Incorporating my crazy obsession with the shade mint, into my outfit.
Za took my Manila by storm in its few short months from its launch. It's a brand that many Filipinas wanted to come back and prayers have indeed been answered.
Recently, they launched their NEW Impact-Full Eyes palettes and NEW Perfect Action Mascaras. A note-worthy collection that adds more character to the brand.
Za, if you remember from way back, is a very simple yet up-to-date kind of beauty brand. The collection of products aren't overwhelming at all. The clean packaging makes it's easy on the eyes and choosing a breeze for the consumer. It's nonsensical. You need a lipstick, they have it and in shades you won't find trouble choosing from. They've got shadows that are both neutrals and playful shades that fit any kind of mood. It's great for everyday wear and are all too newbie-friendly.
From the new things they have, here are my two favorite.
I recently got a hold of Bobbi Brown's Summer 2013 collection and I am in love! The color theory and texture is definitely for our beautiful tropical country. Despite the nonstop rain, I see this collection flying off the shelves! The mix of dark blue rimmed eyes is the oomph that we Pinay's been looking for in our everyday makeup look.
Highlight of the collection is the blue turquoise eye palette that houses pretty amazing nude eyeshadows. At the edge, and quite attention-grabbing is the Rich Navy eye shadow can be double as a liner.
To help create a defined makeup look, this collection has both Long Wear Cream Shadow in Suede and the best-selling, award winning Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. Give your cheeks the glow from within with the Brightening Brick in Pink that matches the cool tone of navy blue eyes. Finish the look with a swipe of a lip gloss for that silky sheen.
Given that the nails are the best accessory to carry this season, paint it with a rich navy blue shade from this collection!
What's your favorite from the Naby and Nude Collection?
Get Katie's look with the Bobbi Brown Navy and Nude Collection.
Available now at your favorite Bobbi Brown counters and stores.
For updates, visit Bobbi Brown Philippines on Facebook.
Oh, God do I love to sleep! During our college graduation pictorial, my creative shot was me sleeping, hugging a pillow!
But did you know that sleeping can also be bad for your skin? Dun-dun-dun-dun! Find out more after the jump!
Avon has whipped out yet another impressive collection of lip products and they named it Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss. Avon with it's True Color Technology proves effective in the rich, lush and vibrant finishes of this collection.
No wonder Avon gets the top spot when it comes to beauty here in our country. The continuous efforts poured into providing its consumers the best is unwavering.
Find out more about the new Avon Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss after the jump!
Beauty blogging has changed for the past five years since I started to write my very first blog post. I was just reminiscing today about how different beauty blogging was way back then. There weren't any brands approaching us to write about their products, no freebies, and we spent crazy amount of time (online and offline) and money (of course!) before we actually wrote our very first blog post. :)
Now, if you're one of us.. then you'll have a fun time reading this blog post. If you're an aspiring beauty blogger and curious how things were back in the day, read on!
1. Most of us were a forum member of Girl Talk and active on Let's Primp and Prettify forum.
This was the place where I met so many beauty junkies like me. From Brigitte to Sophie, Nikki, Phoebe, Aileen, Pat and so many more! A lot of the girls I met through the forum are still active and have their own blogs, too. It was a place that we can share our latest finds. Before we didn't care about traffic, SEO, SEM, unique views, etc. :)
2. You most likely started with searching for mineral makeup.
Since there weren't many mineral makeup back then. Bare Escentuals was only taking off at that time, looking for alternatives at your local mall was impossible. You had to search for it online. There will be online stores that you'll come across with but just before making a purchase, you might have researched first about it and looked through blogs for reviews.
3. You know brands like Fyrinnae, MAD Minerals, She Space, TKB Trading, Joppa, Taylormade and of course, Coastalscents!!
Oh my god.. Many can relate with me on this! As soon as one or two bloggers starts to post their hauls on their latest makeup buys, the rest of us follows. Hoarding on samples that were as cheap as 45 cents! The result is that we have way too much mineral makeup samples from these brands in ziplocks that made you buy tons of pots to transfer them in! And Customs didn't charge that much when you claim your package unlike today.
Buying stuff through pour relatives abroad was also a popular practice back in the day.
4. White Eyeliner, blue and yellow eye shadows were difficult to find in the beauty section of any department store (unless you can afford the ones in Rustan's then.
Since there weren't many beauty bloggers here in the Philippines, I would look to Asian bloggers overseas for inspiration. Unfortunately, they have better access to cosmetics unlike we did. So creating a rainbow eotd was nearly impossible. They where either hard to come by or expensive. Our recourse was to buy
5. You most likely tried DIY'ing your on mineral makeup foundation.
With the many mineral makeup foundations we own, chances you have played around making your own. I tried but it was futile! hahaha!
6. You once tried making an inspired Sephora Brush Holder.
This one was really fun. :) And quite easy to do. Many bloggers and youtube gurus did this and I joined the bandwagon. :)
7. You know Michelle Phan as Rice Bunny and not only watch her videos but read her blog on Xanga.
To says she's different now is an understatement but I gotta admit that she was one of those that I followed religiously back in the day. :)
8. Your posts are about 30% Haul posts.
Posts that only contains what you bought that evening or that night. Yup! We be lazy back then. :)
9. You do EOTN's (Eye of the Night)
Way back, I would do my makeup at night since that's the only time I can play around with bold shades is right after school. :) After taking picture of it, I would remove it. At that time, bold makeup colors weren't really so popular. So wearing them outside your home might be too mich for your neighbors, friends and family. :)
10. You use to write short posts like this.
We didn't have twitter, instagram back then. Facebook was just getting popularity in the upper class. So short posts like this were normal. :)
11. You knew terms like EOTN, EOTD, LOTN, MLBB, MMU, Foiling, NOTD, Outer V, etc.
We got own own world and chances are, we would create our own language. Many of which are still being use today!
12. You use Monistat Anti-Chaffing Gel as primer!
Seriously, my auntie laughed at me when i asked her to get me these from Rite Aid! But Monistat was propular then especially when Smashbox released their HG Primer that was nearly Php2000 then.
13. Your makeup purchases could have afforded you a decent luxury bag. :)
In 2008, my makeup purchases from January to April could have bought me my dream LV bag! It's a good thing that I love makeup more than any expensive luxury hand bags. :)
14. You tried your hand on creating the Rainbow makeup look! :)
The things we regret!! :) I can't believe I use to post pictures like that but I did!! Hahahaha!
-o-
It's nice to look back and see how far you've changed and accomplished. Deep inside, I am still that gawky kid. One that can groom her brows properly, knows more about beauty and its industry and knows how to create the perfect wing tip. :)
I really think that many beauty bloggers now have it easy. Philippines when it comes to the beauty industry have bloomed the past 5 years. Brands that weren't available back thena re now easily accessible to many. There are pre-orders... More so, brands recognize the power of beauty bloggers (and blogging in particular) that they send them products for review and invite them to their events.
But I was glad to be a part of the "veteran" crowd. Despite feeling so old being one of the oldest beauty blogger in the country, it was definitely one of the best times in my life. I met girls that I call my bestfriends, got to try products and explore wild child-like wonder and was able to show you authentically who Shen, the beauty addict, truly is!
Do you remember other things that are worth the #beautybloggertbt hashtag? Share with me, I'd like to know what you did when you first started blogging. :)
I really don't consider myself a hair care expert. I'm just like you constantly looking for that it product that addresses all the needs of her hair. Given how much I color and chemically treat it, I need one that takes care of it and help keep it from drying, which is usually the result when you keep on damaging it.
I have a few favorites lately and that includes the L'Oreal EverPure Sulfate Free Color Care System. I don't immediately go for organic. The ones I've tried before dried out my hair completely, given me dandruff or didn't wasg off the pollution off of my hair. It was painstaking but I thought I was doing myself a favor. When I got sent the this new sulfate-free line from L'Oreal, I didn't really put too much thought in it. Rather it took me awhile before trying it out.
But when I did, it lathered well, the scent was amazing (rosemary, juniper and mint) and it felt like I was really cleaning my hair. The best thing though is the effects it had on my hair. I started using this when I had my hair colored and during the course of time I was using it, my hair didn't looked dull after several washes. My hair was shinier, softer and vibrant just like when I had my hair colored.
I have to admit that aside form the fact that it's sulfate-free and cares for my hair color, the reason that I have bought this set twice is because of the scent! I love anything that has mint. It's so refreshing! But with the blend of rosemary and juniper, this has given me a spa-like experience with every use. :)
No questions ask, I definitely recommend the L'Oreal EverPure Sulfate Free Color Care System! Especially if your concerns are the following:
- Wants to go sulfate-free
- Want to maintain vibrancy of your hair color
- Wants cheaper organic hair care products
- Wants less drying of the hair but can't give up the rich lather that regular shampoo does.
EVER Pure Moisture Shampoo, P449 - Lathers really well and the scents is really luxurious. Doesn't dry out the hair like regular shampoo.
EVER Pure Moisture Conditioner, P449 - Easy to use, leaves the hair softer with every wash. It's like any other conditioner but smells spa-like and rejuvinates the hair after the washing.
EVER Pure Moisture Deep Restorative Masque, P549 - I used this at least twice monthly. Effects are immediate and you'll notice your hair is glossier.
EVER Pure Leave-in Conditioner, P549 - provides a shinier frizz-free hair. Used this after washing, before blow dry or curling my hair. Definitely gives a smooth finish like that of a magazine. Closes also the cuticles for softer appearance.
Bobbi believes that lipstick should be quick and easy—and Sheer Lip Color is exactly that. This super lightweight formula glides on smoothly and evenly, delivering a sheer and slightly glossy finish that’s highly wearable. Formulated with luxurious Shea Butter, Murumuru Butter and Apricot Kernel Oils, Sheer Lip Color rejuvenates and nourishes, improving the overall condition of lips instantly and over time. Plus, the unique translucent base allows its true color to last for hours without feathering. In neutral, bright and deep shades (the hardest part is having to choose).
Coming from me, Sheer Lip Color might be the last thing you''ll expect to see as my favorite lip product.
But it is. Blame it on the weather that's been making my lips chap like crazy that I have two lip balms in my Kikay Kit. And though I don't consider the new Bobbi Brown Lip Sheer lipstick as lipbalm, it feels like it except that it's more luxurious than that. And don't we all deserve a bit of luxury sometimes?
My heart went out for the shade Cherry Pink to ready myself for Fall. It's a deep magenta shade but comes off very sheer as the lipstick texture suggest. On the lips, it goes on a bright magenta, red-pink. smooth and glossy.
I'm in love with dark shades lately but I was pleasantly surprised with how casual the color is and yet buildable enough to be striking. Like it says, thanks to the ingredients, the slip is smooth and helps with dry lips. It doesn't settle on the lines but rather provides a smooth coating to the lips that's similar to a lip gloss but without the sticky feel.
It's been a staple on my vanity kit and I've been using this one even without the usual makeup on. It's a good lipstick all-year round but most especially during the latter part of the year as it keep the lips protected from drying and chapping. It also leaves a bit of a stain just in case you forget to retouch. It does bleed a bit but use it sparingly to contain it But overall, it's one of my favorite lip product to reach for.
Find out more about the Bobbi Brown Sheer Lipstick via Facebook Page.
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Got questions? Contact me here.
Hair strands can be used as violin strings? Yes, it can! But only the strongest can withstand each stroke to make the beautiful cry of a violin. With Cream Silk's new Hair Fall desfence, it has the power to strengthen your hair 10x more than your regular hair fall conditioner. A feat for the no. 1 conditioner in the country.
It also smoothens and make your hair strands shine and penetrates hair deep inside with its Vita-Boost Complex. With Sam Pinto starring in Cream Silk’s newest TVC, you will get to see how the Hair Fall Defense range not only makes you see strong hair, but also makes you hear it, too. Watch the TVC, share it with your friends, and believe in the power to go beyond beautiful!
Get
a chance to win a Cream Silk Hair Fall Defense gift pack! Fill up the Rafflecopter contest entry. :)
It's
that simple and easy. What are you waiting for? Click and share!
Rihanna is on a roll! I don't think she has ever stopped entertaining us with her great music and undeniable talent since her first hit single! And we just continue to be enthralled! And now we get to see her live! But first, let me share with you some simple ways you can get her look and impress her as she sings live to you on September 19, 2013 at SM Mall of Asia Arena!
Rihanna's known for her sexy moves, nightangle voice and her foxy foxy fashion choices. Add to that she always have the best makeup looks. She rocks them as well as her songs. :) But what she's known for is rocking a deep red lipstick and smokey eyes and bone structure contoured to perfection.
Step 1: Smoothen and even out your skintone. Rockingg a deep red lipatick and chocolate brown smokey eyes doesn't look good with blemishes and pigmentation.
Step 2: Pat it down with a translucent powder to keep your face matte.
Step 3: Contour your cheek bones and highlight the highest planes of your face.
Step 3: Groom brows. Make sure it's the best match for your hair
Step 4: Smoke up that eyes. Make it easier for you by using a golden brown eye makeup palette like the one above. Here's a simple tutorial you might want to try.
Step 5: Line the lash line and apply loads of mascara, falsies even.
Step 6: Apply that deep red lipstick and feel like Rihanna does, gorgeous and fabulous!
So you're set and ready to go! All you have to do now is get a ticket to Rihanna's concert! :) Great news coz PLDT Fibr Home Subribcer is giving tickets to the biggest concert of the year!
Here's how you can join:
- Subscribe to Fibr online and get the chance to watch Rihanna perform live.
- If you are an existing Fibr subscriber, refer a friend to also get the chance to win tickets. To find out how, click here.
- The Fibr line must be installed by September 16 to qualify for the raffle.
- Raffle draw will be on September 17 at the PLDT Head Office, Makati City.
- 1 winner of SVIP tickets worth Php25,555 each
- 9 winners of Lower Box A tickets worth Php12,555 each
- Each winner will receive two tickets each.
- Promo period is from August 19 - September 16, 2013.
For more details, visit Fibr X Rihanna website here.
I won't be surprised that every reader who finds herself on my blog will have a specific The Body Shop favorite. And they've got great news for us, our HG products are now on sale and in a much lower price!
Want to know more? Click after the jump!
Mary Kay just launched their Faurytales and Fantasy Collection and it's really really pretty! It consists of 2 lip stains, 4 smokes shimmer eye wands (pen-type eye creams), 2 kohl eyeliners and 3 shades of nail lacquers.
When I went to Hong Kong for Mary Kay's One Woman Can Asia Pacific Finale, they gave them to all the guests and now I want to show my first part of review to you guys.
Here is video of the new collection:
I'm turning 30 in less than 12 days! And I don't feel like it! I don't know why but I have all of you to thank for that. You keep me feeling young, vibrant and happy all the time!
And add to that more confident in showing you my new fashion picks monthly. :)
My latest acquisition is this really really nice black and white gradient cotton dress from Plains and Prints. Let me just say that what they have in store right now are some seriously great designs and I want them all!
The dress is pretty casual but I thought to amped it up with gold accessories and pair of red stilettos. :)
Dress: Plains and Prints; Shoes: Zara; Accesories: SM Accessories and Forever21; Watch: RADO
I figured to keep the iPhone 5 naked to pair well with dress along with the bag that I got from my recent HK trip. :)
And can you guess, how much I got this super chic stilettos at Zara HK? Only Php857!
I'd like to say that my style is changing for the better now that I'm older but I still have a glitch here and there. But thank God that stores like Plains and Prints makes it easier for us to choose better clothes for ourselves by coming up with flattering designs for all body types, mine specially. Nice to know that I don't need to have a perfect body to dress better. :)
I want to think of myself as confident, knows what's she's doing and has everything all figured out. But I don't. Seriously, who does? If you do, then kuddos to you! :)
But for many of us, we appreciate the little things that makes it easy for us to navigate in this very very trying times. Like an eye shadow quad for instance. :) Avon launched this new set of eye makeup palettes, True Color Eyeshadow Quad that are strategically numbered to guide us on where to properly place the eye shadows.
For women who've been playing around makeup for years, this isn't necessary. But for many the task of putting on an eye shadow is still very daunting. That's why i think it's really great for Avon to think of something like this to provide women ease and confidence in trying out more cosmetic products and now get stuck with just lipsticks.
My favorite palette by far is the Chocolate Sensation which is both forgiving and classy, great for all skin tones. And very pigmented, too!
Here's how I used mine, following the diagram placed on the back of the quad, guided by the numbers on the palette.
- Apply the 1 eye shadow (beige satin with shimmer) as highlight for the brow bone and along the tear duct area.
- Apply the 2 eye shadow (taupe satin with shimmer) as shade for the lids.
- Apply the 3 eye shadow (reddish brown satin with shimmer) to define the crease or create a false one.
- Apply the 4 eye shadow (deep brown matte shade) to deepen the outer corner of the crease.
- Apply eyeliner and mascara as usual.
I'm really having a fun time with the new Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quads especially with the Chocolate Sensation. Comparing it to the previous quads I've tried from the brand, this has got to be the best collection. It's very pigmented, which I learned comes from the new True Color technology that provides real intense color payoff. I also noticed that it stays for a quite on the lids without the fear of creasing or creeping off of my lids.
If you ask me, the quality is very comparable to Urban Decay Naked Palette. So for the price, you reall are hitting a gold mine with the new Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad.
We all know how important every piece of object in our bags are, but there are times that we find some more valuable that the other.
Mine for example, are the following:
1. My iPhone 5, which has got everything I could possibly need. It's got my schedule, a camera that's good enough to capture highlights of events I visit, it's data-capable and has all the apps I've come to rely on for blogging and social media.
2. Oil Blotting Paper, which I never leave the house without, really. My oily skin can't leave without this. I have at least 2 packs in my bag. And I'm very stingy with it. Lol!
3. Speaking of my iPhone 5, I make sure I'm subscribed to the latest call and text that will allow me to GO BEYOND UNLI. Latest of which is the #SmartUNLI25 for prepaid. For Php25 a day, I get free calls to Smart and Talk N Text, free texts to all Smart, Sun and Talk and Text. I also get 50 FREE texts to all networks and free chat and surp up to 15mb! All I have to do is subscribe to UNLI25 and send it to 6404.
I get to reach the people I need to communicate with when I'm away from my computer and office. So make sure you're in on Unli25, you never know when plans change and you need to keep in touch with the organizers of the event.
for more info, visit here.
4. Makeup of course is an essential part of my life and so I never leave the house without it. My picks is a good realiable pressed powder and a gloss for retouch.
5. Perfume is the best accessory is you ask me. It doesn't discriminate and since you like the perfume you're wearing, it's an instant pick-me-uppers if the day takes a bad turn. But eager way, you should always smell nice especially when attending events.
Despite all the problems that comes our way, one thing that the BF and I never fail to do is enjoy a good meal together. After a grueling week over a month ago, the BF came with me to SM so I can pick up my ISKIN New York Transformation Kit at Flawless. We really weren't planning to eat out but I thought we both deserve a break. So I invited him to dine at Yabu: The House of Katsu, located at the Atrium of SM Megamall. After waiting quite a while for a table, we were ushered in to a corner booth with a comic wall art showing a snippet of Yabu history. :)
Of course I started playing with the ritual of making our Katsu sauce, grinding the semase seed. :)
I find this extremely relaxing!
Showing you here the condiments for the protein and salads. All tasty especially the sesame dressing. :)
Ooohh! Here's the yummy sauce for the Katsus!
And here's my first masterpiece. :)
And here's our order, a piece of Kurobuta Pork Set.
3/4 inch cutlet made from rosu or pork with a trimming of fat. Kurobuta, also known as the Black Berkshire pig, is the world's finest pork. It is called the kobe beef of pork, due to its rich marbling, softness, and flavor
I died and went to heaven with just the smell of it!
Oooh! Cabbage goodness!
I love meat and I especially love pork. And this is definitely the best katsu i've ever tasted! The crispiness is just right and the meat is cooked to perfection. Not too tough nor too soft. Partnered with unlimited rice and cabbage, I was in food heaven!
The kreng-jai piece of Kurobuta pork. :)
And since the pork set was bitin, we ordered Menchi katsu.
A delicious mix of minced premium beef and pork covered in crunchy panko filled with oozing creamy cheese, Php350.00.
Not as delicious or as mouth watering as Kurobuta but tastes really good, too. It's like meatballs, but flatter and coated. The creamy cheese, though, was sensational and made the meal perfect for me.
Oozing cheese is always a good indication of a tasty meal. :)
Happy with Yabu!
I'm not a foodie nor am I as adventurous as my friends, but I definitely recommend Yabu as the next resto that you visit (if you haven't still). There is a reason why the place is always packed. The food is worth it. Especially is you love your pork as much as I do. :) I'd love to try more of Yabu's dish in the future. Thank God, they now have one in SM Aura. I bet it's still going to be packed but at least, it's nearer and more accessible to where I live.
Writing about food makes me hungry....