Book an appointment at these new establishments that are revolutionizing beauty, wellness, and skincare in the country.
This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s July 2023 Issue.
The importance of self-care to one’s mental and physical well-being is a topic that has been around for quite a while. However, it was during the recent pandemic and the subsequent stress on everyone’s mental health, that self-care became a popular addition to activities people do regularly. Luna Marie Garcia, Ria Prieto, and Windie Villarica-Hayano are three women who have revolutionized the practice of self-care through their respective innovative businesses.
READ MORE: Beyond The Surface: Taking A Deeper Approach To Skincare
Luna Marie Garcia: Unfiltered Wellness Center
Garcia opened Unfiltered Wellness with her friend and business partner, Rina Navarro. When asked what prompted her to open such a business, she replied, “Passion and interest. Rina has this lifelong love affair with skin care products. She loves buying (and hoarding) anything that has to do with skin care. Rina handles the business side of Unfiltered,” she explains. She likewise recounts that as the total opposite of her business partner, she’s a minimalist when it comes to skincare products.
With both women interested in skincare, it was only natural that they’d open a business along the same line. “Unfiltered started from humble beginnings. Rina and I originally planned on coming out with a skincare line that would simplify skin care and now we are blessed with space to house our wellness center.”
Skin Care is Self-Care
When asked what the objective of their business is, Garcia replies, “Our core message is that skin care is self-care. The skin is the most visible part of our body and it serves as an indicator of health. As my practice evolved through the years, from being a science person to learning energy medicine and self-love, we were able to build a business that will cater to a need that most do not recognize: selfcare,” she explains.
This wellness center offers treatments that are very much in-demand with their regular clientele such as their U-Signature Facial which consists of deep cleansing, crystal hydrodermabrasion, serum electroporation, and light therapy. This exceptional fusion of techniques was crafted to provide the utmost care that the skin requires, unveiling its innate radiance.
U-Intense Underarm Whitening consists of 60-minutes of deep cleansing, crystal hydrodermabrasion, and Pico Laser. It lightens the underarms, deals with chicken skin issues and assures hair reduction.
For the body, U-Slim is a program designed to address unwanted fat concerns, sagging skin, and muscle tone. This is recommended as one of the best options to achieve the body’s desired shape.
UNFILTERED WELLNESS CENTER is located at the 4th floor of CIP Bldg. 1030, Campus Ave. McKinley Hill, Taguig City. For inquiries and appointments, you may contact (+63) 917-884-5698. You may also follow their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Ria Prieto: Ayumi
Prieto, well-known magazine editor, content creator, and online trendsetter is the proud owner of Ayumi, a lash bar located at The Peninsula Manila that offers Japanese lash extensions as well as brow and nail services.
“I’ve been using Ayumi’s services for about five years now. I was traumatized the first time I tried lash extensions, so I was wary. But I do have very short Asian lashes and always envied girls with long lashes, so I gave it a go. With Ayumi, it didn’t feel heavy and it didn’t damage my lashes so I kept using them. In truth, something as simple as having my lashes done makes me feel prettier, and makes me more confident leaving the house with a bare face. I really love how it opens up my eyes. But mostly, I really trust my lashes to Ayumi. When the opportunity arose to open a branch, I happily took it,” she recounts.
Beyond Profit
Prieto confesses that profit is not the foremost objective of this business. “In anything I invest in, I just want to make sure I won’t be ashamed to invite my friends to try it. It’s important to me that I don’t lose their trust. Profit will follow. The difference between Ayumi at The Peninsula and the other branches is, we only have three beds. Therefore, people can close the whole place down and plan beauty trips with their friends. It’s just more exclusive and private that way. We also offer other services, but lashes are really our main core. The objective is also to be able to book anytime of the day. We are open 24/7 and can also do home service, if requested.”
Prieto defines wellness simply as “what we do to make us feel good,” but she also delves deeper into its definition by adding, “It’s really more an internal thing that resonates externally when you think about it. Taking time for oneself in any way a person feels best is wellness. It’s really not defined by one service. It’s very personal.”
AYUMI JAPANESE EYELASH EXTENSION AND NAIL ART is located at Room 260, 2nd Floor, The Peninsula Manila 1226 Makati Ave, Makati, Metro Manila. For inquiries and appointments, you may contact (+63) 956-130-4390 or (02) 8887 2888.
Windie Villarica-Hayano: Skin Inc Dermatology and Laser Center
A board certified doctor by profession, Windie Villarica-Hayano together with her partners, opened Skin Inc. in what she describes as serendipitous circumstances. “My partners, Dr. Sandy Tan, Dr. Jacqueline Ty-So and Dr. Maximin Navarro are such amazing people and brilliant doctors, so it was a very easy decision.”
Skin Inc Dermatology and Laser Center boasts of these globally trained doctors who are equipped to treat a wide range of skin, hair and nail issues. So whether its psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne or wrinkles, Skin Inc.’s specialists can be of service.
“We carry a wide range of lasers, light and energy devices, perform facials, deliver injectables like botox, fillers, enzymatic fat lipolysis to minor dermatologic surgeries and biopsies. We continue to update our services since medicine evolves fast. However, we assure our patients that everything we deliver is based on scientific research and evidence,” Villarica-Hayano assures.
Advocating Outer and Inner Wellness
“Our patients come to us for a variety of reasons. Regardless of whether they come for cosmetic or pathologic reasons, the ultimate answer is to be well. The skin is the largest organ of the body and it is really difficult to hide it when there is something wrong. It is a clear health indicator. One that has a huge impact on self-esteem, confidence and mental health. We, at Skin Inc. believe that one of the best ways to stay healthy is to provide this type of care and attention to our patients. There have been numerous studies on how dermatologic conditions lead to depression and how something like Botox can alleviate that. When you look good, you feel good!”
SKIN INC DERMATOLOGY INC AND LASER CENTER is located in Room 303-304, Tritan Plaza Building, San Gregorio St. Paseo de Magallanes, Magallanes Village, Makati. For inquiries and appointments, you may contact (02)- 8853-3024 or send an email to [email protected].
Read more by purchasing a copy of the Lifestyle Asia July 2023 magazine via SariSari.shopping or select newsstands in National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Subscribe to the E-Magazine via Readly, Magzter, and Press Reader.
Banner photo courtesy of Ayumi.
