of my favorite haunts are CHINESE PHARMACIES. These are my favorite finds thus far:
DAU NONG TRUONG SON – This was an amazing Binondo find that is a better smelling version of “White Flower”. Best for aches and pains.
ERASE Roll On Oil – The only thing that has worked the best in removing scars (from my disastrous cooking adventures).
ZHENG GU SHUI – I am a klutz and bruise easily and often. This is my savior. I just apply using a cotton ball day & night, and my bruises are gone in 2 days max. TIP: Don’t get the one with a roll on cover as it tends to get clogged after awhile. The basic version works just fine.
DOAN’S OINTMENT – Chinese version of a boo-boo balm I just discovered in Binondo. I used it on my hubbies bike wounds and so far so good.
**Some of Van’s favorite products can be purchased via Seek the Uniq**
as told to divasoria