The Vain Mom

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner

2010-11-23T01:10:00.002+08:00

I like using gel eyeliners because they look as good as liquid eyeliners, but they're a lot easier to apply. There are a number of gel eyeliners in the market today. My friend Ann swears by Maybelline's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. She says it glides on smoothly and it stays. There are also a lot of good reviews on MAC's Fluidline. Personally, I've been using Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliners for the last five years or so, and I never tried other brands simply because I'm very happy with my current gel eyeliners. Let me tell you why:

The creamy consistency makes Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliners easy to apply, with an eyeliner brush of course.
It dries after a few minutes and when it does, it stays. Long after your day is over.
It doesn't smudge nor crease.
There are a lot of colors to choose from.

Right now I have three colors which I use depending on my mood.

My staple is the Sepia Ink.

I'm not really a fan of black eyeliners because I feel they're too harsh for everyday makeup. I apply it thickly on made-up eyes, or thinly for that soft, minimal makeup look.

Espresso Ink is the closest I'll get to black. It's actually black-brown so I feel it's still not as bold or harsh as black.

My Denim Ink is for parties or a really casual look.

It's from Bobbi's Denim & Rose Collection.

Let me share with you a few tips on gel eyeliners:

Apply close to the lids. Be sure to fill in gaps.
Use a flat eyeliner brush. Believe me, this brush is unbelievable!!! No gaps. I'll blog about it next time.
For extra staying power apply eyeshadow powder in the same color over the gel eyeliner.
Close the lid tightly after every use. Gel eyeliners dry up quite fast.
When using the product, try to scoop from the side first rather than from the center. If you scoop from the center going out the left-over product on the side hardens up pretty fast.

Hope you learned something new.

Flor's Gold

2010-11-12T01:23:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday we had dinner at the Power Plant Mall. The hubby bought this for me.

He said it's dessert, and he got it from the Baker's Fair at the Concourse Level.

Inside were these individually wrapped frozen Food for the Gods.

You read right . . . they're frozen.

And they're VERY GOOD.

They're not really hard-frozen. In fact they're very moist and chewy. And the flavor is more concentrated.

If you like Food for the Gods this is definitely worth trying.

Comes in original and chocolate chip flavors.

To order call 09178472386.

A Birthday Wish

2010-11-12T00:43:00.001+08:00

My daughter doesn't want a big party for her seventh birthday. Instead she would like to spend a few days here.

She loves the beach. This place has its own private beachfront.

With lounge chairs so comfortable you wouldn't mind sunbathing at twelve noon.

Water is crystal clear.

But if salt water is not your thing there's a really nice pool.

And an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the ocean.

The playroom is just icing on the cake.

This place is paradise.

That's why it's called Shangri-La.

Can't wait to go back.

NYX Champagne and Caviar Eyeshadow Palette

2010-10-19T11:16:00.002+08:00

I've read a lot of good reviews about NYX Cosmetics, so I decided to purchase the Champagne and Caviar 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette to try it out.

The palette case is sleek and travel-friendly.

The collection had pretty neutral eyeshadows that looked fairly pigmented in the palette.

Unfortunately, the colors didn't look the same on my lids. They looked washed-out when applied. The darker browns looked more like grays. The lighter colors were too light I can't see them. The light pink in particular didn't look pink on my lids at all.

I also had to apply a lot of the product before it could show up on my lids. I noticed it was too powdery and not that compact or 'pressed' compared to what I'm used to (I have mostly Bobbi Browns, Shu Uemuras and Lancome and one Fanny Serrano eyeshadow quad, which is a GREAT product, by the way.). When I apply eyeshadows I press them on my lids, so I can't really appreciate powdery ones. They scatter, and they fall off.

Will I re-purchase? Nope. Nyx eyeshadows are not for me. If you're looking for eyeshadows in the Nyx price range I'd recommend Fanny Serrano eyeshadows.

But that's just me =D

The Amazing Thing Called Spanx

2010-10-18T15:20:00.000+08:00

Spanx is one of the greatest fashion inventions of all time. It gives women a leaner silhouette AND it eliminates VPLs, which I totally abhor.

Here's the Spanx story for those of you who haven't heard about it yet. The idea of making her own underwear came to Sara Blakely twelve years ago when she couldn't find the right underpants for her white slacks. So she cut the toes off her pantyhose and unknowingly created the first prototype of Spanx. She then invested $5,000 of her own money to further develop this prototype, and made the phenomenal move that would change her life - she sent her invention to Oprah, got featured in Oprah's Favorite Things, and the rest is history. Now celebrities from Jesicca Alba, Angelina Jolie and Kim Kardashian to Queen Latifah and Oprah wear Spanx. Do you get the picture?

I LOVE clothes, and I would definitely try something that can give me a better fit. I got my first set of Spanx shapewear from Rustan's early this year. I like wearing dresses, so I chose the Hide and Sleek Hi-Rise Body Smoother in black and nude. To say they are AMAZING is an understatement. These are perfect for formal wear and dresses. They banish VPLs and give my body a smoother and sleeker silhouette. Of course the butt lift is a welcome bonus. I also got the Hide and Sleek Hi-Rise Panty in nude for my dresses with shorter hemlines. I was worried I would have to sacrifice comfort for the perfect fit if I wore Spanx, but I'm happy to say I didn't have to. They're made from cool and breathable fabric that doesn't make you sweat. I don't have a problem putting them on because the silky smooth fabric just glides on your skin. Another great feature? They don't cling to my clothes.

I also got the Simplicity Girl Short for my low-rise slacks and jeans. Yup, I totally got rid of those tasteless VPLs. And need I say comfort plus butt lift again?

Now what about Visible Bra Lines or VBLs? Spanx addresses this with their Bra-llelujah, which I got in nude. I swear it eliminates VBLs and gives your upper body the smoothest silhouette ever. I wear it under fitted shirts and sheer white tops. The bonus is it's SOOO comfortable because there are no annoying clasps and wires that dig into your skin, because it's made from hosiery type fabric that just molds into the skin. I can't wear mine under sleeveless tops though, because the straps are quite thick. That's why I WANT the Sexy Sheer Back Bra under the Spanx Haute Contour line.

The only drawback I can think of for this product is the steep price tag. But to deliver high quality and comfortable shapewear I guess they'd have to invest in good materials right? In this case you get what you pay for.

Spanx is for all women AND men who love clothes, and who are smart enough to know that being well-dressed means you've got to have the bases covered.

Trust me, SPANX should be one of your closet staples.

Mac Fix + Spray

2010-10-09T23:32:00.004+08:00

I like buying makeup at Duty Free, so when I learned about their 'Life Begins at P40' sale last month I just had to go. Check out my loot =D

Got the Shu Uemura cleansing oil (460ml) for $66 or P2,640. Current price at Rustan's is P4,000.

The Smashbox Photofinish Makeup Primer was only $35 or P1,400. I purchased my last one from Beauty Bar at P1900.

MAC lipsticks were $16.50 or P660 each. Rustan's sells them for P950.

I never used this MAC product before, but it was on my list of stuff to try so I got it =D

At this price.

Last time I asked the MAC counter at Shang it was selling for P850.

It's called MAC Fix + spray and guess what? After two days of using it I'm hooked . . . BIG TIME!!!

MAC describes this spray as as "an aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup."

Do you notice that after application makeup usually needs to 'set' or be absorbed into the skin to make it look more natural and not mask-like? MAC Fix + 'fixes' this problem and eliminates that downtime. It sets your makeup immediately after application and makes it look more natural and fresh. I noticed my makeup stays on longer too. And surprisingly, it doesn't make my mascara smear.

I use this product when I want a quick refreshing fix, usually when I feel hot. I spray it on my eyeshadow brush prior to application to make my eyeshadow last longer. I also use it before applying makeup to prep my skin, and in between for more effective layering.

I love the fool-proof nozzle.

To use just hold the nozzle around 10 inches from your face and spray. Make sure to cover your whole face.

This product will definitely be one of my staples =D

I Love Shopping

2010-10-06T01:24:00.001+08:00

Look what I got on sale.

Lucky Jeans at 75% off.

And bronze Melissa Campana Favelas at 30% off.

I also bought some nice stuff this afternoon.

Another electric oil burner from Giga.

And some kikay stuff from Suesh.

What can I say? I'm addicted to the store =D

Watch out for my reviews.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

2010-10-03T18:19:00.005+08:00

Good quality makeup brushes can last for many years if properly cared for. I wash my brushes at least once a month and spot-clean them as the need arises.

For spot-cleaning I use Parian Spirit Pro Makeup Brush Cleaner.

It comes with a foldable spout, but I find that transferring small amounts in an atomizer and spraying it on the brush is easier and more economical.

Here's my MAC eyeshadow brush before spot-cleaning:

Here it is after I spray it with Parian Spirit. See the makeup coming off the brush?

Wipe the brush with a tissue until all the makeup comes off.

Here's the brush after spot-cleaning.

You can buy Parian Spirit from Suesh Makeup Toolkit.

When washing your makeup brushes use baby shampoo or a mild liquid soap like Ivory. Pour this on the palm of your hand, add a little water, and swirl the brush on it until clean. Rinse well, squeeze gently and re-shape the brushes to their original form. Lay them on a towel in this position:

Note that the bristles are hanging over the edge. This would ensure they are completely air-dried.

Be careful not to submerge your brushes in water. Doing this will make the bristles come off as they are only held together by glue.

Hope you learned something new =D

Poco Deli

2010-10-03T16:25:00.004+08:00

Last weekend the hubby took me to Poco's for dinner. It's a deli-cafe near Charlie's in Kapitolyo, Pasig.

These signs greeted us as we entered:

It was a nice enough place to drink and talk . . . though you won't be comfortable sitting on their hardwood benches for long.

We had pumpkin soup for starters. It was perfect! Not too creamy but very tasty.

We ordered the Single Sausage platter for our appetizer. It came with toasted bagels.

We had the Angus Beef Strips for our main course. We were expecting the strips to be similar to the fajitas at Chili's, but it came out thinly sliced just like tapa.

It was yummy!

Don't forget to ask for the drippings. Mix it with the rice and perfectly cooked bacon and forget about your diet.

We had the Blackout chocolate cake for dessert. They claimed it was made from Valrhona chocolate, but the flavor doesn't explode like the Valrhona choco cake at Momo's. Other than that it was good, and very affordable at P120 per slice. The hubby said it reminded him of Polly's when they were still selling only at BF. He swears it was a LOT better then.

The red velvet cupcakes looked interesting. We'll try it next time.

Maybe the callos too. The phrase "slow-cooked at home" just makes the food more appealing to me.

They have Dave's Naturals frozen yoghurt.

Our total bill (with drinks) was a very reasonable P700 plus. If you live in Pasig and you want to meet up with friends 'somewhere in the neighborhood' this is the perfect place. They're open till 1pm on weekends and 11pm on weekdays.

To reserve contact them at 6640519 or 09228929211.

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer

2010-10-03T15:13:00.006+08:00

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer is my HG concealer.

Before Cle de Peau I've been using Bobbi Brown corrector and concealer for the longest time. Although the coverage is good, it makes my undereye crease.

Cle de Peau Beaute is the high-end skin care and makeup line of the Japanese brand Shiseido. I've been reading very good reviews about their concealers. In fact it's been in the In Style Best Beauty Buy List of Undereye Concealers from 2005 to 2006, and from 2008 to 2010 (I wonder what happened in 2007?). Unfortunately it's not available here. So last year I asked my friend Minnie to buy it for me in Japan. The price is pretty steep at $70, but I never regretted it.

I'm using Beige, which is best if your skin is medium to fair. For reference I'm a MAC NC35.

The texture is very creamy, and it does not travel once applied. Consistency is thinner than other concealers I've tried, like Bobbi Brown and MAC. But the coverage is really good. And it doesn't crease at all.

I layer my Cle de Peau thinly a few times in my undereye area and I use Bobbi Brown face powder in pale yellow to set it. This is important because powder locks the concealer in place.

I highly recommend this powder for setting concealers.

It's so silky and the color is just right to brighten your undereye area.

One stick of Cle de Peau lasts almost a year, even if used everyday. The product is so concentrated a little goes a long way.

It can be purchased online or from big department stores in major cities around the world.

Will I purchase again?

I just did =D

Thanks to my friend Elize who asked her hubby to buy for me during his Nagoya stopover =D

And thanks to MY hubby for funding it =d

Scrub Love

2010-09-30T22:01:00.004+08:00

My daughter is in danger of becoming a spa addict. She's only six, and she loves massages, aromatherapy oil burners and scrubs.

I try to get the most natural and gentlest scrubs for her. She alternates Ahava Gentle Body Exfoliator and VMV Pampering Peony Skin Softening Supple-Scrubbing Body Smear for her body, depending on her mood.

Ahava Gentle Body Exfoliator and VMV Pampering Peony Scrub

The Ahava is almost like cream. The Peony scrub, on the other hand, has bigger granules.

Both products are not harsh on the skin, but very effective. I'm not really a fan of scrubs, but I enjoy using them. They leave my skin feeling very soft and smooth.

If you prefer fragrant beauty products, these may not be for you. They smell clean, just the way I like my toiletries.

My daughter uses Giga Foot Scrub for her feet.

Giga Foot Scrub

It rejuvenates tired feet, and it has an appealing peppermint scent. I love that it's all natural.

My daughter has to finish off with this after her foot scrub.

This was given by a friend a few years ago. I don't know what it's called but I know it came from Beauty Bar. This foot thing feels SOOO GOOD!!! It relaxes tired feet. To use just pour liquid soap on it, then rub your foot.

My daughter says if I'm The Vain Mom then she must be The Vain Kid.

I couldn't agree more =D

Melissa: Plastic Dreams

2010-09-29T00:36:00.024+08:00

Do you have sleek high-heels that are so comfortable you can wear them all day and are really sturdy you can walk in the rain with them?

I do =D Got them from Melissa.

This pair can take me from formal meetings to cocktails.

Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon II

And these can take me from casual to dress-up.

Scarfun in Black and Mermaid in Pearl

Perfect for jeans and dresses.

And if their heels are THAT comfortable, how do I describe their flats?

Ultragirl and Campana Favela

Heaven!

Not to mention pretty =D

Forgot what the peach pair is called. Silver pair is Ultragirl.

Their flipflops? It's comfort plus style.

I can't have enough of them. I WANT WANT WANT these Jean Paul Gaultier stilletos.

I love that Melissa shoes are eco-friendly. According to www.inhabitat.com, they're made from "MELFLEX plastic, a patented, hypo-allergenic, recyclable, and extremely flexible PVC. The shoes are totally cruelty free and devoid of animal products. The Brazilian-based company is totally rad in its recycling of 99.9% of factory water and waste, and they also go the distance by recycling overstock styles into next season’s collection."

I'm lifting a few FAQs from www.melissaaustralia.com for those of you who 'don't really like plastic':

1) Are Melissas hot and do they make your feet sweat?
Only the most comfortable and ‘breathable’ types of PVC are used. As is the case with all shoes, an important factor to consider regarding this question is whether the style being worn is appropriate for the season in which it is being worn. With the open styles, there is no difference between wearing melissa and a normal leather shoe. With the more closed-in styles, melissa ensures that ventilation is incorporated into the design of the shoe. melissa customers frequently wear the more closed-in styles during summer, for example Ultragirl. ‘melissa Australia’ has NOT had one complaint about melissa being too hot.

2) Are they comfortable and do they stretch?

They are incredibly comfortable. The most common feedback received relates to how comfortable the shoes are. No one really believes this until they put them on – so get them onto your feet! melissa does not really stretch – any type of give will be negligible.

3) Why do they smell like bubblegum?
A few years ago, to add to the melissa experience, the decision was made to infuse all melissa shoes with a sweet bubblegum smell. The smell will not last forever - but it does remain for quite a few months and is one of the most talked about features of melissa.

4) How well do they last and how do I look after them?
They will last very well but obviously this will depend on how well they are looked after. They can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap.

My daughter who's six gets frustrated she can't buy Melissa shoes in her size. She wants me to buy her these Melissa Lady Dragon Heart II in purple =D Vivienne Westwood just came out with Melissa baby shoes, but still no styles/sizes for her age. I tell my daughter Melissa shoes are so sturdy she just might just be able to wear my shoes when she grows up. And I'm not kidding =D

The Best Foundation Brush

2010-09-24T02:35:00.011+08:00

I use Guerlain Parure Gold liquid foundation on weekdays when I have work, and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer on weekends.

Some people use their fingers to apply these. Others prefer to use a sponge.

Me? I like to brush them on my face.

I've been on a quest for the perfect foundation brush for the longest time. So here's a review of brushes I actually bought and which I have been using regularly.

My first foundation brush was the regular paddle-shaped synthetic type that is chiseled at the tip. It's best for liquid foundations and can also be used for cream blushes and skincare cream products.

This foundation brush is from the Suesh 10-pc. brush set.

It's used like a paint brush. You dip it into the liquid foundation and spread the product in your face using broad, downward strokes.

Use the chiseled tip to blend foundation into hard-to-reach areas such as the nose, hairline and around the lips and mouth. I use this brush when I'm in a hurry, because foundation can be applied with it FAST. The only downside is that it leaves streaks on the face, but these are easy to blend with your fingertips. I also find that pressing the foundation into your face with the palm of your hands after brushing it on helps set the product.

My second brush?

The flat top foundation brush.

According to Suesh, this brush is made from a combination of natural goat hair and synthetic hair for the 'precise application of emollient cream or liquid foundation and cheek color.' To use just dip the brush in the foundation and spread the product in small circular motions to blend into the skin.

This brush actually applies and blends foundation very well. The only downside is that you tend to use more product than usual.

I find that it makes the application of my VMV Big O'Glow on my cheek really easy. This product has a very pretty, sheer dewy effect but its sticky consistency makes it difficult and tricky to apply.

I also tried the brush on my cream and powder blushes. Same verdict. It blends very well but uses up a lot of the product.

Now let's talk about my third and newest brush. The stippling brush (similar to the MAC 187 brush) is also made of synthetic and goat hairs and can be used for both powder and liquid makeup.

You don't 'brush' on the foundation with a stippling brush, you STIPPLE it. And how exactly is this done? The best demonstration I've seen on the internet is by Koren Zander of EnKoreMakeup. Watch this video and see for yourself.

What Koren said about this brush having an airbrushed effect on the face while using less foundation than usual are ALL TRUE!

When I stipple my foundation and tinted moisturizer on my face, the coverage is sooo good!

I have one observation though. You've got to put the foundation on a palette or any flat surface that won't absorb it. Stippling foundation from the back of your hand is harder because of the uneven surface. The skin on your hand also absorbs the product which results in wastage.

The stippling brush is a great applicator for my pressed powder. It distributes the product evenly on my face and I find it easy to use.

My pressed powder actually came with a nice sponge applicator . . .

But I just prefer brushes. Even when I'm on the go.

I use this retractable travel powder/blush brush.

I chose it over the kabuki because I have a lot of powder brushes, and it's not so wide you can still use it as a blush brush. Plus it's retractable, so just throw it in your purse. No need to worry it'll get squashed.

Genius!

Anyway, let's go back to the stippling brush. I find that it works very well with my Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, which I use for highlighting my cheekbones.

It's also the best brush for my Bobbi Brown pot rouge. If you use this product you know how tricky it is to apply it. But the end results are great. It makes you look dewy and fresh. I tried using the regular foundation brush with this but it's quite difficult. So for the longest time I've been using my fingers. I'm really thankful for the stippling brush.

It's also great for applying powder blushes.

Before I used to dip my blush brush into the product and blow or tap the excess off so the blush wouldn't look too concentrated on my face. With the stippling brush I can apply the blush directly to my face, minus the tapping and blowing.

My friend Ann, who has just learned to appreciate makeup, has a hard time applying blush evenly with the regular blush brush. But she swears applying powder blush with her stippling brush is a breeze.

I also use it for my MUFE HD powder and my Guerlain Meteorites.

I love the stippling brush so much I got the mini version, also from Suesh. Here it is with the regular stippling brush, so you'll have an idea of its size.

A closer view.

Which foundation brush is best for me? Obviously I'd go for the stippling brush. It has the BEST blending ability and it's a multi-tasker, plus it minimizes product wastage. If you're someone who invests in makeup this is definitely a must buy.

Aromatherapy Oil Burner

2010-09-23T15:43:00.000+08:00

I love aromatherapy oil burners for their healing and deodorizing properties, but I don't like using tea lights because they're fire hazards.

Recently I purchased this electric oil burner for P580 (around $13) from the Giga kiosk in Megamall.

I love that it's so easy to use.

Just fill the dish with water, add 6 to 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice, plug and enjoy.

Here are my favorite essential oils and where I use them:

For the bedroom - 6-8 drops lavender or a blend of 3 drops lavender and 3 drops chamomile. You can also add 3 drops clary sage if you want. This blend is soothing and calming. My kids love it.

For the living room - 6-8 drops peppermint or a blend of 3 drops bergamot and 3 drops geranium

For the kitchen - 6-8 drops vanilla or 3 drops orange and 3 drops rosemary

For the bathroom - 6-8 drops orange or a blend of 3 drops tea tree, 2 drops pine and 2 drops lavender

For the garden - 10 drops citronella or lemongrass or a blend of 3 drops citronella, 3 drops lemongrass, 3 drops peppermint and 2 drops lavender.

The oils evaporate when heated, so just add more if you feel like it.

You can make your own blend of essential oils, just be mindful of their properties.

Enjoy =D

Glam Ponytail

2010-09-20T11:44:00.006+08:00

I don't have time to blow-dry my hair everyday, so I just tie it up in a ponytail. But I love stuff that can transform my ponytail from boring to pretty. Here are a few of them:

This headband doubles up as a ponytail holder, and I use it over Goody no-slip bands. My six year old daughter uses it as a necklace to complement her boho-inspired maxi dresses.

This chunky ponytail holder is perfect for jeans and summer dresses. It can also be used as a bracelet for that beachy feel.

These double combs are great for ponytails, half-ponytails and even french twists. They have rhinestones and crystals, so they're perfect for the office or for dressier occasions.

All accessories mentioned are from Evita Peroni. I bought them years ago, and I must say the quality is good, because the pictures above are recent ones. My one complaint is that when the rhinestone of one of the double combs went off, the Evita Peroni store in Rockwell where I bought it couldn't replace the small piece that was missing. I just feel that if you're selling hair accessories for P1,750 a pop (or around $38 at the current exchange rate), at least have some good post-purchase service.

A few weeks ago I bought this comb set from Suesh Makeup Toolkit.

I threw away the box, so I couldn't show you. But all the characters were in Korean. Sheryll, the owner of Suesh, patiently taught me how to use it.

My friend Sheila purchased these combs but couldn't quite figure it out, so I asked Jason (the pretty guy in white) to help me with the picture demo.

So here's a step by step guide for Sheila and for all of you out there who'd be interested:

First section your hair as shown below. Then insert the bigger brown comb, longer teeth facing forward, to your hair close to the scalp.

Make sure the comb settles snugly in your hair, right below the sectioned area.

Next pull back the sectioned hair so that the brown comb is completely covered. The resulting effect should have volume similar to teased hair (like Imelda Marcos' hair but a lot more casual).

Next use the smaller comb to secure the sectioned hair as you would a half-ponytail. Again make sure it settles snugly in your hair. This will hold the whole day.

You can leave this as is and wear your hair down.

Or tie it in a ponytail like I usually do, because it's so hot these days. Notice the volume on top. Makes your everyday look more interesting.

Just a little makeup and you're good to go.

No need to put hair products, and the combs hold up all day.

Do you have tips on how to make simple hairstyles more interesting? I'd love to know. Please leave a comment or two =D

Bobbi Brown Denim & Rose Palette

2010-09-19T13:05:00.008+08:00

I LOVE Bobbi Brown!

Need I say more?

But I DO buy other brands =D I'll talk about them another time.

Anyway, a few days ago my daughter and I were in Rustan’s Shang and she requested for a ‘makeover’ at the Bobbi Brown counter. Dennis, as always, was kind enough to indulge her.

And while he was applying the prettiest shades of pink on her, I saw it . . . the Denim & Rose Collection.

It’s finally in Manila.

The Limited Edition Denim & Rose Palette is packaged in a chic denim zip-up case.

Bobbi Brown describes this palette as ‘the beauty equivalent of dressed-up denim’ which can take you from day to night.

The colors are all new except for the Navajo eyeshadow which is a creamy pinkish white shade. I have this in my Pink Raspberry Face Palette. It’s also being sold as a regular shade in the individual square casing.

The Navajo and Grey Denim shadows are the usual Bobbi Brown basics, but the Pink Granite Sparkle and the Dark Rinse Shimmer Wash are gorgeous!

From left to right: Navajo, Grey Denim, Pink Granite Sparkle and Dark Rinse Shimmer Wash Eye Shadows

The Pink Rose blush is very pretty and goes well with the eyeshadows.

It's actually nice paired with just lip gloss. I hope they make this a regular shade.

The lip creams and glosses are lovely, especially the Hot Rose Lip Gloss.

From left to right: Cool Rose Creamy Lip Color, Hot Rose Lip Gloss, Iced Lilac Glitter Lip Gloss, Indie Rose Creamy Lip Color

All in all the palette is a great addition to anyone's makeup collection. It's got that Bobbi Brown signature wearable basic colors plus her perfect take on shimmer, which is pure glam and not tacky and overdone.

And, as their website says, 'whether you’re in the mood for flushed cheeks or a sparkling, smoky eye, you’ll have plenty of options for day or night.'

I absolutely agree.

Natural Insect Repellents

2010-09-15T00:29:00.002+08:00

There have been numerous studies that the DEET in insect repellents can be absorbed through the skin and can cause neurological damage. It can result to seizures and death, and can be especially harmful to children. I stopped buying insect repellents with DEET when I became a mom. That was six years ago. From Off Lotion I shifted to this product called 'Quit Bugging Me' by Jason (available at Healthy Options). Then two years ago I shifted to the locally made natural insect repellents, which were just as effective. Lately I've been making my own.

Homemade insect repellents are very easy to make. I promised some friends I'll share some recipes, so here goes:

Recipe 1: Combine 15 drops each of lemongrass oil, citronella oil, lavender oil and eucalyptus essential oils with 150ml of distilled water.
Recipe 2: Mix 90ml of distilled water with 12 drops of citronella, 10 drops each of lavender and eucalyptus, and 8 drops of lemongrass essential oils.
Recipe 3: Combine 20 drops each of peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass and citronella essential oils with 80ml of distilled water

Easy, right? Use a clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting. Please do not use bottles that previously contained products with chemicals such as cleaning agents or hair sprays. Shake well before using. This will have a shelf life of about two months.

You can go natural all the way and use witch hazel or tea tree oil on your insect bites to minimize swelling and infection. One drop on the affected area will do. If you want to make your home mosquito-free, here are ways to do it naturally:

Add 6-8 drops of citronella oil diluted in water into an oil burner to repel mosquitoes.
Add 10 drops of citronella oil and 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar to a bucket of water. Use this to mop your floors and clean your bathroom tiles and walls. I use this in our garage and in our garden walls as well.

Please exercise caution when using essential oils if you are pregnant, or if you have a medical condition.

Remember the tea tree oil I bought from Giga in Robinson's Galleria? It's pure, and P100 for a 15ml bottle is very reasonable. So I went to Giga Megamall this afternoon and bought some citronella and vanilla essential oils. I also got an electric oil burner which I'm using right now, as I write. It's another great purchase, but I'll tell you about that next time.

Homemade Non-Toxic Cleaning Alternatives

2010-09-12T16:23:00.005+08:00

My stock of white distilled vinegar is running out, so the hubby and I drove to Clark yesterday to replenish it. White distilled vinegar is one of the major ingredients in my homemade cleaning agents. I go through all the trouble because I'm scared the commercially available ones are too toxic for my kids. Let me share with you some tried and tested recipes which I have been using in the past three years. These are from the book Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan, which I absolutely love.

Here are the basic ingredients and where to get them:

1) White distilled vinegar. I use Four Monks or Bakers & Chefs, which I get from Puregold Duty Free in Clark. I think these are also available at Rustan's Supermarket, but it's more expensive there.

2) Baking soda. I use Arm & Hammer, available at most supermarkets.

3) Essential oils. I buy these from The Citromint Co., a kiosk near True Value at Shangri-La Mall.

I also bought Tea Tree oil at a very reasonable price of P100 from the Giga kiosk in Robinson's Galleria just last week. I have yet to try it though.

Can I mention Giga's foot scrubs are great? But I'll talk about them another time.

4) Liquid soap. I use Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap, available at Healthy Options.

5) Dishwashing soap. I use Ivory, available at most supermarkets.

6) Borax. Available at True Value Rockwell.

7) Spray bottles. Available at supermarkets.

Ready? Here's how to make the alternative cleaners:

Fabric softeners. Just add 30 to 50 drops of the essential oil of your choice to one gallon of white distilled vinegar. Personally I like peppermint. Add a cup to the last rinse when you do your laundry. Always shake before using.

Did you know that fabric softeners are the most toxic products around? And so are commercial detergents, bleaches and stain removers, all of which contain chemicals that could cause cancer and brain damage. The alternative mentioned above is actually cheaper, and very safe for sensitive skin.

Disinfectants. Combine the following ingredients in a sturdy spray bottle: 16oz. purified water, 3 tablespoons liquid soap (I use Dr. Bronner's peppermint or lavender castille soap) and 30 drops or more of tea tree oil for that natural antiseptic power. Shake to mix. I use this on newly-bought groceries, specially on my kids' diaper packs, milk cans and snacks. I also use this to clean my kids' toys, shelves, doorknobs, countertops, car interiors or just about anything that needs disinfecting.

All-Purpose Cleaners. In a 16-oz. spray bottle, combine 2 tbsp vinegar with 1 tsp borax, then fill the bottle with very hot purified water. Shake until the borax is dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of liquid soap or 1/8 cup of liquid detergent and 10 to 15 drops of essential oil of your choice (I use peppermint or lavender). I use this on kitchen counters and bathroom tiles. Spray and wipe dry.

These cleaning alternatives are actually cheaper in the long run, so you make your homes safer and you save money doing it.

Let's go green.