Tutorial : Purple Haze Make up

It’s been awhile since I made any tutorial or updated my blog. Finally, I have something to put up. I made this video middle of November but I couldn’t find any guts to really post it. I have done a make-up tutorial before as a contest entry but this one is a video tutorial. Since my camera broke down a few months ago, I recorded the video using my webcam. I hope you would still enjoy watching although it’s not on HD.

Anyway, the inspiration of this look is Purple Haze which I think is a kind of plant. I like the color combination of pink and purple and I wanted to see if it would look good on me. Well, it does look good even with a hooded lid like mine. It’ll be nice for evening parties specially this holiday season.

Enjoy Watching...

Review : OMG NailStrips

A few weeks ago, I received a letter from OMG Nail strips to do a video tutorial or a review about their product. This is a sponsored review but I would like to assure you that I’m still going to give my honest opinion about the product base on my experience while using it.

As of now, there are 75 designs available in their website you can check it by visiting omgnailstrips.com. You can also visit their facebook page for more design ideas and giveaways that you can join. Currently, this product sells at 4 pieces for $20 with coupon code “4pack” and 10 pieces for $45 with the coupon code “10pack”.

Review : Avon Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipstick

I was taking a walk at Ayala Mall when I saw an Avon booth. I checked it out and they were giving free lipstick samples (who am I to say no?). The color I got is Charged Cherry. Avon is celebrating its 35^th year in the industry so they’re giving discounts on a lot of regular items, too. For this one, full size is selling at Php375 but now it’s only Php199.

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy Gordon College (Acquaintance Party)

I know I made a pact with this blog but I can hardly keep up with my promise. Anyway, this is what I was doing for the past month. It's been awhile since college so going back feels quite a bit odd. I'm not a student this time though.

Never in my Columban College days did I ever attend any acquaintance party so this is kindda like my first time... and it was really fun... tiring too, but really worth it. The theme of the show is movies and we "picked" the horror category.

Review : Etude House Black Head Remover Dual Sheet

Having black heads is one of my major skin problems so I'm really into different kind of ways to remove it. I usually settle for pore strips but if there's some left, I use my black head remover tool to clean it.  Being an avid "pore cleaner" I know I had to try this one from Etude house. An average pore strip would cost me around Php150 for 10pcs but I think this one cost about Php80 per pair so I can't say it's cheap.

Process includes two steps. First step is to remove the black heads and second is to close the pores. 

The first sheet (on top is already used when I took the picture) is well soaked and feels cool on the skin. Scent is really light and it smells kindda like tea leaf. The material is like thick cotton enough to peel into three parts. You're supposed to leave it for 15 minutes and then use a cue tip to swipe off all the sebum. Then again, it didn't really work as it claims because I still needed to use my black head pricking tool. It’s much easier to remove though unlike the usual when I only use steamed towel before I start pricking.

Sheet 2 is also made of cotton with a thick gel on one side. No weird feeling while I have it on and I think it’s unscented. I also couldn’t say for sure if it worked or I was just able to remove the clog but you can see on the picture that somehow my pores looked a bit smaller than the beginning.

Before

After

Would I buy it again?

 

Yes but I wouldn’t replace my regular pore strip with it. I clean my pores every three days so that would cost me Php800 a month. Probably I’ll schedule it once a week as part of my weekend pampering.

Tutorial : Charmed String Bracelet

After finally finding Wellmanson, I've been practicing  my jewelry making quite a lot before getting back to work that is. I'm still hoping I could continue considering a really busy work schedule. Anyway, that wasn't really the reason why I missed posting for the last two Sundays. Connection is really slow these days. I know this is the second time I gave that reason but it's the truth.

Going back to my post, I haven't really tried stringing beads before. You can see on my previous post that I've always been into wire wrapping. I'm just not confident with stringing beads and for some reason, I use to think those kinds are just kids' stuff. Oh well, I think I'm eating my words now 'cause I'm really liking it. My officemate like it too and when I told her I made it, she actually ask if I could make one for her. Now I'd say it's just a matter of combining the right kind of beads to fit any age.

Nail Art Tutorial : Cherry Nails

I saw this from an old nail magazine and thought it would be really cute for the season. The colors are refreshing to look at too. It is a little bit girly because it's all in different shades of pink and the only green color are the leaves but it's never out of season. It's also really easy since these are just cherries. There's also no need for any special tools.

My base nail color is regular baby pink except for the ring finger. I had the same nail polish I used for the cherries on my ring finger with a little bit of fine red glitter polish for sparkle. On my thumb, I put together two round gems with tear drop shape gems for the leaves. For the rest of my nails, I simply blobbed the nail polish with my brush and added a bit of glitter too. You don't have to be too neat on this one. They don't have to be perfect circles or anything and no placement pattern is needed. Feel free to place the blob wherever you like it to be. Finish it off with a stroke a green polish for the the leaves and clear top coat.

Nail Art Tutorial : Rainy Day Inspired Nails

This nail art is inspired by the rainy season. I live in a tropical country so it's either hot or rainy. It's only the end of March and it's suppose to be hot but last Friday was surprisingly rainy. As I mentioned on my previous post, I was also having some problem with my internet connection so I had some time to do other things beside browsing the web. This one is really simple so I didn't bother making a video. I hope you could still follow through .

Tutorial : Ombre Gem Necklace

I've been practicing some basic wire wrapping recently and this is, by far, the easiest I did. I didn't take any measurements though. You can see on the picture how simple it is. I simply pick some random gems with dark to light colors and wrap the wire around it. I chose the three biggest and smoothest in my stash. It'll be too difficult if the stones are crooked. It's a good design additional if the shape of the stone is irregular but it's another thing to manage wrapping it with wire properly. I know it's not like I'm doing anything difficult but you must master the basics first before advancing to the next level.

For the chain size, I think with the length of the pendant, it's better to take a shorter chain like the size for a choker and wear it with your casual collarless tee. Or a longer one if you want to wear with something with collar.

About being gone last Sunday, internet connection was really bad. It's been going on and off for two weeks now and my provider cannot really give a definite schedule when the connection will be fixed. So to my lovely followers, please hang in there. I'll be posting as promised after my connection issues are fixed.

Review : San San Age Defense Make-up Set

I bought this last month during the sale for Php170 but original price is Php200. It's a complete collection of four eye shadows, two blushes, a face powder and a lip palette with seven shades. I got mine in number 02 which has a green quad. It's a little less 3 1/2 inches in length and around 2 1/2 inches in width which is a good size to bring with. It has a brush for the blush and a dual end lip brush and sponge tip applicator. They aren't much useful if you ask me specially the blush brush because it shed a lot but would still do if you have no better option.

I've seen a lot of make-up sets like this but so far this is my favorite packaging. I like the fact the lip palette is separated from the powder ones and that the face powder have its own case too because I hate it when the powder mixed with the cream ones and seeing eye shadow dusts on my face powder.

Beading Tutorial : Double Wire Wrapped Earrings

I made this a few days ago for my mom. I didn't really think about making a video for this one because it was kindda random when I decided to make it. I took pictures for personal reference but I also wanted to share at least this one for my readers.

I made one like this a really long time ago but it was a bangle made of  tiger's eye and onyx. Measurements was awful and I had a lot of wasted wire. This one is a lot more precise and less costly. I think, all in all, material cost was less than Php80 including scrap wires. The ear studs were plated but the wire and gold balls are 10k.

What you need? 

1) Cutter, round nose pliers and flat nose pliers.

2) Wire

3) Stud or hoop

4) 2mm swarovski beads

5) gold balls

Notes and Measurements :

On the first picture, I used 2" on the inner wire and 6" for the outer. You can see base on the 6th picture that there are excess wire. Take note that it's intentional because I want to have enough to work with freely until I reach the last bead.

The inner wire will also make a lot of movements until after your first swarovski bead is wrapped. If you have any, you can put a stopper to keep it from moving or flatten the gold ball in place. You also wanna make sure that your wire is tightly wrapped on the beads before you insert the next one.

My First : Zalora Purchase - Scarlet Sandals

I've been browsing Zalora but I'm  not really that confident to buy anything from them when I'm not sure about their services and product quality. Then, recently, I checked Zalora for their anniversary sale and found something that I really liked.

Originally, this pair of shoes cost about Php1060 but it was on sale for Php371 maybe because it's the last piece. I also paid the shipping cost for Php100. Free shipping only applies if the total cost of your purchase is Php1000.

It looks really good on the picture and I thought it's worth buying since it would only cost me less than Php500. Besides, its just on sale so I'm hoping the quality will be worth its original price.

Nail Art Tutorial : Gothic Lolita Nails

It's been ages since I did any nail art tutorial. Since I have so much time right now, I'm hoping I could do more of these. This is quite simple so I decided to make it a written tutorial only. I used a combination of regular lavender nail polish from Etude House in PP903 and and on top of that is shimmery lavender PP905. I combined it because the shimmer one would be too light if I were to use it on its own. The dark silver nail polish is from Barry M. Magnetic Nail Paints.

Nail Swatch : Etude House Look at My Cotton Candy Nails

I bought this near the end of January from Etude House Mall of Asia Branch. There were only a few colors available in the store from this collection and some of those are almost the same shade of what I already have so I ended up just buying this one. I got it in CBE101 which is a pretty pastel yellow color. Aside from the pretty summer appropriate shade, there's really nothing much to expect from it. It cost Php78 each for a small bottle compared to local brands. Probably, this size would only cost around Php40 for the same quality. 

Opacity is nice with two coats  and just like other polishes, it dries on an average time frame and may last for around 3 to 4 days. It bubbles a bit, too. My skin tone is somewhere in the middle and I don't think it compliments me very well. Some polishes may make your skin look vibrant but not really this one on me. I guess this color suits best for those with a slightly fairer skin than mine. I could still use it with other colors though.

Review : Mabelline Clear Smooth Aqua Gel Foundation

I had this for awhile now and really like using it so I thought, why not make a write-up about it. For a small bottle at Php349, it's not that cheap to buy without knowing if it'll suit your skin specially if its sensitive.

Product Says :
1) Water-based formula gives skin a light and fresh sensation.
2) Controls shine for an all day perfect and healthy-looking complexion.
3) Evens out skin tone and covers imperfections.
5) Feels soothing and cares for your skin with chamomile, aloe and Vitamin E.
6) 100% Oil Free.
7) Dermatologist tested.
8) Allergy tested.
9) Fragrance free.
10) Hypoallergenic.
11) Won't clog pores.

Tutorial : Multicolor Necklace

I saw this necklace on Instagram a few days back (click here). It's really simple but I think it'll be good for everyday outfits. When I check the website, gemleys.com, it cost £13 or roughly Php800 plus shipping. It may be worth its cost since its made of sterling silver and combination of precious gems but I just won't spend that much on a fashion jewelry so I decided to make my own.

Review : Beauty Credit’s Night Water Pack with Relaxing Herb Tea

I bought this  for Php390 from Beauty Credit at SBMA. For those who doesn't know, Beauty Credit is a Korean cosmetics and skincare brand. Their stores is not as cute as Etude House but the products are just as great. The prices are also more affordable compared to Etude House and Skin Food. Anyway, I was looking for a daily sheet mask but they don't have any so the lady suggested me have this. I was hesitant at first because I cannot read the back label since it was all in Hangeul. I can't even find the expiration date. I guess this is  the only thing that I don't like about most Korean and Japanese products.

Product says :

The Night Water Pack with Relaxing Herb Tea calms and relaxes you to sleep with aromatherapy properties, while it soothes and regenerates your skin throughout the night. It contains extracts of lavender, rosemary, sage, willow, herb and artemisia, exquisite herbs often used in essential oils that give you the calming, scented ambiance of a luxurious spa. It also helps to open clogged pores, neutralizes bacteria and reduce discomforts of inflamed, sensitive or acne skin.

Nail Swatch : Bobbie Nail Polish in Lush

This is my very first nail polish from this brand. My mom said this is also a good quality polish just like Caronia so I tried one. I was looking for an emerald color to join this season's fad and this is the closest I can find. I really like the fact that it compliments my skin tone without looking so green. Actually, it made my skin look fairer.

Review : Royal Jelly Essence Mask

I got this from Beauty Credit a few months back as a free gift but I kindda forgot about it. I was looking for the Somang or Beauty Credit mark at the back label but I didn't find any so I suppose they're just distributing it for MJCare. That explains the English translation because most Somang and Beauty Credit products doesn't have translation. I checked out their website (www.mjcare.co.kr) and surprisingly, it's on their best products list.

Product Says :

     -Power relaxation skin with moisturizing treatment for professional spa results at home.

     -Make your skin elastic, moistened, clear and relax. For all skin types and 4 seasons.

My Product Experience :

Upon opening the package, you can see the liquid goodness squeezing out. The thick cotton mask is well soaked but there's still enough liquid for neck and elbows left in the package. As I expected, it is relaxing and it smells nice like tea with honey. Of course, my skin turned sticky twenty minutes later but almost dry like it's all been absorbed by my skin.

The sheet mask fits me nicely apart from the eyes, nose and mouth area which is typical.

I was kindda surprise that it was almost the size of an A4 magazine, though. It makes me think if my face is really that big.

The next morning, my skin feel soft, smooth, tight and really moist clearly the same as what it says  in the package. My skin looked less tired, too. I'm not sure about the four seasons but I think this is good during the cold days if you want to keep your skin moisturize.

Will I buy it again? :

Definitely. This lives up to what it claims. At least that part that I can read.

Review : Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Very Cherry

Red lips is a classic. It will instantly brighten up your bare face and look effortlessly gorgeous just like the Burberry runway models for Spring/Summer 2013 show.

I went to SM Department store and saw this five color range of red lipstick from Maybelline. I tested the color and decided to get it on #635 or Very Cherry because it compliments my skin tone well.

Of course, I had to try it as soon as I could so I wore it to the office the next day and it was really noticeable. My office mates complimented me and told me I should wear it more often. Probably because I always pick something nude or pink or anything subtle so it was kindda new for everyone.

China Glaze Avant Garden Giveaway

Holly and Polish is having another giveaway. This is time it's the China Glaze Avant Garden Collection. 

The collection includes the following :

Budding Romance, Sunday Funday, Fancy Pants, Snap My Dragon, Passion for Petals, Mimosas Before Manis, Life is Rosy, Pink-ie Promise, Tart-y for the Party, Fade Into Hue, Keep Calm Paint On, and Dandy Lyin' Around! 

Giveaway is open internationally and will run until March 15. You may click on the picture above to check it out.

Back from POC!!!

Hello everyone, I know I missed posting on a Sunday so here I am writing an apology post to explain why I was gone .

I was in the hospital for five days since February 6 because of the tumor operation. I'm finally discharged but still not home yet. I'm currently staying with some relatives in Manila so blogging time is really limited.

I had my operation at Philippine Orthopedic Center. My phone is broken so I wasn't able to take much pictures. I also have to stay at the ward's hallway because it was already full when I came. Actually, I stayed at the hallway the whole time I was there. It wasn't really that bad. I actually think it's much better than staying inside a crowded space because the air flows freely at the hallway.

Review : Strip it! Sugar Waxing

I got this on my November Salad Box and the package also includes a stick applicator, a strip of waxing cloth that you can divide into six pieces and instructions. I have tried a homemade sugar wax before but I wasn't that satisfied. Plus, there's a lot of cleaning to do. Homemade sugar wax can also be too sticky/watery and it solidifies.

Base on the card included on my box, 100g cost about Php130. I haven't really bought one so I'm not sure if it includes everything I got from my Salad Box. When I was reading the instructions, I thought it was gonna be easy. Just clean, apply and then strip it off to the opposite direction of your hair growth. When I was doing it, I think it took me more than three times before getting the hang of it. It can also be tiring to wax your armpits while sitting so better do it while laying down. Consistency is good. It's not too thick nor too thin so it's easy to spread on. 

Blogging Resolution

Last year, I wasn't really blogging on regular intervals. I guess its time to put it on my priority list and schedule my blogging at least once a week. I read a blog post from The Dark Side of Beauty about her "Project No Buy". She set rules to minimize her spending and rules to reward herself with money that she could spend. In my case, I'm going to set-up rules to encourage myself to blog more often. I know I owe a lot of posts to my readers and I'm really thankful for sticking with me in spite of the lack of post . So here it is: