I was browsing online a few days ago when I saw a link that led to the Avon Voices website. I was invited to the launch last December 1, but I wasn't able to make it so I just promptly forgot about it. I did have a vague idea that it was about empowering women, giving them a voice, something like that. It's Avon's advocacy after all. But when I saw the site, I was surprised that my impression was waaayyyy off the mark!

Avon Voices is actually the first-ever global online singing talent search. It's a contest for budding singers and songwriters all over the world! All they have to do is pick and/or write a song and upload it. There will be 200 finalists who will get to travel, receive professional coaching, Avon makeovers, and even record performance videos. The 200 will ultimately be whittled down to two winners - one an Avon Representative - who may get to record their own albums! So cool right?

Here are some photos during the Philippine launch at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Of course, Ms. Lea Salonga headed the charge not only as an Avon endorser but also as a world-class musician and one of the international judges for the contest.

Lea Salonga is ageless

Mechanics and more photos after the jump!

Eco bags are not a trend - they're here to stay! Using them helps reduce plastic waste, which we all know is not biodegradable. According to CNN, "What's wrong with plastic bags? Lots. They often wind up as litter, or in trees. They drift into oceans and rivers and kill fish. They can take 1,000 years to decompose. And every time we use a plastic bag, we drive up the demand for oil - which is used to make plastics."

Wow, a thousand years! Think about it. Something we used for two hours carrying a box of shoes can continue polluting the environment for a millennium. This is why I prefer shopping in stores that use re-usable paper bags instead of plastic ones! Also, when I buy something that can fit into my bag, I always tell the attendant to skip the plastic kasi kalat lang talaga. If I have to use plastic, I stuff as many things inside as humanly possible, then re-use the bag for the trash cans at home.

Now, I'm sure you've seen SM Eco Bags being sold at SM Supermalls nationwide. I'd like to invite you to use them because aside from the environmental angle, SM Eco Bags are total must-have because they're:

• Extremely convenient. Instead of toting several shopping bags at the same time, you can just put them inside the roomy fabric bag and sling it on your shoulder. 
• Fashionable. So you've got a great outfit going on while you're shopping, but you're carrying three or four plastic bags by hand. How unflattering! If you spend so much time primping, it wouldn't hurt to carry a pretty eco bag with you whenever you go out to shop. SM Eco Bags come in four wearable designs.

• Compact and light. They tie up neatly in a thin rectangular bundle and weigh almost nothing.

So yesterday one of the maintenance personnel in our condo knocked on the door and said that the power will be out from 11pm to 6am. As we had things to finish, Marco and I thought to stay in a hotel overnight. After calling up at least four hotels, we decided to settle on Marriott Manila since it's the nearest one (albeit not as affordable as I might like).

from the Marriott Manila website

I guess we just wanted to relax and break the routine for even just one day. Anyway, for those who are looking for a place to stay (especially Balikbayans, it's just right in front of NAIA 3) Mariott is a good choice. I wouldn't say the best since I expected a bigger room and at least a free breakfast because the rate is not cheap, but I am very happy with the service. I also loved the gorgeous pool area, which I sadly forgot to take a picture of before my 7am swim.

Food from the restaurant is just so-so for the price. We ordered spaghetti bolognese and kare-kare, which tasted rather bland. I think it cost P1,700 for the dinner, including drinks.

I have already mentioned a recent awesome discovery called Liberté. It's an in-house brand that can be found in Robinsons Department Stores. It sells modern, trendy basics as well as pieces with an unexpected, beautiful twist. The clothes are meant for yuppie corporate wear but I do believe that everyone who likes elegant clothes without breaking the bank will love this brand! Nothing is above P600!

Now I know that "trendy basics" sounds a bit like an oxymoron, so let me explain. Liberte takes basics, mashes them with the trending cut and fabric, and comes up with something infinitely wearable yet far from boring.

I guess I better just show you.

This is my favorite find from the brand. It's a dirty-white dress that's done in a sort of cotton-chiffon blend. It has this sexy triangle cut-out back that I sadly forgot to take a picture of! This dress is only P600 if I remember right.

A staple in the wardrobe of Hollywood A-listers such as Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Katherine Heigl, Lindsay Lohan, Emmy Rossum, Olivia Palermo, Fergie and Jessica Biel, Vita Fede is also a favorite among Manila’s fashionable celebrities including Ruffa Gutierrez, Georgina Wilson, Anne Curtis and Kris Aquino.

Known for attention to detail, Vita Fede is committed to using only the finest materials and techniques.

Clean & Clear used to be my go-to skincare brand during my adolescent years, but I have long since outgrown their formula and have tried and loved other brands. That's why I wasn't expecting much from Clean & Clear's newest facial wash called the Deep Action Cleanser.

However, surprise surprise! It's pretty awesome. I've been using it fairly regularly this past month. 

What I love about the product

• Amazing oil control. When I use this, my face holds up better under extreme heat and humidity. I still oil up of course, but let's say, only half as much as when I use other cleansers. I get and oil-free face for a good two to three hours with zero makeup; longer with makeup on, at four to six hours. That's nowhere near the promised 8 hours, but that's still quite an achievement! Please note though that I am not super oily. At best I only have combination-oily skin.
• Leaves my skin soft and glowy immediately after washing.

Have you checked up on your closet lately? In all your shopping sprees, have you remembered to stock up on the absolute basics? I did a closet sweep last week and noticed that out of my many my white t-shirts, I didn't have THE white t-shirt: a Hanes v-neck cotton shirt! How could I have been so foolish all these years?

The small size fit me perfectly, and better yet, it only cost me a little more than P200. How cool is that?

So anyway, speaking of basics, I love how the combination of my straight-cut Levi's jeans, Charles & Keith leather loafers, and thrifted faux leather jacket looks like! It's relaxed yet extremely stylish. Perfect for errand days and for meeting with friends. I also love that I can easily amp the look up with some accessories and crazy high heels.

Last week, I received a beauty loot from Anne, a friend who lives in Canada! You remember that I swapped with her last September. This is our picture with Noemz, another friend I met online, who kindly shipped the package to me even amidst her busy schedule!

me, Anne, Noemz

These two girls are the sweetest. We only met online, eventually met in person, and, thanks to the Internet, we manage to keep in touch! I can't wait for Anne to visit the Philippines again so we can have a proper dinner or something. 

Anyhoo, this is what Anne sent me:

Are these brogues? Oxfords? I am not entirely sure, so to be safe I'll just call them "laced flats". Lol. I was at The Ramp in Glorietta the other day and couldn't resist the lovely muted pink color of these shoes. If you haven't noticed yet, I love pinks - light pinks, specifically. These Ichigo shoes are just the perfect shade of pink in my book.

Love the box!

They're originally P900 something, but since Ichigo had a 40% off on some designs, I got them for only a little over P500! How awesome is that?

A friend of mine (hi Anne!) sent me this Maybelline palette from Canada. I don't buy Maybelline palettes because whenever I swatch one in the store, I always feel underwhelmed. However, I was really surprised by how this particular palette performed! The eyeshadows were silky, highly pigmented, and performed well over a base. Definitely a keeper.

Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quad in Natural Smokes

I love the color selection because they make for a quick, flattering smoky eye that's not too dark. I'm not sure if this palette is available in the Philippines, but if they are, I will definitely buy one in different colors. 

Face: Clinique Supermoisture makeup, MAC Studiofinish concealer, Ellana mineral foundation and finishing powder, NARS Super Orgasm

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I'm sure you've seen the Outspoken by Fergie commercial by now. I love it when she said, "There is more than one way to be heard." I completely agree! One way is by wearing a scent that reflects your personality since it can speak volumes to those who can "hear" it, if you know what I mean.

I must admit that I was surprised when I learned that Fergie, of the Black Eyed Peas fame, did a collaboration with Avon. She's known for her sexy image and strong personality - not really something one would immediately connect with a conservative brand like Avon. However, now that Avon is taking a more aggressive stance on women empowerment, Fergie is indeed a timely endorser as she is known to be a fun, fearless, and fashionable female that has a voice in this generation.

Avon kindly sent me a bottle of Outspoken by Fergie, designed by none other than the singer herself. It's a fresh modern scent that I really love!

Yesterday I was hit by the classic OMG I Don't Know What To Wear Syndrome. I was terribly late, but I managed to spend more than an hour staring at my closet and trying on several outfits. It's a nightmare. When I finally got out of the limbo, I belatedly realized that my outfit was...meh.

It's okay but it's not something I would normally wear to a luxury hotel.

One of the biggest problems when it comes to lip color is actually getting it to stay on. Eating, drinking, and even just normal talking will remove or considerably fade any lip product - no matter how expensive it is. It's just a fact of life, unless you get a lip tattoo!

This is why a lot of people became curious about Revlon's latest lip makeup called the Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm. Aside from the promise of lasting power because of the stain formula, the product is a novelty because of the felt-tip applicator and lip balm at the other end of the tube. So, I'm sure you want to know: does it deliver?

What I love about the product

• Intensely pigmented. A couple of layers topped with the moisturizing and slightly glossy lip balm will give you the effect of a lipstick! It certainly won't make your lips look "just bitten", which, in my book, is perfectly alright.
• I really like the lip balm included. It reminds me of my HG lip balm, Aquafina, but without the minty feel. I like the slight sheen it gives on the lips. 

• Pretty good staying power. I give it around 4 hours, even with eating. The first couple of times I used this the color faded rather quickly, but I discovered a trick to it

If it's not obvious yet - I'm on a terrible shoe phase! All I ever seem to want to buy are shoes! I'm sure I'll snap out of it soon enough. I mean, I only have one set of feet after all!

Now, in case you missed the memo, SM Parisian now has awesometastic shoes. They're fashionable, of good quality, and priced nicely! They're too good to be true, if you ask me. I can't wait for the next collection that SM Parisian will be releasing. As for now, these laced tan booties are my favorites out of the lovely bunch. They're only P1,300!