ang kikay ni mia! ♥

Why I Love Belle De Jour

2011-11-29T02:23:00.001+08:00

Belle de Jour (n. bel duh zhoor'):
French fashion lingo for I.T. Girl; The modern-day renaissance woman who dares to achieve her goals, lives her dream life, makes a difference in her community, and does everything in great style.

i have been using the Belle De Jour Planner ever since it was launched in 2007 :) and there is one primary reason why BDJ remains to be the perfect planner for me, and no, it's not the discount coupons (although that comes close haha) :P

a snapshot of my week in early 2011

i absolutely love how the weekly pages are laid out! :) a planner should first and foremost, help you organize your busy yet fabulous life, and BDJ hit it right on the nail. it's organized into columns which allows me to easily fill in all my appointments. i'm also able to clearly set my most important tasks for the day. additionally, there are areas to jot down random thoughts. seriously, it's brilliant! :D

so i definitely want a Belle De Jour Planner for 2012! :)

packed with all the features we ladies need and love such as Vacation Planner, Bills and Cash Flow Tracker, Menstrual Tracker, and a whole lot more, the 2012 planner has 80 coupons from various lifestyle brands (see full list here). my yearly favorites are The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Havaianas, So Fab, and The Ramp :D

it also comes with the BDJ Lifestyle Card. introduced in 2011, it serves as your access to BDJ events and additional promos year-round. i always bring mine with me whenever i go to The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf to get a free upgrade :D

fabulous and functional, Belle De Jour is love!

OOTD: 11-11-11

2011-11-11T20:42:00.000+08:00

Happy 11-11-11 everyone! :)

a lot of people are saying this date will bring good luck. so i decided to wear my new red scarf today (i'm not chinese, but i associate the color red with good luck :P). actually, i'm not really superstitious or anything, but hey, if today will usher in good things to come, then i'm all for it ;)

scarf from bangkok
forever21 ring
flatterbuy necklace

white sheer top from sydney
forever21 tanktop (worn inside)

tomato miniskirt

S&H booties

universe, please be kind today! :)

Ready for Rain!

2011-11-11T14:50:00.001+08:00

i was bloghopping the other day, and came across Bambi's post about the New Plueys for 2011. i saw the Booties, and i immediately fell in love with it!

i've always wanted a nice pair of rain boots, and although Plueys' collection is uber cute, they weren't really my style. it's just that i don't think i can carry off wearing 'em printed pairs, i'd be too self conscious wondering if it clashes with my outfit or whatnot (hey, that's just me ok). so these booties are just right up my alley :D

so i logged on to Facebook, searched for their page, and minutes later found myself emailing them and ordering a pair! they have 3 types: black with red bows, black with nude bows, and nude with black bows. i got the nude ones because i already have a pair of black boots, and i liked its feminine yet edgy vibe.

this morning, my phone kept beeping with text messages. i groggily reached for my phone and opened the inbox. there was a text from Air21 saying my package was scheduled for delivery today, and the next one i read said the package had been delivered already. i look across my room and saw an Air21 package sitting on my desk. that woke me up right away! i immediately got up, tore the package open, and lovingly stared at my new pair of booties, they're so cute! :)

here i am trying it on, right after waking up, teehee.

i'm excited to wear these out! i'm so glad i no longer have to worry about my shoes getting ruined the next time it rains. and the great thing about this pair is i can actually wear this with anything - dresses, shorts, pants, rain or shine! i really think it's a terrific buy :D

want your own pair? head on over to Ready for Rain. the booties are actually not available in stores nor their online shop yet, but they're already selling it for a special price: 15% off!

SuperSale Bazaar

2011-11-07T00:05:00.004+08:00

i went to the SuperSale Bazaar at the World Trade Center today, let me share my awesome finds.. :D

my first purchase was this hot black dress from H&M. it's simple yet sexy, eh? ;)

one of my agenda going into the bazaar was to look for a nice pair of ballet flats, preferably yellow. i saw one from Tata & Kai, but its shade was mustard, and i wanted something more bright, so i got this blue pair instead (the color is more blue green in actual). it's really comfortable :)

i got this really nice blazer from Anti-Fashion Manila. it makes quite a statement!

these blue booties from S&H are a steal at PHP500! :D

these gray boots are also from S&H, and it's only 1,000PHP :D i've been looking for a pair of flat boots for so long!

i heard someone call my name, and it was Jam from Fashion Galore. so sweet that she remembers me! :) she saw my shopping bags and remarked "you bought so many things, you haven't changed!" hahaha! i bought a hot pink bandage skirt which i paired with this blue sheer top (sorry it blends with my bedsheet in the background) luvin the colors! :)

my final purchase was a pair of loafers from POSH Pocket Shoes. i actually don't own a pair (of loafers) yet, because they're not really my style (i prefer ballet flats). but this one's really cute, and if you haven't already noticed, i'm drawn to the color blue nowadays, so i couldn't resist! ;)

so you can say i went a little crazy with the shopping today :D

Mad About Shoes

2011-06-06T17:16:00.001+08:00

i absolutely love Charles and Keith shoes and accessories. my sunglasses, a couple of bags, and most of the shoes i wear to work are all from Charles and Keith. so when HSBC Red MasterCard came up with this promo a few months ago, i instantly signed up for a new credit card (even though i already have at least 3), teehee.

basically, you will get 3 vouchers worth PHP1,249

so here are the shoes i've hauled the past 3 months.

first, i wanted a pair with low heels. one that i can wear with a dress when i'm out having coffee with my girlfriends. :)

next, i wanted a stylish pair of flats for casual day outs. :)

and lastly, i wanted a hot pair of heels, one i can go dancing with :D

i actually saw 2 i really liked, and couldn't decide which one to get, so i just got both! ;))

all of 'em cost more, so i had to pay a bit extra, but i don't mind as long as i luv 'em shoes. :D

Motives Makeover Party

2011-05-31T01:52:00.004+08:00

my kikay friends and i attended a makeover party held by motives cosmetics last saturday :D

we got to try their product line and learned beauty tips along the way.

my friends sizzled with smoky eyes, while i rocked red lips ;)

mia and roz with angel hoese :)

vannie with belle sanguir-barretto :)

thank u angel, belle, and motives for our pretty looks for the night! :)

Angel Hoese
www.wix.com/makeupbyangel/web
0917 801 4787
216 3795

My Sixth Win!

2011-05-31T00:48:00.000+08:00

i am one of the winners in Shen's Anniversary Giveaway :D

i received a Cleanser and Toner from the House of Obagi :)

thank you sooo much! :)

F21 Haul

2011-04-23T21:36:00.002+08:00

i was absolutely ecstatic when i found out that Forever 21 was opening a branch in Makati :D my Sundays are usually spent in Ayala Center: catching a movie with my parents or strolling the malls. and so ever since they opened, i've been going there every week! yey, i no longer have to drag my dad to drive all the way to MegaMall :P

so let me show you what i've hauled so far..

week 1

scored 2 dresses on my 1st visit

week 2

i am so lovin the animal print and floral combo on this skirt!

really like the color of this bangle

week 3

summer tops!

pretty floral skirt

simple yet chic earrings

too cute!

ok, now that i think about it, having an F21 branch so close to home is dangerous hahaha. i just can't help myself!

Shen's Addiction 3rd Anniversary Giveaway

2011-03-16T12:21:00.000+08:00

Happy 3rd Year Anniversary to Shen's Addiction! :)

Get a chance to win some fabulous prizes from brands like Pond's, Bobbi Brown, Avon, Kiehl's, Ellana, The Body Shop, Kerastase, Neautrogena, House of Obagi, Revlon, Sakura Bella, One Naturales, Clinelle, Maybelline, L'oreal Paris, L'oreal Professionel, Myra and more by visiting her 3rd Anniversary Giveaway!

Beautynomics 5th Year Anniversary Contest

2011-03-14T01:06:00.000+08:00

Happy 5th Year Anniversary to Beautynomics! :)

Win prizes from Avon, Pond’s, L’Oreal Paris, The Body Shop, PureDerm, Obagi, Beauty & Minerals, Goodskin Labs and Golla! Visit Beautynomics’ 5th Year Anniversary Contest entry to know how!

Congratulations to Sophie for winning the Pretty Powerful Blogger Contest and for becoming the Bobbi Brown Philippines Beauty Blogger Ambassador. :)

FOTD: PhotoReady

2011-03-13T01:53:00.001+08:00

i bought Revlon's PhotoReady Foundation a couple of months ago, but i haven't been using it much because i think it makes my face so much "whiter" than it already is. but i found a way to make it work! :D instead of using finishing powder, i set it with mineral foundation to give my face some color, so to speak.

so here's my FOTD :)

eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero
Maybelline Falsies Volum Express Mascara

face
Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer
Revlon PhotoReady Foundation in Nude
The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation in 03

lips
The Body Shop Roseflower Lipstick in 03

and here's what i wore to casual friday :)

Plains and Prints tank top
Pink Manila lace top
Hot Kiss cropped pants
Charles and Keith heels

Birthday in Boracay

2011-03-13T00:56:00.001+08:00

i flew to Boracay with my friends to celebrate my bday :) here are some snaps from my trip :D

lovely weather on our first day :)

welcoming my birthday with drinks and dancing at club paraw :D

thank u patio pacific for my birthday cake! :D

boracay birthday girl :)

happy hour at tides hotel :D my friends surprised me with balloons, and bunny ears! :D

capping it off with a gorgeous sunset :)

OOTD/FOTD: "Prom"

2011-02-10T01:27:00.003+08:00

our team held its monthly gathering, and it being the love month and all, our theme was Prom. our conference rooms were decked with balloons, and folks were asked to come in "dressy office wear."

i was asked to host the event, and i gladly obliged. i'm not one to shy away from exposure, hahaha!

so here's my FOTD :)

i pretty much used the same products from this look, except that i blended some lilac eyeshadow on my outer crease for some pop of color, and i used my new mascara.

and here's what i wore :)

Blanc Noir lace top
Plains & Prints tank top
Forever 21 skirt
Possibility heels
Forever 21 necklace

i just bought those shoes over the weekend :D i saw them at the ramp, and it was luv at first sight! :D there was actually another pair of the same style, in a very hot bluish purplish shade. i was actually torn choosing between them, but when the saleslady told me the purple ones on display were the last pair, i took it as a sign to go for the gold ones (as much as possible, i don't get last stocks on shoes). i reckoned they were perfect for formal events :D

and nooo, i did not buy these just for the "Prom" :P but the timing sure was perfect, yeah? :)

Falsies Volum Express

2011-02-07T00:37:00.002+08:00

i've been hauling so many mascaras lately, i'm probably good until the end of the year.

here's the latest one i opened: Maybelline Falsies Volum Express Mascara. i actually got this at dutyfree (my brother's gf bought it for me :D), i don't think this is available locally. i was choosing among the many mascaras that Maybelline offered, and this one hooked me in with its name :P

here's what the wand looks like:

it's curved, as you can see.

i find it a bit flimsy. my hands have to be extra steady when using it.

and here it is on me:

now i wouldn't go as far as saying this mascara would give you the the effect of false lashes, but it's not bad, yeah? :) anything that lifts my lashes is a winner in my book ;) and it did a great job of holding my curl throughout the day :)

was supposed to make this post an FOTD as well, but.. i can't remember what i used on my eyes, haha! i was just focused on roadtesting the mascara :P but i do know i'm only wearing pressed powder here. oh, and lipgloss! :)

OOTD: Casual Friday

2011-02-04T15:54:00.000+08:00

my officemate brought his camera to work today, so i asked him to please take a picture of me :P hellooo, vanity! haha

Dress by Ice

Lace Vest by Bayo

Belt from a bazaar

Shoes by Charles and Keith

Havaianas 2011 Collection

2011-01-31T17:31:00.001+08:00

for those who love Havaianas, here's a look at their 2011 collection:

i went to glorietta yesterday to check them out, and a soon as i walked in the store, this pair instantly grabbed my attention:

it's got jelly straps, and a metallic logo :) oh, and this is limited edition. :)

i usually go for the slim ones, but i tried it on, and it was just too darn cute! i loooove it! :) everything about it just screams SUMMER! :) this baby is definitely coming with me to boracay ;)

OOTD: Wellness Week

2011-01-29T22:48:00.000+08:00

i wore these shoes to work the entire week :D we had our first wellness week, and employees were encouraged to come to the office wearing our "work-out attire." i pretty much wear heels all the time (i need the height, haha), and it was a nice change to be able to come to work in rubber shoes. i actually hardly wear rubber shoes - i only do when i'm at the gym or when i go running, and i found it quite refreshing! i never realized how comfortable they really are :P

so i wore a tennis skirt on one of our wellness days, for 2 reasons:

i don't play tennis, so when am i really going to wear this? :P
it's not exactly everyday your office allows you to wear one :P

i just paired the skirt (Nike) with a black top (Kamiseta), and i wore my La Salle jacket (Adidas) over it.

i can't believe i pulled off wearing this to the office! my dad even asked me if i was going to the gym hahaha!

Orgasm Lust Lip and Cheek Set

2011-01-23T18:21:00.002+08:00

ever since i started blogging/reading about makeup, the NARS Orgasm blush has been on my wishlist. when i saw the NARS Orgasm Lust Lip and Cheek Set on Sephora, i just couldn't resist anymore! i had my friend order it for me, and i even got 20% off thanks to the Sephora Friends & Family Sale, sweet! :D

this limited edition set pairs NARS' best-selling blush and bronzer, Orgasm and Laguna, in a mirrored mini compact. it also includes a mini lipgloss in Super Orgasm. totally lust-worthy, right ;)

the mini compact is just too cute! :D i only wish they included a brush with it! having to lug around a separate blush brush defeats the purpose of being tiny, i think.

here's an FOTD using the duo. i prefer using a stippling brush for application.

eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Whiskey
CoverGirl Lash Blast Luxe Mascara

face
Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer
Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation
NARS Orgasm Blush
NARS Laguna Bronzer
Make Up For Ever High Definition Powder

lips
NYX Round Lipstick in Louisiana

OOTD: Purple Party

2011-01-16T01:07:00.001+08:00

i went to a birthday party last night and the celebrant's request was that we wear purple. lucky for me, i have tons of purple tops to choose from. :) it's become one of my favorite colors as of late.

Salsa Trend Top
Bayo Lace Vest
Tomato Miniskirt
Possibility Heels

FOTD/OOTD: Black and Gold

2011-01-14T00:30:00.002+08:00

just a quick post on what i wore to work :)

Redhead blazer

Plains & Prints tank top

Poisonberry skirt

Charles & Keith heels

Forever 21 necklace

neutral eyes are my go-to look ;)

face

The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation in 03

Benefit Sugarbomb Blush

eyes

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Whiskey

CoverGirl Lash Blast Luxe Mascara

lips

NYX Round Lipstick in Watermelon

Naked Palette

2011-01-13T18:27:00.002+08:00

when i first saw this palette on the internet, i just fell in love! i'm more of a neutral gal, i normally gravitate towards my pink chocolate collection when doing my eyes in the morning. this palette contains the most gorgeous neutral colors, and it just screamed my name! i read the reviews on sephora, and they just drew me in even more, i couldn't wait to get one for myself!

unfortunately, there was so much demand for this palette that it was out of stock everywhere. i then heaved a huge sigh and signed up for urban decay's waiting list in the meantime. that was around september 2010. about a month or so passed, and i finally received an email from them saying that i had one reserved for me! i immediately begged my friend from new york to order it for me online (i couldn't purchase it myself, as the site only accepts US issued credit cards). she received the palette around the end of october.

my friend and i agreed she would ship it here in manila in november. that was still a long wait away, but i didn't mind, i was just happy to have a palette of my own. her balikbayan box arrived around the 4th week of december. i was in sydney at the time, so i had to wait for 2 more weeks before i could get my hands on it. i finally received my palette in the 1st week of january 2011. i opened the package in my office cubicle, and i must have looked like a crazy person because i was just staring at the palette with this lovesick look in my eye. haha, i told you, i was in love!

okayyyyy, sorry for the long intro, i just wanted to share "how i met my naked palette" :D

the naked palette contains 12 full-sized eyeshadows. yup, that's right, full-sized! that alone would cost $200! you also get a travel-size primer potion (which is really the best eyeshadow primer out there!) as well as 24/7 liners in whiskey and zero. at $44, this value is a-ma-zing! :) i mean seriously, what more can you ask for?

let's take a closer look at the shadows..

virgin (nude satin), sin (champagne shimmer), naked (buff matte), sidecar (beige sparkle)

buck (brown matte), half baked (bronze), smog (golden brown shimmer), darkhorse (bronze-plum shimmer)

toasted (taupe-bronze), hustle (mocha shimmer), creep (near-black metallic), gunmetal (dark grey metallic)

this is my first urban decay palette, and i am very, very happy with it! :) such a great buy, pure looove! :)

p.s the naked palette now retails for $48, and instead of the eyeliners, you get an eyeshadow brush

EOTD: Natural Eye

2011-01-13T16:58:00.003+08:00

my Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection comes with 3 "how-to" cards which teach you everything you need to know to create the "perfect" natural eye.

i played with my palette today and recreated the looks :)

day

so this is a very simple look. it's very easy to do, it'll take you just about a minute or so! ;) i think this is good for those who don't really wear much makeup but just want a little bit of definition. :)

classic

this is more me. :) it's pretty similar to how i would normally do my eyes. having said that, i think this look is suitable for school or the office. :)

fashion

i did this look over the first one, which just goes to show that this palette can take you from day to night! :) this is a very fun look for evening affairs. :)

so there! :) these are but 3 out of the countless looks that you can do with this palette. :)

p.s i did not use eye primer

Natural Eye Collection

2011-01-12T01:57:00.002+08:00

my sister gave me the Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection by Too Faced for Christmas :) isn't it great when your friends and family support your obsessions :D

the kit contains 9 eye shadows for creating the perfect natural eye. these shadows were formulated and hand-selected by Too Faced founder himself, Jerrod Blandino. that makes me feel like i own a piece of art :)

here are swatches of the shades included in this palette. sorry they're a bit dark, these were taken at night under fluorescent lighting, no flash. (i might replace 'em with better swatches if i have time)

heaven (matte ivory), velvet revolver (matte taupe), sexspresso (matte deep brown)

silk teddy (peach champagne shimmer), push-up (light bronze shimmer), erotica (soft charcoal shimmer)

nude beach (champagne shimmer with gold glitter), honey pot (gold shimmer), cocoa puff (warm chocolate brown shimmer)

my favorite shades are silk teddy, honey pot, and push-up :)

these shadows go on smoothly, however, the glittery ones do tend to have some fall-out. i can't really attest to their staying power because i always use eye primer, but the pigmentation is very good.

i use this palette on days that i go to the gym (i hit the gym before i go to work), and it really does have everything i need. :) brow color, check! crease color, check! lid color, check! lash line color, check! i only wish the kit wasn't so bulky, but that won't keep me from bringing it with me when i travel ;)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-11T00:57:00.002+08:00

hi everyone! :)

i know i've neglected this site.. there are tons of FOTDs, OOTDs, makeup hauls, and reviews that i just did not have the time nor energy to put up. i'd rather not get into it, so let's just say 2010 was a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

well i'm hoping to change that this year. :) i've missed blogging, reading about other ladies' infatuation on makeup and everything pretty, and sharing mine. :P

so here's to another kikay-filled year! ;) happy 2011 everyone! :)

p.s this photo was taken at our Christmas party last year. we were supposed to dress up as Filipino icons. i just bought a sash and voilà, Miss Philippines! haha :)

Cosmo Love!

2010-07-07T01:20:00.001+08:00

last year, my friends and i went to the Cosmo Youniverse event, and we got featured in their website :) in order to get into the event, you would have to present your copy of the May 2009 issue. now that was actually the 1st time i purchased the magazine. i haven't really bought any magazines since i was in high school (i used to read Seventeen, i think), i guess i just lost interest. Cosmo reignited my love for fashion, beauty, and everything kikay! :) i liked the magazine so much that i begun buying issue after issue, until i finally got a subscription :)

now who would have thought that after a year, i would actually get to see myself in Cosmo's glossy pages? :D

i submitted this picture on a whim. i was lounging at Lagen resort, reading the magazine, when i realized - hey i'm wearing animal prints, and so is bea! so i thought it'd make a cool picture ;)

i received a text from my friend saying i won. i couldn't believe it! i wasn't able to contain my excitement, i actually went and bought the July issue even though my copy is on its way in the mail. hey, it's not exactly everyday that i would get featured in a magazine! :P

thank u Cosmo Philippines! :) :) :)

Shock Value

2010-03-28T16:25:00.002+08:00

watched Timbaland's Shock Value II Tour last night! :D

i wore 2 favorites from my closet: a loose fitting top from Supre, and a mini-skirt (that's actually a pair of shorts) from Tomato :) although it was a standing concert, i risked wearing heels, wedges from Charles and Keith, because i needed the extra height, haha. my feet were killing me afterwards (seriously in pain!), but seeing Justin Timberlake was so worth it! :D

we originally bought Gold tickets, but my friend Kath and I regretted not buying VIP tickets instead. so when we got there, we inquired if we could trade our tickets, and Ticketworld obliged! yeyyyyy! so so happy! :D i probably wouldn't have enjoyed the concert as much if we were only in the Gold section :P

here are some snaps of Timbaland, Jojo, and Justin Timberlake :D

awesome concert!!! :D still can't get over how hot JT is! i can die now hahaha!

Shen's Addiction Second Year Anniversary Giveaway

2010-03-22T00:32:00.000+08:00

Shen's Addiction is celebrating its 2nd year anniversary by hosting a fabulous giveaweay! :)

click on the image to view details on how to join.

OOTD: Black and White

2010-03-10T00:34:00.000+08:00

there was an event at the office today wherein we had to come wearing our black and white attire.

here's what i wore :)

ur already familiar with the shoes ;) my top is from freeway, and i just found this skirt in my closet. mom lent me the scarf :)

i know, i know, i look like a flight attendant hahaha! :D

but hey, i won best dressed female, teehee! :D

Birthday Shopping Spree

2010-03-08T00:08:00.002+08:00

my birthday giftssss to me teehee :)

the body shop

i repurchased their Nature's Minerals Foundation. i tried out other brands, but they didn't really work out for me. so why fix it if it ain't broke, right? :)

i also bought their Brilliance Powder in Shimmer Gold. this is another repurchase, although i had to throw out my last one because it actually expired on me. here's hoping i'll get full use out of it this time around :D

also bought 2 Love Glosses. was only planning on getting the clear one, but i couldn't resist snatching the pink one as well! :D

marithe francois girbaud

bought a leather bag from girbaud (this is my default shop to buy bags and wallets). i needed a new creme colored bag because my old one was so ratty already, the skin was literally falling off, ugh! this was exactly what i was looking for! i love how simple yet classy it looks :)

mango

i bought 2 tops..

i've developed a thing for loose fitting tops. luv this one! :) oh, and the sleeve is of a see through silk material (don't know how to describe it correctly haha), hot! ;)

i liked the detail at the back ;)

top shop

probably my favorite purchase! :D it's a pair of shorts designed like a skirt :D will totally wear this the next time i go dancing ;)

birthdays are the perfect excuse to splurge! :D now i need to go on shopping rehab!

OOTD: Birthday Dinner

2010-03-06T22:51:00.001+08:00

a quick post on what i wore on my birthday :)

it's similar to the last OOTD i posted teehee. i bought the dress from the same store.

the belt is from ensembles, while the shoes are from possibility :)

Etude House Haul

2010-02-07T20:45:00.001+08:00

another mini haul :)

i dropped by Etude House yesterday to pick up the Dual Fibre Brush that i had reserved. i wanted to buy a separate Stippling Brush for blush (i use my 187 for foundation), and lots of gals have been raving about Etude House's :)

i also bought 2 more things: their Mascara Guide, which seemed really handy,

plus the Romantic Beauty Stand, which i thought was really pretty, and would make a good house for my brushes :)

Haute Mess and I Love Your Blog Awards

2010-02-06T01:26:00.000+08:00

i want to thank jing and dana for giving me the ff. awards below :) super appreciate it! :)

Today's Mini Haul

2010-02-05T23:05:00.002+08:00

i haven't posted anything in a while, work's been pretty crazy, so i haven't had time to blog, nor take pictures of FOTDs or OOTDs. well i don't have work today, so i went to makati to do a bit of shopping. just thought i'd share what i got :D

i went to Rustan's and bought a full sized bottle of Stila's Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer in Light 03. i have a sample size, and i am loving it :) i bought the Oil Free variant, and it has a higher SPF too (this one has SPF 30, while the normal variant has SPF 15).

then i passed by The Face Shop and ended up buying these Cereal Mask Sheets, in Rice, Mung Bean, Walnut & Pine Nut, and Black Bean.

they have this promo wherein u purchase 5, and get a free Pore Minimizer Sample Set, which consists of Toner, Emulsion, and Essence.

i'm not gonna lie to u, i bought 'em to get the freebie, hahaha! i've been meaning to try their Pore Minimizer line, so here's my chance :D plus hey, i'm always on the lookout for great masks anyway (i know, i know, i'm making excuses haha)

i then headed over to Bayo because i wanted to buy a light jacket, which i did :) i love the color! purple has been speaking out to me lately.

then finally i headed over to Watsons to buy a compact and makeup remover. i bought Maybelline's Clear Smooth Face Powder in Natural. i've been meaning to buy a new compact for quite a while now, and i decided i didn't want to spend a lot on it, so i just got this. i just hope it'll work well on me. as for the remover, i got Loreal's Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover because i heard it's really good. i've been using their Elixir Concentrate Ultra Makeup Remover, and honestly, i just don't recommend it. it feels so greasy, and it often leaves me with temporary blindness. it's a wonder i even finished the bottle.

i was already getting a bit tired, so i decided to hit Starbucks. but before i got my White Chocolate Mocha fix, i bought a magazine to pass the time. i got Preview's January-February edition. can u believe that's Jinkee Pacquaio on the cover? i thought it was Gretchen Barretto at first! my my, the power of makeup, indeed!

For Sale: Poisonberry Skirt

2010-01-30T15:20:00.001+08:00

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun in Pink by Poisonberry

* Brand New *

Size: Small (Waist = 26, Hips = 34, Length = 16)

P1000, free shipping within the Philippines

email me at kikaymia@gmail.dot com if ur interested :)

Holiday Smudge Pot Collection

2010-01-17T01:57:00.001+08:00

i didn't use to wear eyeliner, but ever since i started using gel liner (my first was Maybelline's) it's become part of my everyday look! so when i saw Stila's Smudge Pot Collection, i knew i had to have it! :) it contains the ff shades:

Kitten - shimmering nude champagne
Black - intense black
Violet - bright shimmering ultraviolet; limited edition
Starry Night - deep shimmering navy; limited edition

here are swatches..

i didn't swatch violet anymore because i'm thinking i might not really get to use it as much. i might decide to sell it or something.

my thoughts on each..

kitten. i prefer to use this as an eyeshadow rather than a liner. one swipe, instant shimmer! :) my only qualm about it is i find it a tad too sheer: too much shimmer, not enough color. it is pretty though, and great as a base for neutral colors :)

black. i might as well place my M.A.C and MUFE eyeliners to rest, as i have found my HG black liner! :D no budging, no creasing, oh joy! :)

starry night. this is my fave :D i love the shade, plus it's got some specks of gold in it. this is perfect for those days when u don't have time to do eye makeup. just apply it on your lids and you're good to go! :)

so i'm really happy with these :) very creamy and easy to work with. they just gliiiide :) they have good lasting power too! i've been wearing kitten the past 2 days, and when i get home, my eyes are still shimmery :D mind you, i didn't even use any primer.

gel liners are looooove! :)

FOTD: Rocking Red

2010-01-16T00:21:00.004+08:00

this is my entry to Lipstick Rules 50 Days of Lipstick Giveaway :)

every kikay girl needs to have the perfect red lipstick in her makeup arsenal. for me, it's like your secret weapon. you don't use it all the time - only when you want to look super fierce ;)

to achieve gorgeous red lips, i use NYX Round Lipstick in Electra topped with Maybelline Water Shine 3D Essence in Strawberry Infusion.

i wanted my lips to be the focus of this look, so i kept everything else real simple.

face

Stila Tinted Moisturizer

Ellana Harmony Bronzer

eyes

Stila Kitten Smudge Pot

Stila Black Smudge Pot

Maybelline Eyestudio Vivid & Smooth White Liner

Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara

how about you? do you like wearing red lipstick? :)

oh, and i just want to share what i wore to casual friday today :) mom and dad bought me a new full length mirror for my room for christmas, yey! :) hopefully i can now take more OOTDs.

i'm wearing a dress i bought in sydney. plus shoes from possibility :)

FOTD: Freshness! Inspired by Minute Maid

2010-01-15T01:01:00.002+08:00

this is my entry to the Minute Maid Contest for Beautynomics :)

when you say fresh, i think clean. i think effortless. achieving my freshest look is a mix of applying just the right amount of makeup, plus using products that bring out my natural goodness ;)

face. skip foundation, and use tinted moisturizer instead. let your skin breathe. skincare products that provide good coverage are a winner in my book. i used Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer. it's got spf15 too, which is a huge plus! gotta watch out for those uv rays! then, i used E.L.F. Studio Line Corrective Concealer to brighten my undereyes.

cheeks. i used Benefit Sugarbomb to give me a light natural flush.

lips. to achieve soft pink lips, i used Maybelline Lip Smooth Color Care in Strawberry. a lip balm that moisturizes, provides great color, and protects from the sun. what more do u need?

eyes. keep it simple. i used Stila Kitten Smudge Pot to give my eyes a hint of shimmer. as for the upper lashline, forget black, and opt for blue eyeliner instead. blue eyeliner makes the white of your eyes look whiter, i used Stila Starry Night Smudge Pot. applying white eyeliner on your lower lid can make your eyes look bigger and brighter, i used Maybelline Eyestudio Vivid & Smooth White Liner. finally, i used Blinc Mascara to achieve luscious long lashes.

i only used a handful of products to achieve this look, and it only took me a couple of minutes. easy, breezy, freshness! :)

Sugarbomb

2010-01-14T20:58:00.002+08:00

i couldn't resist snagging this oh-so-cute blush :D when i saw Sugarbomb, i just drooled over it!

from Sephora:
this blush has four unique shades of rose, shimmering pink, soft plum, and peach blended together perfectly for a delicious "sugar rush flush."

see how pretty? :)

i was actually a bit skeptical, too. 4 colors, 1 blush? won't that make me look crazy? but it was just too cute to resist, haha!

so i tried it at home, and i have to say.. i love this blush! :) i swirled the colors together and gave my cheeks about 2 or 3 sweeps. see me go wild with pics!

all the colors did blend together perfectly! :) can u even tell the colors apart? ;) i love that it doesn't look harsh at all! in fact, if anything, it actually looks natural. :) it just looks like i'm, well, flushed. :)

wearable, check. buildable, check. this blush is definitely a keeper! :)

BeautyJunkee's 12 Gifts of Christmas

2010-01-14T01:26:00.002+08:00

i just got my prize from BeautyJunkee's Holiday Giveaway :D i definitely ripped it open when i got it ;)

martha is sooo sweet! :) she sent me 12 lovely gifts :D

Victoria's Secret Cologne in Amber Romance. my cologne is about to run out, and i was planning on buying a new one already. now i don't have to, time to try out a new scent :D
Maybelline Lip Smooth Color Care Lipbalm in Strawberry. lip balms are my first love (in beauty products, that is). and i lurve the scent and taste of strawberry. i'm sure i'll luv this! :)
Travel Brush Kit. yey to more brushes! :D the brush holder is cool too!
Etude House Code B Mini Eyelash Curler. i've actually been meaning to get this! :D heaven sent! :)
Holy Seat Toilet Disinfectant. every female should carry one in their purse ;)
Etude House Black Charcoal Chin Pack. oh, i definitely need this haha! :D
AmA Nail Polish in 25 Phobia. i don't know if i can rock black nails, but there's a first time for everything! ;)
Pink Trinket Box. isn't it just so girly? :) perfect for storing my rings!
Bench Face Towel. this will surely come in handy when i go to the gym or attend my dance classes :)
Etude House Green Tea Mask. i'm always on the search for the next great mask ;)
Donut Hoop Earrings. cute! i can see myself wearing 'em at the beach :D
NYX Round Lipstick in Thalia. a nice addition my collection, i luv NYX lippies! :D

thank u, thank u, a dozen times thank u! :) u are too generous! :)

Sephora Haul

2010-01-13T13:58:00.001+08:00

i am very giddy as i am writing this post :D i just got the items that i asked my boyfriend to get me from Sephora when he spent the holidays in the US.

i bought the Stila Smudge Pot Collection. i've recently fallen in love with using gel liners, so i was drawn to this! it contains their 2 bestsellers: Black and Kitten, as well as 2 exclusive holiday hues: Violet and Starry Night. i haven't tried their smudge pots before, isn't this the perfect way to start! :D it's valued at $95, but the set only costs $32, now that's a steal! ;)

i also got Stila's Made in Your Shade Foundation Wardrobe in Light, which contains the following:

Convertible Color in Lillium
Hydrating Primer SPF 15
Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Shade 01
Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Light
Natural Finish Oil-Free Makeup in Shade B
Illuminating Liquid Foundation in 30 Watts

this set contains sample sizes of their top-selling complexion products. i reckoned this is a great way of trying out which of their products would work well on me. i'm a sucker for sets! not to mention a bargain =P it only costs $10 (originally priced at $18, a $40 value), so why not =P

lastly, i bought Benefit's newest blush: Sugarbomb. it was just too darn cute, i couldn't resist! :D they included samples of Erase Paste (concealer) and Dr. Feelgood (complexion balm) :)

so glad my boyfriend agreed to go to Sephora for me. let's just say he's not exactly the shopping type. he said he was the only guy at the store haha, thanks baby!!! :)

boyfie's mom also got me some products from M.A.C. :D such a delightful surprise! :D she got me Studio Fix Lash, plus the House of Mirth Deep Lip Bag from the Magic, Mirth, and Mischief Collection. :)

wheeeeeeee! :) so so excited to try 'em all out! :D happy new year indeed! :D

p.s swatches and reviews will be posted separately

Win a Free Boracay Vacation Package by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

2010-01-13T10:15:00.002+08:00

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 5 Star accommodations at the luxurious Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.

Vacation Package Inclusions:
- 5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury 5 Star Accommodations at the Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel
- Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Philippine Airlines
- Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort and back to Manila Domestic Airport
- Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Boracay Activities - Horseback Riding, Island Hopping, Glass Bottom Boat
- PLUS - 5,000 peso Spending Cash

Read More Information: http://www.boracay-packages.com

Battle of the Nose Strips

2010-01-10T23:35:00.004+08:00

i bought The Face Shop's White Mud Nose Pack a few months ago, and i just wondered if i made a right choice in investing on this pack instead of buying other nose strips that are available on the market. so i decided to buy some at the mall, and have an experiment. my nose was riddled with blackheads today, i counted at least 3 on my nose bridge. *ugh* read on to see how the nose strips fared. they were used one after the other..

The Skin Food Chlorella Nose Clear Patch - P62.50

it only removed 1 piece of dirt at the side of my nose :( granted, it was pretty huge, but still! my blackheads were still staring me in the face. what a waste of money! *arghh* sooo disappointing!

since SkinFood's was such an epic fail, i proceeded to the next contender..

Bench Clear Pore Cleansing Strip - P22

this was even worse, as you can see. it just removed a tiny piece of dirt. quite negligible, sheesh.

now onto the last contender..

The Face Shop's White Mud Nose Pack

i decided to apply it only in the middle of my nose as that was the problem area. so far, the 2 previous strips did absolutely nothing for it.

look at how much dirt it removed! (click on the image if u wanna get growsed out, haha) very impressive! *and quite disgusting if i might add, lol*

as you can see, Face Shop's is the clear winner! not only did it remove the most blackheads, but considering it went last, it totally picked up the slack!

i'm definitely going to continue using it. now i know i made the right choice :)

My New 'Do

2010-01-09T22:41:00.000+08:00

my hair's been looking pretty limp and lifeless, so i decided it was time for a haircut. off i went to bench fix salon in g4, and asked for sir kc, my stylist.

the result: shoulder length hair with layers

*pardon my makeup free face*

oh, and i just want to share my new hair color ;) i had it done last month.

*with flash*

i thought i'd give red-ish hair a twirl :D

i wasn't really planning on doing away with the curls, but kc said this length better suited me.

*a day before my haircut*

what do u think?

so i guess i'm back to straigh-ish hair. time to start combing my hair again! haha, ever since i permed my hair i didn't really have a need for a brush or comb anymore =P

My Fifth Win!

2010-01-02T20:42:00.001+08:00

this is such a great way to start the new year! :)

i won the beauty junkee's holiday giveaway! :D

thank you martha, i can't wait to get my holiday gift! :) wheee, i luv opening presents! :)

happy new year! :)

Makeup for the Holidays

2009-12-20T10:25:00.003+08:00

i'n going to spend the holidays in sydney, and apart from the age-old question of what clothes and shoes i'm going to pack, a new one pops-up this year: what makeup products am i going to bring with me? :D

as much as i would like to bring my entire collection, i can't =P so i had to pick favorites..

face

The Face Shop Span Oil Control Pre Makeup

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation

Make Up For Ever High Definition Powder (forgot to include in picture)

The Body Shop Nature's Mineral Foundation
Ellana Bronzer in Harmony (forgot to include in picture)

cheeks

The Body Shop Blush Trio in Warm Sunset

The Body Shop Solar Duo Blush in Radiant Pink

eyes

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Profusion Pearl Palette

The Body Shop Hot Brights Eye Liner

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Maybelline Unstoppable Shiny Black Mascara

lips

NYX Round Lipstick in Indian Pink

NYX Round Lipstick in Watermelon

Smashbox Pink Power Lip Palette

other essentials i'm taking with me..

Suesh Personal Essential Brush Set

Charm Blending Brushes

The Body Shop Kabuki Brush

Suesh Brush Cleaner

Fanny Serrano Eyelash Curler
Make Up For Ever Sens'Eyes Eye Cleanser

i don't actually plan on wearing makeup every single day, but it's good to have my stash with me in case i want to get dolled up :D

happy holidays everyone! :)

FOTD/OOTD: 1920s

2009-12-19T20:35:00.003+08:00

our team's Christmas Party was held at TGIF, Glorietta and the theme was 1920's Casa Royale :)

i went for shimmery neutral eyes (light gold and bronze) and really red lips.. :)

face

Make Up For Ever High Definition Primer

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation

The Body Shop Blush Trio in Warm Sunset

eyes

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Profusion Pearl Palette

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner in 0L Matte Black

Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara

The Face Shop False Eyelashes in XLH

lips

NYX Round Lipstick in Electra

and here's my 1920's attire.. :)

i bought the dress from the Apartment 8 booth at the St. James Bazaar. it was such a great find! :) and i got the headband from The Ramp. it was quite expensive for a hairpiece, but i just couldn't resist!

i love dressing up! :)

Think Pink Prizes

2009-12-19T18:33:00.001+08:00

here are my prizes from wuzzyangel's think pink giveaway :) i was only supposed to receive 2 Smashbox palettes, but she included lotsss of extras :D

i received the following:

Breast Cancer Ribbon Soap

Smashbox Pink Power EyePalette

Smashbox Pink Power Lip Palette

Revlon Runway Collection Nails in Mystic

Harajuko Lovers Fragrance Samples

Earrings by Houston Godly Creations

Hello Kitty Tag

how generous!!! :) wuzzy also attached a personal note, so sweet! :)

let's take a closer look at the makeup.. these palettes are in support of the Young Survival Coalition, a foundation dedicated to Breast Cancer

Smashbox Pink Power Eye Palette in Celebrate

one color got damaged huhuhu. the other half is still intact, so hey, it's all good. the palette consists of 3 colors: a whitish-pink shade that can be used to highlight the brow bone, a soft pretty pink shade for the lid, and a dark brown shade with flecks of gold to add depth.

here's a swatch. i am really loving that middle color! :)

Smashbox Pink Power Lip Palette in Inspire

the lip palette also comes in 3 colors: pink, peach, and bronze.

the brush that comes with it is pretty neat! it's retractable and dual-ended, cool huh!

here are swatches of the glosses, in order of the colors above. click on the image to enlarge. my favorite is the bronzey one :)

thanks again to wuzzyangel for my lovely prizes! :) you're amazing! :)

Floo Powder

2009-12-17T01:31:00.000+08:00

i finally got my 2nd set of prizes :D they've been sitting at the post office for 3 weeks, and i didn't really have the time to claim them. thanks to the boyfriend for picking them up for me, wheee :D

i won shopaholicmommy's Orglamix giveaway, wherein i received the Floo Powder collection :) they included 2 full sized jars, how incredibly generous! :D

it consists of the ff colors: Obsidian, Brimstone, and Fog. Obsidian appears dark blue at first, but turns black-ish when swatched. it still has some blue components to it, especially when you hit the light. Brimstone is a dark silver color, while Fog is a pretty sparkly blue. these colors would be great for sporting a deep, dramatic, smokey eye :)

so happy to receive another Orglamix collection! :D the color payoff is really great, and application is just smooooth! these are really great quality mineral eyeshadows :)

shopaholic mommy and cheri, thank you thank you thank you! :)

My NYX Haul

2009-12-15T01:52:00.001+08:00

my friends and i ordered some NYX products from the US. i tried very hard to control myself and not get everything in sight, teehee. i picked out a couple of lipsticks and glosses to add to my collection :)

* the lipsticks *

darling

a pretty nude shade (well, bronzey actually) with some sparkle :) great to pair with a smokey eye

watermelon

this reminds me of indian pink, and my swatches actually kind of look alike. but watermelon is actually pink toned, whereas indian pink is coral toned. very very pretty! :)

louisiana

i'd call this a barbie pink shade. i don't know yet if i have the guts to wear this out, haha. it's one of those lipsticks that's good to have in your stash when you just want to have fun! :D

electra

a blue-based red that is gorgeous! can i just say fierce? :D i've found my perfect red lipstick! :D

* the lipglosses *

i like the wand, see? makes application smoother (hmmm, is that the right word?) well u know what i mean!

both glosses taste/smell very fruity, which i actually like! :)

crystal soda

this comes out pretty clear, actually. or maybe it just doesn't show up on me. it just adds a bit of sparkle to my lips.

chandelier

a very sparkly pink shade. comes out lighter than i expected, which is fine.

the lipglosses are so-so for me, nothing too special i'd say. but the lipsticks are absolute love! :) i never used to be a lipstick person, but NYX makes me want more and moooore! :D

Mini Maybelline Haul

2009-12-13T16:10:00.000+08:00

i was at sm makati earlier, browsing thru the newly renovated watsons area. the 30% off sign at maybelline caught my eye =P

i bought the Diamond Glow Palette in Gray Pink. i wanted a small palette for creating a smokey eye, and this was perfect :)

i also finally decided to purchase the Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. i've been hearing good reviews about it, and i didn't want to miss the opportunity of getting it on sale, teehee. i bought the Brown shade because well, that was the only color they had on stock =P

can i just say that i am now a gel liner convert? application was super duper easy, and the liner was very creamy.

i luv it! :) makes me want to stock up on other colors :D

Pink Vanity

2009-12-07T01:40:00.000+08:00

my newest baby: the pink vanity case from Suesh! :D the boyfriend and i went to the big outlet sale at mall of asia today, and he got me this for christmas :) wheeee! :)

it's got 3 fold out trays, and the center compartment has adjustable dividers.

of course, i immediately filled it with my makeup stash when i got home :D i was so OC doing it! i put the eyeshadows and mascaras on the 1st layer, then the eye liners and lip glosses on the next. on the other side, i put the face primers and foundations together, and the blushes and finishing powders next to it. lastly, i put the makeup remover, lipsticks, false lashes, and palettes on the center. i also put my face masks in here, just to use up the space.

as you can see, my makeup collection is pretty small (oh come on! compared to other beauty junkies out there! yes you! haha). it looks pretty packed already, but i'm sure i can squeeze in moooore stuff :P

thanks baby!!! *mwahhh*

Lotion Love

2009-11-28T11:52:00.002+08:00

i received my Johnson’s Body Care gift package today! :) it contains 6 25ml bottles of lotion. don't they look so cute? :)

mine contained the ff variants:

24-Hour Lasting Moisture
unlocks the secret of softness through round-the-clock moisturization

a gentle creamy lotion, perfect for daily use and instant softness :)

Melt Away Stress
soothes the modern woman’s mind and body to naturally ease away the stress, for skin that’s beautifully soft and nurtured.

i love its smell! :) it's sweet, but not too overpowering. i think this is great to use after taking a shower at night, right before going to bed :)

too bad the one i personally use isn't included in the package.

Naturally White
provides daily care to reveal bright, glowing and naturally fair skin that’s soft and light

i've found my HG lotion in this baby :) i'm on my 2nd 400 ml bottle already. it spreads on like milk :) it moisturizes my skin and doesn't leave it feeling sticky at all, even with our intense heat. and what's great about it is that it contains spf8 sunscreen and uva & uvb protection. sun protection is definitely the #1 thing i look for in skin care products. :)

want your own Body Care gift package? just head on over to http://www.femalenetwork.com/bodycare/ :)

Brush Guards

2009-11-22T13:25:00.001+08:00

i'm extremely OC with my brushes. i store them in their respective plastics (the ones they came with) after each use, and i wash them every week. it was getting a bit tiresome though, having to figure out which plastic belongs to whom, and they were already getting dirty too (the plastics i mean). it just didn't seem right storing perfectly clean brushes in crummy cases. so i decided to purchase The Brush Guard packs.

from The Brush Guard site:
The Brush Guard is a stretchable, breathable tube which protects your makeup brushes:

While drying - bristles dry in perfect shape
In use- handle stays clean and grips better
In storage - no snags or squashing
On the move—perfect packing

i bought 2 from my beauty basket: the Variety Pack which contains 1 large, 2 medium, 2 small, 1 extra small, and the Small Guard Pack which contains 8 small guards. they retail at P375 each pack, but good thing i scored 10% off thanks to their anniversary sale :)

large
this is ideal for fat brushes, say powder, stippling, or flat top brushes. perfect for my M.A.C. 187SE :)

medium
this is ideal for foundation or blush brushes. i use it on my M.A.C 168SE and M.A.C 190SE. my 187 actually fits as well, but i don't want to overstretch the guard.

small
this is ideal for eyeshadow brushes. as you can see, it fits different sizes

extra small
this is ideal for extremely thin brushes. i use it on my suesh eyeliner brush. it also fits my other thin brushes (such as lip and brow), but again, i don't want to overstretch

so here are my brushes with their new homes :)

i call 'em the chosen 14 :P unfortunately not all my brushes got brush guards, i have a couple more who don't :( that'll do for now, i figured that's better than having extra guards, i might be tempted to buy more brushes hahaha!

The Row Haul

2009-11-15T03:25:00.000+08:00

i actually haven't shopped for clothing that much lately (apart from gym outfits). i guess most of my shopping money has gone to makeup, teehee. glorietta was having a midnight madness sale, and i reckoned it was high time i rekindled my passion for clothes (yeah what an excuse for shopping eh?) :P

i wanted to buy new dresses, and i knew i'd be able to score some great ones at The Row in Glorietta 5. i always end up buying something whenever i enter their store ;)

i scored the ff items at 10% off.. :)

a blue dress from Freeway. i usually gravitate towards dresses in this cut, pretty flattering :)

a lilac dress from Freeway. i was torn between choosing this one or its black version. the black one made me look more sophisticated, but this one just looked sooo girly and fun :) black tends to make you look more serious and well, mature, so i went with this one for a more youthful look ahihihi

a belt from Ensembles. it just looks so classy, doesn't it? :)

and finally, i bought a shirt from the Ang Kiukok collection. this one wasn't on sale, and it's actually more expensive than the shirts i would typically buy. but i loved the print, the fabric, and the way it fit me. :) so i didn't hesitate to get it. donning a masterpiece from a National Artist was just icing on the cake :)

Pink Chocolate

2009-11-14T03:26:00.002+08:00

i'm so happy to have won mama snow's Orglamix giveaway! i received an entire collection, how awesome is that! :D

it's called the Pink Chocolate collection. now i don't see where the pink is :p but it's definitely yummy!!! :)

it consists of the ff colors: Silk, Sandalwood, and Moonstone. Silk is a very pretty copper, and Sandalwood is a rich deep bronze. perfect neutral shades! :) i thought Moonstone was just a white color, but noooo. it turns gold when you swatch it, see? :) what a pleasant surprise!

i looove it! :) mama snow and cheri, thanks sooo much! :)

oh, and can i just say how nice the packaging is, lookie :)

just lovely, noh? :)

Indian Pink and Frappucino

2009-11-14T01:36:00.002+08:00

my first NYX lipsticks! :) i won erica's giveaway and got to choose 2 shades :) i picked Indian Pink and Frappucino.

Frappucino

i'd call this a rose taupe color (yeah i actually googled that shade haha). this lippy is more on the brown-ish side, suitable for everyday wear. verrryyy creamy! :)

Indian Pink

coral pink with shimmery flecks (that appear gold-ish to me). i've read raves about this lipstick, and i can totally see why! gorgeous! :)

thanks so much erica! :)

Happy Friday Packages

2009-11-14T00:41:00.001+08:00

imagine my delight when i received a claim slip for not 1, but 2 packages from the post office! my first 2 prizes have arrived, wheeee! :D

NYX lipsticks from erica

Orglamix Pink Chocolate Collection from mama snow and cheri

so thrilled!!! :D thank you! thank you! thank you! :) :) :)

p.s swatches will be posted separately

My Face Shop Haul

2009-11-07T12:20:00.002+08:00

i went to Metrobank's Ultimate Girls' Night Out Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent and scored some items from The Face Shop at 50% off, woot! :D

i bought the Clarifying Potato Pack to calm my skin, as well as the the White Mud Nose Pack to get rid of those stubborn blackheads and whiteheads. also got soap as a freebie :)

then my friend kath and i also went to their store inside the mall and hauled on a couple more stuff :P we got a 15% discount courtesy of Belle de Jour ;)

i bought the Span Oil Control Pre Make Up to absorb sebum and enhance my foundation's staying power, Volcanic Ash Self-Heating Mask for deep cleansing, and a pair of false eyelashes in XLH.

yeah i'm on a mask hunt as you can see ;) can't wait to try 'em! :D

Tube Your Lashes

2009-11-05T00:27:00.006+08:00

from the Blinc website:
Blinc is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes rather than painting them like conventional mascaras.

sounds interesting eh? i bought a sample because i was really curious with this product.

i love the wand! :) it's really easy to work with, and it's wonderful at separating my lashes.

this mascara does a great job at adding volume and length to my lashes, as you can see below.

the look is very natural, which i love! :) not clumpy at all!

and it really is long-wearing. i didn't really bother rubbing my eyes to test (why put my eyes through that trouble?), but it definitely stayed on the entire day!

the best part is that removing the mascara is such a breeze! :) you don't even need makeup remover, water will do. no tugging needed, the mascara (or rather, the tubes) will simply slide off when you wash your face.

this mascara is really great! :) now if only it weren't so darn expensive.. :P

My Fourth Win!

2009-11-03T23:27:00.004+08:00

i am on a roooollll! :D i won wuzzyangel's think pink giveaway! :)

i will receive the Smashbox Pink Power Eye and Lip Kit.

thanks very much to wuzzyangel for hosting this giveaway and promoting breast cancer awareness. i'm glad to have been a part of it! :)

Warm Sunset

2009-11-01T23:07:00.002+08:00

i fell in love with the Warm Sunset blush trio from The Body Shop's Precious Pearlescents collection the first time i laid eyes on it. amazingly enough, i was able to control myself (yes, it does happen sometimes!). i told myself i'd buy it once they put it on sale, which i knew they would. ;)

i got this baby at 50% off, woohoohoo! :D it was the last piece at market market. haha, i have a knack for getting the last stock on hand.

this trio is perfect for achieving a bronze glamazon look (if u wanna go for that), while the darker colors are great for contouring (assuming i'd master the art of it haha).

the eyeshadows i'm wearing are also from the same collection :)

My MUFE Haul

2009-11-01T21:49:00.004+08:00

i bought the Best of Make Up For Ever set :D it contains the following..

High Definition Primer. i love its consistency! :D it feels like you're putting moisturizer on, but it's non-greasy, and it goes on really light. unlike my TFS make-up base, this doesn't leave me with a white canvass, which is great!

High Definition Powder. reaaaaally smooth, i liiiike! :D my peach sake finishing powder from Skinfood is comparable, i would say. except that this is a wee bit finer, and i didn't end up with a white-ish face afterwards (or maybe i just dusted it off really light?) my face felt soo smooth, with a bit of sparkle ;)

Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil (in 0L Matte Black). although this did not glide on as smoothly as my MAC eyeliner, i actually prefer this one because it did not budge on me the entire day! i've always had problems putting on black eyeliner (that's why i tend to avoid it) because it tends to smear, but not this one! :D

Smoky Lash Mascara. definitely lengthens and adds volume. but i can't say it did a good job of holding my curl. and the wand is a bit fat for my taste, found it a bit difficult to work with :(

Sens'Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser. this works great! :D removing my eye-makeup was a breeze, and it didn't sting my eye at all! unlike my Loreal Elixir Make-up Remover, this did not leave my lids feeling greasy, and best of all, no temporary blindness!

the set costs a whopping P3500, but over-all i'm really happy with it! :D sometimes you just have to splurge, right? :)

i also bought liquid foundation. was originally planning on buying the HD variant, but Lindsay (my MUA during the BDJ Fashion Show) recommended the Mat Velvet + for me instead. it's suitable for oily skin (like me!), mattifies, and evens out skin tone.

i'm glad i listened to her, because i am loving this foundation! it was easy to apply and blend, and i looove its finish. :)

so here i am sporting my new babies :)

i am in love with MUFE! :)

My Third Win!

2009-11-01T20:31:00.004+08:00

i can't believe i would be so lucky to win yet again! :D my 3rd win over-all, and my 2nd time to win in an orglamix giveaway!

this time, i will receive the Floo Powder Collection from shopaholic mommy! :)

thank you soooo much! :)

Belle de Jour Fashion Show

2009-10-28T01:09:00.001+08:00

Belle de Jour launched its 2010 Planner with a Fair at Eastwood last october 25. capping off the day's activities was a fashion show by Jellybean and Folded & Hung, where i was lucky enough to have been chosen as a model. :)

clothes and accessories by Jellybean

makeup by Lindsay Co-Alog

hair by Azta Urban Salon

here are some stills from the show

with my lovely fellow models and crazy stylists

i never thought i'd get to do a fashion show. thank you belle de jour for this awesome experience! :D

Awesome Girl Award

2009-10-22T22:15:00.000+08:00

i got this award from fifi, thanks so much! :)

BDJ Fair: Exceeding Boundaries

2009-10-20T21:49:00.001+08:00

from the BDJ website:
This year to launch the 2010 BDJ Power Planner, we’ve decided to have a get-together that’s bigger, better and loaded with lots of heart. Introducing…. the first ever “BDJ Fair: Exceeding Boundaries: Give More, Live More!”, the get-together will hold talks with experts on beauty and fashion as well as accomplished women in their respective fields. We have various booths and lotsa activities lined up for you. As part of BDJ’s social responsibility, the BDJ Fair is also a fundraising activity for the rehabilitation of Ondoy victims. 100% of the event proceeds will be donated to a deserving community/group affected by Typhoon Ondoy.

Date: October 25, 2009, Sunday
Time: 2pm to 9pm
Venue: New Eastwood Mall: Open Park (Libis, Quezon City)
Entrance: Php 50 (for walk-ins); Php 20 (for pre-registered BDJ Girls)

go here for details on how to join.

there are various activities and talks lined up on fitness, beauty, and fashion. and the BDJ 2010 Power Planner can be bought at a special price of P480 (SRP is P598), sweeeet!

i've attended both BDJ Rendezvous this year, and i'm definitely not going to miss this one! :D

p.s i'm included in the fashion show :) wheee, so excited!!! :)

FOTD: Monday Blues

2009-10-19T21:34:00.002+08:00

another work week has begun *ugh* i wanted to keep it simple today.. went with neutral brown eyes and red(-ish) lips :) then lined my lower lashline with blue eyeliner to keep things interesting :P (hence monday blues, haha i know, the title's a stretch)

face:
monave loose foundation in saturnina
coastal scents 78 palette blush
skin food peach sake finishing powder

eyes:
urban decay potion primer
coastal scents 78 palette eyeshadows
the body shop hot brights eye liner 02
blinc mascara

lips:
maybelline water shine 3d essence in strawberry infusion

roadtesting my new foundation and mascara.. reviews to follow :)

Rockwell Bazaar Haul

2009-10-19T00:55:00.000+08:00

i also hit the Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar today. haha 2 bazaars in 1 day! here's my haul from the Beauty and Minerals booth:

i got the trial size of Monave Loose Foundation in Saturnina (P350). Sophie was there, and she recommended the shade for me. :) i also bought the Inti-Mate Bra Converter set (P250), as well as a sample size of Blinc Mascara (P350), as i was curious. Sophie threw in samples of blush and cure aqua gel, thanks dear! :)

i went straight to their booth because i needed to buy mineral foundation. that has become my strategy when going to bazaars. i go and look for what i need first, so i don't get distracted. then if i have any more money to spare, i check out the other booths. but more often that not, i end up spending all my cash at that one booth, so i exit the bazaar right away, haha. gotta stay away from temptations! :P

this is my 3rd Rockwell Bazaar in 2 months. haha darn it!

my first one was the Urban Bazaar, where i bought this dress from Coexist:

the second was the Artisan Bazaar, where i bought 2 skirts from Poisonberry:

i just can't stay away :P

Vivid Mirror

2009-10-19T00:09:00.002+08:00

ever since i started getting into makeup, one of the things i've been lemming for is a lighted mirror. now they're pretty darn expensive, so i just settled with those dual mirrors you buy at a department store. imagine my delight when i came across this Vivid Mirror by Frou Frou.

it's a compact mirror (10.6 x 7.8 x 1.19 cm) with LED lighting feature. the light can be turned on/off and is battery operated. it has 2 sides, the one with the lights is magnified.

it costs P499 and comes with a black velvet pouch. the casing comes in 2 prints: zebra and leopard. really sleek :)

it's brilliant! i can use it when i apply makeup at home.. at the gym.. at the office.. haha u get the idea. i love it!!! :)

Reversible Tops

2009-10-18T23:36:00.002+08:00

went to the big outlet sale at the megatent today. i scored 2 tops from Salsatrends.

yup, that wasn't a typo. i only bought 2 tops. they're reversible, which i think is really awesome! :D

NOTW: Think Pink

2009-10-18T22:57:00.002+08:00

wuzzyangel is hosting a giveaway to promote breast cancer awareness. head on over to her blog, and spread the word!

i tried to do a couple of pink EOTDs but my camera keeps on washing the colors out, boo!

so instead..

i am sporting pink nails this week :D

Pearl Palette

2009-10-18T01:09:00.000+08:00

i have a new eyeshadow palette! :D it's the 36 Pearl Palette (couldn't find the actual name, i just decided to call it that) by Profusion (well by Profound, actually). i told myself that i didn't need to buy any more palettes, since i'm still quite happy with my CS 78, but i just couldn't resist! the colors were so pretty, and at P400, it was a steal!

i bought it from maui's online store, glitz and glam. as soon as i saw the palette, i knew i had to have it! i even told her i'd probably regret it if i didn't (haha i was trying to rationalize).

the palette consists of shimmery colors: mostly pinks, golds, coppers, bronzes. i don't know if my eyes are playing tricks on me, but i think some of the colors repeat. oh heck, they're all pretty anyway, i don't mind. i just wish they placed the color families together.

here are some swatches. very pigmented!

thanks for a smooth transaction, maui! and a great find :D can't wait to use it! :D

Drying Makeup Brushes

2009-10-18T00:43:00.001+08:00

i deep-cleaned my make-up brushes today. lookie how i laid them out to dry

instead of laying them flat on a towel, i placed them on top of a small box and let the bristles dangle off the edge. this way is more sanitary since microbacteria and whatnot from the towel (no matter how clean it is!) don't get transferred to the brush. also, it makes for faster drying time, since both sides of the bristles are exposed to air.

i saw this method of drying brushes in one beauty blog before, so i'm not going to take credit for this. i'm just sorry that i can't remember where, but thank you so much for sharing!

for drying kabuki brushes, check out enkore's method.

Blogs Against Breast Cancer

2009-10-15T23:38:00.001+08:00

From DietsInReview.com:
During the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, if you publish this “My Blog Cares” button on your blog or Web site, we’ll donate $5 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of your site.

Go here to show your support in the fight against Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-15T17:13:00.000+08:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I am sharing some information that I found on the web.

4 Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer affects teens as young as 15 and women as old as 54, but incidence and death increase with age.
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of death for Filipino women.
Studies showed that only 5% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, although a woman's risk is higher if she has a relative suffering from the disease.
You may be healthy now, but it helps to protect yourself from the disease this early by exercising regularly, limiting your alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental pollutants.

5 Suspicious Signs Of Breast Cancer:

Thickening near your armpit.
Scaling around the areola.
A puckered texture.
Changes in color.
An inverted nipple.

Self-Breast Examination:

My Second Win!

2009-10-15T14:57:00.003+08:00

i won my second giveaway, wheeee! :) i am one of the 3 winners of mama snow's orglamix mineral makeup giveaway :D

i will receive the Pink Chocolate Collection :D

thanksss mama snow! :D so thrilled!

Smooth Seaweed Mask

2009-10-11T21:57:00.002+08:00

i wanted a face mask to minimize my pores. i came across the Smooth Seaweed Mask from The Face Shop and decided to give it a try. it costs P445.

what it says:
The benefits of seaweed: Vitamin and mineral rich for healthy, hydrated skin. Seaweed also tightens pores for smoother looking skin.

how i use it:
i pop this in the refrigerator for a couple of minutes before i actually apply it to my face. instant cooling sensation ;)

as per instructions, i apply toner first. then i spread the mask all over the face, avoiding the eye area. i leave it on for about 12-15 minutes then rinse off.

actual results:
i have to say, it really does work. my pores appear to be tighter, and more shallow (click the pic to enlarge, beware my huge pores haha).

but i wouldn't go as far as saying the results are permanent. they last for about the entire day. so u can use this mask on days when u need smaller looking pores instantly.

so i'm pretty happy with this mask :) i use this about 2 times a week, as part of my skin care regimen.

My Gym Haul

2009-10-11T02:29:00.002+08:00

aside from makeup, the other thing i've gotten into this year is fitness (to some extent, at least). i've renewed my gym membership, and i've also been joining fun runs (5 km). i mostly join group exercises at the gym, my fave classes are body jam and body vive.

so being kikay, i obviously do not want to go to the gym wearing ratty old t-shirts :P and i also don't want to keep wearing the same thing over and over again, hahaha. i've been hauling gym outfits, lol. here are some of my finds from the Adidas outlet in c5. the discounts i got range from 30 - 50% off. i love that outlet! i wanna keep coming back! :D

bought new running shoes too :D also from the outlet, sold at 40% off its original price, woot! it's the Adidas Supernova Glide. i had gait analysis done at Runnr a couple of weeks back to find out what shoes best suited my feet/running style. i listed down the ones they recommended and decided to canvass prices first. good thing the outlet was carrying the same pair :D i like the design, and of course, the way they feel. pretty light on my feet :)

i also got my own yoga mat. yeah, the gym does provide them, but i didn't really want to keep using those. gotta think about hygiene, u know :P i bought this at landmark for P530, the brand is Hengrui. it's thick and soft, and it doesn't hurt my knees (tried doing some yoga stances when i got home). plus i love the fact that it's got 2 different colors, so i'd immediately know which side has touched the floor (and should therefore not touch my body haha). high-end brands carry yoga mats for at least P1000, so i'd say this is a really good buy! pretty eh? :)

other stuff i bought: sports bras, waist trimmer, disinfectant for sports equipment. i want a new gym bag too!

because of my recent fitness kick, i feel healthier, more alive, and placebo effect tells me i'm losing weight (hahaha), so i feel more confident. i feel good about myself, and that's all you really need to feel beautiful right? :)

FOTD: Daily Routine

2009-10-11T00:09:00.004+08:00

i was tagged by gem to share my daily routine :)

i'm tagging anyone who hasn't shared theirs yet. would love to hear (or rather, read) it!

i did my FOTD using the products i regularly use..

>>> skincare <<<

i use these on my face every day, regardless if i'm wearing makeup or not.

~ i wash my face with SkinFood's Tea Trea Cleansing Foam
~ i use The Body Shop's Seaweed line during the morning. i use the Clarifying Toner, followed by the Pore Perfector, and Mattifying Moisture Lotion
~ on my undereyes i apply The Body Shop's Vitamin E Eye Cream (i do this before i apply moisturizer)
~ i moisturize my lips with The Body Shop'sVitamin E Lip Care
i let all these sink in for 15 minutes or so before i apply any makeup

>>> makeup <<<

my go-to products..

* face *

~ i start off by applying Skin Food's Mushroom BB Cream (shade #2) all over my face. this acts as my primer/liquid foundation. i skip this step when i don't have enough time, or i'm just feeling lazy :P
~ i dab spots that need concealing with The Body Shop's Concealer Pencil (shade #4)
~ i set it with The Body Shop's Nature's Minerals Foundation (shade #3)

* eyes *

~ i apply Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my lid as base
~ i use Coastal Scents 78 Palette for my eye color. i use whatever color matches my outfit or mood for that day ;)
~ i don't apply eyeliner on a daily basis. mostly i would just use Maybelline Eyestudio Vivid & Smooth Liner (in white) on my lower lashline to brighten up the look
~ on my lashes, i use MaybellineVolum Express Mascara

* cheeks *
~ my everyday blush is Ellana in Happiness

* lips *
~ i don't wear lipstick every day (in fact, i hardly do). i usually just wear lipgloss. my go-to is The Body Shop's Hot Brights Lip Shine Gloss

so here's the look i came up with today :)

Blogger Giveaway: Orglamix

2009-10-09T01:06:00.023+08:00

from the Orglamix website:
Discover highly pigmented, long-lasting shadows that reinvent color intensity. Orglamix's show-stopping shades have the perfect, high-payoff combination of brilliant color, an easy-blending formula, and endless versatility that will revolutionize your eye-makeup outlook and deliver stunning effects.

the colors are so so pretty! :)

there's a huge giveaway going on, and there are so many chances of winning!

check out the links below:
http://sarahsreviewsandgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/01/orglamix-cosmetics.html *ends jan 19*
http://networkingwitches.com/2010/01/color-your-winter-with-orglamix-review-giveaway-ends-12110/ *ends jan 21*

Ellana Samples

2009-10-05T14:08:00.002+08:00

i finally got around to trying out the samples that i got from Ellana. i got 2 shades of foundation: Almond Latte (medium light with cool undertones) and Cinnamon Spiced Latte (medium with cool undertones), 1 blush: Patience (pale nude brown with sheer finish), and 1 finishing powder: Almond Coffee Cream (cool beige with sheer finish).

i tried out the medium foundation first since my face is so much whiter than the rest of my body. i ended up looking like i had just gone to the beach. i looked so tanned, haha! which was not at all that bad, it just wasn't exactly the look i was going for :P

when i put the blush on, i didn't think it would show up. since it was a brown shade and i was so brown-looking already. but hey, it did! i think it added to my fresh from the beach look, haha

tried out the medium light foundation the next day. i would say this matched my skintone.

this time around i used the blush for contouring (or at least attempted to haha), since i think it's better suited for that and i'm not that fond of brown blush shades. i used Happiness on my cheeks instead.

p.s i'm on the search for the next mineral foundation to try out. any recommendations? :)

Belle de Jour: Ondoy Aftermath Action Group

2009-09-28T16:49:00.001+08:00

i'm inviting everyone to join the relief operations being organized by Belle de Jour this coming Saturday, October 3, from 1-5 PM.

it shouldn't matter whether you own a planner or not. what matters is that you are willing to devote your time and effort to this worthy cause.

details are still being sorted out. if you would like to volunteer, please send an email to ilovebdj@belledejourpowerplanner.com with your full name, mobile, and location.

other ways in which you can help out the victims of Typhoon Ondoy:

send monetary donations
donate medicines, clothes, blankets, towels, canned goods, bottled waters etc
pray!

for ways on how to donate, check out this link.

God bless, everyone, and stay safe!

*update*
this will be postponed for now due to the upcoming super typhoon.
i pray that we may be spared from another tragedy. be safe everyone!

My New Blending Brushes

2009-09-27T23:57:00.003+08:00

i bought these last month from Charm. they had a mid-year brush sale, so i grabbed the opportunity of course! :P i exchanged a couple of messages with the seller asking her about the different blending brushes they had. i didn't want to go crazy anymore trying to pick out which one i should get, so i decided to get all 3, haha!

Charm Crease Blending Brush, P250

perfect for placing color onto my crease. i find that when i use my 217 it gets all over the place (either because my lids are small, or i just don't know how to use it properly, lol). can also be used to blend small areas

Charm All Purpose Blending Brush, P200

i alternate this with my 217 (well it does look like it huh) - for placing color onto my outer v and blending out the outer part of my lid

Charm Big Blending Brush, P200

i've read a review that it's comparable to the 224. i mostly use this for blending edges around my lid

here's the latter 2 side by side. all purpose on the left and big blending on the right

the bristles are soft and don't hurt my eye :) however, they can get quite unruly, so as advised by the seller, shape them really well while damp.

i'm happy with the new additions to my collection :) blend! blend! blend!

p.s i'm still a newbie when it comes to blending. can u tell me how u use ur blending brushes (i.e 217, 222, 224) :) my brush collection is growing but i don't know if i'm using them correctly :P

My Body Shop Haul

2009-09-27T23:03:00.003+08:00

The Body Shop has a special promo for LYB members :) from Sept 25-30, buy the 1st at regular price and save 50% on your 2nd regular item. apart from that, they have other items on sale. i was never one to say no to a good sale (haha certified shopaholic here), so off i went to TBS in makati.

here's my haul :D

Vitamin C Cleansing Face Polish (bought at 40% off, P417). for natural radiance. i've tried the Skin Boost and Micro Refiner from the Vitamin C range before. now i'm gonna try the facial wash

Vitamin E Eye Cream (bought at regular price, P695). for reducing puffiness and dark circles. this is my 1st time to try this product, let's see how it works. i like that it comes in a tube. no nasty dipping!

Vitamin E Lip Care (on sale for P195). for moisturizing your lips. it's vanilla flavored. and it has spf 15 too!

Lip Scuff (bought at 50% off, P325). for exfoliating your lips. i just finished up my first tube, and i have to say it really works for me. i like its minty taste too

Strawberry Body Polish (bought at 50% off, P297.5). for exfoliating your entire body. it's gentle enough for daily use (but i still use my Olive Body Scrub once a week). i love its smell, sickeningly sweet, haha. i alternate this with my Olive Shower Gel.

Organic Cotton Rounds, 2 packs (on sale for P250). do i have to explain what these are for :P

and finally, i bought the limited edition Sundown Glow Eye Trio from their Precious Pearlescents collection (bought at regular price, P795). this was already out of stock in greenbelt, and was the very last piece in sm makati. i just had to get it!

*sigh* isn't it pretty? teehee

lookie, very pigmented!

so there! yeah i went a lil crazy with the shopping. but then again, with TBS, i always do! haha :D

Mini Kabuki Brush

2009-09-25T01:05:00.001+08:00

ever since i bought mineral blushes, i've been looking for a mini kabuki brush to use for applying them. being the OC person that i am, i didn't exactly want to keep using my full sized kabuki (which i use for foundation) for blushes.

i decided to get the Mini Kabuki Brush from Suesh. it comes with a mini pouch and only costs P250. what's unique about it is that it opens up (but no, u can't separate them).

here are pictures from all sides:

i don't know if it's really designed that way, but the white side is way fluffier than the black side. they look pretty even from the side, but from the top, it's a whole other story as u can see. so i was quite surprised by that.

the brush is really small (that's why it's called a mini!) and fits snugly on my hand.

for size comparison, here it is alongside my full sized kabuki from The Body Shop.

this is how i use it:

i open it up and dip the black side on the blush. i use the black side because it's denser than the white. i find using the white one tends to get messy because it's so fluffy.

then i spread the blush on the apples of my cheeks using the black side.

and finally i buff it out by using the closed brush.

i also use the closed brush when applying finishing powder.

this brush lives up to Suesh's standards of super soft bristles. not scratchy at all! i did expect the brush to be more dense, it being a kabuki and all. but it serves its purpose (dual, in fact). very handy and perfect for touch-ups!

Tagged! 10th Picture

2009-09-22T01:56:00.006+08:00

this is a tag and a fotd post in one ;)

was tagged by cha :)

here are the rules:
* open your first photo folder
* scroll down to the 10th photo
* post that photo and story on your blog
* tag five {or more} friends to do the same

and here's the photo :D

i am tagging ems, louie, sush, kay, and niki :)

this photo was taken tonight at paseo uno in mandarin oriental. enjoyed a buffet dinner (at 50% off, i might add!) with my ever dearest college friends :)

i went for very dramatic purple and black smokey eyes. i don't normally go for dark eye makeup but i thought i'd give it a try :P

face:
the body shop nature's minerals foundation 03
ellana bronzer in harmony

eyes:
urban decay potion primer
careline glamour eyes in platinum
coastal scents 78 palette eyeshadows
m.a.c eye liner in phone me
maybelline volum express mascara

lips:
the body shop lip liner in clover pink
maybelline moisture extreme lipstick in petal soft rose

I won!

2009-09-22T00:48:00.003+08:00

look what i received in my e-mail today :D

i won 4th prize in erica's blog anniversary give-away!!!! :D i will receive NYX lipsticks :D

so so excited! thanks so much erica!! can't wait! :D

I'm on Style Bible!

2009-09-19T01:41:00.003+08:00

went to the Rockwell Urban Bazaar last August 29, 2009. was asked by a photographer to pose for Style Bible, the online counterpart of Preview magazine. of course, i was game! teehee :)

i am wearing a top from Kamiseta, a skirt from Poisonberry, and sandals from VNC.

Glamour Eyes

2009-09-18T01:53:00.002+08:00

don't u just love affordable finds? i know i do! :) one of my latest ones came in the form of Careline Glamour Eyes, which are creamy eyeshadow pencils. i bought these at Landmark for only P70 each (talk about dirt cheap!)

i experimented with these by using them as a base for my powder eyeshadows. check out my swatches below:
A - eye shadow only
B - eye shadow over glamour eyes
C - eye shadow over UDPP

cotton candy
a soft pink color. as u know, pink eyeshadows tend not to show up. and since i tend to wear pink eyeshadows a lot despite that fact, i naturally gravitated to this shade.

platinum
a frosty white color. i reckoned it would go with pretty much anything!

as you can see, Glamour Eyes did a really good job of making the colors pop. no, these will not replace my UDPP :P but i'll definitely reach for these pencils when i want a bit more color in my life! :D

p.s sorry for the bad lighting on the photos. the flash keeps on washing out the colors :(

Pilipinas, Ang Ganda Mo!

2009-09-11T01:11:00.002+08:00

i've decided not to make any more makeup purchases *gasp*

until next week, that is! lol

from the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines website:
The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (CCIP) in celebration of the Cosmetics Month this September will host the 2nd CCIP Cosmetic Fair ‘09, Pilipinas, Ang Ganda Mo! At the Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall on September 18-20, 2009. This event will showcase the country’s leading brands in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products.

so i'm holding off til this event :P who knows, i might score great deals, eh? i don't know yet which brands are participating, but i'm definitely not going to miss out on this one! should be worth going to, right? :)

oh, and the best part? free admission! :D

Beautiful Blogger Award

2009-09-10T16:27:00.001+08:00

just received my first award, wheee :) thanks mapple, really appreciate it! :)

and i am passing it on to these bautiful bloggers: gem, ida, krissy, thiamere, mhizelle, and nina. :)

Water Shine 3D Essence

2009-09-09T01:58:00.002+08:00

i was at rockwell the other day, and was browsing makeup (as usual, haha) at pcx. Maybelline had a couple of items on sale at 50% off, and i of course could not resist making a purchase :P i bought 2 lipglosses from the Water Shine 3D Essence range, originally priced at P399 each.

they come in these sleek silver casings, with a contoured tip. you have to twist the bottom dial to the right in order for the color to come out. you can reduce the amount by twisting back to the left, but once it's out of the tube, the gloss doesn't really go back entirely. so don't get too carried away with twisting, or you'll end up with a lot more product than you bargained for!

i've been prowling for 2 lip colors: red and peach. so that's exactly what i got :)

Attractive Rose
shimmery peach with gold flecks. gives my lips a touch of color and shine. i can wear this everyday or layer it over a peach colored lipstick (which i am still on the search for!)

Strawberry Infusion
i'd call this a shiny watery red. i don't think i need to look for red lipstick anymore, because i'm quite happy with this already. i mean really, where am i going to wear red lipstick anyway? :P gives my lips that "bitten look" without being over the top.

my only beef with these glosses is that the staying power isn't that great. i have to keep on retouching every couple of hours. but i suppose most glosses are like that anyway, huh. still, i'm happy with my purchases :) more so because they were on sale, haha!

Be Alluring

2009-09-06T03:25:00.000+08:00

The Body Shop launched its newest makeup and fragrance collections. i got an invitation to this event courtesy of my Love Your Body membership. i invited my kikay friends, kath and roz, to come along :)

The White Musk Midnight Iris collection consists of body mist, body wash, body lotion, and of course eau de toilette.

The Precious Pearlescents collection (autumn trend) consists of blush trios, eye trios, and eye pencils.

a closer look at the makeup..

i so want the warm sunset blush trio (the one on the left) and sundown glow eye trio (the one on the right). so so pretty!!! and the metallic eye definers are all so nice!

thank you to The Body Shop for hosting this event. :) and to Mara for being so friendly and accomodating throughout the night. :)

Makeup Kit

2009-09-06T02:43:00.002+08:00

i bought this makeup kit from the Stellar booth at the Rockwell Urban Bazaar. it was tagged as a mineral makeup kit, but really, you can put any kind of makeup in it :) i got this for P280

it opens up to 2 sides - 1 for your brushes, the other for your makeup. the makeup storage is expandable, which is great!

see what's inside..

i have blusher, concealer, and eyeshadow brushes. my makeup essentials: foundation, concealer, eye primer, eyeshadow palette, eye liner, eye curler, mascara, blush, and lipgloss. the only thing i can't put in here is my kabuki brush, but that's ok. i didn't really want to squeeze it in.

i love that this kit is small, but it's enough to carry all my essentials! perfect for traveling :) a light packer, i am not, so i was afraid i would have to leave something out. but yey, they all fit! :D

Blogger Giveaway: Coastal Scents, MAC, and NYX

2009-09-04T01:23:00.003+08:00

to celebrate her blog anniversary, Erica is giving away tonsss of goodies from Coastal Scents, MAC, and NYX.

*faints* how cool is that! :D

click on the pic below for details.

contest ends september 15.

I'm on Cosmo!

2009-08-29T00:28:00.004+08:00

well, its website that is ;)

kath, roz, and i are in the cover photo for the Cosmo Youniverse article. Cosmopolitan Philippines celebrated 12 years of fun and fearless females at Trinoma last May 16, 2009.

i was pleasantly surprised when i discovered this photo :D i googled Cosmo Youniverse, and when i clicked one of the links, lo and behold, we were there! woot! woot!

the reason i was doing a search for it was that we were approached by some folks from the magazine and were asked to pose for their website. i've been waiting for it for months (haha), and their new website has finally been relaunched!

check out the Most Fab Chicks at the event, including yours truly :D i'm wearing a jumpsuit from My Pink Closet, and shoes from Possibility, The Ramp.

p.s Cosmo Youniverse is what started my new found love (and obsession!) with makeup. We got makeovers from Skinfood, and we just felt (and well, looked, teehee) so pretty afterwards. :)

Happiness, Lust, and Obsession

2009-08-23T21:00:00.000+08:00

i've been meaning to buy mineral blushes for some time now, and i finally got to do so when i went back to sm makati. turns out the Ellana booth is there for good (during weekends), wheee :D i am both ecstatic and worried for my wallet, haha.

there were so many blushes to choose from! i must have swatched 6 - 8 of 'em. i got 3 blushes, teehee. but i only got the smallest size - 1g for P100 each. the 3 i picked were Happiness, Lust, and Obsession.

Happiness: Light Coral Pink with Sheer Matte Finish
this blush is very light, and just looks natural. perfect for daily wear :)

Lust: Peach Pink with Sheer Gold Shimmer
i actually don't see the pink in this blush, it looks orange. it's kind of scary how orange it is when u tap it onto your brush :P so use sparingly, and blend well! i think i'll use this on days when i look too pale ;)

Obsession: Raspberry Red with Sheer Shimmer
probably my favorite out of the 3. the shade of red is just lovely! :)

p.s photos were taken under fluorescent lighting, no flash.

Harmony Bronzer

2009-08-02T22:26:00.000+08:00

i realized i needed (wanted? haha) bronzer, so off i went to watsons again. i literally combed through all the makeup stations there to search for one. no such luck, either i didn't fancy the shade or i just found it too expensive.

the Body Shop did have a bronzer which i liked best, among everything i tried that day. their Nature Minerals Bronzer was super nice, but considering i wouldn't exactly be using it every single day, i figured it wouldn't be worth the price (it was around P1500 i think). clap clap for self-control!

so i was about to go home when i noticed the Ellana station at the sm ground floor. i immediately asked if they had bronzer. i tried the 2 shades - Ecstacy and Harmony. i went with Harmony as i found Ecstacy too reddish for my taste. it was only P180 (2.5 grams), so i figured why not. and i particularly liked it because it was mineral make-up :P

here's a swatch as well as vanity pictures, lol. i applied it on my cheeks using my Body Shop kabuki brush. ( hmmm, might need to buy a separate brush for this one as i use my kabuki for mineral foundation) it gives off a natural sun-kissed glow, which i love.

p.s. no foundation, or anything for that matter, haha. just the bronzer

EOTN: Smokey Black with Gold

2009-08-01T00:20:00.001+08:00

i didn't really wear this out, haha i was just playing around with makeup and practicing smokey eyes.

this was inspired by tiffany's smokey, dramatic birthday eyes. i just used my Coastal Scents palette to dupe the colors.

i know, i know! i've miles to go, haha. it's nowhere as perfect as hers :P still quite happy with how it turned out though. for one thing, i didn't end up looking like i was punched in the eye, haha. and i'm finally getting the hang of blending, yey for my 217 brush! :D

Cosmetic Clean-Up

2009-07-26T14:39:00.004+08:00

no, this is not a hual. but rather a picture of the products that i have to throw away :(( i didn't even realize they had expired already :(( huge thanks to frances for her post!! i didn't really know about the PAO symbol. it tells you how many months u can use the product after opening it for the first time.

after reading it, i literally went thru all my makeup and skincare products. it's a good thing i've kept a list of my expenses through the past years (since 2006), so i was still able to backtrack when i bought what. now i've labeled everything.

with a heavy heart, i'm going to put all those other products in the trash. even if most of them still have 50 - 75% left :( yes, it really is a shame. but better that than for me to develop skin allergies or rashes. if anything, this experience has taught me

not to haul makeup/skin care products anymore (yes! i shall turn over a new leaf :P)
to be more aware of a product's expiration date (admittedly i've been really, really naive about this)

for products that don't have PAO symbols, i've compiled a list of their lifespan, based on what i've researched on the internet:

mascara: 3 - 6 months
liquid liner: 6 months
liquids and creams (i.e foundation): 12 - 18 months
lipstick/lipgloss: 1- 2 years
mail polish: 1-2 years
powders (i.e eye shadows/blushes): 2 - 3 years
pencils (i.e lip liner/eye liner): 2-3 years
perfume: 2-3 years