Stash!

My "kikay" hormones are now back, 4 months post partum. I can remember how I hated putting stuff on my face when I was still pregnant with Sword. My big cosmetic pouch turned into an old camera case which carried the most basic of all the basic makeups: a compact foundation, colored lip balm and a blush cream. On days my face needed a level up, I just fix my brows. That was all.

Gladly, my part time hosting job did the trick of bringing the "new woman" in me. The used-to-be old camera case is now safely kept in the room and cosmetic pouches occupy my bag now. I also opened the window to try more products and became OC-ier when it comes to skincare. My age helped too. At 25, it's possible for our skin to age faster due to factors like stress and pollution. Syempre I still want to look young and beautiful! I want to embrace my motherhood in a way na hindi naman ako mukhang napabayaan, na-haggard, at higit sa lahat ipagpapalit lang kung saan at kung kanino man. Although Audrey Hepburn said that "Happy girls are the prettiest," I must say that we also need to be pretty if we want to be happy. It comes from within and it should start from you. 

Being the sort of beauty junky that I am, I want to show you my current favorites and my most basic of all the basic makeups these days. Yay, goodbye to my boring compact foundation, lip balm and blush! My kikay mantra: "It's always better to be prepared. Bring more shades!"

Beginning from top:

1. Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Oleander
2. Shu Uemura Fluid Foundation in #764
3. Ben Nye Luxury Powder in Banana
4. Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse POREraser
5. Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Cheekcolor in Sunkissed Coral
6. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
7. Revlon Photoready Two-Way Powder Foundation in Natural Ochre
8. Laura Mercier Lip Pencil in Baby Lips
9. Nars in Dolce Vita
10. Nivea Med Repair -- an essential!
11. MAC (Lustre) in Lustering
12. No. 7 in Siren
13. Nature Republic Smudge-Free Mascara in Black
14. MAC Brow Set Gel in Girl Boy
15. Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Opal
16. Revlon in Coral Berry (674)

I'm trying to update my stash most especially during hosting events to develop more, matured looks. I find a hard time convincing my audience that I am already a mother of 1. LOL. But with all the new things I'm trying out now, some things remain--like my Nivea Med Repair lip balm. I'm a user for yearssss now.

Also, I'm about to update my skincare regimen but unfortunately, my face developed rashes after walking under the sun a couple of days ago. :( Not sure what it is but I do hope this is nothing serious! I'll blog about my new discoveries if there's a day like this soon when Sword takes a calming, unkabogable afternoon nap. I swear you'll love these brands even more.

Enjoy your weekend, loves!

♥,

Marianne

To Those Asking

It's twelve days before Christmas but I haven't crossed out anything on my Christmas gift list yet. I'm sort of intrigued why such thing is happening because if I'm not mistaken, as early as December 5 last year, there are already wrapped presents under our tree. I promise to get this thing done this weekend, though. I'm almost late for Christmas!

Looking on the bright side, I have received questions on what I want to receive this Christmas. Yes naman!!! :) So for the benefit of doubt (or those in doubt, hahaha), I'm HEREBY listing some of the things I want to get this Christmas. And for the first time in my life, I wish my parents will be able to read this post

1. A simple tote. No brand required, I take even the cheapest ones as long as it can carry all my stuff around. Any color will do, too but if you still want to know which color I prefer the most, brown.

2. Shu Uemura eyelash curler. Please don't ask me why but for me, this is the best eyelash curler in the world! I haven't moved on from my stolen SU eyelash curler in Baguio until now.

3. Anything animal-printed and Hello Kitty. A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G.

 

4. Flats shoes. I love heels but I love flat shoes even more. They're so comfortable, very chic and we can never go wrong with a pair of flats. Good thing my work doesn't require me to be in heels so I welcome these kinds of babies! And heels, if you still insist! :) (P.S.: Size 8/38)

5. Makeup brushes. Please help me complete my kit! I adore makeup brushes, synthetic or natural hair brush, I would appreciate.

6. Shining, shimmering! Any clothing that will make me shine and sparkle even more. Hoho! But seriously, I'm in love with these gleaming and glistening drama.

7. Blazers. I love topping off any outfits with blazers to complete a corporate yet super fashionable feel. Tip: Items from ukay-ukay/thrift stores are accepted.

8. Clear storage boxes. I have a penchant for transparent cubes of all sizes which allow me to store anything. And they make my life easier, no need to play hide-and-seek with things I'm looking for.

9. Makeups and more makeups. A cosmetic addict like me can never have enough lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes but as of the moment, I need concealer and eyeliners. No brand required. :)

There you go! Please be my Santa, dears! In the end, you will still be the judge. I accept anything even if what you're planning to give is not listed here. It will always be the thought that counts. Plus!!! If I wouldn't be able to receive all of these, I'll do anything to have these by myself. Remember, Gossip Girl said, "If you want something badly enough, you have to go out and get it yourself."

♥,

Cosmetic Festival 2011

If you're a beauty junkie like me and enjoys workshops and freebies as well as learning some tricks of the trade from beauty talks by top makeup artists of the world's best makeup brands, then this festival is for you, like me, and everyone who's makeup and skincare savant!

Rustan's The Beauty Source brings us the most exciting month-long event featuring all sorts of wonderful, The Beauty Tour Cosmetic Festival 2011. Participated by the world's top cosmetic brands (like MAC, Shu Uemura, Nars, Bobbi Brown, Paul & Joe, Clinique and Laura Mercier), it features only the best of makeup, skincare, fragrance and hair care we all need, desire and deserve!

Visit your favorite beauty counters in Rustan's now! It shouldn't be missed! See you there! :)

♥,

Shu Uemura Beauty Workshop

Shu Uemura recently held its exclusive beauty workshop with internationally-accredited Shu Uemura makeup artist John Pagaduan and model-turned-actress-turned-makeup artist Nancy Castiglione.

Being a Shu Uemura junkie, I also invited my friends and got our reservation right away due to limited number of slots. Special thanks to EJ and Hanna who accommodated me and my girls!

When John asked us what we want to learn, we all agreed to know everyday makeup. He initially taught us the importance of skin care featuring its cleansing oils. John asked me to model for him (of course I said yes); I didn't hesitate to give him my nod because I also use Shu Uemura cleansing oils so I know for a fact that my skin's in good hands. After clearing my face, he demonstrated the application of everyday makeup with "summery" feel with regards to Shu Uemura's Morphorium collection.

I'm not surprised to see my friend/kumare Cham there! L-R: Jovy, Cham, me and Phoebe.

Nancy Castiglione is an effective beauty ambassador! I really want to bag a bottle of Face Architect!

Glad I brought them with me! Phoebe, Cham, Kim, Susie, me and Jovy.

My best friend Phoebe doesn't look like she just gave birth. She's still the same Phoebe I know--sexy, beautiful and hot! Kim, as expected, strut her fashionable self. I like her royal blue flats!

My solo picture turned out to be a bloop, thanks to Jovy! Hahaha. Btw, I wore this cute tee with sequined animal-print sleeve from Tee Party, SM Department Store, black and white polka dot shorts from Topshop, yellow beaded necklace and a red pair of loafers from PabDer.

With Nancy Castiglione.

We received a box of Shu Uemura freebies: a red:juvenus set. Yaaaaay! Thanks, Shu Uemura! I'm looking forward to see John more often because I will soon enroll for a makeup workshop with Cham. I ♥ Shu Uemura! 

Photos by: Kim Gabriel

Kikay Everyday (2nd Edition)

I can't believe I'm blogging about my kikay kit again. It's really sad to say goodbye with all my items HERE but I really need to get a move on.

I'm still carrying a lot of lip colors with me everyday and I'm saving moohlas to be able to buy another Pink Nouveau. And Orgasm. Yes. Ok, I'm moving on.. for real!

Shu Uemura x Mika Ninagawa kit no more. Let's all welcome my Lancome kit which includes:

 

L'oreal True Match Nude Ivory foundation

Maybelline EyeStudio Gold Nuggets eyeshadow

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks Pink Raspberry stain

Sephora Nano Silver Green eye pencil

Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited Red lip gloss

Laura Mercier Chianti lipstick

NARS Dolce Vita lipstick

Lancome Juicy Tubes Fraise Tagada lip gloss

Etude House VIP Girl PK008 lip stick (not in the picture)

Nivea Med Protection lip balm

Maybelline Lip Smooth Color Cherry lip balm (not in the picture)

I still have the same L'oreal foundation because I forgot it here in the office when we left for Baguio. One of the few items I bought in recovering my kit is Nivea Med Protection lip balm--my lip's BFF. While the new Maybelline Lip Smooth Color is from my sister. 

Aside from Pink Nouveau and Orgasm, I am also saving up for a new Shu Uemura eyelash curler and a concealer. My Mom gave me a Guerlain liquid concealer few months ago but it's like 2 tones darker than my shade so I am considering a Bloom stick concealer this time! I've tried it once because Pao's Mom and sister are using it and I love its non-sticky feel. I really don't want to spend so much in beauty products now that I have just bought wallet, coin purse, etc. HIRAP MANAKAWAN! :p

And as of now, while typing this blog entry, I just received an invite from Shu Uemura about an exclusive beauty workshop with their internationally-accredited makeup artists and Nancy Castiglione. I have 2 more invites so let me know if you want to come with me! :)

No-Grease Protection

Oops! It's not the kind of protection that you think. And Ayala Alabang approves of it! Hehe. :D

(Wet) Summer is here! Perfect time to hit the beach, lose some pounds and get the perfect tan! If you're a beach bum like me, you don't have to wait for SSS=S aka sand, sun and sea = summer! All year round, I make sure that I have all the things I need to bring whether a trip to the beach is planned or unplanned.

Number one item that you must not forget to bring is an SPF lotion. I love the sun as much as I love getting a tan but I am sure that you're all aware of getting a skin cancer if we leave our skin unprotected. Getting a tan also means that your skin will peel after few days of hanging out in the beach. AND THAT'S SOMETHING I CONSIDER CRUCIAL. It's so hard to apply makeup and it really makes our skin, most especially facial skin, dry. 

Another Shu Uemura product I adore...

Shu Uemura TTL Defender SPF 25 P++

This purplish product is a great protection from the sun's harmful rays leaving our skin soft! Not only considered as a beach buddy, it can be used as a makeup base too. Plus, it's not sticky that even after hours of direct exposure under the sun, you'll feel no eeek-y feeling! Kinda perfect for a tropical paradise like ours. :) 


Sadly, this sunscreen milk has been discontinued from Shu Uemura Skin Care line three years ago... But the best part about this sad part is that they created an all-new and improved replacement:

Shu Uemura UV Armor SPF 50+++

From SPF 25 to SPF 50, this product totally rocks! No purplish fluid anymore but here comes the purple tube (I guess they have a new packaging now). Waterproof, non-greasy and consists of anti-pollution and nourishing benefits, Shu Uemura UV Armor keeps harmful UV rays away to prevent premature aging, severe sunburn and decreases the possibilities of getting skin cancer. 

They say the higher the SPF, the oilier/greasier/stickier it gets but this purple ranger proves them wrong. Plus, I use this every other day, even without a trip to the beach, because even indoor lighting (i.e. fluorescent lights) has UV rays. During days of not using this, I use another moisturizer which I'll blog about anytime soon. 

I really feel so protected and moisturized whenever I apply it on my face. Buy yours at Rustan's for P2,200.

Kikay Everyday.

I'm in love with makeups, that's a fact. I buy a lot in different kinds, shades and brands but I get to use only a few! When my sister's friend started selling MAC, Clinique and Estee Lauder products, I became even more obsessed! Geez, I bought these:

All MAC! All from the US! All 60% off!

Yaay finally, my dream of collecting over a dozen of Shu Uemura and MAC items is coming true. It's so hard to be so kikay, and all girly and stuff because I don't know which to prioritize first--makeup, shoes, bags, clothes, plane tickets, food and it goes on..

Now I want to show off my "everyday makeup wear" to you, my beloved readers and followers. These are my face's daily essentials. I agree that a woman's more beautiful without makeup but I also agree that a woman is also much more beautiful if she knows how to enhance her beauty with the right makeup. The terms "Foundation Day" or "Kabuki" or "Chola" is actually fine with me. And I believe that MAKEUPS PROTECT OUR SKIN FROM POLLUTION, DIRT, ETC!" Of course that goes to proper application and knowing which brand to use and as long as it's suitable to your skin. Go ahead! Always remember what Nido says, "It pays to check the label!" :)

So now, what's in my kikay kit?

L'oreal True Match Nude Ivory foundation

Max Factor True Beige stick concealer

MAC Pink Nouveau lipstick

MAC Magenta lip liner

Shu Uemura eyelash curler

Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited Candy Pink

Shu Uemura Nobara cream foundation/concealer

Nivea Med Protection lip balm

Nars Orgasm blush-on

Body Shop Raspberry Pink cheek blush (not in the picture)

Maybelline Lip Smooth Strawberry lip balm (not in the picture)

Estee Lauder brush (not in the picture)

That's just it, pancit! I'm saving my eye shadows, eye liners and mascaras for special occasions because if I wear them everyday, nobody will notice it. Parang walang bago. Hehe. :) And I also try to change my lip color at least every other week. This week, I opted for magenta (last week I used nude lippie from Nars and I wonder what's next). I use my lip liner as a lipstick then I finish it with a Candy Pink gloss. Wow, the effect is surprisingly awesome! Meanwhile, my Pink Nouveau is always with me for emergency/unplanned gimiks. During lazy days, I use Maybelline Lip Smooth for an instant lip color! I love how it soothes my superrrr sensitive lips while adding a hint of color. And since I have superrr sensitive lips, I always make sure that I'd initially apply Nivea Med Protection.

I'm definitely KISSING RAINBOWS! I so love being kikay everyday! Sarap maging maarte! ♥

What's the best cleansing oil in the world?

Yours truly is a fan of make-ups just like any other ordinary girl. Top favorites are Shu Uemura, MAC, Nars and Bloom and cheaper but very good ones like L'oreal, Maybelline and Etude House. I'm also glad that I have "suppliers" aka relatives abroad of brands like Estee Lauder, Lancome and Clinique. Although I love makeups, my everyday makeup wear only includes light foundation (L'oreal True Match), blush-on (Nars Orgasm) and lip gloss (Maybelline Lip Smooth Color). Eyeliners, lipsticks, eyeshadow and such are only reserved for special occasions! 

Some chances require heavy (i.e. modeling) to medium (i.e. weddings, debut parties). AT ITO ANG PUYATAN MOMENTS. The moment we get home, we just want to lie on our beds and sleep without removing our makeups at all. And then the next morning, we welcome little itchy spots on our face, thus regret. I was once like this. Haha. 

One night, when my friends Toto and Mia accompanied me to attend Dream FM's Pampering Dreams event in The Fort, we were quite surprised to see free MOs by artists from PAC, The Face Shop, etc so Mia and I never hesitated to sign up.

Here I was, getting ready for the MO!

Mia being revamped.

My favorite shot of Mia.

The eyeshadow and me.

Very nice makeup artist from PAC.

 I enjoyed the makeover session but I honestly didn't like the makeup! It made me look more matured. Maybe because of the contouring effect?

No more pa-tweetums look. Lol.

 When we're done with some of the pampering activities, we rushed to my favorite Sonja's Cupcakes in Serendra and introduced the yummy cupcakes of Ms. Ocampo to my wonderful friends.

While waiting for our orders, I felt the urge to remove my makeup there!

Me no likey! :s

Good thing I have the best cleansing oil in the world!

SHU UEMURA HIGH PERFORMANCE BALANCING CLEANSING OIL ADVANCED FORMULA! (Photo by Mai Marcial)

This is the best cleansing oil in the world. Georgina Wilson, Anne Curtis, Daphne Osena-Paez, Jenni Epperson, Ruffa Gutierrez, Gretchen Barretto are some of the beauty icons who swear by this product! And I'm one of them! Chos.

It is a gentle yet effective oil-based cleanser Mr. Shu Uemura himself discovered in 1950s. Imagine the Kabuki actors with their real heavy white makeups? They use this product to remove it! How guhreaaat! 

Shu Uemura cleansing oils are formulated with exclusive High Performance Oil system making optical makeup and impurity removal perfect. Even the waterproof ones can be easily washed. 

As Shu Uemura says it, "Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin." Para saan pa ang makeup kung masisira din ang ating balat, hindi ba? It's also nice to know that they offer an extensive range for all skin needs that will match our skin conditions!

Proud to say that my sister gave me all (HAAAAA) varieties:

1. HIGH PERFORMANCE BALANCING CLEANSING OIL ADVANCED FORMULA - For all skin conditions. I use this one regularly.

2. HIGH PERFORMANCE BALANCING CLEANSING OIL FRESH - For combination to oily conditions.

3. HIGH PERFORMANCE BALANCING CLEANSING OIL ENRICHED - For dry skin.

4. CLEANSING BEAUTY OIL PREMIUM A/O - For aging. I haven't tried this one yet. Maybe when I turn 23? Hehe.

5. CLEANSING BEAUTY OIL PREMIUM A/I - For sensitive skin. I also use this.

6. BRIGHTENING CLEANSING OIL - For dull skin. This one too, I use!

The product is quite expensive but it's all worth it! Its purpose is not only to remove makeup but it also has other beneficial properties for a well, moisture-balanced skin.

Where to buy: Rustan's Glorietta 4, Makati; Rustan's Shangri-La.