because i'm a girl

Hair it goes...

2012-08-27T22:21:00.003-07:00

Just recently, as I was browsing my photos on facebook, I realized how my hairstyle changed in one year span. I was sort of experimental last year. There were so many things I would love to try, so I started with my hair.

To tell you guys, it was indeed a tough decision to make. My hair is pretty -- pretty hard to manage. It's really common, the one you often see in TV commercials. You know that TV commercial with the "before and after"? Can you picture it? Yes? Well, the bad news is that mine belong to the former.

Okay, enough of the side story. It was early last year when I decided to cut my hair short. Got my hair treated, got a bangs and a few months after a pixie. Yes, a pixie cut for an unmanageable hair. What a treat!

I was not fully satisfied with experimenting so I had it cut. No, I actually I said trim but the hairstylist insisted that I get a bob. A very short one, at that. I also gave in to his persuasion so I left the salon with a dyed hair. I also tried curling it which didn't end up the way I imagined it. Twas more like, "mahangin ba sa labas, kweng?". Ouch, right? LOL.

Now, as I look back, I can't help but laugh and say "wow, I pulled it off". I can't say I pulled it off gracefully, though. lol :) What matters is IT'S DONE PEOPLE! I survived! wohoo!

Now I'm ready for the next one. I'm actually growing my hair now. I'm aiming for a long wavy hair. Charot! Someone's going mainstream here.

How about you? How far did you go in the name of experimenting?

The Pink Artiste

2012-08-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

I really love meeting girls whom I share the same passion with. I want to get to know them, talk to them if I could. You know how it feels talking to people who exude the same wavelength you have, right? That's why I devotedly follow beauty/fashion bloggers and youtube gurus. You got one big stalker here! LOL.

One of the girls I follow is the lovely Orange Tuazon. Cute name, right? She's the first ever Pink Artiste of Etude House Philippines. If you're a hardcore Etude princess, you know what I'm talking about. So after months of following her videos I finally got the chance to ask her some questions which I have been so excited to ask.

Here you go girls...

How does it feel to become the first ever pink artiste of Etude House Philippines?

I’ve been a fan of Etude House even way back then, even before it had its first store in the Philippines, I buy online and I watch all of their cute commercials on YouTube. That is why it feels so great, I feel so lucky that I’ve gone that far (winning their first ever search for online makeup artist), I thank the Etude House Team for trusting me and especially the people who supported me from the beginning and up until now. I always recall that moment when they announced my name that I’ve won. It’s the best day ever.

Wow, you are now officially a make-up guru. How did you prepare yourself for this?

I won’t actually call myself a guru, as I am only an ordinary girl who loves makeup. My makeup skills aren’t as professionals but I do my best to “learn” with the other girls who are still beginning or discovering makeup. That’s how great Etude House products are, you really don’t have to be a pro on applying makeup because most of their products are very easy – not complicated at all- and their very cute packaging are very fun and exciting to use!:)

I already accepted the fact that people will set a high expectation from me because it’s such a big responsibility to become a Pink Artiste, it can be stressful at times but I try my best to prepare, learn and educate myself more on how to use different makeup products, what’s trendy and what appeals to the young girls these days.

How do you handle criticisms?

I handle the criticisms gracefully because I need them to improve my skills. Without the criticisms, I won’t be able to move further and do better.

What are your all-time etude house favorites?

Most of their BB Creams are my favorite! I love the Dear My Blooming Line especially the blushers. I like the shimmery stuff that makes skin glow.

Where do you shoot your videos?

I shoot my videos inside my brother’s room because it has the most natural light which is the sunlight; I just put printed fabrics as my background.

Who takes your pictures?

I usually take my own pictures. That is why I love cameras that have articulated LCD’s. Sometimes I have my pictures taken by friends who can take photos decently because I have some bad angles. Hihihi!

When did you first fall in love with make-up?

When I was 18-19 I saw a makeup video on YouTube (from AskMeMakeup Channel) and I got so inspired so I bought some local makeups to practice.

Who is your favorite make-up guru on youtube?

My first ever favorite is Amy from AskMeMakeup, her makeup’s fun and her videos got some vintage-y feel on them which I love. I just subscribed to Jung Saem Mool (from jungsaemmool Channel) and I love all of her makeup videos.

Name five things that you consider must-haves for every girl.

1. BB creams (because foundations are too heavy)

2. Multi-functional products like lip and cheek stain.

3. Luminizers or face makeup that has tiny shimmers- make the skin glowy and healthy. Love them!

4. Fragrance, of course!

5. A pair of nerdy eyeglasses that flatters your face shape would be handy if you did not get enough sleep; it hides the tired look on your eyes.

I know your followers have this similar question: how do you take care of your skin?

My skin isn’t all that perfect, I get pimples every now and then and the marks are so difficult to lighten. But I have a skincare regimen line toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer and stuff. I’ve been using anti-aging skin care since I hit 20 years old. I don’t want to get wrinkles too soon. And yes, I always apply moisturizer, heavier in evening before I go to sleep. Sunblock is also very important. I always put on sunblock under my BB Cream- BB Creams with SPF protection are a must, too. And I always pamper my facial skin by putting on masks at least thrice every week. Drink lots of water, enough sleep and exfoliation twice every week really helps.

What’s the best beauty advice you could give our fellow girlies out there?

Best beauty advice is to not apply too much makeup, let your natural beauty shine through. Always take care of your skin so that you won’t have to use that much makeup. Use makeup to enhance beauty and not to cover it. Always smile and have a positive outlook in life, have a good heart and it will radiate.

Now let’s talk about shopping, when you go to the mall what usually catches your eyes?

Etude House Stores! They’re always so appealing and inviting like a doll house, its where most of my allowance go to, ha-ha. When I am on a tight budget, I go there and try on their bb creams, mascara, blushers, lipsticks, eyeliner and not buy anything at all, he he- just kidding. I also go to Toy Kingdom/ Toys R Us or any toy shop. I love looking at the toys and feel like a kid again. Oh yeah and I always go to SM Department Stores because of the accessories, especially at kid’s accessories –where I buy my floral hair accessories, I just love anything florally.

Are you an impulsive shopper?

I am not, before I buy something especially for items Php600 and up- I research about it first on Google to find some reviews and further information, and then if I am not satisfied I go to YouTube and look for the “unboxing” videos. It has become a habit of mine.

What’s your number one rule in shopping?

Just buy anything that you find you like and be reasonable on it. Always remember that you deserve it. Always know when you can get a certain item cheaper just to save money.

Do you love shopping online?

Yes! Absolutely. I always find the stuff I want cheaper online. I believe it’s because they don’t have to mark up their price that much since they don’t rent a shop and all. You can always go shopping in the comfort of your home without having to dress up and look good compared to going shopping in the mall. It’s for the lazy and busy ones. And it’s very easy to buy stuff online because you will only have type it and contact the seller, pay it and wait for your stuff to arrive. Just beware of scammers. Always look for their feedbacks.

What do you usually shop online?

I have a Pullip Doll, and I always buy her stuff online. I buy my Electronics online because they are cheaper. Practically every item that I want that I can’t search for locally.

Aside from your love for fashion and beauty, what are your other interests?

Cooking! We have a café in Angeles City, it’s just starting- and it is the reason why I’ve been so busy lately. I love cooking for my love ones. Also, I do sing- I sing part time on events for extra income. I love art also and of course, I will always be interested with Persian Cats. I go search and watch Persian Cats videos on YouTube and I can do that all day and not get tired of their cuteness.

What word best describes your personality?

I am bubbly.

Who inspires you?

I have to say my family, my cat and friends.

What’s your daily mantra?

God is with me all the time and He has bigger plans that I have even planned for myself.

What do you think is the best thing about being a girl?

Being able to wear makeup, have fun with it and use it as an expression. Being a girl, fashion trend never gets boring. There wouldn’t be gentlemen if there were no girls. We always get the dibs haha. *wink*

To conclude, complete this sentence: I ______________ because I’m a girl.

I can do anything because I’m a girl. LOlz.

There you have it ladies! Hope you learned something from our Pink Artiste, Orange Tuazon. To learn more about Orange and Etude House products, you can check out her blog here and The Pink Artiste page here.

The birthday girl

2012-06-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

I see Philippine flags everywhere -- it's independence day! Woot! It also means I'm a year older. Yey! Birthdays are truly a blessing. I feel like a kid every time my birthday comes. I feel giddy.

Aging? Bah! Age is just a number, dearies. It's something we all should be grateful for. Living life with a positive outlook helps a lot in preserving the youth in you. Who says the fountain of youth is a myth? Lol. It does exist, well, at least figuratively. It cannot be seen anywhere but within.

So what do I want for my birthday? I don't want any material things in particular (but I welcome those who want to hand me whatever. haha), I need things which are deemed priceless.

I may look feeble but I am stronger than anyone can ever imagine. Everything around me acted as my sandpaper so I turned out to be a toughie. However, I still want to be wiser and stronger to make me more capable in handling difficult times. I also need immense focus so I can reach my desired goals in life.

Khaki shorts: Crissa; Rings: Gurlfriend; Top: Zara

Gorgeous pair, aren't they? Those red hot pumps are from Parisian. Thank you to my ever dearest Pearl.

And so there, HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Photo credits: Daniel Richard Sta. Romana

The girl from the nineteen-forgotten

2012-06-09T06:33:00.003-07:00

For me, fashion is a means of self expression. Dress to express not to impress. Forgive me but I don't really follow rules (if there are any). I love experimenting which sometimes could lead to something unconventional. Take this outfit as an example, girly top and sporty bottom. Not a lot of people would like this combo but why not, peanut? :)

The pair of shorts that I wore in this photo is vintage. It was my Aunt's way back in 1980's. Really old but still looks good. It's so comfortable.

Top: Mango; Shorts: Levi's; Bangle: Gurlfriend

Photo credits: Daniel Richard Sta. Romana

Christmas came too early

2012-06-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

You're not seeing a Christmas elf, it's just me. I do look like one, though. I kinda remind you of Christmas, don't I? This is my futile attempt to color block. Teehee. The easiest way to do so is to mix colors that you normally see from the environment. Green for the leaves and red for the berries. Lalala!

And if you thought I had a huge leaf on my head, you got it wrong. It's actually a bow. See? I wanted to put a big bow on my head and so i did.

I really love this dress (it could be used as a top too) from Esprit.

I just made this bow. It's pretty easy to make.

Photo credits: Daniel Richard Sta. Romana

Paint mother nature green

2012-06-02T04:34:00.003-07:00

I got this hi-waist shorts from a thriftshop a few weeks back. I fell in love with it the moment i laid my eyes on it. Aw, this could get so dramatic. Being a thriftqueen that I am, I really find joy in getting a really good bargain. I got this for 30 pesos. Woot! That's what I call a bargain.

I got this belt by accident. By accident I mean buying something unplanned. I got this one for only 20 pesos. Ha! I know, I know... it won't last long but I find the color cute and it looks so adorable with these shorts.

The pair of earrings and the silver bangles (above) that I wore are from Gurlfriend. I only have these babies on because I'm not really into over-accessorizing. I just want to keep my every day looks simple. These multi-colored earrings are so adorable and summer-y. The colors aren't really loud but can still add a playful vibe to the look.

Photo credits: Daniel Richard Sta. Romana

Sometimes less is more

2012-05-30T10:11:00.002-07:00

If you have been following my previous looks on lookbook, you've probably noticed that this is the first time I wore something that wasn't thrifted. Yiha! Like it matters. lol. I miss thrifting, by the way. I miss my ultimate stress reliever.

This skirt is from Mystic. I wish you could see the slit in the right. It's just right theeere -- okay, it's not visible. lol.

This top is from Forever 21. The fabric is so light it's very comfortable to wear. Perfect for the sizzling summer.

See? There's the slit! Ha! Now, you see it. (Like it's a big deal)

oh,i'm so blue

2012-05-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

This was taken around 8 in the morning. The weather was really nice. Being a morning person that I am, I cannot help but fall in love with the serene environment. If you wake up everyday to this, how could you have a bad day?

Well, the title doesn't really mean me feeling blue but me wearing blue. This is the second time I posted an outfit with two shades of a certain color in one.

This was taken in our university, by the way. It's a really good venue for a shoot, for lookbook? :))

Above are just test shots which my lovely sister She did.

On to the outfit. Did I mention I thrifted these babies? Well, if you've been following my blog you would have expected it by now. Yes, yes, I LOOOVE THRIFTING. Anyone here who does?

You can find this one on Lookbook too:

Hey, it's barney

2012-05-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

Here's another oversize shirt that i thrifted. It's really toooo big for me. See how the belt turned an XXL shirt to a dress. I bought this one for only 30 pesos. I fell in love with its color... <3

That oversize shirt

2012-05-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

I just love thrifting. :) I've been constantly saying that. The idea of finding cute-but-not-so-typical pieces thrills me. This one is actually an oversize shirt. It's twice my size and it's kinda stretchy. But i really love its details so i bought it. I was so excited to see what i can do with it. So -- tada -- here it is! By the way, i got a really good bargain with this one. LOVE!

Forgive my hair, dollies. It's always messy.

I know i look crazy but i think candid shots are pretty cool. :)

Photo credits: Daniel Richard Sta. Romana

You can find this on lookbook. Hype it down below.

Bubblegum lady

2012-05-06T20:47:00.001-07:00

I had a really good Sunday. I didn't expect it would turn out this good because 50% of this was unplanned. Who cares if this isn't originally in our itinerary? It was such a blast,anyway. Thanks to a very early wake-up call that i did. It's more like a call of help from people who gave up tinkering the camera.

Thanks to She and Dan for a wonderful day. i owe it to you.

I love candid shots <3

snap, another candid shot..

i love love this pink skirt. i got this one for only 30 pesos. i wouldn't be a thriftqueen for nothing. :)

aaand yet another candid shot. i need a towel break, right?
The weather is just scorching hot. Really.

photo credits: daniel richard sta romana

the drawstring sack

2012-04-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

I got this piece from a thrift shop. I was attracted to it because it looks different... something not a lot of people would normally wear. It was such a bargain but when I came home, dilemma struck --- how to wear?? It has an uneven cut and it's neckline is adjustable... when i say adjustable, i mean ADJUSTAAAABLE! something like this:

you get the picture? that's why my friends fondly call this top a *sniff* sack -- a drawstring sack to be precise. But i like it. :) It's really comfortable. Very ideal for a sizzling summah!

And the headpiece? nah, I just made it.

Fun in tan

2012-04-05T02:36:00.000-07:00

Every time Jeorge visits, we make sure he doesn't leave without a photo session with us. None of us is a pro, we just do this for fun.

The parking area across IBS. The fallen leaves added drama.. ;)

I forgot which tree. ^^,

This is the place I seldom visit -- the main library.

photo credits: Jeorge Yamuyam

Issue#1: Insecurity

2012-03-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Insecurity is one of girls’ major issues. We experience it, really, but not a lot of us would be brave to admit and a few of us aren’t even aware of it. Well, if you’re 100% sure that you aren’t insecure about ANYTHING at all, EVER – congratulations.

At some point in our lives we tend to be insecure about something. This anxiety would keep building up if we keep on feeding it. If you let this dwell in you, envy would follow. Once the green-eyed monster starts eating you up, what would remain of you?

Remember, your self-esteem and these bastards are ALWAYS inversely proportional. The more they grow, the lower your self-esteem goes. Insecurity must never occupy a space in your mind; it must go down the drain. So here are some of our generic lines and the things we should always keep in mind:

1. “She’s like this, I’m not.”

OF COURSE! You’re different! Hello?!

Lesson#1: Never compare yourself with others. Insecurity starts when you compare what she has to what you don’t have; what she is to what you’re not. You are unique; no one else in this world is like you – not even your twin (if you have one). Yes, I know that statement is hackneyed but it’s forever true. Just learn to accept and appreciate each other’s differences and you’ll be fine.

2. “I’m nothing compared to her”

Okay, that’s an overstatement.

Lesson#2: Insecurity blossoms when you put yourself down. Fine, let’s face the fact that there will always be people greater than you in some ways but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to push yourself down low. Remember that we all have our own weaknesses and strengths. She may look like a goddess but she’s also human, she has her own weaknesses too, okay? Instead of pushing yourself down, try focusing on your strengths.

3. “I am hopeless”

ARE YOU DEAD?

Lesson#3: As long as you live, there will always be hope. You’re not just a dirt that can be carried anywhere by the wind. Take control of your life. Don’t let yourself down. If you want to be better, work on it. Seek inspirations and learn to build yourself up. Aspire for a better you and compete with no one but yourself.

Lastly, know yourself more. Know your capabilities and believe in what you can do. This will help you ease out that insecurity. I know it is hard but trying these things won’t hurt. Keep this in mind: insecurity is a disease. It embraces those who keep themselves vulnerable.

Smile's Skin Treats

2012-03-24T18:45:00.002-07:00

Seriously, I’m lazy when it comes to skin care. I do it now, the next day -- nada. Well, given the most unfortunate type of skin (acne prone and combination skin ---- T T ), wouldn’t you get tired of trying? Nothing seems to work, anyway. So why bother? Until I met my Korean friend, Smile. Every time we talk, skin care would never go out of topic.

Smile gave me a package of yummy skin treats straight from Korea. She got these from Etude House, which you can also find here in the Philippines.

First on the list is this BB cream. For those who aren’t familiar with BB creams, BB stands for Blemish Balm. This tube can do wonders on your skin. Instead of dabbing concealer or foundation to cover up blemishes, which is too heavy during the day, this is a better substitute -- way better, at that. It doesn’t give you that full coverage but it would give you a dewy finish which can make you appear glowing. Really, there’s a whole lot of difference!

My face, aside from being prone to breakouts, suffers from daily stress. So these masks were very helpful. I put this on once a week to help calm down my stressed face. Lol. Smile really knows exactly what I need! ^^, These masks didn’t prevent my skin from having break outs but it considerably helped my skin relax.

I’m not a fan of lipstick so I often stick to glosses and tints. This tint from Etude House called Fresh Cherry tint is my current favorite and daily partner. It is very light and wearable on a daily basis! I just love its color. I usually have red tints, but this one’s in peach.

A mega-watt THANKS to Smile for giving me these babies. I super love them!