I've been having my laser treatment at Wink Laser Studio for over half a year now, and I swear, hair barely grows on my legs and pits after five sessions! My life is easier knowing that I can wear whatever I want without worrying if I look like a sasquatch (no offense to sasquatches though, I'm sure they are awesome). I think I'm due for one last session until the hair is all gone indefinitely. 

Anyway, I'm excited to enjoy that kind of freedom - on my face. I mean, imagine not having to wear concealer or foundation anymore because your skin is completely blemish and wrinkle-free. Imagine not having to spend a lot of time brushing and layering on the ironic "no makeup" makeup. Well, it's possible with laser today. Wink Studio's latest laser facial, Revlite, is now available in the Trinoma branch! While it is expensive, it's not as expensive as you might think.

I worked on launching Wink's Revlite treatment to the press and bloggers a few weeks back. Our magazine friends were there, and of course, our favorite online personalities. Holly Chang, the founder of Wink, and dermatologist Dr Angela Castro were there to talk about the new service. The very funny Karrots Nazareno also hosted!

So what is Revlite, exactly? It's a laser treatment that stimulates and rejuvenates collagen in your skin with short pulses of light. The increase in collagen gives skin a youthful glow, a smoother texture, and a more even skin tone.

I realize that, in a lot of ways, I'm not a likeable person. I've been working on my likeability for years now and while I think I've achieved a modest amount of success in that regard, I'm never going to be one of those women other people just take to. I guess it's because for me, it's important that we know where we both stand before we can have any meaningful interaction. I don't have much time to waste (I wish I do) and if we're not on the same page then, well, we're not. No harm done. Let's move on.

(I bet that just made you like me less haha, but that's okay! We'll survive it!)

Anyway today I wanna quickly talk about the Colour Collection Ultimate Wear Lipstick (P350), which was introduced to bloggers by Sample Room recently. I'm sure you've seen the giveaways and the swatches! There are LOTS of exciting, intense colors in this collection, but to simplify I've chosen the three I like the most.

The Ultimate Wear Lipstick is a slim tube packed with this staining pigment that wears well throughout the day. It has a dry texture (even drier for colors with a matte finish), but I'm happy to say that it's not drying. It's still best to wear a lip balm though!

Bobbi Brown has an amazing cosmetics line-up but what she's most famous for is her foundation. You see, in the time of pancake makeup in the 90s, she had this idea that womens' foundation should look like second skin. She came out with yellow-toned bases around that time and since then was a firm proponent of natural beauty and the power of yellow to brighten any skin tone.

Today, Bobbi Brown has created several foundation formulas to suit a wide range of skin concerns. My personal favorite is the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Compact because it's convenient to use while still giving me that flawless, natural finish that is usually possible only with liquid foundations. It wears well on my combination skin, too, so I never have to worry about it melting off!

The best seller, however, is the Skin Foundation. This looks like second skin - dewy and practically invisible while softening imperfections. The Long-Wear Even Finish Liquid Foundation has heavier coverage and is ideal for oily faces, while the Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation is more for dry skin types. There is also a new formula, the Extra Bright Powder Compact Foundation SPF 25 PA+++. This powder base is created for very oily skin that needs quite a bit of coverage!

Felix Nguyen, International Makeup Artist for Bobbi Brown, flew in to the Philippines some weeks back for the House of Foundation event. He talked about these five foundations and how best to apply them. Here are a few snippets from this super fun event!

The Bobbi Brown Foundation Bar. How awesome would it be to go up to the "bartender" and ask for a shot of Perfect Skin, on the rocks?

The thing about having a bunch of stuff is that you forget the nice things you already have. This always happens to me! It usually takes a bit of kismet for me to sorta "rediscover" amazing things that I've acquired in the recent past. Anyway, one thing I'm loving lately is the ZA True White Liquid Foundation (P595) which I got last November and, until this week, forgot.

The thing is my skin is really, really horrible right now. If you look at my latest pictures closely you may have noticed tons of bumps on my face! :( I tried this new high-end skincare for a few days and, well, it obviously didn't work out. I should be freaking out but I know that if I just stick to my normal skincare regimen, this nastiness will come to pass.

In the meantime I am so glad I found the ZA True White Foundation in my stash.

The minute I swiped on the Lime Crime Velvetine, I was strongly reminded of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, which I first tried a few years ago. They are both in liquid form and have the same cushy, slightly powdery texture that dries into a matte finish. They even smell alike! Good thing I recently got a new NYX Lip Cream around the same time as the Velvetine. Great timing, huh? 

I even managed to get two shades that are similar - Lime Crime's Red Velvet and NYX's Morocco. These liquid lipsticks are both richly pigmented but they do differ in many ways. Here are swatches and comparisons of the two!

MAC Philippines has several exciting new releases, and as usual I'm here to share everything I know about them! ;) For Spring, check out A Fantasy Of Flowers - a dreamy, ultra-feminine collection of fresh shades that'll brighten up your face. Think lots of pinks and iridescent textures! (Aren't the promo images so inspiring?)

I know some of you gals are shy to go up to the MAC counter to ask, so here's the full list of products, descriptions, and prices for your reference. Enjoy! 

This week wasn't supposed to have a theme, but then I realized that many of the things I want to write about involves - guess - lipsticks. So I decided to do yet another Lipstick Week! I have quite a few new things here so the time is most definitely ripe haha. 

Today let's talk about three lipsticks that would be fabulous with everyday makeup. You know, the natural, clean face, with neutral eyeshadow and a flattering pink blush. These are colors you don't have to think too much about - you just grab 'em and go, really. 

Here's the Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Metalrose RS322, NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Love, and Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me in Just Married. Check out the swatches and my color notes!

I've already reviewed the NARS Satin Lip Pencil (P1,400+) before so this wouldn't be long. The Satin pencils shine because of their excellent color selection and pigmentation. I'm slightly miffed by the fact that you have to *gasp* sharpen them, but oh well. They are what they are!

This is Descanso, part of their Final Cut collection. It's a beautiful tea rose that looks like a nude on my medium skin.

The Smart iPhone 5 I got last 2013 was one of the best things that happened to me. It allowed me to work on the go and to stay in touch with my clients who prefer to talk on Viber and Facebook. It takes amazing pictures, only a small amount of precious space in my bag, and looks super stylish too! It's everything I want and need in a phone.

Thanks to Smart though, I was able to upgrade to the an iPhone 5s. I know this is a beauty blog, but bear with me as I talk about why this gadget is one of the best things I've gotten my hands on this year (so far)!

It's gold and gorgeous. It took a while but I'm so happy that Smart found me the color I originally wanted! If you know me then you know I always wear something gold. It's a color that looks good with my skintone since I'm very warm-toned. I also love seeing gold in cosmetics packaging as it whispers luxe whenever I see it. 

Physical prettiness aside though, gold also reminds me to excel in everything I do. Yes, cheesy, but it's true!

It takes awesome pictures and videos. The iPhone 5 takes great images already but the 5s is just on a whole different level! I'm not a techie but I can really see the difference. The 5s has an 8 MP camera, can shoot in burst mode (or x number of pictures just by holding the button), and can take videos in slow motion.

If you follow my Instagram, you may have noticed how the pictures are looking even better. lately. This wallpaper? I just took a pic of it with my phone! The iPhone 5s makes it easier for me to take FOTDs, OOTDs, and swatches too. 

Last Wednesday, Happy Skin launched their limited edition summer collection plus a few new permanent products. Guys, seriously - you have to check them out! The fever surrounding the brand isn't just brilliant marketing. Happy Skin has truly amazing products that are pretty affordable, and perform just as well (or even better) than high-end cosmetics. If you've tried at least one item from this local brand then you know what I'm talking about!

Anyway, here's an overview + FOTD featuring the all-new collection!

Happy Skin has added the Feeling Sculptacular Face Contour Kit (P1,199), Eye Love View Pencil & Marker Eyebrow Duo (P799), 24HR Gel Pencil Liner (P499), and the Make A Clean Sweep Makeup Cleanser (P599) to the permnanent line. The limited edition Turn Up The Heat Collection has three new Shut Up & Kiss Me Shades (P549 each and P1299 for the trio) and two Get Cheeky With Me Blushes (P699) to match. These are only available while stocks last.

The three new lipsticks are super pigmented - even more pigmented and longwearing than the first ones! That was a tough act to beat but I adore this improved formula.

Makeup for me has never been a way to cover up my insecurities. Sure I'm grateful for the fact that my imperfections are hidden, but that's just secondary to how empowered makeup makes me feel. All these colors and bases and pretty little things allow me to express myself - that is, they allow other people to see me the way I see myself. 

How do I see myself? Well, I think I'm pretty even though my facial structure isn't traditionally beautiful. I've always thought of myself as an artsy person so I love expressing that through the color combinations I wear on my face. Is this how an insecure person with low self-esteem sounds? No. I hope the people who look down on us makeup lovers understand this one day!

Moving on! Today I'd like to tell you all about the Shiseido Face Color Enhancing Trio in RD1 Apple (P1,500+). This is the second Shiseido "blush" I've tried and I can tell you, it's really different! It's much less pigmented but it makes my skin glow gently. I say "blush" because it's more of a brightener and lifting powder than a color.

It's also not available in Japan. Momoko-san, Shiseido's trainer who recently visited the Philippines, actually got a few here since she won't be able to find it when she gets back!

This compact has three colors, a light pink, sheer tan, and peach highlighter. The powder is almost matte but it somehow gives the face a glow-from-within effect.

My least favorite feeling in the world is being rushed. I mean, I deal with pressure everyday, but I have never come to like it nor to welcome it. Should I? Will liking the constant pressure improve my life? I don't think so. I know people who thrive in it (I envy them!) but I've always believed in balance. Without it I'm just a person who earns money.

Anyway, it's time for the Commenter of the Month announcement! ;) My fave reader this month is Stacie. Love how she comments on almost everything, and how honest she is about her life and feedback on products. She wins the Burt's Bees set! Congrats dear!

For the next CoM I'm giving away two Benefit kits. I have here the Do The Bright Thing Face Makeup Kit and the Bronze of Champions Kit. How cool is this? I envy whoever's gonna win! Please don't forget to like Benefit Philippines on Facebook and follow them on Instagram, alright?

Okay, same mechanics as before!

Summer is a time for wearing brighter colors and sheerer face bases. Yes, you heard it right - sheer! The thicker and heavier your base is, the more likely it is to melt noticeably under the heat. So if you're out for a few hours (or all day) everyday, stick to foundations, concealers, and powder that cover your issues juuuuuuust enough, but no more. This is the secret to looking fresh even when you sweat and oil up! 

Now one of my favorite ever concealers is the Shiseido Shiseido Natural Finish Cream Concealer. This offers heavy coverage and amazing staying power, plus the formula can be used for covering up blemishes and under eyes. There aren't many concealers that can do that! Nonetheless, I still love using sheer, brightening products on my eye bags. They appear more natural while still making my eyes look totes fresh (you'll see a pic later!).

That said, I am so happy I got a tube of the new Shiseido Sheer Eye Zone Corrector (P1,500+). This is a sheer, watery concealer that only offers light coverage yet seem to lift up my eyes with just one layer. It literally feels like nothing when worn! It also looks invisible as soon as you've blended it on. Your eyes will just look like they were lit up by ~magic~.

There are intense, opaque lipsticks, and then there is the Lime Crime Velvetine (P950 at Stuff In Style). This is easily the most ridicuslously pigmented lip product I've ever tried, even more than the OCC Lip Tar or MAC's mattes! It's so pigmented you need a makeup remover just to knock off the top layer. Then you'll need a toothbrush to remove most of the stain left over.

I've had my eye on Lime Crime for a while but was hesitant to purchase due to some of the controversies surrounding the brand. A quick Google should enlighten you. ;) But all that drama aside, this liquid lipstick is quite one-of-a-kind in terms of intensity and staying power. It feels like pure pigment just suspended in oil.

What are three beauty products that you hate running out of? Mine would be facial wash, SPF body moisturizer, and Bifesta. Seriously. My facial wash and moisturizer might change, but Bifesta is a permanent part of my beauty ritual. I love how it efficiently removes not only my makeup, but stains and dirt on pretty much anything I can wipe with cotton! Yes I use it to clean small brushes and smudged compacts too.

That's why it's my HG makeup remover and multi-purpose cleaner. I've lost count on how many bottles I've used up already, that's how much I love it. ^_^ My favorite variant is the Moist one, but the blue Sebum version is pretty good also. Go for Moist if you have dry to combi skin and Sebum if you have oily skin.

Bifesta can actually be used as a legit facial cleanser if you wear very little to no makeup. It's also super effective as a non-drying, non-alcohol toner - great for girls with skin that easily dries out. Who knew water can be so exciting?

Anyway, if you haven't tried Bifesta yet, take advantage of the brand's activities this summer. They're giving away free samples, which you can then use to join an Instagram contest! Here are the mechanics for your reference:

1. Visit the Bifesta booth during these dates, in the following locations. 

March 28 - Apr 2  SM Makati Department Store

Apr 3 - 9              Watsons Greenbelt

Apr 10 - 16          Watsons SM Mall of Asia

Apr 10 - 16          SM Cebu Department Store

May 1 - 7             Watsons SM Aura

Last Saturday I decided, on a whim, that I wanted to go on an adventure. I usually roam inside the Fort or Makati area so I thought I'd go out of my comfort zone by visiting Divisoria. It's been five years since I was last there and my, how it has changed! There are like three malls separated from each other by a mere narrow street. Everything I can think of buying is all right inside the hundreds of little shops inside the malls!

However, I didn't actually buy much. I was specifically looking for art materials but couldn't find the store. -_- Well, at least I got to take home some washi tapes and statement accessories. Everything was so cheap!

And so we come to segue time, haha. I knew it was going to be hot and muggy in Divisoria so I chose a foundation that'll protect me from the sun while staying intact in the extreme humidity. Three guesses on what it was. 

Ta-dah! Check out the Shiseido UV Protection Compact Foundation with SPF35 PA+++ (price to be updated). As you know I really love its liquid counterpart, since it stays put even when I get super oily or splash around in the beach. You also can't beat the sun protection. The powder foundation promises to be water and oil-resistant as well - does it live up to its claims? 

Here's a rundown of what I like and don't like about this foundation! 

What I love about the product

• It makes my skin look super smooth and silky. It has a matte finish but unlike other high SPF foundations this doesn't look white when worn. 
• Coverage is light to medium, but buildable to a heavy one when applied wet with the sponge.
• Staying power is awesome. I wore this for six straight hours and it didn't even fade or cake! I did get noticeably oily but only after three hours. That's a pretty good no-shine interval!
• It contains SPF35 PA+++, which is a must in foundations for the summer.  
• I didn't break out at all. I don't know how but my skin feels nice after I remove it. It actually has a cocktail of protective ingredients + hyaluronic acid.

Yup, it's Shiseido Week again! I've been debating with myself whether I should do one whole post on the brand's Spring collection, but everything deserved their own features - that's how much I like them. :) I hope you can explore with me this week as I discuss the latest products from my favorite cosmetics brand in the world!

Let me begin with the Shiseido Lacquer Gloss in Plum Wine RS306 (P1,250). This is a super shiny, balm-thin lip gloss that feels slinky and plush on my lips. It's so thin, it almost feels like a watery lip balm! It's also fairly moisturizing that I don't need to prime my lips anymore.

Texture aside, the color is just right. It's not completely opaque - it's designed to be semi-sheer - so it allows the natural color of my lips to show through. I have even-toned lips so this isn't a problem, but if you have uneven coloration then it's best to wear this on top of a lip liner or lipstick. Either way, you'll be getting a beautiful, uber glossy finish that'll make your lips look full and sexy.

"Do what you love" is perhaps the most trite advice there is for new graduates. It's ok advice but it also encourages the entitlement complex of young people! You don't deserve anything just because you love it. You have to work at it harder than you ever thought you would and you'd have to do it for little money in the beginning. Passion, however, does not guarantee success.

Bottomline: you can't be sure about anything and no one owes you jack shit just because you graduated from school. But there is someone out there who has a vested interest in your success - you. You are the only person who can truly make things happen for yourself. Don't expect anyone else to give you any breaks, because they don't have to.

That said, these are three other things I wish I knew when I graduated five years ago. 

1. Your first job should be in the field you truly want to be in. Graduates typically consider two jobs: the job they want, and the job that earns them security/ money. (Lucky if you get both!) They think, "I'm gonna take this okay-paying job first and when I've saved enough I'll go on to be a makeup artist!" Everybody's situation is different but if you're are able to pursue something without you and your family starving to death, you better go for it.

Why? Because the longer you stay in a job you dislike the harder it is to leave it. The more time you spend there, the more time you lose in gaining valuable experience and contacts in the industry you want to be in!

If you spend your first two years in a job you don't like then those two years mean zero in a completely different field of work. Of course, it doesn't all have to be a waste. Spend all your free time doing that thing you love so that when you're ready to leave, you have something to show prospective clients.

2. "Pwede na" should never be an option. When you submit your work, it has to be the culmination of your best effort. I suspect that our generation was conditioned to think that cutting corners and spending the least amount of effort on something is admirable. It's not.

Why do I draw and paint? It's a long list of reasons but it boils down to that feeling of joy of having created something from nothing. I take photos and write for this blog, but my work here is derivative. That doesn't mean it's unimportant or meaningless, but it's just not the same as making something with my hands. So I draw lines and sometimes I color them.

It also keeps me sane. I place a lot of pressure on myself to excel in what I do and be bigger, better. Sometimes, I want to escape from that. Painting for me has no agenda other than to please myself. Although, if in the future I can turn this into a commercial undertaking, then that'd be awesome too! I should know, there are few things more rewarding than earning something from doing things you love.

Buuut let's get back to makeup. I just want to share an FOTD and review of some Canmake products! Like I said in my earlier post I think Canmake cosmetics are beyond cute and offer pretty good quality for the (drugstore) price. I didn't truly understand that, however, until I wore the Canmake Glow Fleur Cheeks and Candy Wrap Lip Gloss together some weeks back.

Ta-dah! I loved this look. Even better, I did it in under ten minutes! I used a Maybelline Color Tattoo cream eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze and then a brown Essence eyeliner. I think the cheeks and the lip gloss stole the show though. They really made my complexion look amazing!

The Canmake Glow Fleur Cheeks #5 looks like something from a toy store but this is nicely pigmented with a beautiful glowy finish. The four colors mix together perfectly to create a cotton candy pink that just melts on top of my cheeks. Such a pretty blush!

This is one of my favorite palettes because I was able to choose all the colors that went in it. INGLOT, as you know, has an excellent Freedom System for customizing different sets of products.That aside they have gorgeous colors that are far from being run-of-the-mill. I've already written about the contour powder/bronzer so this time here's a quick review of the three eyeshadows I picked up plus INGLOT's eyeshadow brush which I personally purchased.

Each eyeshadow pan is just P375 while this particular magnetic palette is P895. Not bad right? At least, compared to something like MAC. Each pan has a generous 2.7 grams of eyeshadow so it'll probably expire first before I use it up. That's an especially useful feature for makeup artists who work with lots of clients.

Pigmentation is awesome WITH primer underneath. It's not so good without, hence, always keep your fave eyeshadow base handy. The colors won't crease for at least six hours on top of a good primer.

But those details are just, well, details. My INGLOT palette is special because of the colors!

Last Sunday, I was at Samsung Hall in SM Aura giving makeovers and retouching people's makeup during the BDJ Social event. Ellana Minerals was part of it, so of course I had to be there! I also did a workshop later in the afternoon. Honestly, it was exchausting but exhilarating - i think it's my first time to ask random people if they wanted their faces done!

As you know I'm a huge fan of this local mineral makeup brand even from waaaay back. That's why I honestly forgot just how nice it is. Everyone was so amazed by how their skin looked after the Pressed Mineral Foundation + Sheer Velvet finishing powder! #PorelessPerfection is a real thing, guys. Ellana Minerals can do it for you. Swear.