All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

Remember the mission I blogged about? Well, here’s a preview on what happened:

First of all, the mission was to be Stunning for a Steal. To make sense, we need to look gorgeous without spending a goldmine! Recession is putting a dent to our pockets and budgets these days, so we need to cut some slack off from (over)buying expensive beauty products without compromising quality. This is where these three fab products come to the picture.

*Nail Technician hand-painting my nails*

Whilst waiting for the queue to have my facial first, I decided to bypass the steps and immediately headed to the Nail Spa station, where I had my nail art done. I’ve been a great patron of Nail Spa in Shangri-la Mall since I landed my first job. This is actually my first time to pimp my manos for some nail art fun. I chose something bluish amidst my pink and red ensemble I was wearing then, since I’m a typical blouse and jeans girl–blue denim jeans to be exact.

I was surprised to see that they actually hand-painted the nails one-by-one, sans using any stencil. Wow, that’s creativity + talent going on there. The nail art tools she used actually pique my curiosity. She told me those came from US. Hmmm…

*Here’s what my nails look like after. What’s great about it is that it’s still hasn’t chipped off amidst long hours of typing.*

Then, I had a luxe facial using Garnier Light products, which promises to bring a visibly fairer and more radiant skin I can measure. It uses natural products such as pure lemon essence and long dan essence that help remove dullness and effectively diminish dark spots whilst whitening the skin. I indulged myself lying around 20 minutes of uber-relaxing facial–the massage was so relaxing that I felt like dozing off! My once tensed skin felt de-stressed thereafter. What I love more was the smell of Garnier products, they smell really, really good that I want to eat it!

*Lots of Garnier skin care products used for the facial*

After some skin pampering, I headed straight to Matrix booth to have my hair done. The hairstylist asked me how do I usually wear my hair on a typical day. I told her, I just let it alone, silky straight. With a eureka moment from her, she resolved into giving my locks some lovely curls. Okay, another Marimar moment has yet to come!

I totally love the smell of the hairspray, unlike others that smell like solvent. Surprisingly, it strongly held my locks all day long, even when I tied my hair into a bun going home.

*MUA doing makeup using Maybelline products*

Finally, here comes the makeup! I had my makeup done courtesy of Maybelline. The MUA gave me a natural look, using mostly Maybelline clear smooth mineral makeup! First, using MAC 187 brush, he gently dabbed on liquid foundation as base (which doubles as a concealer). Then, he buffed on some  powder-foundation to neutralize the color, making my base match my skin tone better. He accentuated my eyes using neutral colored eye shadows, eye liner pencil and mascara. Of course, he put some blush-on and lipstick for flushed-looking finish. (more…)

Looking back, my makeup kit (so-called kikay kit) has evolved in years. Before, it started as a tiny pouch with press powder & chapstick in it. Then, it grew up by adding liquid foundation (I used Cover Girl then), lip gloss and concealer (I used Avon concealer stick).

Back in college, I made a full switch to using VMV Hypoallergernics products: from powder-foundation down to concealer. As soon as I started working, I upgraded into using MAC Cosmetics, hence the studiofix, concealer and lots of lip glasses.

I just hate to see blemishes standing out on my face, so I stashed in Cinema Secrets Concealer to do its job.

Due to my studiofix rant (couple it with my being adverturesome when it comes to makeup), I decided to make another switch, yet again, to Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation, along with its Pro Concealer.

Oh well, much has been changed. First, breakouts are finally going, going, gone (I hope this is gonna be the last time I’ll be seeing you, zits!), that’s why I don’t have to put on loads of kabuki-thick makeup. Then, I finally learned how to set my makeup to last longer (thanks to my mattifier, oil-blotting sheets and loose powder), and to practice the cardinal rule of skin care by wearing sun block everyday.

Enough gab, here’s my present kikay kit:

Starting off with my Wicked Sista makeup bag from Beauty Bar. They got pretty makeup bag designs that’s proven to be durable and waterproof. I’ve been avidly using these for almost a year. xx

Here’s what’s inside my makeup kit. I know it’s not a lot, but these are essential stuff meant for everyday use (well, at least when going out!). Products are:

Shu Uemura Sheer Colorless Loose Face Powder – Lurve this. Sets my makeup well for a smooth, flawless finish
Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation in 754 - My new makeup BFF. Not too sheer, nor too heavy. It gives just-right coverage
Shu Uemura Pro Concealer in 7YR (Blendable. Perfect for Tropical Climate. I used Cinema Secrets though when I was in Belgium, coz this one was as hard as a rock! See review here)
Bloom Shadow Liner in Ebony Brown (My HG eye liner)
BeneFit Eye Shadow Duo in Fate Made me Do It (Lavender/Smoke Gray)  – I don’t really use it that often. But, this is the smallest e/s set I can stash inside my makeup bag
Lancome Virtuose Mascara – Lengthens and Defines my Lashes. See review here
Smashbox Anti Shine – Great for keeping oilies at bay. Sometimes heavy on the skin, so I don’t use it everyday. More review soon!
Chanel Lumiere Lift Concealer in Beige Lumiere – I’m a freak when it comes to anti-aging stuff. Lurve how it blends and moisturizes the skin around my eyes. Lessens its puffiness to boot. Can double as liquid foundation See review here)
MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Gaily – I don’t hafta wear lipgloss over it, coz it’s that moisturizing
MAC Lip Glass in Soft and Slow – Only if I wanted nude lips xx
MAC 3D Lip Glass in Wondershine – Has rich red color for a bolder look.
The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain – Good thing Body Shop reformulated this from liquid to gel. Use it everyday for that just-bitten, reddish lips.
Agent Provocateur Lip Balm – Not really that effective to keep lips from chapping. But, heart its cooling effect, making my pout look naturally redder xx
Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited Sample – I just put it for the sole purpose of making my makeup bag smell good. Ha-ha!

(Not in pics: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blotting Tissues, Neutrogena Dry Touch Ultra-Sheer SPF 50 Sunblock, Shu Uemura UV Base and Shu Uemura Curlash)

Hoping to see what’s yours soon! xx

Well, lookie lookie what landed on my desk today:

Hush, hush! Well, you see, playing detective has been one of my childhood dreams. Giddy as a child, I immediately brushed up on my case folder.

TADAH!

Hmm.. looks like playing super sleuth in this upcoming event will be fun, fun, fun! xx I’m required to come incognito, and leave gorgeous–now that’s some challenge!

Mission is to Be Stunning For a Steal with these Targets:

Facials by Garnier

Hair by Matrix

Nails by Nail Spa

Makeup by Maybelline

Gee, I’m soo excited! xx

My dog died recently . Everyone in the family has been feeling so sad until now. After 8 long years, she dearly joined our Lord up in heaven. I’m sure she’s very happy in her place right now. As of us whom she left, it’ll really take some time to completely move on from this depressed, listless state.

I, for instance, still feel sad whenever reminded about her. I sorely miss her, especially whenever I take a look at her picture. That’s why, I think for some stylish ideas in order to alleviate the sad feeling.

Have a Makeover

Admit it or not, having a makeover never fails to make us happy. It’s like having a fresh start, having something new to look forward to. One most common thing depressed people do is to give themselves a haircut. I always wonder why, of all things. But of course, it depends on what kind of ‘do you want to sport on. Great, fabulous haircuts that make you look better, surely make you feel better in return. Give your hair some oomph by adding colour and highlights to make it look more lively and vibrant.

Exercise

Remember Elle Woods defending fitness maven Brooke Taylor Windham from her murder case in the movie Legally Blonde? She [Elle] did not believe that Brooke killed her husband–all because of one thing–she exercises regularly. Remember this line: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t”?

Surely, exercise produces this feel-good hormone that helps us keep the depression at bay. Not only it does good for our psyche, but it also makes our bodies fitter & healthier. It doesn’t require you to abruptly enroll in a pilates or yoga class. Brisk walking or jogging will do wonders.

Smile

Do this first thing in the morning, or whenever you feel sad or agitated. A simple grin works like magic, as it instantly churns your mood into something filled with much optimism. Not to mention, smiling makes you look younger and lovelier.

I’m not into splurging this month. So, I’m gonna share to you one of my practical mini-shopping sprees that actually transpired a while ago.

Nizoral Shampoo

I’m pretty much annoyed with my scalp right now. It gets flakier and itchier! I think Sunsilk shampoo is not gonna do wonders on me, that’s why I just pulled off a big switch to Nizoral–not because it could make my mane tamer and silkier. I seriously need Nizoral ‘coz my dandruff’s getting waayyy annoyingly serious!

Nizoral shampoo has 10mg Ketaconazole and is used for treatment of mild to moderate dandruff and its associated symptoms of scalp flaking, itching and scaling. It can be used twice a week for 2 to 4 weeks, but I’m meaning to use this every other day. (I wonder how my hair will look like afterwards)

Price: Php 350/ $7.47

Oh well, I’d rather follow the instructions than make it worse.

Mane ‘N Tail Shampoo

You’re gonna think I’ve gone mad using horse shampoo for my locks, but hey, a lot of people use this. Mane ‘N Tail shampoo has an exclusive original formula containing high lathering, cleansing agents fortified with moisturizers and emollients. Its micro-enriched protein formula proves “down to the skin” cleansing action and conditioning, leaving hair soft and shiny. I just bought a traveler’s pack for a try. Anyhoos, let’s see if it fairs and pairs well with my current conditioner–L’Oreal Elseve.

Price: Php 60/ $1.28

Panoxyl 4% Cream

This is my current skin saviour of the moment. Since all the flare ups and serious acne agonies are gone, I use Panoxyl as daily maintenance, in order to keep those nasty zits at bay (thanks to its Benzoyl Peroxide formula). I usually buy the gel type. But since the drugstore ran out of gels, I just took home this cream instead. Well, I surely hope Panoxyl’s cream-based product would be less drying but as effective as the gel-based one.

Price: Php 210/ $ 4.48

All Around Wipes + Lactacyd Wipes

Having all around wet wipes in your stash is a must! It’s really versatile that I could use it anywhere. It functions as a makeup remover, hand sanitizer, stain remover, desk & laptop cleaner, etc. I got one from Med Guard that has anti-bacterial properties for a hygienic, germ-free finish. Of course, femme wipes are a girl’s must-have. Nothing beats Lactacyd feminine wipes for moi.

Price: Med Guard Anti-Bacterial Wipes (30′s) Php 60/ $1.28 & Lactacyd Feminine Wipes (5′s) Php 25/ $ 0.53.

Get these at your nearest Watson’s store (SM Supermarkets nationwide).