Friday, January 24, 2014

FASHION: Winterrific!


Images by Eunice Vallesteros of Purple Dot

I am so loving my very long vacation but one thing I certainly am not enjoying is Winter! I am freezing to death! There are nights when I literally could not move... and I refuse to! This season, my bestfriends are my comforters (3 layers of them) and my trusty $20 heater from Walmart. I sit in front of the heater for hours in the evening. Being a girl who is so used to the Philippine tropical weather... this cold is kind of torture for me.

My parents always told me to look at the bright side of things... while I am hating the cold, I will admit that there are still a lot of good things that this weather brings. Of course, because of this teeth chattering weather, I do not sweat at all... even if I tried! Not even an hour of nonstop Xbox Dancing makes me sweat. I feel very fresh no matter what! Haha!

One more thing that I really love, is the fact that I can wear outfits that I really could not wear back home! It's fun to be able to experiment with scarves, hats, boots, layering, etc. If I wore these things back home, I certainly would have gotten a few stares. Fashion layering is so much fun! And while knee high boots would give a slutty vibe back home, here I can wear them and even pair them with leather leggings and furry stuff and be an uber fashionista! Yippee!


So ok... maybe I hate it... and maybe I don't! The cold and I have a love-hate relationship. But while I'm here, I shall embrace it... It's absolutely WINTERRIFIC!



My cute dress is from Agetro Trends, a store with a really wide array of branded clothing. I cannot contain my excitement every time I see all the new stocks they have! Lucky me, they had a lot of sweaters and winter-y outfits available for me before I left for my vacation.

My hat is from a good friend and fellow accessory designer, Adri. We go way back as starting designers and I could remember all our girl talk nights back in the Philippines. Who would have known that we would take our girl talk nights in Vegas??? Yep, we are no longer those young, budding designers from way back. Time to take it International right!? Haha! You can view more of Adri's designs here.

My bag is from Brilvant Clothiers, one of my favorite bag suppliers back home. I wrote about this brand on one of my previous posts. You can read about it here. I love all their bags and I took a bunch with me here so I can change bags everyday while I experiment with layering. It'll also prevent me from going bag shopping while I am here since I have so many already and  new bags will simply not fit in my luggage anymore! (Ok, maybe I  can shop for one... or two ... or three?) Haha!

And of course, don't you just love Angelo Falconi's artwork on my hair? Blonde may be common over here... but Platinum blonde and Blue Ombre? Spell UNIQUE! I have had so many compliments for my hair. The pop of color is indeed a standout. Many times I have been mistaken as an American. Of course, I correct them and say I am a Filipina... and proud of it!


























































Images by Eunice Vallesteros of Purple Dot
Instagram: @shootthatpurpledot
for bookings:
+63917-8153485

Dress: Agetro Trends
Instagram: @agetrotrendsboutique

Hat: Adri Fashion
http://adrifashion.com/
Instagram: @adriismyname

Bag: Brilvant Clothiers
Instagram: @brilvantclothiers

Hair: Angelo Falconi III
Instagram: @angelofalconi_d3rd
+63917-5309669
(02)8051396

Boots: Nine West

Cocktail Ring: OLEIC FASHION COLLECTION
Instagram: @cielofronteras

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: Skin 79 Super Plus BB Cream in Hot Pink

DISCLAIMER: This was sent to me for review purposes. I am not paid with cash or favors to do this review. 

So I was given this trial set of the different Skin 79 BB Creams. I made a general review of all of them here. I tried using each one on different weeks so I could really test them and see the difference of each.

I tried the Skin 79 Super Plus BB Cream in Hot Pink.



Swatches on my wrist
Above - WITHOUT Flash
Bottom - WITHOUT Flash

The pink packaged Super Plus Beblesh Balm with Triple Functions - Whitening, Wrinkle Improvement and Ultraviolet Rays SPF 25 has ingredients that can protect skin from harmful environments and Phyto Complex with moisturizing and skin calming effect  to keep skin moist and healthy. Looking at the swatch, it has a slight grayish tone. In my experience with BB Creams with this tone, they usually look a bit too light for me at the start but after a few minutes, the color will blend with my skintone and will loose that too white effect on me.  


Coverage
Above - WITHOUT Flash and finished makeup face
Bottom - WITH Flash and finished makeup face

As for coverage, this product gives a light to medium coverage. I found that the Snail Nutrition BB gave me more coverage. This product is good for a very natural look... if you really want to look like you have no makeup at all. It could not completely cover dark spots but despite the light-medium coverage it really achieves a fresh no makeup look that a lot of women want.

WTHOUT Flash and WITH Flash. After I set it with powder.

What I LIKE:
1. It gave an even finish and a radiant glow. 
2. It looked very natural and can be used for the no makeup look. 
3. It is moisturizing and did not get cakey.
4. The moisturizing, whitening and wrinkle improving ingredients.
5. Very easy to blend.
6. Color oxidizes right away and adjusts to my skin tone despite the grayish tone before application.
7. Has a nice powdery scent. 

What I DON"T LIKE:
1. SPF is only at 25 compared to the Skin 79 Snail Nutrition BB which has an SPF of 45 and the Skin 79 Orange BB which has an SPF of 50.
2. It is not made for very oily skin as it is not matte so a finishing powder should really be applied so as not to look oily.
3. It does not control oil as well as the Snail Nutrition BB and the Orange BB.

Overall, I think this would be a really good BB if you are not into much coverage. If the very natural look is what you want, then this is the BB for you! If you want more coverage though, the Snail Nutrition or Orange BB will be better for you. This is also good for more mature skin as it is dewy and has a lot of moisturizing properties. 

If you want to get this product, you may order from:
SZAKIYAH PENA
www.facebook.com/szakiyahs.online.shop
SMS / Viber: 0917-3098219
Instagram: @koreana_ph
 

Hope you enjoyed reading... Til my next blog post! =)

Saturday, January 11, 2014

FASHION: Purity

Images by Eunice Vallesteros of Purple Dot Photography

Happy New Year! I'm still currently in the other side of the world and I couldn't write as often as I could as I have been busy travelling & exploring new places. I really missed writing about my outfits so here I bring you my first outfit post for Year 2014!

I titled this as such because the all white ensemble really reminds me of  being "Pure". Symbolically... I think starting 2014 with a PURE, FRESH start is the way to go. Making New Year's Resolutions are a great way of leaving behind bad things / bad habits / bad experiences of the past year. While all these are learning experiences and are necessary for us to grow, having a fresh start definitely gives us better things to look forward to. New & better goals, a better outlook in life. No matter what we have been through, no harm in having a pure, fresh start... right?



I am still loving my mermaid hair by Angelo Falconi III! I think it goes very well with my all white outfit! This unique skirt from @caramelph is one of my favorite outfits. I have one in black too! My shoes from @jbescentsandbubbles (one of my favorite sellers) is perfect for my look. I just LOVE the shoes that they sell! And lastly my LV purse from @pursesrus888 is just what I need to finish this outfit. A light purse to match my light outfit. I certainly wouldn't want to be carrying a big & heavy bag for this ensemble!










 



Photography: Purple Dot Photography
Contact: Eunice Vallesteros +63917-8153485
Instagram: @shootthatpurpledot

Hair Color & Styling: Angelo Falconi III Salons
Contact: +36917-5309669
Landline: 8051396
www.angelofalconi.com
Instagram: @angelofalconi_d3rd

Electric Skirt: @caramelph
Contact: Victoria +63921-5252770

Louis Vuitton Purse: @pursesrus888
Contact: +63932-8829033

Butterfly Jelly Shoes: @jbescentsandbubbles
Contact:+63915-6314888


Wednesday, January 8, 2014

VLOG + GIVEAWAY: Nail Art Decals Tutorial

Hi ladies! Don't you just love that feeling of freshly manicured nails? And why not take it to the next level with some cool nail art? I just found an easy way of having awesome nail art that is SUPER EASY that you can do it yourself but looks like you had it done professionally! This is by using NAIL DECALS! These nail decals were sent to me by Isabelle's Boutique, an online shop that sells a lot of different stuff you can use to make your nails look oh-so-gorgeous! The shop's owner, Isabelle, is a young entrepreneur who not only sells nail stuff but her super delicious homemade cupcakes as well! She even sent me this photo and instructions to help me learn how to use the nail decals myself. I really appreciate shop owners like her who make an extra effort to make sure her clients know how to use the product. 


I really enjoyed using these nail art decals! I even made a tutorial video on my first try... and here it is! (View more of my tutorials & videos on my Youtube channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/cielofronteras)



Steps on How to Apply Nail Art Decals

Things you’ll need:
      Nail Art Decal in design of your choice
      Scissors
      A small dish with water
      Top coat polish of your choice
      Face towel (to act as work station so not to wet your table/work place)
      Nail File


STEP ONE:
Cut nail art decals to individual nail design.
                TIP: If you are doing this alone, cut the designs exactly to your nails. Be careful not to cut to much off the sides and leave an allowance on the length of the decal

STEP TWO:
Put 1 or 2 nail design on water. Wait for a 30secs to 1 minute for the design to separate from the paper.               
                NOTE: Think of this as a fake tattoo that the paper detaches from the design.
                TIP: You may feel the design and separate it yourself using your finger. Be careful not to rip the design.

STEP THREE:
Once the design is separated from the paper, place it directly on nail. Stick is all over the nail especially the sides and tip.
                NOTE: Make sure to stick it on all sides.
                TIP: Apply base coat to nails and wait to dry then cut decals. Make sure that nails are clean and dry. Decals won’t stick well when nails are oily or dirty.

STEP FOUR:
FOR BEST RESULTS!!
Blow dry nails for the decals to stick faster.

STEP FIVE:
Once the decals are in place, carefully file the tips of the nails to remove excess design.
                NOTE: Be careful in filling. File in straight downward direction and not in diagonal downward direction.

STEP SIX:
Once the excess has been filed off, apply top coat.
                NOTE: Be careful on not put too much top coat it can cause the design to melt away. If you want to apply more, you may do so after the first top coat. If sides or tips fold that means that the decals didn’t tips in said areas.

                TIP: For long lasting decals, apply top coat every day or every other day.

NAIL DECALS are awesome right??? and because my readers deserve gorgeous nails, Isabelle's Boutique and I have partnered on this super cool GIVEAWAY! One lucky reader will win 5  SETS OF NAIL DECALS plus a surprise gift all from Isabelle's Boutique! See terms & conditions and join via the Rafflecopter Widget below. =)



Win 5 Nail Decals & a Surprise Gift from Isabelle's Boutique!Want to purchase nail care items?
Follow @isabellesbtq on Instagram
or text Isabelle at +639179402674

Terms & Conditions:

1. This blog giveaway will end on January 30, 2014 (Thursday).
2. There will be ONE winner.

3. Contest is open to Philippine residents only.
4. Winner will be announced on this blog. We will contact the winner within 48 hours from the closing date.
5. Winner shall be chosen via random electronic raffle.

6. Only those who will COMPLETE all the options on Rafflecopter WILL BE QUALIFIED to win the prize. 
GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, January 3, 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: Naturactor Cover Face Concealer


This was one product I have always been curious to try. So when Instagram Online Seller @urgetosplurge888, contacted me and told me they were going to send me this product, I was so excited! Finally!

Naturactor has also been dubbed the "Magic Concealer". And after trying it for the first time, indeed I can say that the "Magic" is true. I am in love with this product & I swear at how efficient it is! Definitely, a little goes a long way. After using a very little amount, I  didn't feel that I even needed any foundation at all. It glides smoothly on my skin and does not settle in the fine lines and does not cake even after an entire day. I didn't need any powder either as it has a powdery, matte finish! Shade #140 which is for fair complexion with yellowish undertone is the perfect shade for me too! Really matches my skintone!

Here are some of the benefits of Naturactor:

1. Can instantly cover pigmentation, scars, acne scars, blemishes.
2. Long staying power - Lasted me the whole day!
3. Withstands heat & humidity.
4. Powdery, Matte finish.
5. Comes in different shades.
6. UV ray protection.
7. Easy to apply. Glides on smoothly.
8. Does not feel sticky or heavy.
9. Doesn't feel like you have anything on.

10. A little goes a long way.

I used this product for a photoshoot with Eunice of Purple Dot Photography and I'd like to share with you some of the beauty shots from that shoot.








Want to try this product? You can purchase this from Kelly  at @urgetosplurge888 on Instagram. Shoot her an email at urgetosplurge888@yahoo.com. =)


Photography by Eunice Vallesteros of Purple Dot Photography