GET THE LOOK: Vintage Bridesmaid

Just recently, I had a wedding gig at Vivire Alabang. Christine's (the bride) sister opted for a vintage inspired look. I was excited to give he a classic look and I'm glad she's really "game" for it!
Thanks to Maricel , my ever-reliable hairstylist for completing the look!

Eyes:
Since the vintage era is more on the heavy eyeliner and red lips, had to use just a minimal amount of shadow for the eyes. I used just one wash of color to the entire eyelid:
NARS Isolde from 2008 Nars fall collection, the lighter shade was used for hi lite applied at the browbone.

EYELINER:
--A good liquid jet black liner is important. Choose a reliable liquid liner that will help you do the cats eye precisely.
--Black pencil eyeliner for the lower lashes.

Cheeks:
1. Hoolabaloo by MAC
2. Stila face luminizer for cheek-hiliter

Lips:
1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Certainly Red

HK Strollin', Rollin', Haulin'

What a way to recharge!!! If you are reading this you are probably a makeup adictus like me :) So I know - You know - what I mean :) I still got the blues :))<---(That's me at the Venetian, Macau -can't wait to put my latest buys into test!)

List of my CAN'T GET OVERSSSSSSSSSS:

1. NARS. Fab Fall Collection (CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE) . NARS there is wayyy cheaper...hmmm I got carried away though :)) I was able to get a VIP card :)) The catch ? --> can't use it here in MANILA heheh..however, its transferable :) so my friend who resides in HK can use it n my behalf :) weee!

2. SASA - For makeup lovers like me SASA is simply..heaven on earth :))...I was able to buy eye palettes , cream shadows & blushes at less than 20HKD which are of very good quality..I was able to try it with their testers.

3. MAC PRO - Although I wasn't able to submit my application for a PRO CARD (due to our hectic schedule..and super tired na after our MACAU overnight..) still I was able to buy some stuffs that I've been wanting to get from this store...Got some shadows to complete my MAC palette and scored some brushes because again...its way way cheaper there compared here. One thing I noticed though, the artists from MAC PRO in Elements are a bit stiff :)) I've been comparing them to our artists here in MAC Glorieta who are so accommodating and friendly ...artists from MAC PRO are a bit...serious :)) if that's what you call it ..

4. FACES & LANE CRAWFORD - Makeup Lovers will go gaga over this BEAUTY area. FACES & Lane Crawford carry all the famous makeup brands complete with makeover counters. I was looking for Urban Decay though and I was told that its store is located in Causeway Bay. I was so desperate to get their 'famous' 24/7 eyeliners too bad..had to settle for makeup 4ever's Aqua eyes which I heard is equally good. (As per my research URBAN DECAY & MAKEUP 4EVER carries the best eyeliner amongst all eyeliners including the expensive ones..like YSL, DIOR, CHANEL etc...)

5. Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer - I was convinced by Sephora to grab one for my own use..and I'm loving it..its quite expensive though, for a "not-so-big" tube it costs HKD 300++..hmm I wonder how much is it here?

6. FACE MISTS/MAKEUP FIXERS - Since I'm so undecided what to get for my special clients I just need a reliable mist/fix that will set my bride's makeup perfectly :) I got 1 from SHU (the Deep Sea Mist) 1 from MAkeu4ever (MAkeup FIX ) and 1 from MAC (Charged Water Skin Hydrating MIST - this one, I was told by the artist at MAC PRO that this suits oily skin..) Will post review on these soon! The Rosemary scent of Shu's Deep Sea Mist though is heavenly..I had to keep it for my own use :)

7. SHU UEMURA LANE CRAWFORD, IFC - Here I was able to play with Shu products :) the artist is too busy doing the makeup of the other client that's why she let me do a makeover for my friend wow ang saya :)) good thing I brought my own brushes :))

At Lane Crawford IFC - makeover session and one of my serious MAC moments :)) need to replenish my supply for my brides specially now that December is fast approaching its the month of weddings!

Now do you believe me when I say I love painting faces :) I'm willing to do it anywhere..even with a poor lighting :))

this was in some bar inside the Venetian while waiting for our room hahah! I'm putting makeup on my super girlyboyfriend --Wai Hung Law aka IONA from Hongkong :) Want to see the AFTER pics? See at the bottom of this post. :)

8. Shu UEMURA Mini Eyelash Curler - I've been wanting to buy one, just don't know where to get it here in Manila..saw my mentor - Mayone Bankunawa using this and she advised me to get one since it is very useful and effective specially to those who have thin -short-straight lashes.

Okay these are just a preview of what I am about to try using in the next few days..will post a more..hmmm sensible and informative piece(HAHAHAH) about these products soon :)

Welcome home babies!! Isn't this the coolest evian you've ever seen?! got thi from SASA for 40HKD.

Now..here's Iona, after that makeup session at the bar --plus some minor touchups once we checked in...Isn't she a babe or what??

My New Cute Babies

Isn't these adorable! Scored these from SASA during my HK vacay got the big brush for HK95.00 that would be around Php522.50...the small foundation brush got it for HK85.00 or Php467.00..ITS SUCH a good buy mind you it can compete with my MAC set..PLUS how can you resist that colorrrrrr my fave Lilac- pink! THis is the cutest brush I've ever seen..the big brush blush is made from a real goat's hair...the foundation brush is the same texture as MAC's 190 believe it or not, though this one is a bit smaller in terms of the width of the brush itself compared to 190.These also has long handles which I prefer to use at work. I tried using these myself and its really soft as MAC's. I had to make a comparison before I use these to my clients, because I know there are brushes out there that when you touch it seems so soft, but when you use it to your face it can be really harsh to your skin...Obviously I'm a MAC fan that's why I prefer to use MAC brushes, and I had really nice stories to tell about their brush -- I was doing a makeup gig for the launching of Dingdong Dantes' as the new Belo endorser, I was asked to do the makeups of all belo employees who will serve as usherettes for the event..they all had one thing to say, that my brushes are so soft, my hand seem so light when applying makeup it made them want to take a nap :)) One actually did! :)) She was telling me "ate ang lambot ng brushes mo parang sarap pang paantok when you brush it on my face " then suddenly I had to support her chin because she was actually falling off to sleep!

Hongkong's Faces and Lane Crawford are haven to us makeup lovers :( How I wish we have those in Manila...ofcourse I had to consider the fact that all high end cosmetic brands in HK are sold 30-40% cheaper compared here! and if you're lucky enough to encounter a promo you can buy stuffs 50% off from what we are getting here! Shu are almost half the price!, Got a makeup fix from MAkeup forever for only HKD124.00!!! Shu's Deep Sea Mist got it for only HKD150!! not to mention that they have low end brands that are of good quality --believe me, had to try it for myself the numerous collection of eyeshadow palettes in Sasa are so cheap but does its job well! Scored a cream blush for HKD 12, A cream eyeshadow for HKD12.. Will post my recent hauls from HK soon! The other thing that I noticed in HK, almost all of the women are so eager to have their makeups done ..I haven't seen a vacant makeup counter..all of the counters are filled with makeover sessions...ang SAYA!!! unlike here, when ladies are often shy to have a makeover done in public hahahaha! Oh, by the way the MAC's Cult of CHerry in HK is SOLD OUT..hay :( wanted to get their nail lacquer...but even that was sold out already :( the ladies there always hit the counters --FAST--once a new collection comes out!Anyways, got NARS' fall collection naman..so I'm satisfied with that...and I got my NARS VIP card weeeeee! hahah one time big time you could just imagine how I lost my sanity seeing all the makeup brands that I love in one place...now my pocket is under rehabilitation ..:)Will tell you more about my shop-crazy adventure soon.

FLATTERSHADES Must Try#2 : Beautiful Iris

EOTD: Try these fab violet/lilac shades from MAC

Lids: MAC's Beautiful Iris

Outerlid - outer crease : MAC's Sketch , then to add depth to the color of the outer lid, top it with MAC's Print. (Just apply a very little amount, we don't want to overpower the SKETCH shadow.)

Inner lid : MAC's Swish

Middle of the lid: Swipe some of MAC's sushi flower and gently blend it towards the Sketch shadow.

Browbone : Hi Lite the browbone with MAC's Rice paper

For the eyeliner, It's best to use black liquid liner at the upper lashline and a a kohl plum eyeliner for the lower lash line then smudge it with a sponge tip, top it with a sketch eyeshadow to keep your liner in place. For my pics here , I used a really cheap eyeliner I can't even remember the brand :))thats why as you can see its color looks like grayish instead of jet black.


Note: Photos of the eyeshadows will be posted as soon as I'm able to take pics of it :)

What I'm Loving Right Now..

Few weeks from now..I'll be turning 30..awwww! and I decided to give myself a special treat! After I celebrate my birthday with my family..I'm giving myself a break!! I am flying to HK for some needed R&R yey!!! I'll be going with my business partner con bestfriend Anette..we'll be meeting our super best gay friend Iona..(its her bday as well ) so....this only means one thing..and forgive me but I only get to do this once a year...ok this time make it 3 times since ill be staying there for 3 nights hahaha..its what I call the Ultimate GIRLS' NIGHTOUT!!!

Now if I could only limit myself into bringing 2 pairs of shoes I'll be fine...and ofcourse my make up ....that would be a MAJOR decision..please I'm calling all the angels on earth to help me decide to bring just one tiny winy make up kit :( Don't let me bring the whole traincase as much as I want to :D:D:D ..you see I love doing my friends' makeup whenever I get the chance...and this will be a good time for them to take advanage since im doing it for free hehehe..but then Annette will surely go balistic if she sees me pulling along my traincase :))

Ok lets go back to the topic of this post :))..I found a good reason not to bring my bulky heavy traincase... Its inexpensive and Fab at the same time ..who could resist such combo!?!?!?

Presenting my latest buy..my new love :)) my savior :)) Since its too cute I will have to choose this over my traincase....Its a small vanity travelling bag ...Got this from Kamiseta for only Php1,199.00!!! Not bad huh? I love anything cute and this one is definitely in my top list!

now obviously...I just need to bring those that I REALY NEED. Hmmm now why am I hearing myself humming to the tune of...first i was afraid ...I was petrified...hahahha!
Ok, let me justify my behavior--you see my first malet (filled with MAKEUP ofcourse!!!) was stolen when our house was burglarized early this year..I think I'm just undergoing some kind of trauma hahahah!

How about you? What are the things that you can't travel without?

FLATTERSHADES Must Try#1: MAC hues

EOTD: Try these fab lustre shades from MAC, A mix of sea green, choco, bronze shades!
Lids: MAC's Amber lights (encircled in yellow)

Outerlid - outer crease : MAC's Tempting (encircled in Red)

Outerlid blended through the middle lid : MAC's Swimming (I topped this over Mac Tempting)

Inner lid : MAC's Bitter

Middle of the lid: Hi lite the middle of the lid with a dot of Amber lights

Browbone : Hi Lite the browbone with Shroom or Nylon (pic not included)

I found this super helpful diagram from temptalia.com, I'll use this as a basis for all EOTDs!Always note that each shade should be well blended as it meets with a difft shade, lightly blend any harsh lines without putting off the color..

Mac Bitter and MAC Swimming

From my MAC palette - Tempting & Amber Lights

There goes my daughter with her crazy hairband!

Others:
Blush: Nars Laguna, topped with a bit of MAC MOccha Matte, and highlited with Nars Albatros.
Lips: MAC spice lip liner, MAC Hug Me, topped with Bobbi Brown's Rouge
Eyeliner: MAkeup4ever's Aqua Eyes in Black, for undereyes, i smudged it a bit and topped it with MAC's bitter at the inner under eye area.

What lies beneath..the makeup: SKINVESTMENT

In less than 24 hours I'll be turning 30, Isn't it weird that once you reach the age of 25..seems like time passes by so quickly than it used to? I must admit I had my share of exasperating thougts, insights before I finally accepted the fact that I am turning 30-- and there's no way I can stop that, but the worst part of it is the fact that as we grow in age, changes come in the skin..from what I've learned from health & beauty books,besides ofcourse treating yourself with the right diet such as fruits, veggies, enough water intake--- those who are in their early 20s should already start protecting their skin from the early signs of aging by having a beauty skin regimen. (remember the ritual? cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize)

As for me, I started having my skin regimen when I started working , simply because that was the only time I had the means of buying the skincare products that I need. I started with Nivea skin line which is fairly priced, then I tried using AVON Anew which would cost me around 1k /bottle , I also tried using Body shop Tea Tree Oil line, then I ended up with Olay total effects. I had to try all these just to look for the perfect product that suits my skin and believe me its frustrating at times specially when you have to spend a lot of money and it doesn't give the result that you wanted.

Learning the art of makeup made me realize how important it is to have good skin. Makeup is just a tool to enhance what has been there all along, having beautiful skin is still your only best bet to effortless beauty. I made some surveys, read some informative articles and I came across this brand which is well known for their superb skincare treatments..It may be quite expensive compared to commercialized prodcuts that promise us heaven and earth but leave us nothing but empty pockets,but this skincare line gave me fabulous results .

I started using VMV Hypoallergenics Glykeros Line, and this time, I definitely got my money's worth. I never got praises for my skin before not until I started seeing the results that this product gave me. My skin never felt this supple,its never dry, may be oily at times but I never have a breakout so who cares , (that's what oil control film is for anyway)..Id rather be on the oily side rather than having dry skin which is one of the main cause of wrinkles.. and the best part of it all?-- I can put on a very minimal amount of makeup and still look A-OK!
As for me, its never to early to take extra special care for our skin. Don't get tired of scouting for products that really works for you, believe me- you'll thank yourselves in the end :)

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS Active Treatment Cosmeceuticals:GLYKEROS
http://www.vmvhypoallergenics.com

Glykeros Lift Off Treatment Comfort Cleansing CremeSoft Cirebelle Beads and mild Bamboo Crystals in a gentle, pH-adjusted cleanser. For optimised comfort throughout therapy.
Glykeros Micro Dermabrasion, Cellular Revitalisation, Anti-Senescence SystemMild Bamboo Crystals and smooth, true spheres of Cirebelle Beads in a soft, supple créme suspension. Gently but thoroughly cleanses dirt, pore-cloggers and skin-dulling build-up from treated skin.Contains gentle concentrations of the impressive Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic Acid, plus the Growth Factor, Kinetin, to optimise skin's comfort throughout therapy and to enhance treatment efficacy.VH - 27 (free of all known cosmetic allergens). 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Preservative-Free. Usage, Patch, and Clinically Tested. Non-Comedogenic. For Men and Women, ages 18+.

Glykeros Lift Treatment Toning Essence
Invigorates, deep cleans, and unclogs pores. Firms up, tightens, and tones skin without drying. Excellent for use after cleansing to remove entrenched, deep-seated, skin-dulling dirt.
With Unbuffered Glycolic Acid for micro-exfoliation and Kinetin Growth Factor for cell stimulation.Complements and enhances

Glykeros Skin Firming, Resurfacing Anti-Senescence Therapy.
This Toning Essence revitalises skin as it refreshes after cleansing. Regular use with a Glykeros Lift Formula promotes renewal and provides impressive anti-senescent benefits. Rapidly, skin is transformed: smoother, softer, rejuvenated, and glowing with a healthy radiance.VH – 27 (free of all known cosmetic allergens). 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Preservative-Free. Usage, Patch, and Clinically Tested. Non-Comedogenic. For Men and Women, ages 18+.

Glykeros Lift Primer First Formula
This Lift therapy primer peel contains gentle concentrations of both the impressive Alpha Hydroxy, Glycolic Acid, in its unbuffered form to maximise the efficacy of its Micro Dermabrasion, and Kinetin, a unique Growth Factor so potent, even minute amounts can stimulate cells.
Revitalises skin, promotes renewal and provides anti-senescent benefits. Rapidly, skin is transformed: smoother, softer, rejuvenated, and glowing with a healthy radiance.
VH – 27 (free of all known cosmetic allergens). 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Preservative-Free. Usage, Patch, and Clinically Tested. Non-Comedogenic. For Men and Women, ages 18+.

Glykeros Eye and Lip Lift-Contour Serum
Gentle doses of Unbuffered Glycolic Acid for Micro Dermabrasion, Kinetin, a unique Growth Factor, to stimulate cells, plus Biophytex and Liftensyl to tighten and firm the delicate skin around eyes and lipsLifts and contours, leaving treated areas hydrated, firm, smooth and taut. Lessens the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, and loss of elasticity. Lifts and contours, leaving treated areas hydrated, firm, smooth and taut. Lessens the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, and loss of elasticity.
VH - 27 (free of all known cosmetic allergens).100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Preservative-Free.Usage, Patch, and Clinically Tested.Non-Comedogenic.For Men and Women, ages 18+.

Lifts and contours, leaving treated areas hydrated, firm, smooth and taut. Lessens the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, and loss of elasticity. Lifts and contours, leaving treated areas hydrated, firm, smooth and taut. Lessens the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, and loss of elasticity. VH - 27 (free of all known cosmetic allergens).100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Preservative-Free.Usage, Patch, and Clinically Tested.Non-Comedogenic.For Men and Women, ages 18+.

Glykeros Lift Physique Face-Hand-Body Lotion
A rich body hydrating lotion with gentle concentrations of Glycolic Acid, in its unbuffered form to maximise the efficacy of its Micro Dermabrasion, and Kinetin, a unique Growth Factor so potent, even minute amounts can stimulate cells. Extends Glykeros Skin-Firming, Resurfacing, Anti-Senescence therapy to arms, legs and body skin. Leaves body skin soft and firm, notably smooth and supple.

May also be used as an interim moisturiser on the face, neck, chest, and hands between applications of Glykeros Lift Primer First Formula or Glykeros Lift Treatment Advanced Formula when starting therapy VH - 27 (free of all known cosmetic allergens). 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Preservative-Free. Usage, Patch, and Clinically Tested. Non-Comedogenic. For Men and Women, ages 18+.