MAKEOVER: Kaila Funks It up!

Meet one of my favorite classmates ever... Kaila!

Yes, yes I know... my friend is just as gorgeous as I am.

Being my groupmate, 

I performed the privileged task of prettifying her up even more!

Makeup Base: The Face Shop Makeup Base (Violet), Kryolan Eye Makeup Base

Foundation: Maybelline clear smooth foundation, 4U2 (no.3)

Contour: DollFace Cosmetics Contour palette

Concealer: DollFace Cosmetics Concealer Palette

Eyeshadows: DollFace Cosmetics 88 palette,Prestige Cosmetics My little black book eye lip and face palette

Eyeliners:  Nichido liquid eyeliner (black), Nichido Eye Contour Pencil (Blackest Black and Nice Gal), MAC eyeliner in Bountiful Brown

Mascara: Maybelline Volume Express Cat Eyes

Blushes: Skin 79 Diamond Collection Star Glow Cheek, NARS Orgasm

Lipstick/gloss: Chanel Glossimer (Magnifique), Personi lipstick in Fuschia Pink

Shooting!

Warming up for the camera

Sheesh! Happy smile!

Unusual shades to perk her eyes up. Yellow, Purple and Blue, with a heavy dose of winged eyeliner!

Doesn't she look like Cristine Reyes here, a local celebrity?

Favorite shot! Forced her to sit in between the generators, haha!

I hope you like these shots! 

Cheers,

Dawn

Collective Sister Haul!

Hey girls!

• SM MOA Mallwide Sale! Great deals @ Watson's. Did not dare go to Marionnaud for fear of bankruptcy.
• Manila Book Fair @ SMX was not as good as expected - couldn't find affordable philosophy books. Almost all of them are ridiculously priced!
• Birthday shopping! Dawn's turning 21 on September 25! Watch out for our giveaway!

VMV Hypoallergenics Superskin 3 Set (25% off)

Spring Cleaning Oil-Control Antibacterial Scrub (PhP 465)

Spring Cleaning Primer - Clindamycin Phosphate Retinoic Acid (PhP 600)

Spring Cleaning Oil-Free Nourisher SPF 15 (PhP 412.50)

Trace: Splurged on a complete set because my skin is irritated with my previous routine. I used to adore Beauche - finished up to three sets! - but it has now made my skin very red and sensitive. I have to get it back on track.

Kolours Dual Conditioning Hair Color in Burgundy (PhP 215)

Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub 135g (PhP 80)

For Dawn's haircoloring needs, Kolours is a fave! Bought Lulur too because of the great posts propping up - read the awesome review by Liz of Project Vanity. Oh yeah, we salivate over blog recommendations so keep them coming!

Maybelline Volum' Express Cat Eyes Mascara (for Trace) 

Maybelline The Magnum Volum' Express Mascara at PhP 343. 20 (for Dawn)

Because we will never stray! Maybelline Mascaras are unbelievably lovable! My dog Aquinas agrees! =)

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Black at PhP 359.20

Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Offbeat Pink PhP 125 

E.L.F. Cosmetics Studio Corrective Concealer at PhP 244.75 

Enticed by your recommendations! And what a pleasant surprise from Ever Bilena - a really good lip product.

In2it Oil-Control/Oil Free Powder Foundation in Warm Beige - on sale at PhP 551.75 (for Dawn)

In2it Oil-Control/Oil Free Powder Foundation Refills in Soft Beige and Warm Beige - on sale at 373.75 each! (for Trace)

Smooth finish and glorious reviews here and there for In2it's prized foundation! Thanks for the thumbs up for this one, Pammy (Hawaiian Punchie) and Donna (MyLucidIntervals)! Affordable, too.

The Body Shop Festive Glow Candle Set 

(Merry Cranberry, Black Velvet Apricot and Nutmeg and Vanilla )

From PhP 1095 to PhP 547.50!

Pretty little things, but the scent is not as intense as the oil burner! Doesn't fill the room. At least my lemming has been appeased now.

The Body Shop Matte and Shimmer Cheek Color in 01 (from PhP 895 to PhP 447.50)

The Body Shop Rainforest Shine Conditioner Sample (free for being a LYB member!)

Cheers,

Dawn and Trace

The Makeup Den: "You, Only Better Makeup Workshops!"

For local readers, read up. Yes, we're promoting our fabulous cousin!

Read more about the offer here.

The fee is P3,000. If you come with a friend - P500 off for both!

More of Denise Congco's works:

Impressive, right? Do sign up and learn more about the makeup basics and so much more!

Cheers,

Trace and Dawn

Makeover: Vireza is a Rocker Chic!

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well.

I've been pretty busy in the UST College of Fine Arts and Design with some pretty interesting projects; one of which is to style a friend for a photoshoot inside the classroom for photography class! Here's a preview:

She looks like Grace Lee, right? Haha! 

Anyway, here are my groupmates who have been/will be featured in PPS:

• Vireza is the sultry girl above. I transformed her look from a sweet teenybopper to a total rockstar! Plus, I was able to successfully give her a crease... 
• Kaila's post will be up soon, and I promise she'll look very different!
• Anna is the photographer, and she was the previous makeover victim here, together with Vire.

My best friends in AD-5!

Without further ado, here are the items I used:

Makeup Base: The Face Shop Makeup Base (Violet), Kryolan Eye Makeup Base

Foundation: Maybelline clear smooth foundation, 4U2 (no.3)

Contour: DollFace Cosmetics Contour palette

Concealer: DollFace Cosmetics Concealer Palette

Eyeshadows: DollFace Cosmetics 88 palette,Prestige Cosmetics My little black book eye lip and face palette

Eyeliners:  Nichido liquid eyeliner (black), Nichido Eye Contour Pencil (Blackest Black and Nice Gal), MAC eyeliner in Bountiful Brown

Mascara: Maybelline Volume Express Cat Eyes

Blushes: Skin 79 Diamond Collection Star Glow Cheek, NARS Orgasm

Lipstick/gloss: Chanel Glossimer (Magnifique), Personi lipstick in Fuschia Pink

Wisps of hair. And sorry, Vire wants her eyebrows to remain untouched!!

Funny pose

Trying to be sexy, Vire!?

I love this picture! Gee whiz!

These are all amateur attempts. To tell you the truth, I am not entirely satisfied with everything since we were pressed for time (other groups were in line to shoot at the improvised studio in the classroom after us). This explains why I wasn't able to retouch the makeup and why we have limited clothing choices. 

But in spite of these setbacks, I hope the pictures show promise! =) I know there are a lot of makeup artist bloggers out there, and I will really appreciate if you could give me tips!

Cheers,

Dawn

EOTD: Orchid Eye

Hi Girls! 

I was previously an Accountancy Major @ UST, but being there really frustrated me. I wanted to unleash my creative juices, which explains occasional drawings here and there. This is one of the pictures I drew waaaaay back before I shifted to the College of Fine Arts and Design, using colored pencils and my imagination:

And Now... Here's an Eye Makeup Shot Inspired by the Orchid.

KRYOLAN Eye Makeup Base

Dollface Cosmetics 88 pc Eye Makeup palette

MAC Fluidline in Black Track

The Body Shop Sparkle Rollerball

Can you believe I actually went to school with this kind of eyeshadow on? Hahaha! 


I hope you like it... I love that I can do art both on paper and on my face! =)

Cheers,

Dawn

I don't want makeup anymore.

... For Now.

Laura Mercier Mystique Collection? 

I DON'T WANT YOU! *Gasp*

Lately I have been having the rare moment of not craving for any new makeup item - as of now, my "necessary purchases" include only Maybelline Volum' Express Cat Eye Mascara and the much-raved about Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner - read reviews by ParisB of MyWomenStuff, Shen of Shen's Addiction, Nikki of AskMeWhats, Shopcoholic Khymm, and Nikki of MakeupinManila (now that's a lot of happy bloggers satisfied with this affordable product)! And that's not because I want to try them out, it's because I am running out of mascara and liner!

While this easy abstinence is a very good thing, I am afraid of the repercussion: i.e., I'll go haywire with spending the next time I buy! This always happens, my sister can attest to that. I'll tell myself I DESERVE new items because I have been a very good girl for a month or so. God knows that I don't need more stuff - only the HGs that have to be replaced upon expiration - but what the heck, I'm always curious about new collections and colors and bogus promises of gorgeousness by our consumer-driven beauty industry!

Can I befriend this woman? Haha! 

Image source

Ah, spending habits. Woopdeedoo. I am sure I am not the only one suffering from this form of neurotic behavior, haha. I mean, an indication that we're in love with buying  makeup is having a beauty blog that has to be updated all the time. Hay.


And this tirade is because... I'm broke.

Cheers,

Trace

FOTD: Peach Blush + Pink Lips

So I have finally tried my hand on doing the Peach blush + Bright Pink lips FOTN - I am guessing that my version is a little more subdued because: (1) I have oily skin so I stay away from too much shimmer! and (2) I have full lips dominating my small face so I can't get away with super bright glossy pink lips!

Anyway... Here are the products I used:

FACE

Laura Mercier Primer

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation NC25

MEOW Cosmetics Flawless Feline Frisky Chartreux (Highlight)

Christian Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Loose Powder in 030 (Setting)

Shu Uemura Pro Spots Concealer in 7YR Medium Light

EYES

MAC Paint Pot in Delft

AUBE Cream Shadow in 05 

Laura Mercier Eyeshadow in Mermaid

Stila Smudge Pot in Bronze

Shiseido Hydro Powder Eyeshadow in H2 Whitelights

MAC Fluidline in Black Track

Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara

MAC Eyebrow in Lingering (not in pic)

CHEEKS

Laura Mercier Illuminating Quad in Mocha Spice (Bronzer)

Benefit Georgia (Blush)

LIPS

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink

A lot of stuff for a simple face huh? Hahaha! Scroll down for more...

The most accurate picture in white light. See how pale my lips are? And yes, I am wearing the ubiquitous loud-printed "duster" - the classic pinay house dress - so that I won't soil my outfit for the night! All I'm missing are humongous curling rollers on my head, and I look like a 70's nanay.

This version is my staring-out-at-space look. Oh my God, I have no talent in posing AT ALL.

Played with the settings a bit for vintage cuteness.

Cheers,

Trace

Look: Peach Blush + Bright Pink Lips?

Hi everyone! 

I am not sure if I am the only one curious about this look, but I do see people (okay, artistas on TV) sporting the warm peach blush + bright, blue-toned cool pink lips and I am amazed at how well they go together. I mean, aren't they supposed to be clashing colors?

When I found Lorie Ann Uy's makeover @ The Makeup Den, I was convinced that, well, the combination can make you look delightfully young. Oh man, I guess there aren't really rules in makeup, huh? If it looks pretty, then sport it even if it's not as matchy-matchy as most people say! BTW, the blush used in this picture is MAC Blush in Mocha. Pretty warm flush, right?

Anyway, I've been trying to sport this look using NARS Enchanted Cream Blush + Benefit Georgia on my cheeks, with Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink on my lips. I know the cheek products I have are too pale, but since they oxidize on me, I get a medium peach shade as a result. The lip color, on the other hand, is too pigmented and bright compared to the shade Lorie is sporting, but it works better on my full lips.

 Sometimes I feel I look really cute, sometimes I think I look sunburned with huge-ass pink lips... That's why I don't dare post a picture of me. Then again, peaches don't really flatter me (I am pink girl!) but I guess I am determined to make it work.

Anyway, are you also a fan of this look? Or am I the only one? Haha!

Oh well. Apologies for the lack of posts, things have been crazy lately. And PLDT-DSL is going haywire. But as usual, I leave you with...

Cheers!

Trace

Kimber Doll's Giveaway! (Closed)

Kimberdoll's giveaway, ladies :) 

For PH readers, here's a shot to win a prize from the outside!

Contest will officially end on September 20, 2010.

Signature Scent: Clinique Happy

What's your favorite scent of all time? 

Mine is definitely Clinique Happy, and I don't think I will ever stray!

A hint of citrus. A wealth of flowers. A mix of emotions. Our best-selling women's fragrance interplays fresh, vibrant notes-ruby red grapefruit, bergamot-with soft, sensual ones-Hawaiian wedding flower, spring mimosa.  Launched in 1997, the original Happy is lingering, multi-layered floral. Wear it and be happy.

Notes: Ruby Red Grapefruit, Boysenberry Bush Flower, Hawaiian Wedding Flower

Style: Chic. Modern. Sparkling.

A caveat: Scents are not really on my beauty priority. No, that doesn't mean I don't care about them (never be stinky, especially in Manila weather!) but I don't stalk or research or dream about perfumes; besides, I can't afford another obsession. So this entry will be as naive/basic as it can be when it comes to eau de toilette (heck, I don't even know the difference between the eaus and parfums and colognes except for the price range)!

Sure, I've gone through my Mom's drawers (and my holiday and birthday gifts)... I've finished up a lot of the globally raved scents. I do like Lanvin Eclat D' Arpege, D&G Light Blue because they're lovely and all, but they fade on me immediately. Like I spritz some on my hand, and then the scent disappears after an hour as if I took a shower. I did have a phase when I would wear no other perfume aside from Bvlgari Rose Essentielle and I have finished two bottles of Estee Lauder Pleasures. Both were pretty nice, but just not good enough!

Out of all my scent adventures, I just keep coming back for Clinique Happy. Whenever I wear it, people don't fail to compliment about how good I smell even if they can't describe it! The scent is pretty strong and it lingers - I guess it pretty much does well with my body chemistry. It doesn't go all obnoxious too, especially when I spray too much... Which is a tendency for an excessive person like me, because I get annoyed when I get used to a scent and I don't smell my perfume anymore without spritzing 10 times all over, haha.

I remember when I was planning my 18th birthday, and how I requested everyone to give me Clinique Happy. Because of that, I came home with 4 huge 100ml bottles and 2 50ml ones, haha! They're all out, unfortunately... It's been six years! I just buy mine in the store now, which can get pretty darn annoying for my wallet.

And just because I recalled my Debut, I'll leave you with pictures circa 2004. I styled and did the makeup all by myself. I also hosted my own birthday event @ Annabel's, Tomas Morato, QC. Yeah I have a complex like that.

OMG I look like a completely different person! With BRACES! And thin eyebrows, LOL.

Dancing with a friend... Oh my, I was thin then!

Forgive the quality - halata bang scanned? With my Mom and Tito.

With friends named Abbi, Abby and Abbie.

What an awful spillover of  memories! And outfits c/o M)phosis. 

Anyway, before I forget... What's your signature scent?

Cheers,

Trace