Somehow this reminds me more of Barbie Doll's Makeup, except that I'm wearing a nude lipstick (hence, the title) while she wore pink lipstick. :)

I can't believe how many people are afraid of the Light Blue eyeshadow. I know many people think of it as the signature SM Lady makeup look.. hehehe! but it's nice naman, noh? Heck! Who am I kidding! Only a few of us, brave souls, can dare to wear as bright and as bold of a makeup look as this one. But I really like how this whole looked turned out... especially with the uber fabulous MAC Peachstock lipstick. :)

MAC Peachstock has been earning raves in the beauty blogging community abroad and it's not even available here. For good reason, too. Peachstock is matte peach shade that makes the perfect nude lipstick that doesn't cause the skin to look all too washed out. I've encountered nude lipsticks that made me appear zombie-ish and corpse-ish. But this one actually give a nice color to my lips. I am head over heels with this lippie! I am in love. I would like to thank S for acquiring this lipstick for me the last time she visited Canada.  And to J and J for being an enabler. Love yah, sis's!!

It's such a funny thing that no matter how hard I try to engage the BF with beauty products for men, he just can't seem to join the bandwagon. He is so against having to put on anything after showering. Really, the BF could live with soap and water alone. I still remember how I "forced" him to wear the L'oreal Men Expert White Activ Sunblock was by way of me applying it on to his face. Thank goodness, he got used to using it by himself.

But one of things that he loved best was when I took home with me the  L'oreal Men Expert Pure and Matte Bright Charcoal Black Foam. He was so intrigued with the grayish formula that came out from the tube.

Of course, I explained to him that the Charcoal in it causes the formula to be grayish and that it will absorb all the impurities of his face, prevent his pores from clogging and reduces oiliness. Since this facial foam has Salicylic Acid as well, it would reduce breakouts caused by blackhead and whiteheads.

By the mention of those things, the BF tried Pure and Matte Charcoal Black Foam immediately. He hates going to derma and whenever his cute face accumulates blackheads and whiteheads, there is no stopping me from taking him. Well, he really have a nice skin to begin with except for the occasional cleansing needed. But now, I hardly have a reason to bring him with me to my facialist. I've seen quite an improvement with his skin texture and really, I can't complain about the scent. It's so musky, I kiss him all over after he gets out of the shower!!

I love that my guy isn't the type to use a lot of grooming products. But I'm glad he knows the best products to use whenever it strikes his fancy to be all up about facial stuff. He's such a man's man, the BF, and I'm crazy about that in him!

Let's face it. We're not getting any younger... looking at my vanity, I notice how much it differs from what I had on it a few years back. Now it's filled with anti-aging creams, undereye cream and moisturizers.

But I'm not complaining as I think that I am aging with graace and enjoying every day that comes. Although I hope that my skin wouldn't succumb to gravity, I try to help it a bit by using products that I know are effective. After all, anti-aging products doesn't come cheap. Matter of fact, it's one of the most expensive things out there.

Year 2011 is all about defying time and taking on oppotunities. One of those is to use Smooth-365 Intensive Clarity and Smoothing Peptide Serum.

I am over the moon with this product. It's a silicone base gel-cream that is infused with peptide complex that will turn back time and give you back that youthful appearance, smooth, even and more radiant looking.

I always see my perfumes like a friend... they are always there, even when I don't often see them.  Mary Kay brings this sentiment to their latest Eu de Parfum, Thinking of You. The light fruity floriental scent, packaged in a cute glass bottle that nestles right on to my hands perfectly. It has a keepsake charm that you can add to your favorite jewelry. The box that it is enclosed in, you can write a note inside it if you wish you give this one to a friend as a gift.

Can you believe that I've had this Charm Luxe Kabuki Brush since December of 2009? Look how fab looking it still is! It's one of my best brushes ehhhvvhher! I got this at the St. James Bazaar at Beauty and Minerals, where I also got 3 Charm Luxe Retractable brushes as gifts for my friends that Holiday. It's by far one of the wisest buys that any mineral makeup loving girls will do!

Bronzers were something I never really thought I'd be using. And look at me now, I can't call my makeup complete without it! I use it mainly to contour my cheekbones, especially now that my face is getting fatter. LOL!

When I did some hauling at ebay.ph for some very affordable Wet n' Wild cosmetics, I came across some of the bronzers and it took a lot of effort for me not to get them all. But when I saw the Wet n' Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Princess, it reminded me so much of my favorite MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden that I just got to have it. Looking at the picture though I know I could be mistaken but for Php125, i didn't think too much of it.

@ Cliff House, Tagaytay

 Top: Herbench Plain V-neck white top; Cardigan: Pink Manila; Scarf: SM Department Store; Leggings: Forever21; Wedges: So! Fab; Bag: Cole Vintage; Bracelet: Shen's Addiction; Watch: Hand-me-down Anne Klein; Sunglasses: Roberto Cavalli.

For Day 2 outfit, I did a lot of layering. In the morning, I had the Mango grey coat with my Pink Manila black cardigan and SM Dept. Store plaid scarf. After breakfast and coffee, I removed the coat. Decided not to put it back on as the sun was being so friendly and kept me warm enough.

I really love scarves. I think collecting them will be a new hobby. I love how it easily keeps of the chilly weather and there are tons of ways I can turn it into and it's so easy to store in the bag. When we visited, I covered my hair with it as women in the olden times would. When we were in the car, it became my small blankie and of course, it turned into a sort-of poncho when we were at the Cliff House.

I'm also loving the Envi plain white top of Herbench. It doesn't come cheap at Php369.75 but the material is really soft and comfy. Sort of like the ones I got at Forever 21 albeit more expensive. I promised I said I won't be wearing any more white tops but I can't help it, I'm crazy about them! I love how put together white tops are and you can mix and match anything with it.

What about you? Do you have something you can't stop wearing?

Last weekend, my BFF's and I went to Tagaytay to celebrate one of our dearest peep's birthday. Guess what, I was the one driving from Manila to Tagaytay! Yey! Was always so scared of driving out of town. I hated taking the hi-ways and being amidst fast moving vehicles and being beside buses and trucks. But I promised myself that year 2011 is all about conquering fears. Did I survive the trip? Well, the picture will give you a clue. We were already at Paseo at Sta. Rosa, Laguna in the picture to check out the new stores built. They have Marks & Spencer and Debenhams.

I really love the wrikle-free top I wore that day. Cost me only Php600 (i think). It's very flattering and make me look so thin. Love!! The jeggings felt so comfortable for driving and it warded off the chill of Tagaytay when we got there. My Cole Vintage bag was the best bag for a trip. It fits all my essentials, my two phones, two bulky cameras and lens. And it meshed well with my So! Fab wedges which is sooo pretty and made me look taller. This is really a great ensemble going to Tagaytay. Of course, when we got there. I donned on a scarf and a jacket because Tagaytay was sooo damn chilly at night. I miss it, actually.

What about you? What did you do during the weekend? I hope you had as much fun as I did!

Mineral Blushes are by far my most favorite type of blush! Why? Not only is it affordable (the most I spent was Php300 or $6) but it's very safe for the skin. I really love love love mineral blush. For most days, it's the one I choose to put on. Whether it be doing the grocery, meeting up for drinks with the girls or for work.

Hauling time! And this time it's Wet n Wild! Been hearing a lot of things about this brand and it looks to be at par with my favorite NYX makeup. I do love NYX like crazy and you all know that. And for me, anything cheap to sate this impossible makeup addiction is always welcome. So when I saw Donnarence hauling some Wet n Wild over at ebay.ph, I asked her how I could get my hands on it. And I certainly didn't waste a lot of time to get me some Wet n Wild.. :)

The wand is pretty soft and pliant that it would allow a smooth application even with shaky hands. I do love wands like this one. Very much reminiscent of my former L'oreal Telescopic Mascara. But sadly, I wouldn't say that this type of brush will give that super thick lashes effect. 

But the results are amazingly good. After application, you'll have lashes with a good enough volume, no clumping and appearance of really long lashes.

Oh! The joy of a new makeup to play with. Unfortunately, this freakishly cool weather (not that I'm complaining) is preventing me from playing around with makeup and I don't have anywhere to go to lately save for work. I've renewed my love affair for buying online.. only downside is the long wait! WIll check back in for my next haul soon.

But of you want to try the Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara, do check it out at your favorite Maybelline Counters nationwide. I usually get mine at SM Hypermart Pasig or SM Megamall Watsons and Beauty by SM. (nope, don't get paid to say this. I just live near these hotspots.)

Finally!!

When I thought I couldn't have it, out of the blue and thanks to that cute little blue bird, I saw Sol's tweet that she still had one last Urban Decay Naked Palette on hand! Thanks to Paypal and for my BDO Mastercard, I got to own this coveted palette! I didn't even have to wait for it too long.

Isn't so obvious how much an addict I am with Urban Decay Cosmetics? Honestly, if I ever do get a chance to visit the States, I think I would spend all my shopping money hauling on Urban Decay, from their foundations to their lipgloss. But right now, I'm pretty much over the moon for this purchase.

How sweet of Avon to send me holiday gifts that has a few of cosmetics that I've been wanting to try from the brand? Their Avon foundation  for example was something that I've been curious to try. So when I got the Ideal Shade Liquid Foundation Natural in Nude, I knew I'd find a way to try it.

For Php530, Ideal Shade boasts of its Precise Light Technology that could match almost 98% of all skintones, oil-free, medium coverage, a silky finish and SPF 10 for sun protection

Since I read the two words that I love, SPF and Oil-free. I was, yes, all over it.

Consistency

The consistency is a tad creamy for medium coverage. It's not too matte but when it dries, it has smooth feel to it. The scent though isn't something I like. I'm not sure if it's just me but I'm not a fan of it. Good thing that I don't smell the scent when I apply it on me. I'm rather fond of the typical scent of foundations.

The packaging is something that I wasn't fond of either. A pump is very much appreciated. I use a spatula or tap a little at the back of hands to prevent it from contamination. No double-dipping for this girl.

Nude is a shade lighter than my skin tone but given that my skin is acidic, I am hoping that this shade will adjust. Comparing it to other Avon Ideal shades, Nude seemed to be an appropriate choice because it's one with a yellow tint compared to Natural and Pure Beige. Although its hard to see that on the actual foundation itself. I even thought that Nude is on the beige-y side.

Take note: Swatch 3 shades of foundation nearest to your skin tone from your jaw to your neck, the one that disappears and blends is the best match for you. Check this on natural lighting like outdoors.

Effects

I was really impressed with how well this blends to my skin. It effectively reduced the appearance of capillaries and I didn't feel the need to cover my dark spots. Although I still used an undereye concealer, I  skipped covering my pimple marks. And they weren't visible once I set it with the Ideal Shade Loose Powder in Neutral. (See photo below).

Ideal Shade doesn't feel that light on the skin. But comparing to the heavy coverage foundation I use, like MAC Studio FIX and Shu Uemura Nobara, Ideal Shade felt lighter. Maybe because I used a tad much on my skin but with the in between creamy and liquid-y consistency, I didn't think this as a problem. Especially when it's really good at covering my problem areas.

Photo taken above was a good five hours from application. Given the cool weather that night, I didn't feel the need to retouch and I was happy to see that the foundation remained intact. You won't see any dark spots, pimple marks and even my dark under eyes aren't that visible. No oily feel and we stayed outdoors for dinner, drinks and coffee. Fabulous results, right?

Overall, I am very much happy with this foundation and is looking forward to use this during daytime when I can make use of the SPF protection. I like the feel and consistency of the foundation that'svery much appropriate with the weather we're having lately. Actually, if not for the scent, I could see myself using this foundation most days I go out.

Recommendation

Ideal Shade Foundation is definitely for those who are looking for an affordable foundation that has a medium coverage without the heavy feel. If you're using a mineral makeup foundation with a heavy coverage, Ideal Shade is your best bet as it would most likely cover all the problem spots you want covered. Although I have yet to see the full effect of the Precise Light Technology it boasts, looking for the right shade doesn't seem that hard of a job with this brand of foundation.

Hope this review helps!

Avon Ideal Shade Liquid Foundation Natural are available in all Avon offices or call your Avon Lady now!

It sure looks like I'm getting ready for summer... But na-ah! I just really love to wear sunglasses. Especially when I'm driving.. and given that I live in a tropical country, sunblocks and eye creams are not enough to protect my peepers and the delicate skin around it. So when I lost my first ever designer shades, I immediately replaced them with a much bigger, a lot more "me" sunglasses... :)

As much as I adore the more affordable sunglasses sold in my favorite stores and boutiques, I consider investing on a high-end sunglasses very much worth the price I pay for it. Like I said, it's practically a requirement to wear one here in the Philippines and it immediately provides a statement, fashion or otherwise.

I chose this design, not only because it's Roberto Cavalli, but also for the gold frame and the intricate design on it but also for the brown lens. It looks so vintage! And really, gold is soo my favorite color for all my accessories. :) I am just in love with my new sunnies.. :)

But the surprising thing is, I got this at a much lesser price! I got to own a fancy Roberto Cavalli for only Php4500 (approx. $100) (after haggling and paying in cash). When it's sold for more than $300 at some online and other eye wear shops I've seen.

I got my new sunnies at Opthal-mix Shop at SM Hyperment Pasig. SM Department stores also provide reasonably priced designer shades.

How about you, have you got some luxury goodies at a reasonable price? Share them at the comment box below! Would love to know where we can do more bargain hunting!

Just a head's up, guys! Avon just informed me of their ongoing Facebook contest for 125th anniversary. Wow.. I didn't realize how long Avon's been in the beauty industry. And they are sharing the blessings to all of their patrons by giving away an Avon Colour Gift Pack.

Who doesn't own a pair of Havaianas? All of my friends and family each have a pair or more. I even have a best friend who collects them, it's crazy. :) It's the most comfy slippers I know! Really great for walking around in my beautiful country island country. Yep, in the Philippines, you kinda feel you're in Brazil, too!

And getting ready for summer is so easy with a pair of cutestylish pair of Havaianas! Check out their latest collection this year 2011

Even I could admit that putting on makeup could really be tough. Like shaping eyebrows with pencil, application foundation without having it cake, pimples are so hard to conceal and mascara smudging... I've gone through all that. It's a good thing I've got these 5 ways to make sure that makeup application is anything but a breeze.

1. Treat your pimples

Having a clear skin is still the easiest way to apply this makeup. It's a grueling process to treat your skin which involves going to a certified dermatologist to do acne surgery/facial and apply medication. But achieving a clearer skin will definitely benefit you a whole lot more than just making your skin easier to put makeup on.

Makeup app you'll skip: Applying Corrector and Blemish Concealer

2. Get brows done professionally

Grooming the brows is an essential part of a makeup application. Don't fight me on this. But I do understand that using an eye pencil or even an eyebrow palette can be difficult when you have very unruly eyebrows. And let's not even go to shaving and plucking them on our own which often ends in disaster. Having them threaded or waxed by a professional will ensure you good looking brows, no disasters at all. I go to Browhaus for a professional brow fix. They are very hygienic and precise. Now all I do is just follow the shape of my brows as I darken it for photos.

 

3. Get a Lash Perm

Curling my lashes is a feat even for me. That's why i can give an hour of my day every 2 or 3 months to get a lash perm at Let's Face It just to avoid clipping my lids with my lash curler. Curled lashes is a best way to open up the eyes. Applying mascara is an easy feat, too.

Flaky skin causes cakey makeup. So be sure to get a microdermabrasion treatment every 5 weeks as it takes 5 weeks for our skin to regenerate a new layer and get rid of our dead skin cells. A much more easier way is to keep a bottle of Cure Aqua Gel that removes the dead skin off of our face. I also use Artistry Intensive Skincare Renewing Peel for an at-home peeling peeling treatment. Using these products will make your skin smoother and make application of foundation a lot easier. No flaky skin, no cakey makeup.

Use a skin care that will enhance the radiance of your skin like Pond's Precious Youth Serum and The Body Shop Vitamin C Facial Radiance Capsules. Applying this after all your nightly regimen will give you that natural glow you want if you want skin like Cate Blanchett and Scarlett Johansson. And maybe, we can snag Ryan Reynolds in the process. Hehehe!

That's a total of 7 steps skipped! Phew! Now getting ready for work, school or an event isn't as stressful. I've tried all these steps and these really worked for me. I personally can't get enough Pond's Precious Youth Serum and Cure Aqua Gel. As for Browhaus, they are the best in making my brows look fab. While lash perming at Let's Face It have always been reliable and very affordable. :)

Due to the earth's wobble, our zodiac signs are now rearranged and this causes some major ruckus on social media networks as early as Thursday. Also with the recent addition of a new zodiac, Orphiuchus, many are in denial that they could even see themselves as a man holding a snake.

Astronomer Kunkle, who declared this recent news understandably don't think that this is not a cause for panic. But for many people (especially those who had their zodiac tattooed on their body), this is a major news. And I really can't blame them when you've believed most of your life that you are something and suddenly, you've been stripped of that believe with hardly an explanation at all...

As for me, I was quite in denial of the news as I've loved being a Virgo, determined, focus, put together and perfectionist. But having read Leo's trait, I can't say that I can't relate to it as well, it being proud, craves for the spotlight and live life straightforward but with a flair of drama. Really, I can't say I'm not also a Leo... But I can also say the same for Gemini which is talkative, champion of cocktail parties and can bounce from topic to topic. Also same goes for Pisces who are very emphatic, emotional and spiritual.  (www.mydaily.com)

This got me thinking that horoscopes or astrology is really just a guide... much like a friend telling you that you can wear gold accessories when you've always chosen silver. It's just another way to brave the day ahead of us, a suggestion that we can either take or not...

So, let's not overanalyze this and just enjoy each of our every day. :)

And if you believe in Horoscopes and astrology and is outraged with this recent news, this ariticle ought to settle you down.

When it comes to whitening products, you know I am mostly if not always all over it. You know how I want to appear fairer. BUT NOT to look like those foreign girls who are actually born with fairer skin on the west side of the world... I love my Asian skin tone that is neither too fair nor too dark.

So, why indeed do I keep on trying whitening products?

Answer: I just want to even out my skin tone!

Battling with acne even up to now has been a frustration because I would always end up with dark spots. Unfortunately, I didn't know before that pricking my pimples, touching it and not using sunblock for almost half my life caused me to have uneven skin tone with dark spots.

How to know if you have uneven skin tone? You either have dark areas around the chin and cheeks, sides of the nose, dark spots due to acne scarring or all of the above.

Excessive melanin production (melanin is responsible for darkening) makes it worst because I am simply not doing anything about it. Yes, that's true! It's the reason why our pimple marks scars darken and why we get a tan whenever we are exposed to the sun?

As a beauty addict, I'm a sucker for reading labels and knowing how products work. Apparently, there's a new innovation of L'oreal Paris called Melanin-VanishTM in all their White Perfect range that "helps neautralize the program of melanin-production at the source. It basically targets the enzyme that causes our darkening. And it removes the cells with melanin. 

To put it simply, no melanin = no melanin production =  no skin pigmentation.

And with the Tourmaline Gemstone that helps in stimulating the skin, you'll achieve a rosier glow.

So, L'oreal White Perfect = fairer rosier skin.

I've been using the L'oreal White Perfect Fairness Control SPF17/PA++ (Php595) for the nearly two months sporadically (since I stay home some days of the week) and I noticed a slight change in my skintone. It's not lighter but my dark spots have lightened. I notice that I can go without using a maximum coverage foundation to even out my skin tone. I can even get away with just a mineral makeup powder and a blush when I go out.

After toner, instead of reaching for my sunblock (since I stay indoors most days lately), I apply the  L'oreal White Perfect Fairness Control Moisturizing Cream SPF 17/PA++. I use the same amount or lesser as seen below and spread it evenly starting from forehead, cheeks, chin and lastly nose area.

When I need to apply makeup, I make sure that this is well absorbed before I put on my foundation. If I'm in a rush, I use mineral makeup foundation/finishing powder with oil control.

You may have to retouch and blot an hour or two from makeup application since this is not an oil control product. Use an oil-control makeup but let this be absorbed to the skin prior. Stay in colder area when waiting for it to absorb

Better yet, apply a makeup primer like L'oreal BaseMagique Transforming Smoothing Primer. It's a good primer for those with oily skin. Review to follow.

I just read the latest book of Bobbi Brown that says everything that a girl needs to know about beauty without the nonsense.

Bobbi Brown speaks the language of women but more so, of a mother. That's what I got from her book, the Beauty Rules. It's filled with information that even at my 27th year, still haven't grasp.

She focuses on every part of the face like nose, eyes, lips and even hair and how to enhance them the best and most natural way. She even has words for finding your own style, sharing her own and citing examples... There are interviews conducted with a doctor, stylists, models and more to answer dilemmas that I'm sure you're dying to ask. She reminds us to have fun... Oh! You'll definitely love the before and after photos... something you'd like to try for yourself, I'm sure!

While reading the book, I was filled with so much nostalgia because it felt like my mom was talking to me. I had to put it down for awhile because I couldn't help the tears from falling. Bobbi's words are quite similar to what my mom use to advise me when it came to taking care of my skin, using makeup and having a healthy lifestyle.

Must read and my most favorite part is Chapter 17.  She wrote a letter to the moms who would be reading the book and a letter to the daughters. I was only in the first page of the chapter and I can't help but just think of my mom, hoping she could read it, too. But when I got to the letter for the daughters, well, I needed a lot of tissue to dry up my tears.. I was that kid who fought with my mom about anything because I think she was too strict... now that I'm older and that she's gone, I understand now that what she really wanted was what's best for me. Simple as that... 

I especially like the Foreword provided by Hilary Duff which is entitled, I am a work-in -progress. Sharing how she discovered Bobbi, conquered show business and share her mom's passions.

If your were to ask me.. Beauty Rules is the book for every girl who is about to step inside her mother's closet and try on her high heels and her red lispticks. It's for the girls who doesn't have their moms to teach them about makeup, womanhood and life. It's for those women who are afraid to step inside the beauty section of the department store... it's for those girls who thinks makeup is a way to disguise who they really are... those girls who needs reminding that beauty is not skin deep. For the fathers who wishes to understand their daughters. For men to understand the woman in life.

I'm glad that I have this book... It makes me miss but in a good way... and I could share this to my daughter, too. The book just felt like my cool mom was talking to me..

Amazaing. Really, really amazing!

If you want the book for your niece (or for yourself.. teehee!), I suggest you get the Beauty Rules Palette... a little something for your niece (or make you feel a little teenage girl again.) :)