Monday, September 26, 2011

Ilog Maria

After an outreach program in Tagaytay to celebrate a friend's birthday, we did a quick stop at Ilog Maria, a honeybee farm which sells organic health and body products, before heading back home. It was hard not to panic buy in their quaint little store as their goods are very inexpensive and look very promising. I have also heard a lot of good things about their products.

Beauty Tip # 10

After applying your lipstick, take a facial tissue, separate to one ply and lightly blot on your lips.
This will take away excess oils that cause fading without removing the color.

xoxo


Freckles, Anyone?


This may be the most bizarre beauty trend I've ever seen - freckles. I don't have them and it would be too tedious to create real looking freckles everyday. And it would be weird to have freckles in the morning and have them magically disappear by midday because of your natural oils, right? And imagine if you accidentally touch your face and brushed/smudged them. DISASTER.

I find freckles really pretty. But they actually result from excessive sun exposure. They're a sign that your skin is getting damaged by the sun. And those who like to tan a lot are more prone to develop freckles. So if you're thinking of getting a real set of freckles for yourself, stop. It wouldn't be worth it, just think about your future deep wrinkles and skin cancer.

But to those who have natural freckles, it's your time to shine come Spring 2012. Work it!!!

xoxo








References:
Photo from Style.com
http://www.freckles.org/causes.aspx



Friday, September 23, 2011

The Big Sibling Book

I found this book while I was looking for a Christmas gift for an expecting couple. Why didn't I see this when I was pregnant with my second child? I think this is such a great way to get your eldest involved in your pregnancy and ease the jealousy he/she may be feeling. My eldest wasn't super jealous with the idea of our family having a new baby but I know it was stressful for her nonetheless. I'm sure this would be a keepsake every parent would love to have.

The Big Sibling Book: Baby's First Year According to ME
Available at Amazon.com, for a discounted price of USD13.59 or Php592.00.

If you have friends who are expecting their second (or nth) child, mention this book to them. I'm sure they'll thank you for it. :)

xoxo








More Beauty Tips / Hair Ideas

I found some more beauty tips, but for your crowning glory this time. :)

I've seen a lot of articles about the right haircut for your face shape and this is an up to date compilation...

Thursday, September 22, 2011

30 Beauty Tips

I stumbled upon this great list of beauty tricks and tips from Shape.com and I just have to share it with you guys.


One of the tips I'm excited to try is to apply a hair conditioning masque overnight to have super soft angelic hair next morning and I'll do that tonight! I'm hoping that this will be the answer my unruly hair has been looking for! :)

View the list here and let's all be pretty!!! ;-)

xoxo


Allure Digital

Previous to this post, I talked about Zinio and digital magazines. But they don't carry all the magazines I like. I prayed and waited for months for Allure to be available on Zinio but nothing. Good thing they came out with their own magazine app for the iPad.

Allure October 2011 Issue

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Digital Magazines

If you're a magazine freak like me, Zinio is a great app to have on your tablet, smartbook, mobile phone and even your laptop and desktop. They have a ton of magazine titles (and even ebooks) to choose from. And when I say a ton, I mean A TON!

Portable Mirror with Lights

I've been contemplating of getting a portable mirror with lights for a long time and I finally had one made.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Beauty Tip # 9

Matte eyeshadows are quite tricky to use because of its flat finish.
It is best to use them to contour your eyes (and even the face if you use the right color)
because its finish mimics the texture of your skin thus making the contour natural.
Of course, you can use a matte eyeshadow all over your eyes,
but make sure to curl your lashes and put on mascara to give your eyes more life
and avoid looking flat.

If you find yourself having a hard time blending matte eyeshadows,
very lightly dust your eyelids with loose powder prior to eyeshadow application.
This removes the natural oils on your lids to make them smooth and ready for eye makeup.

 
xoxo



Fall 2011 Makeup Trends To Try

As we update our closets with pieces from the coming fall season, let's consider updating our makeup looks as well. Here are the makeup trends from the Fall 2011 runways to try.

ORANGE EYES - Orange eye makeup was dominant for the Fall 2011 runway shows and they range from bright and bold to nighttime glam to very subtle. Be careful though when picking your orange shadows because they can make your eyes look tired especially the reddish ones. When doing an intense orange eye makeup, line your waterline with a white or nude pencil to counteract tiredness effect.

Chloe

Marriot Weekend

We just enjoyed a quick get-away at the Marriot Hotel this weekend. I am happy to report that it was a pretty good stay! We stayed in a Guest Room which is very spacious.


Shop StyleMint

I'm sure you've all heard of StyleMint - the newest T-shirt label by the super twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Missoni for Target Spree

I was one of the hundreds or even thousands of people who shopped Target.com on the day Missoni for Target launched. It was the most stressful online shopping experience, I swear. Prior to the launch, I stalked Target Style's Facebook page to find out exactly what time the collection will be available online. Originally, they said it will be at 12 midnight EST. Then the day before, they said the collection will be viewable by 4am EST but shoppers won't be able to check out until 8am EST. So in Manila, that was 4pm and 8pm respectively. I planned my day to make sure I'll be home by 4pm.

I got home a little after 4pm. I couldn't get through the site. So I kept refreshing the page and waited for a looooong time. I kept checking twitter and people were suggesting to shop thru Target's iPhone or iPad app. I downloaded both but nothing... I told myself, I'm probably never going to get anything from this collection and that it's probably not meant to be (the usual shopping mantra, right? Hahaha.). After a while, my sister-in-law called me to say she's in and I gained hope. Soon after, the collection was slowly uploading right in front of my eyes and I opened all categories in different tabs. Some weren't loading properly and the women's clothing was the last tab to load.

My cart had a lot of stuff and I had to edit... as I was editing, some of the stuff I wanted were getting sold out. HUGE STRESS! So I had to hurry up and check out. And I was done before 8pm. I logged out right after ordering so other people could shop. :)

Here are the stuff I ordered...

Purple Cardigan: one for each of my daughters :)

TalenTADOng Pinoy

Hahaha. This guy is hilarious. I don't usually get starstruck. I refuse to get starstruck. But there are exceptions and I'm proud to say he is one of them! Hahaha.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Make Up For Ever Wish List

Why can't I stop buying makeup??? It's crazy. I already have more than enough and yet I keep adding stuff to my list. Since I took a makeup class in Maquillage Professionel, I've been lusting over a bunch of Make Up For Ever (MUFE) babies. In the class, we didn't have to bring anything. Everything was provided by the school. And since the school is run by the same company who brought Make Up For Ever here in Manila, we only used makeup from the pro brand.

12 Flash Color Case

This is the one item I really must have. I can go without buying the other stuff in this list but I need this. Hahaha. I sound so obsessed. But I just loved using the flash color sticks in class as it makes the color really pop out and more vibrant. The flash color sticks actually come in a foundation stick container, in 24 colors, with about three times more product than a cube in this kit. Even with just 12 colors and the smaller quantity, this is a better choice price-wise and space-wise.


My Habit

This is one of the sites I religiously visit every single day.


MYHABIT is a private fashion sale site offering up to 60% off hand-picked selections from designer and boutique brands. Founded by Amazon.com, MYHABIT sets a new standard in convenience, offering free, instant membership; fast, free shipping on U.S. orders and free return shipping in the U.S., as well as fast $15 international shipping to 50+ countries. 

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Product Review: Maybelline Eyestudio 2-in-1 Impact Shadow Liner

Do you know that the eyeliner was first used by the Egyptians in 10,000 BC but not necessarily for aesthetic purposes but to protect their eyes from the sun and for their superstitious belief that it protects the wearer from the evil eye? But it wasn't until the 1920s that people's interest in eyeliner grew and women really started using it. There are different formulation of eyeliners now - pencil, liquid, gel and cake which is like a powder compact form. After all these years (centuries even), you'd expect nothing but the best from the eyeliners available today in the market. I mean, cosmetic companies have spent a lot of time researching and improving their products after all. Unfortunately, not all eyeliners are performers.

Over the years, I've purchased a couple of eyeliners that are just not worth my money. And often, people have this notion of buying an expensive product equates to good quality which is not always true. A good example is Maybelline's Eyestudio 2-in-1 Impact Shadow Liners. These eyeliners are so affordable and they work amazingly.

Maybelline Eyestudio 2-in-1 Impact Shadow Liners

The Cardigan Coat

I WAAAAAAAANT!!!

Doo.Ri Cardigan Coat for Shopbop


































It looks so comfy! I want, want, want this! Someone please show me where I could get a cheaper version because it is crazy super expensive at USD875.00! I am not even going to bother converting the price... Hahaha!

I love you cardigan coat!

You can find the amazing cardigan coat here.

xoxo


Thursday, September 8, 2011

Beauty Tip # 8

For your everyday makeup, finish off with a loose powder or powder foundation using a powder brush. This gives a healthy looking matte finish but it is prone to touch ups throughout the day so 
it's best to use a mattifying primer under.
 
Using a puff is more ideal to keep the oils at bay but then 
it also gives a thick chalky mask-like finish which is scary to look at during daytime. 
So take caution when using a puff, apply very lightly and buff with a powder brush afterwards. 
Save the super matte foundation for nighttime and special occasions.

xoxo



Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Brush Review: Shu Uemura Natural 18 Foundation Brush

I own a dozen of foundation brushes. Seriously. I just counted. I don't know how that happened but they're all in my brush belt. Well, of course they're not all the same. I have a couple of the regular foundation brushes (flat and tapered), a couple of the stippling kind (in different sizes) and some "special" ones. Hahaha.


Anyhoo, I'm here to review Shu Uemura's Natural 18 Foundation Brush. Foundation brushes are often made of synthetic hair since they are used for liquid and cream products and they won't absorb so much product unlike natural bristled brushes. This particular brush is made of natural goat hair.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Makeup Artist Profile: Emer Buenaventura

EMER BUENAVENTURA

Everyone, meet Emer! A very talented makeup artist who travels sooooo unbelievably light, works really fast and creates super amazing makeup looks. A lot of us gets baffled how he can survive without bringing a ton of stuff to makeup gigs. Well, it's just that he really knows his makeup, knows how to use them and knows how to be creative and resourceful. A true makeup genius! 

How did you get started in the makeup industry?

My first job was in a production for fashion shows and special events.  I got really fascinated with makeup and hair styling backstage but thought i needed big capital to invest in good products and tools.  So i worked in different companies for 7 or 8 years before realizing it's time for me to do what i really wanted.  I practiced doing makeup on myself and when i was confident enough, I started doing makeup for my mom, sister, and friends.  I was even given as a gift to brides when they ask my mom to be their godmother.  After doing 6 months doing freelance jobs in magazines and special events, I was hired as a counter makeup artist at MAC Makati and got most of my professional training from there.

How long have you been doing makeup?
6 or 7 years

What is the most important thing you do when doing someone’s makeup?
I always analyse the face of the client or subject and ask her questions which can help me do my job better. 

What is you favorite makeup memory/experience?
I don't really have a particular favorite makeup experience.  I guess the most memorable are the jobs i get when the client or model appreciates my work.

What inspires you when doing makeup?
Different elements inspires me when doing makeup: the client or model, the clothes and styling, the photographer, the hair style, the location, etc.  I also like to get inspiration from old photos or movies of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor and from the contemporary looks of Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, and Rihanna.

What are your top 5 makeup items? Please explain why you love them.

MAC Strobe Cream

An excellent makeup base and makes the face glow naturally radiant.
MAC Brow Set in Girl Boy

Brushes the brow hair in place and lightens it that softens the look.
Mary Kay Brow Definer in Taupe and Blonde

These pencils are quite soft making it easy for me to blend.
 
Maybelline Volum' Express Cats Eye Mascara

Once applied, the lashes stays in place.

MAC Studio Fix Powder + Foundation

Delivers a velvety matte finish and long wearing.

That wraps up this month's featured makeup artist and I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you Emer! Until next month! :)

xoxo


Song Crush


I love this song. I've been hearing it in our makeup class for the past weeks and I didn't know what the title is and who sang it. When I get home, I just couldn't remember the tune of the song. I had to listen to the song carefully and write down parts of the lyrics then Googled it and here it is!

I couldn't believe Enrique Iglesias sang this. I think this is the first of his songs that I like. Doesn't he look absolutely gorgeous without his infamous mole? :) Nicole Scherzinger is equally gorgeous and super sexy! Is that even possible? Hahaha.

Enjoy the song! :)

xoxo


Sunday, September 4, 2011

Day 11 to 13: Makeup School

Here is the last chapter of my adventures in makeup school. We finished the course last Friday and we did a couple of challenging makeup looks for the past three days.

DAY 11 - High Fashion Makeup

Today's makeup look was inspired by the 1960s. Think about big doe eyes. Think Twiggy and Bridget Bardot.

My Model: BEFORE
My Model: AFTER

Friday, September 2, 2011

Best of Both Worlds

This is the work I did for Southern Living's June 2011 issue. I did grooming for Cookie la O', a professional golfer.


This was actually the magazine's father's day feature. Cookie was accompanied by his wife and their two super adorable kids at the shoot. We did a couple of shots but mostly it was just of Cookie. I'm glad the magazine chose this photo. Cute kids, right?

Southern Living is a free lifestyle guide (they also have Northern Living and other titles as well). When I have work in a magazine or other publication, I make sure I get myself a copy. I didn't know where I could get this other than their office. So when I saw this in Yellow Cab, I had to ask the manager if I could have it. And no, I did not steal it. He was actually very nice about it. Thanks Mr. Manager! :)

Anyhoo, speaking of fathers and father's day, it's my dad's birthday next week and I don't know what to get him. It's just so hard to buy gifts for men, don't you agree? This means one thing, we're heading to the mall tomorrow! :)

xoxo









Photography by Jojo Gloria
Grooming by Christine Rojas-LaviƱa

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Beauty Tip # 7

Make your mascara work for you - swipe it right!
To do a sexy cat eye look, do sideways strokes towards the outer corner of the eyes.
To make your lashes appear full, wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes 
then finish off with a stroke upwards.
To lengthen, add a light application on the tips of your lashes.

Keep a mascara wand handy at all times. This helps you separate your lashes and 
lets you take care of clumps before your mascara dries up.
  I like the MAC 205 Mascara Fan Brush. 
At first, I didn't know why I even bought it but this is a super brush! Love it!
 


Happy September Loves! :)

xoxo