A BEAUTIFUL MIND[y]

Estee Lauder's Mad Men Inspired Make-up Collection

2012-02-27T12:31:00.001+08:00

Estee Lauder is coming out with a make-up set that is inspired by the 60's themed TV show, Mad Men, which incidentally is starting its 5th season on March 25th.

That's two of my favorite things coming together: Mad Men & a lipstick and blush set!

The lipstick, in deep red/cherry shade, is selling for $25 and the blush, which has a rosy and dewy tint, is at $40. These are Bloomindale & Estee Lauder exclusives.

Although the poster above looks very Betty Draper, here is the look that inspire the colors/shades:

Joan Holloway (played by Christina Hendricks) on Mad Men

Not quite a fan of Estee Lauder cosmetics. I often associate it with make-up for my mother when I was little and when my mom was in her 30's. Now that I'm in my late 30's, I still think of Estee Lauder as make-up best suited for....much older moms. In other words, it's not hip and young.

But this set makes me want to ring up friends abroad and ask if they could get me these exclusives. If only for the retro packaging. And because it's Mad Men!

I wish they had more choices of shades (like a pretty pink or nude lippie) and items (like a mascara).

If they decide to come out with a line of nail polish based on the series, I'd go crazy! I wasn't even able to complete those TV inspired polishes Wet & Wild came out with!

I've become that person! That one who ate her words...

2012-02-23T07:59:00.000+08:00

So, what I said about a scarf the other year:

I don't know about you, but I don't know anyone who wears this when going for an afternoon romp at the mall.

...only means that clearly, I did not know what I was talking about!!

Because the other week, I had to make a quick stop at the Landmark to get a scarf.

Because I was feeling so, so, so cold inside the mall! My body has been aching and was sore for weeks (a good massage is in order, yes!)

So yeah.....I wore scarf. In the mall. In this country!

It was a good thing the item was only about Php 120.00. I picked a plain purple scarf to go with the red top I was wearing.

And let me tell you ---- that scarf provided soooo much relief and warmth, that I ended up buying a black one the following day and wore it to the grocery.

I'm thinking of investing in it now. I finally know what I can use it for!

This is one of those instances where I think old age creeping up on me isn't so bad after all. Because look what I can do with pretty scarves!

I am so grateful to whoever invented this!

Rawwrr for Animal Prints

2012-02-23T05:51:00.001+08:00

I don't know several people who like wearing animal prints as a fashion statement. Was talking to one of my BFFs about this the other week, and we both agreed that animal prints can sometimes draw the line between elegant and tacky, depending on who and how one wears it.

A lot of animal-printed designs are faux designs, though. And for someone who loves animals, that's comforting for me to know.

I can't carry animal prints, that I know. I tried wearing just a simple piece, a pencil-cut skirt, and it looked really bad on me that I decided to part with it before I could parade it around.

Although, skinny animal-printed belts and animal-printed ballet flats look really appealing, no?

I recently came across photos of Alexander Wang's Spring 2012 handbag line and they all distinctively carry animal prints --- Dalmatian prints, in particular --- and my worst Disney movie nightmare has become a reality!

Thankfully, unlike Cruella de Ville, no Dalmatian was harmed while making this handbag:

Alexander Wang. Diego Bucket

It's faux printed! Hooray! But that doesn't make me a fan of it. I don't think I could wear dog prints on clothes or accessories. Ever. (I could wear shirts with an image of dogs on it, though!)

Yet, this one's pretty adorable:

Dalmatian Dress from ASOS

Dalmatian prints have been around awhile, but I guess only the brave can wear them.

Are you a fan of animal prints? What pieces do you own? And how, for the life of me, can you wear this without looking baduy?

I have Peter Pan Syndrome!

2012-02-20T23:21:00.003+08:00

Weekends with girlfriends visiting from my hometown were spent at the mall last week and I had one goal set in mind to purchase. It's my latest obsession and I don't even know if I could pull off wearing it. But it's something that I've been looking into photos of, for weeks and weeks now.

I'm talking about detachable collars. Peter Pan detachable collars in particular. Pretty, dainty, rounded detachable collars.

I got these photos off Etsy.com:

Every store we visited with my friends, I made sure to look if they had Peter Pan detachable collars in their accessories area. When I could only find a top or a dress with that cute collar, I'd kid the saleslady and ask if they were willing to sell just the collar. I was that OBSESSED!

After a long day of walking and shopping, I was able to buy a lacy crochet number at a Girlshoppe kiosk located inside Gateway Mall for Php 180. It was no Peter Pan collar, but a bib. Lacy crochet, nonetheless.

My greed is on overdrive and I still want an exact Peter Pan collar. I wish I still have good eyesight and the right pattern to sew a set for myself.

Detachable collars are great for sprucing up plain round neck shirts, tops and dresse, on days when you don't want to wear jewelry or other accessories. Who started this trend --- was it the Koreans or the white folks in the UK?

I've always loved Peter Pan collars. But it's something that's hard to pull off, especially when I'm nearing 40, as the style is so child-like. By virtue of my height (I'm barely 5'!), I know I could get away with it. Now if my face can pass off as a 9-year-old, then all would be swell!

This is from ModCloth.com

Whuuut?? Jeans You Can Scratch and Smell?

2012-02-20T22:54:00.002+08:00

The Scratch-n-Sniff Raspberry Scented Denim Jeans is from Naked & Famous, a Canadian brand. The jeans supposedly contain microcapsules that releases a fruity scent when scratched. Only, after five washes, the scent dissipates...

These are men's jeans, by the way. And I'm not sure what kind of "men"are these jeans for exactly. Or if five cycles of fruity scent is enough and worth it (coz doesn't seem fair to me).

Available for purchase online at Tate + Yoko.

Would You Bathe in Chilli Pepper?

2012-02-07T09:29:00.000+08:00

I'm starting to really like using bath scrubs, creams, foams or gels for bathing and I relish on gifts like this. Over Christmas I got a lot of it and was so overjoyed, I couldn't wait to use all of them. (Wait a minute, are those gifts supposed to tell me something? How bad do I smell????!!!)

While browsing for more scrubs and gels that I could try in the future, I saw this:

Original Source Reviving Habanero Chilli and Black Pepper Bath

A chilli and pepper bath! How weird!

The product description:

- Packed with natural stuff
- Suitable for vegans
Did you know that professional runners have ice baths after racing to prevent and ease sore muscles? brrrrr. Here at Original Source we have come up with a pretty good alternative to the ice bath that's a bit warmer We have mixed black pepper with little Habanero chillis which score between 100000 350000 on the Scoville Scale (that's a measurement of the spicy heat) to make a new original source bath experience. Pour out to create one reviving bath.

Apprently, this feels really hot on the skin. That only works if you live in a cold climate and the weather is freezing. Otherwise, it would be crazy to want to soak myself in this, with out tropical weather.

The chilli bath is supposed to jolt and revive your tired body, when eight hours of sleep and coffee won't help.

Pre-Valentine Nail of the Week

2012-02-05T15:50:00.001+08:00

The inspiration to this polish I had done at the nail spa today was something I had pinned on Pinterest. I wanted to copy it coz of it's contrasting colors. It's a fun and happy creation. And it's kinda where I am right now.

But as it turns out, my husband must have been right when he'd usually say that I get my colors wrong. Coz here's what came out with the bottles I brought with me at the spa:

Inspiration is on bottom right.
Click photo for a bigger resolution

I picked a darker shade of blue, which didn't help with popping the red polish out. And my red was as not as bright, either.

I specifically wanted the heart on the middle finger because that was a bigger....uhm, canvas (?) the technician could play with.

Even with the colors slightly off, I'm still pretty pleased with the outcome.

If only because the heart symbolizes something we're all celebrating this month.☺

The polishes I used were bought from Sol of Digital Traincase, whose lovely nails are what you see in these photos below:

NYX Bermuda Triangle

NYX Fire Amber

I like Bermuda Triangle's consistency, by the way. The technician said the formula looks as if I had on gel polish.

My nails were done by my go to spa just right next to our village --- The NailXperts. I've always been satisfied with how they do my nails.☺

Speaking of gel polish, I just found out they have this at The NailXperts now! And since special stuff and tools are needed to apply and remove this (which means it's going to be a real investment to have one at home), I'm gonna try to have them do gel polish on my nails next!

Science Supports My Nail Polish Addiction!

2012-02-04T14:44:00.000+08:00

Aileen, who blogs at The Shades of U (and who is also one of the beauty experts I've come across Girltalk) posted this in our Facebook group, which she also got from the OPI Facebook page:

"According to Health Magazine, a recent study showed that hands without polish were perceived as being much older than hands with polished nails. A bold shade with blue undertones will "put the spotlight on your nails, plus brighten up your skin."

Curious, I searched online for that study and get the full data. I guess I was unconsciously looking for a justification as to why Digital Traincase has been taking all of my money. (Bwaha! Sorry, Sol!)

Just this week, Sol posted the newest AEngland collection and I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was undecided on what I should get. And more importantly, should I even get one?

I don't have a lot of polish. At least, not as much as the hundreds and thousands other polish-addicted women keep. It's a global disease. =)

But then again, some of these bottles don't exactly come cheap. Hence, deciding what best to get is an on-going dilemma for me. I pick my bottles carefully, so that I could get my money's worth.

Anyway, here's what I found from that study:

Participants were also asked to compare digitally altered photographs of female hands – blemishes and hand veins were removed or jewelry and nail polish were added – to unaltered photographs to assess which hands looked younger. The majority of participants felt that the altered photos of women's hands appeared younger. However, alterations to photos of very elderly hands – characterized by thin skin, age spots, wrinkles, deformity, veins and prominent joints – did not change the participants' ability to distinguish the person's age.

Overall, the physical characteristic which most commonly gave away age was prominent hand veins.

In altered images where hand veins were removed, participants significantly felt hands looked younger. Fullness and a lack of wrinkles and veins characterized the youngest looking hands. Nail polish and jewelry were also found to make hands appear younger looking.

Source: THE SCIENCE DAILY

It's hardly a justification, I realize that. I mean, I know pretty hands can't make me rich!

But it does feel good to know that one of the things I'm obsessing about has its advantage. With a scientific data to prove it!

My most recent polish/nail art.

Let's follow each other on Pinterest if you're pinning!

2012-02-04T09:15:00.000+08:00

Yes, I've become one of those people who've wasted time away on Pinterest, this newest social media site.

I first stumbled upon it last year, and for a couple of weeks, I was hooked. The interest waned a bit in the following months. But then, when actual people I know started pinning, visiting the site has become a regular obsession for me.

So, if you're pinning, don't forget to add me on your list, k? Let's get addicted on Pinterest together. It's more fun that way!

http://pinterest.com/mindytv/

Works like Magic! SNOE Magic Apple Whitening S-rub

2012-02-04T09:02:00.000+08:00

A couple of weeks back, I purposely made a trip to Snoe Beauty's stall at the third floor of Robinson's Galleria to get Hair Heroes for a friend. I had no other intentions of getting anything else from the stall, although I did say I'd wanna try their products some time. And it's only because I still have a lot of other stuff in my stash (personally bought and received as gifts over Christmas), that buying any beauty product at the moment would have to be...hoarding.

But, I'm a woman; I've got shopping genes built in! So, can you blame me if I I ended up leaving Snoe Beauty with a stash for myself?

I ended up buying:

their oatmeal soap, which I read is one of their best-sellers.
their Here Comes The Sunblock, which is non-greasy, so instantly I knew my husband could use it as we've just been talking about how it's imperative he's got to use one. (More on that in a later post.)
and this ---

SNOE MAGIC APPLE WHITENING S-Rub

The lady at the Snoe stall had convinced me to get it.

Here's the thing about Snoe Beauty's sales staff --- they talk. A lot. They know about their products so much, which I think is pretty cool business practice. This is the second time I've been to a stall where the sales staff is really engaging and convincing, that I find it shameful not to leave the booth without getting anything (which is not cool for my wallet!).

Anyway, the S-rub looks like this when used on the skin:

And it kind of reminds me of my favorite lulur product.

The instructions at the back of the tub:

Massage on dry skin. Apply particular attention to dry and flaky areas such as elbows, heels and knees. Then leave on for 5 minutes and rub till product is sloughed off from skin. Product will go from white to gray and even brown, depending on how much dead skin is removed. Skin becomes silky and lighter instantly! The best part is that there is no need to rinse. Use on the face and dark areas of your body. For maximum results, use twice a week. Alternate with Snoe White Beauty Bars. Use SPF 30 after treatment.

What's to love:

I love that it smells like fresh apples.
I was midly surprised by it's cooling effect. Leaving it on for five minutes on the face and the body was pure sensation.
The thing that happens after it's a bit dry and you rub off the dead skin? That is like magic! I was in awe about how much libag I had. (Hahahha!!! DEAD SKIN, not libag!)
The micro beads are really just that --- micro --- which makes it perfect as a facial scrub.
It does make the skin instantly whiter. If I apply unevenly, especially on the face, it would look as though I stumbled upon a tub of baby powder and didn't dust off.

What's not to love:

I had an adverse reaction to the "not-rinsing" part. I started to itch. So, I make sure to rinse well with each use.
I could only use it twice a week, when I wanted to rub this on my face everyday!

At less then P200 a tub, the Magic Apple Whitening S-rub is affordable and does the job nicely. I'm getting another tub when I'm done with the first one.

Has anyone else tried Snoe Beauty? What's your fave from your loot?

Haul Post: Snoe Lippie Keychain, Depend Crackle & Skin Cravings

2011-12-03T20:33:00.001+08:00

Was briefly at the Moonlit Bazaar today because I had to pick up an order from Sol of DigitalTraincase. I asked her to get me this over a month ago and she promptly messaged me when the item arrived:

I wanted the "grow lash" serum feature (Nyx has that, too). But I also wanted the mascara since I was in need of a new one. I've already tried it on and I love how it makes my eyelashes really purty. :) But more on that in another post.

I didnt plan on buying anything else at the bazaar, and was, in fact, telling Sol that I can't stay long. But because I was already there, and there weren't that many people yet...what else was there to do, but look, right?

"Looking" got to be costly. Coz I spent a little bit on me again, when I'm trying to cut back and spend $ on Christmas gifts. :P

Anyway, from Sol's booth, I also got this crackle polish, from a new brand DigitalTraincase is carrying called Depend (from Sweden).

This photo doesn't do justice, since I took this from my cellphone. But the crackle is actually purple gray, something I had to find at the back of other polish bottles on the rack because I was having second thoughts with the reds, blacks and blues that were there.

Here's a better photo of the crackle polish. I was pretty happy finding this shade! I can always count on Sol for my nail polish addiction!

I am holding this really cute lippie keychain which I got from the Snoe Beauty booth. It's a brand I've not heard of till now and they do have plenty of other beauty stuff I'd like to try sometime.

But I only went home with this cute keychain (selling for about P159.00) coz I thought it was quite ingenious, this idea. The lady manning Snoe Beauty's booth tells me it's their latest products.

The lippie keychain (I don't really know what they call it) has three colors - pink, red and berry-brown.

They're supposed to be lippies or lip balms to use for a quick touch-up but I've tried it on and I think the formula lacks consistency. But it does smell wonderfully chocolate-y and the way it's pack is really cute! For the price? What the hey! Not a loss. I also think it makes a great gift. I should've bought like five more as stocking stuffers for friends.

Last haul...Skin Cravings' Scrub Me Pretty Strawberry Yoghurt from Unilab (Php 260). This wasn't at the bazaar. I got this at the grocery inside Power Plant Mall.

For the longest time, I've been wanting to try this out. But since it's only available in grocery stores that aren't near my place, I wasn't able to buy any. So, while there at the bazaar, I remembered Rustan's was supposed to have it, which is why I made a quick stop at the grocery.

I'm still so, so in love with my Asian Secrets but Skin Cravings is pretty awesome as well. It smells absolutely delicious, I wanted to drink the scrub from the bottle, if only that was possible!! I think I should never use this in the bath when I've haven't had anything to eat yet because the smell is so tempting!

Dear Kate Spade, Why Must Your Handbags Be So Pretty?

2011-11-28T03:09:00.001+08:00

Kate Spade handbags? They make my eyes light up each time. I love, love, love many of the designs. If I were a handbag, I'd probably be a Kate Spade.

These are the latest ones of her pieces that really caught my fancy. These cost $175 at Nordstrom.

Thing is, I've yet to own a Kate Spade. I look at her site all the time, and gush over those pretty handbags...and then guilt takes over. I find many of the prices for these branded bags, Kate Spade and <insert brand here> sinful. Which is why I end up buying unbranded and unknown pieces better.

Like this piece I've been eyeing online, which can pass off as a Kate Spade handbag if we base on style and design alone. But this one only costs about $5. Five freakin' dollars!!!

This one's made of cloth canvas. Pretty...and pretty cheap.

Anyway, even if I do find me similar handbags that look like a Kate Spade, I always end up looking at her website anyway, ohhh-ing and ahhh-ing over the handbags. I should set a goal and save up for at least one Kate Spade for next year, huh?

The only problem is, once I've had that first bag, I know I'd want more. See? Sinful. Sinful. Sinful.

I Wish!

2011-11-24T08:04:00.001+08:00

If money (and practicality!) were no problem....

Givenchy's Antigona Satchel at $2200+

Gorgeous!

This looks a bit like the Tod's Dbag I've also been ~~wanting~~ wishing to own. And I've been looking for a dupe of this. Something that falls in the ball park of less than a thousand dollars....or just a dollar's worth. :P

I've Got Secrets and I Will Explain...

2011-11-21T13:56:00.001+08:00

I mentioned in a different post about this body scrub I've been using that I've fallen in love with. It's actually Asian Secrets. I'm sure you've seen the commercials on TV and you're probaby thinking it's another beauty product that delivers less than its promise.

But the thing is, this Asian Secret? It actually works!

The product has been introduced in the market by Unilab early this year.

The original packaging, which I didn't get to try.

A few months later, it was reintroduced with two kinds of variants in blue and purple.

The new variants. Photo grabbed from Women's Central.

Asian Secrets is a whitening body scrub that promises the best things a lot of women would want and rave about --- glowing, radiant, soft, smooth skin. It also promises to even out dark spots between the thighs, the armpits, elbows and knees.

And here in Manila, it seems the secret is out and most women know about this product already. Coz....do you have any idea how HARD it is to find Asian Secrets at grocery stores and Watson's? VERY!

I got to try my first tub sometime October and regretted only getting two (priced at P130/tub at Watson's --- see? AFFORDABLE!). By the time I wanted to get more, I couldn't find any. (Booo!!) In fact, I was shopping for stuff at Watson's over the weekend because I wanted to give a friend based abroad the Asian Secrets and still couldn't find it on stock. The sales staff there said this really is selling fast and I missed getting the last batch just a few days before.

Anyway, the effects of using Asian Secrets are immediately felt after use. Lulur, by the way, is an age-old beauty ritual from Java, Indonesia. Traditionally, it's the royals and the priviledged who indulge in this. Brides-to-be supposedly undergo a 40-day lulur treatment in preparation for their honeymoon. (Yiiihhhaaa! :P)

On first try, my skin already felt baby soft that I didn't have the need to apply lotion, body butter or moisturizer all over me. PINCH MY SKIN NEXT TIME YOU SEE ME and see for yourself! :P (DARE!!!)

The formula also smells nice. Like soft vanilla. And I love that the smell actually lingers for hours. A few more daily uses and I did notice my skin tone becoming even and fairier. It did not, however, give me a ghostly white complexion, coz I don't think that it's what it promises --- it is not that kind of a miracle product!

Currently on my 2nd tub of Asian Secrets, purple variant

I did my research on Lulur and Asian Secrets the week I got my first tub and mentioned this to a friend from Unilab in passing, saying: "Naloka ako sa kakahanap!!!"

Today, I received this via courier. These wonderful gifts from Unilab (wheee!):

Super mega thank you, Unilab! =)

I have not yet tried the blue variant which comes with Seaweed Extract and Vitamin E. I'm currently using the purple variant with Licorice and Mulberry Extract, so I wouldn't know the difference between the two tubs. Licorice is something I know to be an effective whitenening ingredient, though.

At any rate, I use Asian Secrets every time I take a bath now. I don't have to worry about over exfoliating, since its beads are tiny and mild on the skin. Once in a while I use it on my face instead of Celeteque's facial wash. (Which is also from Unilab. They have amazing stuff my skin doesn't react to!)

It's best to use Asian Secrets with your skin slightly dampened with water, and not overly wet. The beads work their wonders when the skin is a bit dry... tanggal libag lang! :D Let it stay on your body for a few minutes, then rinse off.

*****

So, while I do that...I apply on another "secret" to my hair:

I cannot believe I only found out about this product last week!

Silk Secrets has been in the market for years and I only bought my first hot oil tub recently. Why did I discover this secret only now??? :P

This is another organic product (not by Unilab) that is fairly cheap (Php 169) and still wonderful.

Because my hair is treated with henna, dryness is inevitable. Silk Secrets is keeping it softer and more manageable. I leave it on my hair for one minute after shampooing, rinse it...and it's silky soft. PULL MY HAIR THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE ME! :P

This one works like conditioner, but only better because it's organic....and it smells incredibly YUMMY! The product is usually available in Watson's and has four variants. But I like milk best because of its fragrance.

And again, this is another fast-selling item, I'm told.

So, there you go.

My two "secrets", now out. :D

P.S. Asian Secrets now come with soaps. And like the scrubs, they're always out of stock, selling really fast. If you happen to see one at the grocery shelves, please buy a few for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone's Grand Idea of A Walk-In Closet

2011-11-21T09:37:00.001+08:00

Well, okay... she isn't just "someone" coz she's a billionaire.

This is Tamara Ecclestone's floor plan for her walk-in closet, which is part of the renovation project she is doing in her £45 million house.

The closet (cathedral is more like it!) is 22 feet by 30 feet and has its own handbag, hat and shoes conveyor rack (Ferris Heels!!!), as well as "boutique for jewelry and sunglasses, with drawers lined in Hermes leather", among other things.

Click the photo for a bigger resolution:

Everything I own, I think, fits in one section of her "everyday clothing" area. Seriously!

She's a scion of the F1 empire. Her family has built their money around burning rubber, so to speak. Ka-ching!!!

Source: Mail Online

Hunger Games Nail Polish Line By China Glaze

2011-11-16T11:14:00.001+08:00

Still not jumping on the Hunger Games bandwagon. I haven't checked out the book nor the movie trailer that came out this week. In short, I have zero idea what this story is about and I pass on reading news mentioning it when it comes up on my Facebook feed.

I did not, however, ignore when I saw the headline: Hunger Games Nail Polish. That? Got my interest!

These are the colors that will be made available for the nail polish collection. All 12 are released by China Glaze, as part of the movie tie-up and I think I would like Flaming Gems or Catnip. Or Cinna-mo and Fire in Light.

You?

These will be out by February 2012.

Run, Kitty, Run!

2011-11-16T10:35:00.001+08:00

Everyone's into running marathon these days. It's like that time when playing badminton was so 'in' everybody and their mother owned a racket.

I'd rather be in a walkathon than run, if you ask me. But I do love these running shoes from ASICS and Hello Kitty.

This pair is a limited set, available only on Sanrio.Com and selling in Hong Kong fast.

It's cute no?

Would You Wear These Toy Story Clothes?

2011-11-16T10:07:00.001+08:00

I love Toy Story but these look really campy. And campy's sometimes hard to pull off. Some of these would look like pajama sets, if it were on me.

More here.

Pinky Cheeks from Sophie Magic Pink Cream

2011-11-16T07:20:00.001+08:00

Blushes are tricky to apply on the cheeks, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. There’s always that possibility of looking like a circus clown. And sometimes, the effect of blushes can be so uneven and unnatural, you won’t realize this until you see a photo of yourself with the make-up on.

I’ve had my share of nightmares like that, which is why I often leave my cheeks bare instead of putting color on it. But with cheek tints, achieving rosy cheeks is easier.

One of the most popular cheek tints among women today is Smashbox’s O-Glow, an imported and pricey product.

Sophie Martin Paris, a multi-level marketing company based in Jakarta, Indonesia, has created a more affordable alternative to Smashbox O-Glow with its Sophie Magic Pink Cream. It claims to “lock natural pink in one minute".

This product is priced a Php 70.00 or roughly $1.50. It is not quit easy to find, as there aren’t a lot of Sophie dealers. Luckily, there’s a business office/dealer in our area but it would have been great to see one online as well.

The cream is contained in a 10ml tube. The size is almost similar to smaller toothpaste tubes. It is indicated that Magic Pink is from plant extract. The rest of the ingredients are too small on print to read.

Application of the cream is quick and easy using the index and middle finger. I did not have to put a lot of cream, as a dab is enough to tint my cheeks and I was able to immediately see it becoming rosy. (If you would like to have more color, however, you just need to put a bit more of the cream on.) Spreading this evenly is also easy because the cream’s consistency is not at all oily. A make-up noob will have no problem with it, except to learn to control just how much to put on the fingers.

I saw that my fingers were almost crimson in color after the application, though, which can only mean that if I were to put in more cream to achieve a deeper color, it would also have to be harder to remove. So, a proper make-up remover is needed to clean this out, as soap and water may not be enough.

Magic Pink lasts all day without retouch. I love that it’s perfect to wear this during warmer weathers because blushes can feel as though the skin can’t breathe underneath all that make-up and when there’s all that heat.

It can be applied even on the lips, as lip tint. But using it on the lips can be drying. You may have to put lip balm over it.
It can also be used as an eye shadow.
It can also be applied anywhere else you would like to look a bit pinkish. A friend of mine tried applying this on her heels. Women who are mestiza apparently have pinkish heels.
It has lasting power and delivers as promised: “lock natural pink in one minute".

But for an item that’s supposed to be hypoallergenic and compatible to all skin types, I developed pimples after a few days of using it.

This is fairly cheaper than other lip and cheek tints or creams in the market. However, because my face broke out after using, I’ve retired this inside my drawer. It would have been perfect. Unfortunately, my skin is probably too sensitive for it.

The Thing I Do For Vanity! :P

2011-11-11T14:17:00.001+08:00

See this? I went overboard with the salt scrub I was using.

Ouchies! My dog, Daphne, curiously looks on, as if saying,
"That? I can scratch you like that with my paw! Why'd you pick a scrub over me??"

I knew it was rough and I already felt my skin tingling. But I guess I'm really just a sadist, or felt I had a pile of dirt on me, coz I just kept rubbing.

I was using this product, which is a Watson's exclusive and which is currently selling at P99.00 a bottle:

Normally I use a different product for scrubbing. (I will write about later. I am so in love with that product!) But this afternoon, I decided to use this one because it was in my stash for a while and I haven't really tried it out yet.

For 600grams and at that price (down from its original price of about P199 or so), I thought it was a super affordable purchase. It smelled nice from inside the bottle and while rubbing it on the skin, it did smell sweet and yummy.

And because there was so much of it for that amount, I used up a lot of the salt. I used loofah while scrubbing myself (which probably explains the redness) and some of the salt went to my face and eyes, it stung!

I had to stop cleaning myself and rinse my face since I couldn't see what I was doing. If cameras were on me right that very moment, I know anyone watching would be laughing at my utter stupidity.

Anyway, rinsing the salts off after bathing, however, I noticed the sweet scent dissipating and it wasn't long before I felt my skin was rougher (and painful!) than what I'm used to with that other scrub I normally apply. I was slightly disappointed. Now, what would I do with this big bottle of salt?

The bottomline, this salt scrub from Watson's may be an affordable purchase, but there are better ones in the market with a slightly higher price or improved formula.

And if you love using a lot of salt scrub (like I do), please don't overdo this (like I did!). There's such a thing as too much scrubbing and your skin can develop dermatitis as a result. Over-scrubbing can tear away skin layers that are supposed to protect it from irritants. And you are most likely to feel it drier than before.

Lesson learned.

Scents and Sensibilities

2011-11-09T14:19:00.001+08:00

Ever since high school, I always carry a bottle of cologne inside my bag.

Back then, we didn't have a lot to choose from. When I had money (e.g. allowance) Nenuco or Angel's Breath were my top picks. But attending an all-girls school meant bottles of these would easily evaporate, as this would be passed from one girl to the next. When I didn't have money for it, I had the next best thing --- this cologne from J & J, in classic scent (blue bottle). I'd use it all the time, short of bathing myself in it between classes.

I picked the habit of having the J & J cologne with me when I went to college. Until one of my classmates said the scent reminded her of the household help. :P

Lewis & Pearl Cologne

Fortunately, new scents and brands in the market were constantly being introduced, offering a whole range of choices for consumers like me.

And then Nenuco became affordable. And I think I stuck with it for so long, even after giving birth.

I use the cologne to freshen up (of course!). I use it make a room smell nice --- I don't usually get the ones with spritzers, and I'd look like a priest doing this house blessing ritual with a bottle of cologne!

I also use it in place of alcohol. I'd rub it using cotton on stuff I want to smell nice. When hand sanitizers weren't invented yet, that's what I'd wash my hands with.

These days, my top pick is this Lewis & Pearl cologne in Ice Water. I've been using this for two years, I think. It's relatively budget-friendly. Like, less than a hundred pesos!

Last weekend, however, I discovered Avon's Heaven Scent while spotting an Avon store inside Megamall. I didn't know there was one and I was not planning on buying anything.

But while browsing through the store, I saw these bottles and started checking each for the scent (and they do have lots, around 8 if I'm not mistaken).

The Floral Shower variant is what I liked best. At Php 99.00, I didn't have to weigh about buying it anymore! I went home really happy with this super affordable purchase.

Heaven Scent by Avon

As it turns out, this has been in the market for a while now. And I only got to know of it last week! I don't normally find this at the supermarket, whereas Lewis & Pearl is always there.

I have to admit, I don't know Avon products all that well. Maybe it's time I find myself an Avon Lady with a catalogue, huh? Do they still have Avon ladies?

My Php378.00 Etude House Bubble Hair Coloring Experiment

2011-11-09T13:19:00.000+08:00

It's called "bubble" hair coloring, because when the product is applied to the hair, it's in this foamy bubble form. Like mousse. Or shampoo.

It's not like your usual over-the-counter hair coloring, however. That one is quite messy and tedious to do. This bubble hair color is easy.

And it's definitely not like those thousand-pesos hair color procedures.

I am due for hair coloring because my treated hair is growing out. The top part is showing its original shade of dull brown, and the lower part still has this hint of reddish brown...

My treated hair was originally red violet and was done by this amazing stylist who worked with the husband on his photoshoots. And it has been six months since I last had my hair colored.

Anyway, since I can't plan when the stylist comes over the house yet (crazy schedule!), but I wanted to get rid of my two-toned hair, I thought this bubble thingie should do it, as temporary fix.

So here it is…. I picked #4, Wine Red.

The lady at the Etude House counter said Wine Red #4 is better than the Natural Brown #3 I originally got because the lower part of my hair would be a lot brighter for #3.

So now my hair has a gradient, instead of two separate tones. The color gave it a bit of lift and life. And OMG. It's RED!!!! :D

This will do. Temporarily. But I wouldn't recommend this as an alternative for going to an actual stylist to get the hair done. Because if I flip my hair and check under, the color is still uneven. And that? Can only be fixed by a real, actual stylist who does this hair coloring for like….4 hours.

I did this bubble coloring all by myself for 30 minutes (45 minutes if you count shampooing, blow drying, and so on…)

I learned of this product while browsing this blog. How it's done is part of why I got curious to try this product. Read the link for instructions.

Back For Good? Hopefully!

2011-11-09T12:59:00.000+08:00

Hello, long-neglected blog!

I did not forget about you. I just didn't have it in me to keep updating.

Stuff have eaten up my time and energy. Also, I am spending a lot of that time here.

But lately, I think I'm getting my zing back and thought I should start updating this again.

So, I'm back. Dunno how long I'd stick around. Hopefully, though, I can keep this blog active for as long as I can.

Hey, that could be my new year's resolution!

*This blog entry will be sticky-posted till the end of Nov.

Birthday Wishlist

2011-08-31T08:23:00.000+08:00

I'm turning 38 in a week's time. :P

I don't normally have a birthday wishlist because I don't really do birthdays. The last time I celebrated with a group of people was when I turned 30. Every year after that, I turned a year older quietly.

And never got presents.

I don't expect presents this year, still. Oh, wait... I did get a surprise from the mail a few weeks back!!! Thank you! =)

I'm making a birthday wishlist because I have discovered that there are things I really, really, really need like....

1. A new magsafe for my laptop. You have no idea what's keeping my laptop powered.

Here lemme show you:

That yellow electrical tape wrapping the wire is the result of Daphne (one of our JRTs) chewing on it while she was still a puppy. I barely had the laptop warm in my hands when she bit the wire apart.

Daphne is now 2 and 1/2 years old. Which means that my laptop's charger has been wrapped with yellow electrical tape all this time.

That blue electrical tape, on the other hand, is caused by wear and tear. Because I've been moving up and down the house a lot, carrying the laptop with me while I work, wear and tear has been inevitable.

And I can't count how many times this charger flew right to the floor because our dogs got too excited about something and tripped on this.

The magnet doesn't also always stick right. My magsafe is on its last leash. This morning, it took me ten minutes to get charging started. I had to adjust and re-adjust this thing just so it can work.

I need a new magsafe ASAP. Or I'll lose a lot of hair... coz I can't stop pulling it. This charger so frustrates me. :P

If you have to ask why I didn't get this replaced the first time it broke? Here's my answer:

My laptop's not under warranty when it was bought for me (2nd hand, thru the husband's friend who barely used it)
If it can be fixed, it's still working and thus won't need replacing. P has fixed this 4 or 5 times and it still worked. (Although now.....ehhhh.)

2. A wallet.

I've been using this Guess wallet a friend of mine gave as a gift. Yesterday, while paying for groceries, I noticed the leather chipping off.

It's three years old and showing signs of aging. :(

I considered buying a new one, but then decided against it. Because that wallet has brought me good luck. I didn't wanna jinx that.

So, if I were to get a new wallet, it should be a gift, not something I bought.

The wallet's now safely kept in a box. I didn't wanna damage it any further and I'm currently using a long wallet another friend gave.

But I still need a smaller wallet. Because sometimes long wallets take space inside the bag.

3. An animal shelter.

If you have a billion dollars lying around, I could put it to good use. =)

4. A solid future for my son.

Coz last night I was thinking --- I'm gonna be 38 and my son's going to be in college in a year and a half. What's college gonna be like for him? What's he like in college? Will he have friends? Is he going to get in trouble? Oh, no my son's going to get in trouble!?

Then he'll start looking for work. Will he have an easy time at work? Will he love his work? Will his workmates like him?

By this time, I had images of my son. He's wearing a neck tie, sitting by a desk in a cubicle somewhere, with that familiar scowl of his.

I panicked.

5. World peace.

Coz, yeah...who doesn't want that?

Shoe Porn: Lusting after this Plimsole Espadrilles

2011-08-05T07:23:00.000+08:00

My latest shoe attraction is this plimsole espadrilles from Whistle, a store in the UK.

It's got everything I want --- wedges, oxford-like lace-up design, plimsole-type and it's orange...a color which I'm very drawn to these days.

I'm trying to score something similar from local stores although I don't think I've seen one like it yet. I've tried asking if a local shoe seller can customize this. But I was told it would be quite a task and they can't make one for me for just one pair. At least I gave them the idea to copy the design, right? I'd probably see it in their product list soon.