Finally..at 30, I found IT.

"IT" yes, you read it right...I want this badly. :)) and whatever it takes I will get there.

Ever since my college days, until the day that I ended up working in a corporate setting, I never had a clear idea what I really wanted to do. All I know is that having a "job" is the same as having the means to put food on the table.

As a child, I always look forward to summer, why? because that was the only time I can give my 100% attention to my "other" activities/hobbies..such as oil painting, sketching, and singing. My mom would send me to art classes and voice lessons every summer. I guess, these also helped me discover my creative skills. Everywhere I go, it doesn't fail to show up :)

I took up Comm. Arts simply because I was a disaster with anything that has to do with numbers...then I had to convince myself that I wanted to be a field reporter, and daydreamed about having an action-packed career! I remember myself doing well in advertising class, but I never really thought about it..but I do have to admit I enjoyed manipulating those boring advertisements to make it more interesting to viewers/readers..I got a perfect 5(5 is the highest grade in Miriam, while 1 is the lowest.) in that activity, that was when my professor told me that I may want to join the industry in the future.(hello Ms. Ludovice remember me?!)
I was frustrated. I have an idea what I love to do, I know where I'm good at but then I have no clue on how to make it happen.

Then one day, while I was busy preparing for my own wedding, I decided to take a professional makeup course. I just thought of doing something different from what I've been doing inside my office cubicle for 6 years. The thought of having the chance to express my creativity again made me smile :) just like the good Ol' days when mommy used to send me to art school... :) It was like coming home again after a long period of searching..

And now, the rest is history. My craving didn't stop there. I knew right then and there, this is what I want to do...something that I can never imagine myself getting tired of doing. I can do this forever. I finally found the love of my life! Don't get me wrong..I may sound exaggerated but to those whose been working their asses off just to earn a living knows how important it is to find a job that you will keep right next to your heart. Not all are lucky enough to experience that...others die with boredom and sadness..."dead man walking" is the appropriate term for that.

To be happy, I think you have to be doing something you not only enjoy, but admire. For me it was a long journey but its worth the wait. I finally felt fulfilled, contented and happy with my new found career. I remember this excerpt from the e-book that I read few months ago..To do something well you have to like it. That idea is not exactly novel. We've got it down to four words: "Do what you love."

As of now, I just need to strive harder I know this time , reaching the top won't be next to impossible..I can now see the end of the tunnel. Finally I have something to look forward to.

Speaking of "looking forward to something"...after I got my degree in Artistic Makeup at Lasalle College Intl, and 101 Makeup Class under the supervision of Makeup expert - Mayone Bakunawa at CAS, I'm now ready to take the next level :)) I can't wait..I can't wait!! I've never been this excited hahahah (except when I gave birth to my princess Cait hahaha)

It will happen. Soon. Wish me luck :)

now don't get too excited...it's not going to be in PARIS(you wish! hahah)..but somewhere here in Asia..I won't spill the beans yet..I might spoil it :))

Follow your heart everyone and enjoy the journey!

FacePlay: From Plain Jane to Goth Glam

Playing with my makeup is one of my stress reliever! See how makeup can transform your look in just a few tweaks! with the right tool, you can be anybody!
BEFORE



GET THIS LOOK!
Foundation:
VOV Foundation Concealer
MAC sheer loose powder
MAC cream concealer palette
MAC Blot powder




AFTER

EYES:
MAC Carbon
MAC Tilt
MAC rice paper
Benefit Ms. Popularity
Deep Black Liquid Eyeliner
Makeup4ever Aqua eyes in black

LIPS:
MAC Hug Me
MAC Lip Glass

BLUSH:
MAC Pinch o Peach

What are you waiting for, grab those beauty stash and let's play!

Model: Anet Magadia
Photo, Styling & Makeup by: Vida

FLATTERSHADES Must Try#3: MAC Aquadisiac

Get away from your usual boring hues and try an exciting shade that will surely boost your mood!

GET THIS LOOK!

Foundation:

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer

MAC Select Sheer loose powder

Eyes:

LIDS: Mac Aquadisiac

Outer Lid to Outer Crease: Mac Scene

Liquid Deep Black liner

- Wash the entire lid with MAC Aquadisiac be sure to apply this gradually, The amount of color will depend on what you want to achieve. This color can give a brilliant hi glam effect when applied intensely.

- Blend away harsh edges all the way through the above crease.

- Apply MAC scene at the outer lid part of the eyes and blend all the way through the outer crease up to the middle of the eylid. Careful not to blend intensely because you may lose the color effect that you wish to achieve.

- As for the pics shown here I didn't use any color to hilight the brow bone. SHould you wish to highlight the browbones and inner corner of your eyes, try using Nylon, Shroom or Ricepaper by MAC.

Cheeks:

Nars Cream Blush in Portofino

Stila Sun face luminizer

When using a cream blush , it's more suitable if you use a liquid or cream foundation. Right after applying my tinted moisturizer ,I used my fingers to apply NARS Portofino cream blush BEFORE finishing off with my loose powder. This will give me a more natural effect. After applying my loose powder, I just dabbed a little amount of Stila face luminizer right at the top of the apples of my cheeks. Not only will it give my face a natural glow, but this techinique will aslo help my blush last longer.

(PROTIP: when using a cream blush, use it BEFORE applying any powder based products, because when you top a cream based product over powder, blending it together will be difficult and won't give you a good result, this may give you a cakey effect as well.)

LIPS:

Bbby Brown Rouge topped with
NARS Senorita

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??