This is what I wore yesterday to an event. I didn't want to overthink it so I just put on stuff that I felt naturally went together. Seriously, five inch heels and a good bag can make even the simplest of dresses look, well, dressy. 

Kashieca dress/ Charles & Keith heels/ Pinkbox bangle and ring/ SM belt/ Louis Vuitton bag

As for the look, I found inspiration from Ginnifer Goodwin. I've been keeping this photo for Lord knows how long! I meant to copy the look but somehow always wound up with neutrals or colors. 

I love it! Skin is matte and flawless, eyes are heavy on the top with black eyeshadow, winged out eyeliner, and loads of mascara. Cheeks have a slight peachy blush while lips are nude.

At first glance, it looks like something only a fair-skinned girl can wear, but with some tweaks, I adjusted it for medium Asian skin like mine.

Hi Miss Liz! Growing up I have been teased a lot about my "sumpa"- CURLY HAIR!!!! I don't mean the cute Goldilocks type but the "so-kinky-its-llike-an-afro" type of curl. An even weirder combination? I have pale skin Asian skin and got called names like "negrang hapon", "albino na negra" blah blah blah.

My self esteem was suuppeerr low that I had my hair straightened when I was in 6th grade and have been religiously straightening since (I'm turning 23 this year). The teasing stopped. I got lots of compliments, some even forgot I was curly to begin with. Don't get me wrong, I honestly enjoyed it at first but it was tiring to me (dreading my natural hair growing,enduring the long hours and chemical burns of the process).

Anyway, I don't know how but I finally found myself some confidence to stop pretending and embrace the real me! My question Miss Liz is; how do I transition to my natural locks without looking like a freak? (curly hair at the roots and stick straight hair at the tips).

Hi Miss_D22! Great question! Kudos to you for finally having the confidence to embrace your natural hair! I also had the same problem before - had my hair straightened so many times that I have damaged my scalp permanently. And for what? Because people teased me all the time! One girl even called me Jesus Christ. Damn. That's one of the worst insults to me ever.

In the end, like you I realized that I would be happier if I just enjoyed the real me. We're never so ugly or so bad as we think we are; it's all in the head!

Last weekend, I was reading a book called Strengthsfinder 2.0. It has an awesome thesis - that many of us don't excel because we're not doing what we do best. We focus so much on overcoming our weaknesses that we overlook the cultivation of our strengths. That makes so much sense, eh? I plan to take the test soon. Wonder what I'll come up with!

Anyway, today I want to talk about a current favorite of mine: the Zen Zest Exfoliating Body Scrub. I've tried a lot of body scrubs and I tend to like most of them. I mean, how complicated can it be? But this Zen Zest one is quite different. It's very dense and thick. It feels nice when I spread it on, like thick luxurious, cool goo! Hehe.

I already told you what my top five lipsticks were, so I thought it's finally time to show lip glosses some love! I don't often wear glosses as much as lipsticks, actually, but when I do I make sure they're worth the hair trap. Oh you know what I mean. Glosses are a bane on windy days but these are the ones that I find too pretty to resist.

L-R: Majolica Majorca Honey Pump Gloss Neo, Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited in Corona Orange, VMV Hypoallergenics Lip Glitter Gloss in Cherry Pink, Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Pop, Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Hoola

Here's why I love 'em! 

Majolica Majorca Honey Pump Gloss Neo. Glosses are by nature flighty things. They get wiped off easily just by drinking and eating. But the Honey Pump Gloss Neo is one of the longest-lasting glosses I've tried. I can eat and still have some gloss left over. I also love how it makes the lips look fuller without being overly thick.

There are some stores that, upon first impression, look too expensive for our budgets. Sometimes though, it's just really good branding and a smart interior designer! One such brand is VMV Hypoallergenics. I wouldn't say that the products are dirt cheap, but for how effective and nicely packaged (with recycled paper, to boot) they are, I think VMV offers a great bang for your buck. Most products are under P1,500 which in the realm of good skincare is fairly affordable.

Anyway! I managed to drop by the VMV Hypoallergenics store in Powerplant the other day to pick up something. I took a few pictures of products I like / am curious about.

Check this out, VMV's reincarnated foundation! It's the reformulated, re-packaged version of their Skin Savvy Liquid Foundation.

Hi girls! I just want to share a neat idea I got off a craft blog. It's so mindblowingly simple that I should have thought of this sooner.

Ta dah! Basically, it's a way to store your headbands so you can see them all in one place, sitting pretty. You should use a jar if you have more headbands, but since this Starbucks bottle is what I have on hand...yeah.

People always ask me, "How do you find the time to blog?" Many of them even make the mistake of thinking that this is what I do full-time. It's simple, really. I make time for it. I wake up at 6:00 AM on a normal day, putter around the condo for tea and maybe a bite to eat, then settle down for the next three hours writing and processing photos. This isn't a precise schedule, of course, since often there are other things that need doing first. But that's how I am able to run this website. 

I'm telling you this because I want you to know that it's possible to be able to do something you love, a side project if you will, even if you think you are too busy working. There's always time if you want it badly. You just need to make it yourself. :)

Anyway, today I want to talk about a blush that I've been trying on lately: the Models Own Powder Blush in Cheeky Pink (P350 from The Makeup Suite). It's a nice affordable blush that's packaged in an expensive-looking case - something new to bring around if you're looking to impress! Now that I think of it, I think makeup artists will love this because it looks so chic and you get a lot of product in one pan. Really useful for multiple clients.

Here's my review!

What I like about the product

• Pigmented. I only need one or two layers to get a good color going.

The truth is that there is no one face that's exactly the same. What about twins? You know what I mean! My point is that in order to find the right hair style, contour, or in this case, eyebrow shape for you, you have to use your own features as your point of reference. From there you can enhance your face in the most natural way possible.

Today I'm going to share a common technique used by pros to find a face's ideal brow shape! You will need any long straight object to measure. For convenience, I used my eyebrow pencil (Avon Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown).

Step 1: Find out where the inner point of your eyebrows should begin. Place the pencil parallel to your nose, poiting upwards. The point where your brow and pencil intersects is your starting point.

You know, not a lot of people look good in white (me included). White is such a fattening non-color when it comes to clothing. Buuut I don't really care. I still have a soft spot for white dresses so I can never seem to let go of the ones I have. Here's an old one, from around two years back, that I wear every so often.

Eyelet dress and cardigan from Market! Market! / Headband and bangle from Pinkbox

So yeah, had that on yesterday. As for the makeup I just decided to go with something "happy" looking, light eyeshadow, pink cheeks and lips. I haven't been wearing a lot of makeup lately because I simply don't have the time. I'm having fun digging through my makeup collection though, which means I'm re-discovering some old but good products in my stash.

Face: Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW liquid foundation, Lancome Maqui Blanc powder, Artdeco Camouflage Cream Concealer, Clinique Airbrush Concealer (under eyes)

Okay, two things about me: I am inept when it comes to styling my hair and I have very thin hair. That kinda limits the number of options for me, doesn't it? I just usually let my hair down to allow my natural curls to do the work but that can get old pretty fast!

Good thing we live in the future. There are a lot of cool implements and tools to style our hair now, one of which is this Pinkbox Hair Puff. Disclaimer: I work with the brand. Still, I think it's a pretty neat product so I decided to share it with you guys. :)

Basically, the Hair Puff is a velcro insert that you can use to do bouffants on the front or middle part of your head. Instead of teasing your hair and using loads of hair spray to create volume, you can cut the prep time by simply attaching the puff. This is very useful if you want volume on top of your head without the work and the nasty part of cleaning it all up.

So, without further ado, here's a super easy tutorial on how to do a bouffant using the Pinkbox Hair Puff and only two clips!

Last May I saw Agoo Bengzon (Summit's beauty director) in an Instagram photo wearing gorgeous hot pink nails. I thought, "Damn! I bet that's Chanel or something equally expensive!" The color stuck to my head for a couple of days. On the third day (I kid you not) a box from Korea arrived on my doorstep with almost that exact same nail polish color in it. What a happy coincidence!

The Etude House Dear My Blooming Nails in #3 (P178) is a hot pink shade that sizzles without being neon. It has a very smooth, very glossy finish that's characteristic of Etude House polishes. I can not believe it's only P178; it feels much more expensive than that.

Hi folks! It looks like a beautiful week ahead! I spent last night and the wee hours of the morning watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Howl's Moving Castle (for the nth time). That resulted in very vivid dreams, I tell you, but at least the headache that has been plaguing me for the past three days is gone. So yay for that.

Anyway, here are the photos I took this week!

New favorite bangles from Pinkbox! Wonder woman ang peg. Thanks @nellysee @pinkboxph

Grilled chicken and potatoes for lunch. Yes I take photos of my lunch. Bite me!

I love looking at DIY tutorials but I never get around to actually doing them. I'm all fired up today though! Must be the caffeine! I'm hyper inside! Wil be stepping out in a while to buy materials and turn myself into the next DIY Queen. Kidding. Maybe. Don't listen to me!

You need to know this though: there is an awesome craft store that sells stamps, punchers, and other specialty products somewhere in the Greenhills area. Must visit. Read the Quaint Desk for the guide!

Photo via Quaint Desk

Anyway, here are some cool DIY ideas that I am bookmarking for you (and myself). Tell me, which one is your favorite? :D

Sunglasses with plaster rosettes ala Dolce & Gabbana

The best kind of eyeshadow palette is one where you can choose all the colors yourself. Agree/ agree? I've been collecting MAC eyeshadows in the 15-pan palette, but I haven't completed it yet considering it costs roughly P16,000 all things considered. I also have a Shu Uemura customizeable palette (one of my faves!) but it costs around P4,000 for a four-color case. Not too bad if you don't mind investing, but if you're a student on a budget, that can be unrealistic.

So when I was a student, guess what I got for myself? Artdeco eyeshadows! I think I had six of them back then. Since I was too cheap to buy the magnetic palette, I kept them in a small tin case that used to house chocolates. What can I say - when you're saving, you have to improvise!

That's not to say that Artdeco eyeshadows are cheap ha. They're still pricey at P350 each, with the palette selling for P450 (four slots, if I remember correctly).

Hi Miss Liz! I've been using Korean products for a while now. I stick to my cleanse-tone-moisturize routine. But every time I go into their stores, I get confused from the items in one skin care line. Can you differentiate and list the order how asian skin care goes? I've heard that there are routines that have up to 12 different products. So from 1. Cleanser (facial wash/cleansing oil); 2. Toner; 3. Moisturizer; which should I apply next: essence, emulsion, cream, serum? Also is there a difference if it's labeled 'lotion' instead of moisturizer?

This baffles me a lot. I thank you in advance :) - Patsy

Photo via Timeless Confection

Hi Patsy! Thanks for your question. I was also a bit confused initially, but as a general rule you can swatch the product first and then guess from there. If it foams, it's for washing. If it's watery, it's a toner. If it's a cream or gel in a normal-sized container, it's a moisturizer. If it's in a smaller bottle and gel-like and/or oily with a dense texture, it's an essence or serum. 

The cleanse-tone-moisturize routine is basic, but the Asian skincare routine is a lot more thorough! Apparently there are five basic steps which are:

1. Double-cleansing. This involves using an emulsifying cleanser such as an oily or watery makeup remover like the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil to remove your makeup first. Afterwards, you use a foaming wash to clean the face of all impurities.

I work mainly from home, as you know, but there are days when I am rushing all over the place. Contrary to popular belief I do have a life and a real job! Lol. One example: I went to the Ferretti office in Marikina to coordinate with one of our suppliers for a shoot. Afterwards, I went to Eastwood with my Ferretti boss to meet my Pinkbox boss to talk about stuff. Then, I headed to The Spa with my Pinkbox boss to try Barre3 (easier than Plana Forma btw). 

These women, I swear, are more of a riot than I am! They are hyper all the time! They are also my pegs in life.

Suffice it to say, I am haggardo versoza that day. It was super hot too so I was sweating buckets. However, I am very happy to report that my foundation didn't quit on me even after the Barre3 work out! Care to know what it is?

Ta-dah! It's the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation (P2,650). This foundation is specifically formulated for Asian skin, with a lot of consideration for our hot and humid weather. As far as I am aware this is available in Asia for now. That says a lot about Bobbi Brown's dedication to the needs of a specific market, don't you think?

Anyway, here are my thoughts on this foundation after using it for a few weeks!

What I love about the product  

• Delivers an uber-smooth, flawless, and heavy coverage that doesn't look like a thick mask. Just remember to set it with a sheer translucent powder instead of your normal pressed powder / foundation powder; otherwise, your makeup will already look too heavy.

The rainy season here in the Philippines can be as brutal as summer in the sense that it can disrupt routines, important scheduled activities, and worst of all - our makeup, hair, and outfit! Ugh! There's nothing more annoying than having our immaculate look being ruined by mud and sprays of rain.

Oh sure it's great if you're unexpectedly reuniting with your long-lost first love (ala The Notebook). However, if you're going to work or school it's not a good idea to look bedraggled with (oh no!) smeared makeup in front of your peers.

We wish!

So, should you change your beauty routine to accommodate the rainy season? Definitely yes! The changes need not be drastic, but these tweaks can help you keep your polish in non-stop, torrential rainy days. ;)

Wear waterproof makeup. D'oh! Long-wearing foundation is already a staple whether we're going through a sizzling or wet day. It's a given. But waterproof mascara and eyeliner are non-negotiables if you're going to go head-on with the rain. They're harder to take off but at least you won't be worrying about raccoon eyes everytime they get wet. Tip: Go for gel liners; they won't dissolve or smear with water.

Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara - you can swim in this stuff!

Kanebo Kate Gel Eyeliner

Men should be more invested in a proper skincare routine. Not for the sake of vanity, mind you, but for the future of their skin! A simple cleanse and moisturize routine today can make a huge difference in say, twenty years from now; their skin will maintain a more elastic texture with less wrinkles at the very least.

Anyway, when LAB SERIES, a premium skincare brand for men, asked the press to bring a male +1 I immediately thought of one friend: Osmond! I'm sure he'll be receptive to the idea of investing in skin care. Besides, I haven't seen him in ages. Reuniting for the love of skincare was an excellent idea.

So here's what happened. He got a high-tech skin analysis that determined his skin type and condition. Unlike other skincare brands where analysis is based on a Q&A format (it is subjective), the Lab Series analysis is objective using a sensor specifically calibrated for male skin. Cool eh? It only took a few minutes.

Osmond was found to have fairly good skin already, with a bit of oiliness around the t-zone and dryness in the cheek area. The skincare specialists recommended that he use the basic cleanser (Multi-Action Face Wash, for all skin types) and exfoliator (Invigorating Face Scrub) to maintain his skin.

In a day this gloomy and wet, it's hard to imagine that summer ever happened. But hey, that's not an excuse to come in to work (or wherever you're going) looking like a drowned rat! Or even a rat expecting to be drowned for that matter. Er. Well my point is that it's important to have some life and color on your face whatever the season is, which is where the Benefit Cabana Glama Makeup Kit (P2,000) comes in!

This palette has everything you need to fake that glowy summer tan. In keeping with my past experience with Benefit products, the items inside are well-formulated and designed to flatter. Here I will discuss them one by one!