♡

My First Laura Mercier Mini Haul

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:22:00 +0000

I've been dying to buy a palette from Coffret D'or unfortunately it was out of stock!!! Didn't bother to buy the other palettes TTT_____TTTT so instead I bought myself MAC 227 (php1,900) to somehow alleviate the pain.. ^___*

Before leaving, I remembered to try and play with Laura Mercier concealers. I decided to get the Secret concealer no. 3 (php995) coz I really need something to cover my very dark undereyes!!

Luckily, the SA showed me the Flawless Face Kit and I ended up getting this!!

The kit contains:

1. 1.0 oz Foundation Primer

2. 1.0 oz Tinted Moisturizer

3. 0.21 oz Undercover Pot Shade #3, (2 shades)

4. Translucent Loose Setting Powder

5. Secret Camouflage Brush

6. Camouflage Powder Brush

7. Velour Puff

8. egg-shaped Sponge

reviews soon!!

MUFE Event

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:43:00 +0000

Maquillage Professionnel invites you to a glamorous day of learning!

Learn to create the classic 1950’s Marilyn Monroe look.

Do this glam retro look on yourself and your friends --- and party in style this Halloween!

Come and join us in this 2-day event!

click the pic for larger view

Hong Kong '08 Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:40:00 +0000

more HK pics..

missing HK..

Hong Kong '08 Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:52:00 +0000

Nan Lian Garden

off to hong kong!!!

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:00:00 +0000

The search is finally over…

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:07:00 +0000

After more than a year of sleepless nights and days spent in search of the perfect home for my babies, the day has finally arrived. Thanks to my boyfriend, I now have my one of a kind, prototype, acrylic and metal makeup brush holder.

My boyfriend knew that I’d been longing for this for the longest time and he surprised me just this afternoon. It was the first thing I saw when I walked in the room, on top of my bureau. With a lot of holes in it to fill I know I’m gonna spend a lot in Hong Kong. Oh well, that’s the point of having an uber cool brush holder right?

Asus Eeepc - The Review

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:57:00 +0000

The Asus Eeepc is indeed a sight to behold. Small enough to fit inside a purse, this tiny pc has sold millions around the globe since it was first launched. Its introduction to the world market has done wonders for the UMPC segment of the computer industry prompting Dell, MSI, Acer and even HP to release their own small pc lineup. What exactly makes this small wonder tick?
With a 7 inch screen people often wonder what this small baby can do. It comes loaded with Linux xandros, an open source operating system. For productivity tools it has Open office and for entertainment it comes with its own media player. Messaging? Not a problem since it has Gimp which allows you to log in to Yahoo Messenger, GTalk or Windows Messenger all at the same time with just one program. You can even use two YM accounts simultaneously without tweaking any settings.

Storage can be a problem since the one I have only has a 2 gigabyte Solid state drive but that’s no problem since you can always use a removable storage device like a WD Passport or a SDHC card. The Eeepc has integrated wifi B/G and connecting to my home network was a breeze. It also has a lan port for wired internet access.

For all the negative things people say about my asus, all I can say is that I love mine. Who needs Windows XP or Vista on this device anyway since everything you need is actually there? My only gripe is its battery life , around 2 hours while using Wifi.

To sum this all up, I’m happy with my Eeepc. I bought it not to replace my Compaq 14 incher but rather to complement it. It has become my travelling buddy and I plan to use it till it falls to pieces. Good work Asus!

New Stash

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:01:00 +0000

my new babies!! EDM Flat Top Brushes

(review soon)

ELF Duo Cream e/s + MUFE #139 (chocolate) e/s +MAC Frisco e/s

I went to MAC Shang to get an espresso e/s unfortunately it's out of stock so I headed straight to MUFE and bought an alternative. From the reviews I've read, they said that MUFE matte eyeshadows are much better than MAC's. I've swatched MAC espresso and compared it to MUFE #139 and the latter is darker and more pigmented. (sorry I wasn't able to take a picture)

My Addiction: Makeup Brushes

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:24:00 +0000

My first makeup brushes were from a local cheap store called Sansan and Glish. I didn't even know that you're supposed to wash the brushes from time to time.. (duh.. I know!!) While I was reviewing for my NCLEX, I began reading some beauty forums (Girltalk), a thread caught my attention, it was the Mineral Makeup Thread. I was convinced and influenced by the girls' addiction so I started ordering stuff from local resellers. My first loot was from Monave, Valerie Beauty, Lauress, Lumiere, Pureluxe, Cory, and Ocean Mist Cosmetics. Along with the foundations were my very first "expensive" brushes..

Here are my very first brushes

and the addiction grew..

♥ I got myself 4 MAC brushes and an E.L.F eyeshadow brush

Manila Ocean Park

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 02:08:00 +0000

Last Saturday, March 1, I had the chance to explore the depths of the sea courtesy of the Philippines’ newest attraction - Manila Ocean Park. Actually, I’d been eyeing its opening since last year and after a couple of postponements (December, then February . . .) it was finally soft-launched. For the amazing price of 400 pesos for admission I expected to see a lot of amazing creatures. Well…

I was driving all the way from my grandpa’s house in Baesa, Caloocan and I stupidly took the Edsa to Pasay to Quirino Grandstand route. It was early Saturday afternoon yet traffic was horrible! It took us 2 hours to reach Ocean Park. Along the way I chanced upon Bayani Fernando’s HUGE poster near Cubao. GRRRRRRR! Why do politicians and government officials always have to parade their accomplishments? They get paid to do that so that’s their job. Moreover, it’s our taxes at work, not money from their own pockets and yet they make us feel indebted to them. But wait, there was more! Upon arriving at Manila Ocean Park, a big poster with GMA greeted us. WTH?

A long line was formed outside the building, it was hardly moving. After convincing ourselves that it was worth it, we fell in line. Boy, things were really disorganized that day (of course it was the opening day). Tickets ran out which led to further delays. Tempers were flaring and voices were being raised but after an HOUR we were finally in.

The first part of the tour was kinda shabby. Small aquariums holding ordinary looking fish greeted us. Fake corals made up the décor which really turned me off. Then things began to get better. I saw Nemo (clownfish) in his natural habitat, sea anemones. Stonefish, Lipstick fish, giant spider crab, moray eel, boxfish – these were just some of the tropical fish on display. However, sorely lacking in that part of the tour was air conditioning. I nearly passed out due to the heat from hundreds of bodies.

Near the end of the tour, I found myself in a large room with huge tanks on all sides. There were giant groupers (lapu lapu?) schools of fishes in different colors and sharks. Then we entered the 25 meter tunnel which was truly awesome. Stingrays, sharks, schools of fish and more stingrays swam around us. It was mesmerizing!

The tour ended all too soon and though I felt that I overpaid, I realized that I had fun.

My NCLEX Experience

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:03:00 +0000

I had been ~~dreaming~~ dreading the NCLEX exam ever since I heard about it. I knew I had to take it but deep down inside I was wishing that I didn’t. I started saving for the Hong Kong trip since this was the most practical destination for NCLEX test takers from the Philippines. I even tried to rationalize that I didn’t have the funds to go to Hong Kong just so I could get out of taking the darned exam. Unfortunately/~~fortunately~~ a testing center opened up in Makati and I knew then that I had no choice.

I took a 3 month leave of absence from my school and began to study. At first it was fun and challenging but as the days went by I began to feel bored. I had internet access 24/7 so I spent most of my time surfing and blogging when I knew that I should have been studying. The first month passed and I realized that I hadn’t even read 20 pages of my review book. Two months, 3 months and then the big day came.

It was like a bad dream but there I was, in front of Trident Towers in downtown Makati. There were about 30 other nervous wrecks. There was no turning back. The elevator ride seemed like forever and then there we were on the 27th floor. By that time I was freaking out inside, smiling to mask my emotions. I told myself to calm down, breathe deeply.

As I sat in front of the computer I thought it wasn’t that bad. The first couple of questions were easy and then the torture began. “Select all that apply” questions came flying at me and I had no clue whatsoever. Medications which I had never encountered in my life were being asked. Lab values which I didn’t memorize came out one after the other. I knew then that I was in deep shit. However, I was hoping that the torture would be over in 75 questions.

The 74th question came and when I answered it I told myself that I had one more to go. When I pressed the next button at question 75 I expected a blue screen but what I got was another question. And another. And another. By this time I was losing hope, questioning my knowledge, my capability, my brain. All around me, test takers were leaving, apparently finished at question 75.

I had no choice but to go on and so I did, numbly reading each question. Before I knew it I was at the 200th mark but it still kept going. My stomach was growling and my eyes were beginning to fail me but I knew I had no choice. 210, 220, 230, 240,250,260. Man, was it even possible? 261,262,263,264 and then came 265. I clicked the next button, answered the questionnaire and then raised my hand. I smiled weakly at the proctor and walked out of the room.
Alone in the elevator I tried to hold back my tears. I was sure I’d failed. Definite. Certain. On the bus ride home, the rains began. How timely, I thought to myself, since my eyes were pouring buckets too.

The wait wasn’t that brutal for me, after all, I was sure I’d failed. But then 3 weeks and 2 days later I got a small envelope stating that I’d passed the exam. Was it even possible? Disbelief. Realization. Relief. Thank God, I passed!

NCLEX TIPS:

1. Understand the test. Read about the CAT.
2. Don’t over study. Learn the basics like common meds, lab values, special diets, treatments.
3. Familiarize yourself with the exam. Do the Kaplan question trainer since it’s similar to the real thing albeit a bit harder.
4. Get the yellow Gapuz reviewer.
5. Do the NCSBN online review. It’ll give you confidence.
6. Sleep early the night before the exam.
7. Be confident, believe you will pass.
8. Do something while waiting for the results. Doing nothing will drive you crazy.
9. Learn to pray. And pray. And then pray some more. God listens.

Really Useful Tips on Contouring and Highlighting

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:08:00 +0000

I was looking for some tutorials on contouring and accidentally bumped into this, I didn't know that contouring was this complicated!! I thought doing a fish face would do the trick but now I know better.. haha. Well ladies, hope you'll learn from this too!

from: http://www.movingmakeup.co.uk/lessons.htm

A quick word on Contouring and Highlighting

Few of us have a perfect face shape, the most desirable shape usually being
oval. Using darker foundation, clever highlighers and blusher, it is possible to
create the illusion of a different face shape.The following pictures give you a
guide to where to shade or highlight your face.

Key: (Please note colours shown are for demonstration purposes only!)

Contouring - brown
Highlight - yellow
Blusher - green

Round Face Shape

Contour: Sides of jaw, temples and neck
Highlight: Centre of nose, centre of cheeks, chin and forehead
Blush: Just under the cheekbones

Heart Face Shape

Contour: Temples and chin
Highlight: Lower cheeks on jawline
Blush: On the cheekbones

Long Face Shape

Contour: Forehead by hairline, lower cheeks, chin
Highlight: Above cheekbones and temples
Blush: On the cheekbones

Oblong Face Shape

Contour: Sides of jaw and temples
Highlight: chin, temples and above cheekbones
Blush:On the cheekbone

Pear Face Shape

Contour: Sides of jaw and neck
Highlight: Centre of nose, centre of cheeks, temples
Blush: At the very side of the cheekbones

Square Face Shape

Contour: Sides of jaw and temples Highlight: Centre of nose, centre of
cheeks and chin
Blush: On the sides of cheekbones

Soooo excited!!! My First Mini Mac Haul!

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 13:55:00 +0000

I went to the MAC counter at Marionnaud today and here is what I got:

So from my first ever MAC haul I got a MAC 134 brush and MAC Blot Powder in Medium/Dark shade. I'm feeling really excited and can't wait to start using them.

PLUS!! Freebies!! yey!! =)

You'll get all these for a PHP 3,900 minimum purchase

Boy, I'm sooo broke but I had fun today!!!

Sophie's Customer Service Rocks!!!

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 13:34:00 +0000

After my sad experience with my Charm retractable kabuki brush (the one that got damaged) I thought that that was the end of it. Well, after posting my experience in my blog, I got a text message from Sophie, saying that she’d have it replaced ASAP!!! I didn’t reply coz I ran out of load but while I was asleep she called me up not less than two times just to get my reply. Man, that was super nice of her and I am totally impressed! I thought of taking down my first post as a token of goodwill to her but I thought it better to spread the word instead that SOPHIE IS THE BEST! I love Sophie and her superb CS. Way to go, girl!

Oh I just found out, the best way to apply Lumiere foundation is to use a natural bristle brush instead of synthetic ones (I'm using Charm Kabuki brush). The brush is full and soft, picks up right amount of powder and it blends the powder into my skin effortlessly.. The result? Simply amazing!!

Oh no!!! My Retractable Kabuki Got Molds!!! ='c

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:45:00 +0000

I was admiring my makeup brushes when I suddenly remembered to check out my retractable kabuki (used once/washed once after buying). When I opened it, I noticed the retracting mechanism (I don't know how you call it) doesn't work and it's damaged as well!! waaaah!!! Well, the bad news doesn't end there! Its got BLACK molds!!!

the last time I checked, it was still intact... but now...

Palawan: The Honda Bay Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:26:00 +0000

Ask anyone about Palawan and they’ll most certainly utter the Underground River and El Nido as its main attractions. Well, that’s all that I knew about the place too when I planned to go there for vacation. Unfortunately/fortunately, I didn’t have enough money to visit either of them so I had to settle for something cheaper which turned out to be more than I’d bargained for - Honda Bay.

About an hour’s drive from Puerto Princesa (Capital of Palawan), Honda Bay is composed of a small group of islands amidst calm seas. Our first stop was Snake Island, an S shaped sandbar famous for its clear water and hungry, bread-eating fish. I had the time of my life snorkeling and swimming with the fish. Swimming with the thousands of talakitoks (jacks) was most memorable. I had never seen anything quite like it!

Next stop was Starfish island where I was able to see dozens of starfishes. It was sad to see though, that the corals were badly damaged either by cyanide fishing or global warming. This is one thing that the Philippines government has to address since this is the real national treasure, not at all like the supposed “national fist” Manny Pacquiao.

The trip was a real eye opener in the sense that it made me realize that it doesn’t take much to have a good time. Nature is out there, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Abuse it, and it will disappear in the blink of an eye.

My Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:39:00 +0000

The Shu uemura Brushes!! I'd definitely buy the 18R powder brush. It has goat bristles and named best Makeup Brush in InStyle magazine's Best Beauty Buys!!

MAC 190 This would be perfect for any liquid makeup application!

MAC 136

MAC 134

Shiseido Powder Brush the softest brush ever!!

Rave for Mary Kay Signature Concealer

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:23:00 +0000

I have been using this for quite a while and really like the coverage it gives me. It can cover up my EXTREMELY dark undereye circles with a miniscule amount, a little goes a long way and the tube lasts forever. Great staying power and it melts into skin, and ya can't beat the price!

I heart OLAY White Radiance UV Whitening Lotion

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:11:00 +0000

OLAY White Radiance UV Whitening Lotion not only whitens but also visibly reduces spots and pores. Enhanced with UVA and UVB protection SPF19, the facial cream not only lightens skin but also is also equipped with UVA/ UVB protection for healthy looking fairness that glows.

I have an extremely oily t-zone and I find this to be gentle. It makes my skin matte and smooth throughout the day. It also makes a great non- greasy base for make up as well. What else can I say??? The price is fantastic, the packaging is really simple but what do you expect for a hundred pesos??? A definite thumbs up from me. . This is the best moisturizer I've used, especially for its price.. I'm sure gonna buy this again!!

Seattle’s Best – An Underrated Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:04:00 +0000

When you think coffee Starbuck’s immediately comes to mind. Due to its vast popularity, it appears that no other coffee shop comes close. In this country where everyone is judged by the clothes he wears, or the car he drives, even the coffee you drink is seen as a status symbol. These are the very reasons why I find it so difficult to try other coffee shops. Fortunately, I had to stop for a snack at Caltex Mamplasan SLEX Southbound. I had to choice but to try Seattle’s Best Coffee though I wasn’t expecting something quite as good as Starbuck’s. Man, was I wrong. Their ham and cheese croissant was soft and fluffy, absolutely delicious! Their choco milkshake was fantastic. A perfect blend of choco, milk and cream. I’d say this tastes better than Starbuck’s chocolate and cream, cheaper too! Service was excellent. One more thing – they serve breakfast the whole day and they’ve got quite a selection. Now who can top that??? All I can say is it was worth the trip and I’m definitely gonna go back!

Good news to all Pinoy Paypal Users!!!

noreply@blogger.com (yda) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:45:00 +0000

This is good news indeed for Filipino bloggers! Finally, Paypal can be used to receive money. While this news may not sound like much to international bloggers, to Filipinos this is a big thing. It provides another alternative to receive money earned through blogging as well as other online transactions. Read more of it here