Meet my twin

Well, not really... but I consider her a totally different person from me. She's the girl with the effortless smile, the one who gets the guys and had fun all night.

I wanted to try something new. I figured what a better way to do it but in my law school org's Anniversary Party, themed Black and White. With all the magazine scanning and my short stint at a fashion magazine, I was dead set on trying on some of the latest trends. I had studs, the booties, the soft fabric and just enough hit of gold.

I had my curls done at Basement Salon, Shangri-la. My attendant new exactly what I wanted. If I culd live in Basement Salon, I would.

My makeup was done by the John Pagaduan for Shu Uemura. One perk I got from beauty blogging is meeting some of the best people in the cosmetic industry and John is one of those people. I kind of harassed him to do my makeup when I saw him at the Shu Uemura counter in Rustan's. I love what he did. He kept it simple making my lips the focus of the whole look.

I'm glad to say that the overall look was received well by my sisters. And not one sister there looked the same as we did in our typical shirt and jeans. Quorum is known for being trendy and stylish, but this night we crossed all boundaries and transformed into something more.

Really, I sometimes wish I'm back to law school just I could be with them more and those I left in my old school. sigh.

As always, I try to bore you with words. :) Here are the pics I took from my new Canon G11. :)

Dress with side studs from Zara (remember this?)
Under the dress are my reliable SPANX!
Studded Booties from Summersault
Tights from Topshop
Accessories from Quiapo(bracelet), Rockwell Urban Bazaar(Earrings), St. James Bazaar (Ring) and Accessorize,GB 5 (Necklace)
Glove from Aldo

Obviously, i was channeling Jen Humphrey from Gossip Girl. :)


Face
All from Shu Uemura
UV Under Base
Nobara Cream Cover stick (also for contouring)
that's all what I remember.. :)
Partial Flare Lashes (love love! people kept asking if I had lash extension done!)




my Lady Gaga inspired lighting ring from Bijoux at St. James Bazaar


here are all my Q girls. :)


an unusual pose for me.. :)
nail color are OPI, done at Basement Salon

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Product Review: Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tars

I have a secret... I've been lemming for Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (their Lip Tars precisely) for months every since I saw them on youtube videos being featured by many beauty gurus, i have been contemplating whether to order from them or not. Up to a point that I was ready to pay exuberant shipping fees via a private courier just to make sure it will get to me safe and intact.

But now, I'm happy to report that OCC Lip Tars are now available in the Philippines.

OCC says:

Stunning new innovation in lip color, OCC Lip Tar combines the longevity of a lipstick, with the ease of application of a gloss. Goes on slick and moist, and dries down to a satin finish. Ultra-saturated in color, OCC Lip Tar contains an unprecedented amount of pigment, so a little goes a very, very long way. An intense yet featherweight layer of color that stands up to the scrutiny of Hi-Def Video and Digital Photography, without ever looking (or feeling!) heavy. Meant to be mixed, OCC Lip Tars come in concise range of colors (and black and white!) for a limitless selection of shades made by you!

Like all of our products, OCC Lip Tar is 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free, and is also free of parabens and other harsh preservatives. A simple, elegant formula that contains Hemp Oil, Peppermint Oil and Vitamin E, OCC Lip Tar feels as good on the lips as it looks!

The description is right on the dot. I love my Lip Tars. Everyone should have at least one Lip Tar in their stash. The colors are just insanely pigmented that a small drop could color two lips. Now I find myself making excuses to use Lip Tars. And the fact that they are mixable are just icing on the cherry. The minty scent is just addicting but not too strong either. I like it doesn't smell chemically as it is 100% Vegan. :)

Enough gibber-gabber.. here are the major haul:

swatched on my steel palette.

swatches of 8 ouf 10 Lip Tars I have. Left out only feathered (white) and clear.








tarred with clear on top


Tips and Tricks:
1. Condition lips as always.
2. Use lip liner to avoid bleeding since the Lip Tars are more liquid that regular lipstick.
3. Use sparingly.
4. Apply with lip brush and not directly from the tube.

Here are some photos of me wearing lip tars.


Shen on Anime


My own mix using Pageant, Melange and Feathered

Care to customize but want to keep your mixes? Just mix them inside an empty pot or pigment jars. I had loads of them from when I depotted my pigments to ziplocks for easier access and less space consumption. I simply squeeze certain drops (feel free to experiment) and i mix it there. Viola, new color on a pot that you can bring anywhere you. Don't forget your lip brush.

OCC Lip Tars gets 10 out 5 Kikay Pinay points! :)

available at hdmakeup.multiply.com
add them on facebook to get updates: Hi-Definition Make-up Studio

much love,
Shen

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New: Beauty by SM at SM Makati (more gift ideas)

The newly renovated Beauty by SM of SM Makati is really the place to be for the Holidays. :) I still remember when this department was called Health and Beauty in many SM Malls. Back in my puberty years, my mom could just leave me there and I wander along the aisles of beauty items. Yeah, I'm kikay like that. :)

But now, they have revamped it in a whole lot of way. Better spacing, accommodating but not too persistent sales ladies, better selections and division of products and the interior that is just to die for! If mom was here, she would probably love it too because it's really well put together and there are no confusing areas for those in a hurry. Everything is really easy to find. :)

Pharmacy/Watson's Drugstore is just within the area so moms need not to go elsewhere for the medication needs of their families. :) Same thing for us working girls who's crunched up for time. Love that it is also situated near the entrance/exit for easier access.


Men's Zone or what I call the Day Care Center for the Men is love. It has everything my man needs in one area that he wouldn't need to walk around near any cosmetics. :) I could just leave him there and pick him up when we are ready to pay. :)


Dental Care which has the most amzing selections of products for your pearly whites.


a toothpaste that takes away the appetite. Yum!

love mentholated stuff and that includes, toothpastes.


TAMPAX!!! :) yey!

On to more products: :)


Tri-aktiline, line reducing miracle ointment! Love this. :)


Lyra experiencing how Tri-aktiline lessened the look and feel off of the line on her hands.


I love LOLA! :)
Did you know that Lola stands for Lust Often, Love Always... how Boudoir!




This one is on my Christmas Wishlist

This one, too.

People just crazy over Lola.

This whole counter is on the List, not just for Christmas. :)

how can you resist those packaging?


Luna Twilight, a sister cosmetics of Lola gives you all the look to personify your favorite Twilight girl. :)

I'm crazy about twilight but I love this line

Luna Twilight palette is so thin it can fit most smaller bags for that ready touch up moments. :)
Yes, this is on the list, too. :)


Skin Care of Clinelle is heavily tested by its endorser. Loving the Snow White Mask.



Hair Coloring products. You know this one caught my attention.



Ianti, a new cosmetics brand from Korea. Really somwthing worth to look at.


Revlon's interactive touch screen monitor gives you an idea on how their product will look on a certain skin type. Gifting cosmetics will not be too difficult. :)

Jonathan Har Products

This exceptional innovation provides a ultra-clean water to rinse your hair with. Just atttach is to your shower.

This Hydrating travel-size line allows you to try Jonathan's best seller for only Php1500.00.

Colorscience, a mineral make-up brand that is love by true mineral makeup enthusiasts.

Coverl Girl love!

don't you just love the lighten surface that each counter has? Sigh!

great deals for my favorite hair conditioner.

new hair products for the boys. :)


More gifts ideas below:



Watson brand bath care are great as holiday gifts for your nieces, friends, etc.

this complete package is something I could appreciate because Dove is my go-to bath care right now. :)

great for giveaways

Radox, a new bath and body brand.

got attracted to Kotex Luxe's packaging for their newest pad.

My small haulage. :)

The Swiper and I really enjoyed walking around Beauty by SM for more than an hour. I could really spend a lot of my idle time browsing and choosing what new products to take home with me. I love how the place is classy but not too intimidating and the prices of most products are really affordable. It didn't hurt as well that there were many discounts on a lot of good products. Beauty by SM is for everyone, not just for kikays like me.

I guess, I know where I'll be seeing you soon, Ladies! :)

much love,
Shen

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