Wear it Red this Holiday season!

A lipstick I think is the only makeup product that can always be found in a woman's bag.  I think that it is the most important kind of make up that can lift your spirits, make you look good even though you're not wearing any other make up...  For the holiday season, it is nice to look festive and happy... Wear it Red...

Red lips = timeless.  And we shall expect it to come back for spring/summer 2011 as one of the hottest trends.  But of course, we all know that wearing red lipstick shouldn't be overdone...  It should match with very, very light eye make up and blush, or if you can, no make up at all!  Probably at night, we could make the look more dramatic by adding a dark eyeliner and and 1 coat of mascara...

However, we should always choose the right shade of red based on our skin tone...  We should also avoid red lipstick if we have skin problems, for this shall only emphasize the "problem"... Here are some tips on how to wear it Red...

Rule No. 1: Choose the correct shade for your skintone

The paler the skin, the bigger the pop. 

Rule No. 2: Line inside of lips

Red lipstick tends to bleed, so fill in lips with lip liner first. 

Rule No. 3: Pick the right color

If your complexion is pink, you'll look better in plum shades, while girls with yellow tones are flattered by warmer reds that have a brown base.

Rule No. 4: Skip the red nails

 

 

The Zoe Report

A clear polish, french tip, or light color adds subtlety...

Rule No. 5: Blending is in

Few makeup artists stick to one shade of any lipstick, they tend to blend a few to create the perfect colors. If you've bought a red lipstick shade that's too bright, dark or whatever, don't throw it away. Instead, experiment with other lipstick shades you have on hand to create the perfect shade of red.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rule No. 6: Choose lighter shades if you are older

Our lips thin as we age and dark lips can accentuate them. To keep lips from looking too severe, try a rosy red or avoid red lips altogether and opt for a neutral shade, playing up your eyes instead.

Yes, I know, I read the word "age" again...  So I think I might have to stick with Rule # 6.  But who knows, you'd probably see me wearing Red lips especially this holiday season...

Credits:  about.com

I needed a haircut...

One of my dear friends, a member of the Friday Club - Billie, is gifted with fine straight hair...  She never had problems with fly away, split ends, dry ends, frizz, or shall i say, she never had a "bad hair day"...  Don't we all wish for that??? 

Anyway, she used to have simple haircuts, not too daring, not too stylish, just simple layers, and it has always been the same.  But last week, I noticed that her haircut seemed different.  The cut looked precise, in-detail, and i love the way the strands moved in harmony with her head as she twist and turn...  I know that she spends a fortune on her hair too, trying out different stylists in Manila, but when I saw her last week, I knew then that she had it done by a real professional stylist...

I know, you may think that her hair is like, blahhhh.... So what's the fuss???  It's just a simple haircut, for crying out loud!!!

But the truth is, that is what I want...  Her layers complimented her face, her bangs hid a little of her forehead, and the ends of the hair draped flawlessly on her shoulders...  Perfect!

She had it done at Essensuals Toni and Guy in Trinoma. 

I immediately booked myself for a haircut with Benj.  He was the one who styled Billie... His rate is P750.00, or maybe around $17.00.

When he saw me, he said, Hi Jin, I am Benj...  How personalized, lovin' it...  And then, he asked if I had a digiperm, when and where, and he politely complimented the work.  That's work ethics!!!  So I told him, I need a haircut, but I want to retain the length and the curls.... (Quite challenging for him coz' the curls are at the bottom part and are almost gone, and I know that if he cuts the ends, might be a big mistake!)

So he said, ok, let's do it, I have to get you shampooed, dried, and straightened, and I'll do dry cutting so I can see the real structure of your hair...  Fabulous!!! (said to myself)

The shampooing itself is heavenly... 

Then the cutting began...  I noticed that he cuts differently...  I love the way he uses his talent in cutting layers and layers of hair patiently.  I mean, some stylists use thinning scissors, which I think is a big cheat, and is not at all precise...

This is my BEFORE picture...

Now, the result...  I don't know if you noticed the difference, but I did...  My head feels lighter, and it's easier to pull up and make a bun, coz' it's a lot thinner.  My dry ends disappeared, but my curls are still there.  I didn't put on hair products, and I just let my hair dry naturally so as to give you exact results...  Plus, I didn't put make up on for a more natural look, and besides, it's Sunday, it's my Stay Home-No Make-Up day...

I actually love it!  Benj said that the curls would be so much prettier if I have some highlights.  He is suggesting Dark Ash Brown for highlights, and then, Glossing, and treatment.  All procedure could be done in 3 hours, but he promises a very beautiful outcome...  Something like this.... I'm talking about the color...

So he gave me a quotation...  He said I can think about it, and just come back any time whenever I feel like having it done...  So here it is...

I actually don't know why every procedure costs that much...  It's roughly around $385.00.   I am curious...  I am tempted, but I am not crazy...  What do you think?  Shall I go for it???

Do short people need to have short hair?

They say that shoulder-length is universally the most flattering length. Think about it: No matter how tall or short you are, no matter how fat or narrow your face is, no matter how frizzy or curly your locks, you will look good in shoulder-length hair.

Long hair generally means below the shoulders. Women with long straight hair are usually the gifted ones (sourgraping) who has oval and square faces, and who are thin...

Super-short people (ehem, me super short?) don't usually grow their hair long because it tends to make them look shorter.

But actually, choosing on how to wear your hair is up to you... I have friends who are shorter than I am but have very long, luscious hair and they seem to carry it with confidence. I think this is where the face shape comes in.

For us with round shaped face, it is advisable for us to have a bob hair cut in layers so it won't look like a big mass of hair. It's good if our hair moves flawlessly when we turn our heads left and right... If we want to grow longer hair, say, below the shoulders, we need to have the front part (lip and chin) layered so as to make our face a little longer. Adding side swept bangs also helps to create an illusion...

Here are some pics of women who has round shape faces and look great on short hair...




I am short and I want to grow my hair long.... Say below the chest area... I'm determined to do so because this is the first time I am doing it and, for years, I have had a bob cut. So far my friends seem to love my present hairstyle. Since I have natural wavy hair, I had the top part cut in layers, and trim down until the ends. Making the ends soft and wavy.



I am happy with my hair and eventhough I am on the "short and plump" side, I believe I can carry it with confidence. I have also learned that "a good hair cut masks your downfalls and promotes your best features".

How about you? Which haircut do you think works for you???

10 ways to look slimmer on photos

Because almost everybody is on Facebook, almost everybody has a camera... And since everyone has a camera, everyone needs to have a copy of a group picture taken, and it takes forever to get all pictures done. I feel awkward at times when our group asks a waiter to take our picture and hand him around 6 to 8 cameras!!! It's a little distracting especially to other people who are on the same venue... And a lot of times, the waiter needs to rush off, but he couldn't get everyone's attention, so he feels a little pissed, waiting for us to settle down, before he clicks the shutter! One more thing, sometimes, if the camera is way too professional, the owner has to instruct the waiter on how to click the shutter, and how to focus, how to zoom and how to put us in the middle of a square, etc... haha, it is endless...

But that's how it is... There's no way we can change it... We are happy with that, and when we see the pictures on Facebook, it brings back good memories, laughter, and more things to talk about... That is why it is always good to look slimmer on photos...

Since I am (totally) not slim, I have somehow mastered the art of hiding from the camera... Here are some useful tips.

1. If you're in a restaurant, don't sit right in front of the photographer. Choose a location where you can stand behind who's sitting.

2. Turn partially sideways to the camera, planting one foot in front of the other. Point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back foot.

3. Pull head forward slightly to minimize any appearance of a double chin.

4. Hold arms slightly away from your body. This keeps upper arm flab from flattening out.

5. Pull shoulders back, chest forward and gently suck stomach in. Be careful not to suck stomach so far in that your ribs show.

6. Use objects you are holding to your advantage by placing them in front of parts of you you'd prefer to hide. A purse or corsage in front of your belly. A jacket slung over the shoulder.

7. Wear Spanx. (Lovin' it)

8. Put on some bronzer. (makes your face look smaller)

9. It's not just black that makes you look thinner. Wearing an entire outfit of just one color will do the trick as well, whether it be white, beige, brown, blue or red. One color tends to elongate your figure.

And this one last tip, not just to make you look slimmer, but makes you look naturally beautiful, try the look away trick. Here's the way to do this, (1) project, (2) look away from the camera, then (3) turn towards it, breaking into a smile just before the camera clicks. Your smile will appear fresh, not frozen.

There you go... You'll always look fresh and fabulous on your photos from now on...

So Carrie...

There is no way anybody can carry this except for Carrie...

Anyway, the bag is made of acacia wood with a black bengaline shoulder strap. While Carrie's bag has 6,300 Swarovski crystals and costs a ridiculous $2500, the non-crystallized version is only $415.

Jeezzzz... I don't think my cellphone could even fit in there...

Hair Rejuvenation

Yogatoes

I want these... I need these... I gotta have these...




I discovered from Closet Therapy about the Yogatoes. Their supposed to stretch, strengthen, and align foot muscles to improve circulation. Yogatoes is made of medical grade flexible gel, which is odorless, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.

See guys, when we wear even our most comfy shoes, we tend to neglect our toes. Of course they also get tired all squeezed up the whole day while we're in the office or at work. Here's a clear picture of what Yogatoes does:

Our toes inside a closed shoe are curled, squeezed, tensed

Put on those Yogatoes

After Yogatoes

Since I'm into treadmill these days, I noticed that my toes sometimes hurt. Maybe my rubbershoes are too tight, or maybe I wear thick socks, or maybe I'm just too heavy that my toes are screaming for carrying too much weight! When I get home, I put my legs up while watching tv - I believe it relaxes the muscles especially after a strenuous leg exercise. But that remedy is for the Legs... How about my toes??? I hope Yogatoes solves the problem...

Clean Up!

It's about time I give my dresser a refresher... I don't know, maybe it's been 5 years since it hasn't changed its look... I used to place my EDTs, facial creams, lotion, perfumes, etc. on top of the dresser...

I noticed that it doesn't look good... So, for a change, I kept all those stuff in the drawer, and displayed my accessories instead, that way, I can easily choose whatever I want to wear everyday... I don't know how long this arrangement will last... But so far, I think this arrangement looks more pleasant than my previous dresser...

My necklaces... I gave out more than what's left...

My EDTs, facial toners, moisturizers, eye cream

My make up brushes and bracelets

My earrings and rings

My make up

My hairbrushes

Oh and before I forget... Just threw 1 big bag of make ups!!! Countless lipsticks, mascaras, lipglosses, blushers, bronzers, everything!!! Time for a replenish... teehee... Oh well, I promised myself not to buy any make up until next year... Yepyep... I dare me!!! muwahahahaha...

Lash Extensions and Weaving

I can't resist... My sister's having extensions, why can't I??? So yesterday, we went to Jackie, our aesthetician. We've tried several times already, but that was a long time ago, maybe 2 years or so... And she said, that this time around, she's not only gluing the lashes, but also weaving them, for a longer stay...

Since were going to Boracay, and I'm sure my hubby's going to take lots and lots of pictures, I might as well look good, (just in case he feels like taking pictures of his wifey)... Teehee...

As I've seen before with my sis' pictures, I noticed that her eyes looked bigger... As if she had eye make up... But actually, she didn't... That is why, I decided to have my lashes woven and extended, it'll make my eyes look wider, and I don't have to put on make up to look good in pictures... Well, we all know that putting on make up while at the beach is such a no-no...

So this was my BEFORE picture... Sorry for the blurry pic, my sister was in a rush getting my photo because the aesthetician was watching and waiting for us to finish the pictorial...

After 1 and half hour....

I figured that it's more noticeable when my eyes closed. So again guys, what do you think???

My New Look

For years, my hair had been very simple. A little layered at the back, and that's it... Too safe... Too simple... Too blah...

I've tried several (high-end) salons already, but I guess it's normal for a girl to try on different salons at a certain time... So, two weeks ago, I tried the Korean hairstylists here in Quezon City. Actually, they already have several branches, one in Buendia, and another one in Malate. Since I live in QC, I always pass by their salon, and I've always wanted to try their style... I've been a fan of some korean actors and actresses, (cheeeezy) but I really like Cholo and Jenny - the one in Full House...

Anyways, finally, I had the time to get a haircut, so I went to Tony and Jackey...

My BEFORE picture

At first, there was a little walk from the parking to the salon, I noticed one guy hurriedly got an umbrella to assist us... It was really hot that day and the location of the salon is fronting the afternoon sun, so it was really, strikingly hot... So 1 point for the umbrella guy... When I entered the salon, I noticed that it is spacious, generously lit, and very clean. A guy named Sky introduced himself and asked if I have an appointment. So I told him yes, and he looked up my name, and showed me the couch where I should wait and be called for my shampoo... After a few minutes, he came back to me, and ushered me to the shampoo area... I noticed that the towels are hidden inside a cupboard and you have to pull them slowly to get the whole thing (as if you're getting tissue from a kleenex box), and I find it neat! 2 points for that... After that refreshing shampoo, the girl toweled my hair gently, using an absorbent towel, (not the ordinary bath towels) and then slowly folded the towel on my head in a particular method... I guess they were all trained to do that, it was cute on me, i feel like I'm wearing a turban... 2 points!

Sky went back to me as I was headed to my seat... He asked if I already have a stylist, and I said no, because it was my first time... He asked me what I wanted, so I told him I wanted it styled, make me look brand new... So he gave me Louie...

All stylists are Korean...

I watched Louie observe my hair, it's length, it's condition, it's partitions, etc... He never recommended any treatments. Though I expected that because it was the "common thing" for all salons that I've visited. You see guys, one time when I had a haircut, one top stylist kept on bugging me to have a treatment beforehand because he said, my hair was so coarse his scissors won't go through!!! He didn't even touch my hair!!! Another top lady stylist/owner won't cut my hair without having their so-called "Primer", (around 900 for medium length) to which its purpose is to wash off those impurities and heavy build-ups. Yeah right!!!

Surprisingly, Louie never mentioned any treatment, hence, he proceeded to my main purpose... I was amazed by the way he gets stuff from his tray... I feel like I was 10 years old, watching a Japanese chef in Kimpura performing certain ACTS before cooking, like flying eggs and utensils.... Something like that... Impressive actually... Another 1 point...

Louie asked me what happened to my bangs... He actually knew that I cut them myself!!! Then he told me that as soon as I feel like cutting my bangs again, just come back to him and he'll cut them for free!!! Funny, but nice... And ain't he sweet??? Plus 1 point...

As he was cutting every inch of my hair, he asked me every now and then if it was ok, if it was what I wanted, so and so... I thought that he was just careful... Maybe because he doesn't speak English fluently, that he wanted to make sure that he understands me, and vice versa....

So finally, the waiting is over, my hair is shorter, and I actually felt brand new!!! hahahaha...


While I was having my haircut, my sister had a hair treatment... It wasn't so expensive because they use Korean products, generic as i must say... But the way they applied the treatment was so, again, impressive!!! I think their way of applying the serum doesn't leave a single stray of hair untouched...


They massage the entire hair, not just the scalp, but from the hairshaft to the ends... Add 1 point to that...

My sister decided to have her curls re-permed. So she asked how much the digital perm costs, and when she found out that it wasn't that expensive, she decided to have them done... But she needed more cash because the salon doesn't accept credit cards as of the moment (minus 1), so when I was done, I had to get money for her from the ATM... As I walked out of the salon, the umbrella guy came over and asked where I parked my car, and I said, no, I want an ATM, where can I find one? And then he said, ahhh mam, dito po meron, samahan ko po kayo! (ma'am, there's one near the salon, i'll show you the way). I noticed that it was very near the salon but I thought it was unsafe because it was vaguely lit... So he said that he'll just stay a few meters away from me so he can see if I'm safe... That's so sweet... 2 points for that!

After all the pampering, of course, reality bites, paying time has arrived... We went to the reception area, and there was Sky... He billed me 500 pesos, and my sister, 4500 pesos... So cheap! (1 point) I noticed that Louie and my sis' stylist, Jinny were behind us. It was their way of treating their customers... When I gave them their tips, they bowed, and thanked us, then, showed us to the door... It was overwhelming...



All in all, Tony and Jackey earned 10 points! I am so satisfied with their service.

You know... After all this narrative salon experience, I still feel sad... It is because, I'm asking myself, how come Koreans can and Filipinos can't??? How come those Koreans made me feel so special even though I didn't undergo several hair treatments and didn't pay them lotsa' money? I used to go to big time salons but never did I experience this kind of treatment... Sky told us as we were about to leave, "Ma'am, we are not after your money, we're after your satisfaction, because we want you to come back, thank you."

Isn't that a nice salon experience???

By the way, how's my hair???

Be Naturally Radiant This Summer

Gone are the days when models in the catwalk wear extremely dramatic make up with smoky eye make up or ultra bright red lips... Year 2007 introduces Natural Beauty, a new look for the runway... Say goodbye to your bronzers and hello to highlighters and create a natural glow!!!

Remember peeps, now, it's all about the "no make-up look", or the "barely there non made-up make-up look!" Get it??

The question is, how do we do it??? For me, there's just three simple steps...

1. Light Tinted Moisturizer applied all over the face with SPF such as:

STILA Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer

LANCOME Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinte

LAURA MERCIER Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

2. Skip the eye make up, such as eyeshadow and mascara. Just go with the natural effects of a lash curler to brighen up your eyes.

Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler

This can't-live-without lash innovation is perfect for curling stubborn straight lashes anytime, anywhere.

Simply turn on, wait 15 seconds, place comb directly onto lash line above lashes, gently lift and comb lashes into the desired shape (as you would with a mascara brush), hold for one or two seconds, then release. And, Voila! You've got eyes that speak...

3. And finally, color your cheeks as if the sun has just kissed you...

LANCOME Magique Blush

This luxurious whipped-mousse formula glides on effortlessly with whisper-light softness and blends smoothly for natural radiant color that remains flawless for hours. Perfect for all skin types. Apply with fingers or brush to cheekbones for natural blushed radiance. Available in 7 colorful shades, from lively pink to shimmery brown, with a magical mousse sensation!

The SMASHBOX O-Glow

On bare skin or over makeup, dab O-GLOW onto cheekbones, and activate the microcirculating Goji Berry-C Complex by blending in with fingertips. Watch the reaction as cheeks turn naturally rosy, for a gorgeous glow that lasts all day!

That's it! Go naturally fresh and beautiful even though you're under the summer heat!!!

The Look At The Red Carpet

Love her newly divorced look...


Simple, Elegant, and Safe

Simple, White, Love her Undone-Look hair

Ummm... Devilish Red... But I don't dig her this time...

Sorry, but didn't like the huge bow

Too feathery...

Love her Grecian Look... From Head to Toe...

So how about you guys??? What do you think???

The Red Carpet

I am so excited to see the Oscars... But not so much with the Academy Awards, more on the Red Carpet... Who's with who, What she's wearing, How's the make up, What about the hair, What's the color of the night, Who's going to be labeled as the worst dressed??? More on that side... teehee... shallow hag...

But honestly, I am pretty excited to see Ellen Degeneres take center stage... I adore her so much, I know, I know, I've said that too many times before...

Anyway, we all know that nominees are given some "goodies" or "lootbags" for the night... I saw one of the stuff being given away, and I find it really, really cute...

It's The Red Carpet Ready - Cherry Colored Lipgloss by Balmshell

The creators of Balmshell are Jennifer and Fiona Lees, Canadian twin sisters whose love for cosmetics led their dreams to reality.
They have created a limited edition lip gloss to include in The Oscars® Nominee Gift Bag. 'Red Carpet Ready' is a sheer cherry red shade that features a special limited edition float art for the red carpet. Balmshell lip glosses are non-sticky, perfume-free and contain lanolin oil, jojoba oil and no artificial preservatives.


What's cute about this is that, these glosses are designed by a world renowned illlustrator, Mar Murube. As soon as you've finished the gloss, you can just unscrew the designed part of the bottle and attach it to the keychain that comes with the package. So you get to keep the Mar Murube creation!!! Cute eh????

Pink in Spring

I don't think I could pull this off... Pinkish shade makes my face look a lot darker... So for you peeps who luckily has fair and flawless skin, this is the chicest lips for spring!!! Lancôme Le Rouge Absolu in Proenza Pink, a milky pink shade inspired by the one seen on all the models at the Proenza Schouler Spring 2007 runway presentation last fall. Like this...



Proenza Pink will be available in limited quantities this March at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

Photo credits: makeupbag.net