This Week's Make Up Haul

I've been trawling for drugstore make up this past week just looking to try different products. I have a really simple beauty routine and I already know what stuff works well for me but I was in an adventurous mood so...

This mascara I've already had before and really liked so I repurchased :) The eyebrow pencil, also from Maybelline, I was intrigued because it was mechanical (no need for sharpening) and had a comb at the end (perfect for traveling, I don't need to bring a separate brow comb). However, the line it draws is quite thin, I like my HG Sonia Kashuk eyebrow pencil much better.
I don't normally like to use liquid foundation because for me powder is much faster and easier to apply. I have to say though, I quite like Maybelline's Super Stay Foundation. It's supposed to be long-lasting too (haven't proved it yet though) and very affordable. Nice medium coverage and the consistency I like better than MAC's Studio Fix Fluid.

Found this compact, Boots No 7, and I thought it was pretty so I got it. Wanted to find out if I could replace my trusty MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation. I was kinda disappointed. The powder settled into my fine lines and emphasized my pores :( It also had a weird fishy smell. Should have researched this one first before I bought. Good thing it wasn't that expensive.

I got this Milani eyeliner as I've heard a lot of good reviews about it. In summary it's like a cream eyeliner on a stick, so smooth to apply and the blackest black eyeliner I've ever tried. The downside is if you have oily lids it's definitely gonna run.

Lastly, I got a quad from Rimmel. I was gonna get two but decided to try this one first then purchase the other set of colors if I liked how this one turned out. It's ok, not very pigmented, a little shimmery and very powdery. It was also very inexpensive so I was not expecting much.

So that's it for my trial and error make up this week. Ahh, the beauty of being a woman... :)

The Body Shop Mini Haul

Passed by The Body Shop after work because I wanted to try their face sprays coz my MAC fix + ran out and I thought I'd try something new. Instead of getting just one thing I ended up with a few more purchases... Good thing they were on sale :)

These brushes are so soft and perfect for traveling! I got two of them. I really like that they don't shed, they're very dense and pick up a lot of product. I also love that it comes with its own travel pouch.
Got another lip product...
And finally, what I really set out to buy originally. I like the faint rose smell, it's really light. Works as well as MAC fix + when used as a setting spray, in my opinion.

My Very Basic Skin Care Routine

Thought I'd just share a few things I use on a daily basis, coz I also like reading about what other ladies use to get ready... I don't really use a lot of eye makeup or heavy makeup everyday but if I do then I usually use Almay makeup remover pads and Ponds cold cream. They're both very effective at removing makeup without me having to scrub it off my face.

After I remove my makeup that's when I usually take a shower. I follow up with Purpose cleanser for my face to get rid of the greasy feeling from the makeup remover and get that squeaky clean feeling. Using Dove body wash right now but that usually varies, depending on what's available. We don't use bar soap at all, just a personal preference. I'm using Tigi Bed Head shampoo and conditioner till I use it up, which will be a long time. Sometimes when I get extra flakey I use my husband's Head & Shoulders.
I have pretty low maintenance hair too so I don't use any hair products on a daily basis other than shampoo and conditioner. I also use St Ives apricot scrub occasionally when my face feels a little rough. Of course, everyone needs to wear deodorant so we don't offend others :) I'm using Dove invisible solid right now. I got these in bulk so I have maybe 4 more sticks to finish before I get to switch. The only thing I don't like about this is if I'm not careful and I'm wearing black, it sometimes gets on my clothes when I put them on. Oh well... I use Cetaphil DailyAdvance lotion for my face AND body. I know! I'm so glad this does double duty for me. I know a lot of women use something entirely different for their face - usually something with some SPF or anti-aging thing. But this is really what works for me and I'm not about to change it to some fancy cream, this moisturizes very well without that greasy feeling. I love Cetaphil, enough said!
I don't like heavy scents, I'd rather reapply than get overwhelmed with a perfume so these are pretty much my favorite right now, Burberry Sheer and Gap Dream. I have other perfumes/EDTs but they don't get used as often as these two, you can tell because they're half-empty already.
So that's it! My very simple and basic daily routine.

Weekend Haul

Passed by the toy store again on our way back from camp and got a few things for the nieces. In addition to Barbie stuff [see earlier post] we also included some educational/learning games. I think that in addition to playing, kids nowadays should also be able to learn at the same time to develop their basic numerical and problem-solving skills. I especially want these girls to have that advantage to help them later in life.

Passed by MAC again and got a lipstick, foundation and blushes. If you're interested in the specifics: Lustre lipstick in Syrup [I love anything Lustre!], Pinch O' Peach blush, and Peachtwist blush.
Also got some stuff from Ikea but I'll just do that at a later blog post.

Day 11

Blog: What's in your makeup bag?

I try not to carry too much in my kikay kit - only the essentials...

From the top:

1) retractable makeup brush from Sephora

2) MAC blush in Well Dressed

3) MAC face powder in Medium Plus

4) L'Oréal Lineur Intense eyeliner

5) MAC lipgloss in Viva Glam

6) MAC lipstick in Viva Glam

7) Maybelline Define-a-lash mascara

8) Sonia Kashuk brow definer

I totally failed my blog challenge after the 10th day because I was sooo busy :( Will try to continue with it though...

Day 3

Blog: Your favorite store.

Sephora is my favorite store in the whole wide world. My heart gets excited whenever I see the black and white stripes and the tons of makeup, skincare products, perfume, beauty tools, etc, etc, etc that lies inside waiting for me :)

Honestly, I could spend hours there poring over the products, trying on makeup, perfume, nail polish... it's heaven on earth for a girly girl. Here's a photo I lifted off Google...

I became a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider) I think around 2008, it's their rewards program for loyal customers. I get discounts, free samples and a birthday gift each year. I get most of my gifts for female friends and relatives here, I even convinced my husband to get his perfume from Sephora so I can accumulate points, hehe...

Anyway, that's my favorite store.

Wardrobe Remix #26

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays... It's been a challenging year for some of us but I'm thankful that we all got through the hard times.

I'm trying to cut down on my spending and actually use the stuff I've accumulated. I believe the term is "recessionista"... I still have quite a few clothes with tags on them waiting to see the light of day so I am "shopping" from my closet for now :)

Dress: Old Navy

Vest: Willi Smith

Sandals: Chinese Laundry

Bag: B. Makowsky

Watch: BCBGirls

I'm trying to use this bag more because although I love the style and the way it drapes, the color makes it hard for it to go with most of my outfits. It's more of a light purple/lilac shade, really gorgeous color, I'll make sure to get a picture of it in natural light.

Anyway, I'm really careful with this bag because it's a little expensive, I don't want to just use it anywhere, I want it to last me a really long time...
I've always admired the face of a Philip Stein but never had the funds or the guts to get one. This satisfies my craving for now :)

Wardrobe Remix #25

Lately, my blog posts have just been all about outfits, I just can't seem to get out of this blogging rut! Promise, I'm gonna post something else other than clothes and shoes soon. And I have to put up my Christmas wishlist before Christmas :) There's not much on it though, I've been extremely blessed...

Top: ?

Leggings: ?

Shoes: Chinese Laundry

Bag: Team Manila

Watch: BCBGirls

Let's mix it up with some boots... I've been wearing these Steve Maddens all the time now...
I've never actually lived in Manila, the longest I've stayed consecutively was probably a week. And most of that week I spent trolling the malls! But I like this bag and I love Manila :)

Wardrobe Remix #24

I'm a big t-shirt wearer, especially when I'm at home. I've been a fan of Team Manila shirts mostly because of the quirky humor and edgy graphics promoting Manila/Filipino lifestyle and culture. I find it cute as well and it makes me prouder to be Pinay... I understand it's pretty common these days to be walking around with the map of the Philippines emblazoned on your clothes but if it will help instill and awaken Pinoy pride in us then I would gladly do it :)

Shirt: Team Manila

Cardigan: Gap

Skirt: American Eagle

Shoes: Steve Madden

Bag: Francesco Biasia

Watch: Fossil

A friend of mine has this really cool Francesco Biasia bag that she uses all the time, I mean ALL the time. It's developing a really nice patina the longer she uses it, gosh I LOVE leather bags!

Wardrobe Remix #23

I wonder what I'll get for Christmas this year. I'll post my wish list soon!

In the meantime, I'm having fun dressing up for the holidays. One of my requirements is that nothing should be too tight around the waist :) I got this dress for really cheap during a trip to Seattle. I think I can still wear this when I get pregnant, yes, it stretches that far!

Dress: City Triangles

Shoes: Nine West

It's weird how I have two shoes of the same style but different brand...
They are so very similar except for a few minor details, I wonder who copied whom?
Someday, I might wear both colors at the same time just for fun :)

Wardrobe Remix #22

Can't get enough of this black sweater. I have no idea who makes it but it goes with everything! I love how the material of this dress is flowy and doesn't cling to anything, I hate it when the fabric sticks to your legs! The cut is a little bit too sexy (halter neckline and open back) thus the need to cover it up a bit...

Dress: Voila

Sweater: ?

Shoes: Janilyn

Bag: Nuovedive

And a spice of mustard yellow to liven up a monochrome outfit!

Wardrobe Remix #21

I've been so busy, hardly have time to post... Anyway, I found this dress buried in my closet. I haven't worn it, it still had tags. The bright color combined with the shiny fabric makes it really fancy and since I'm not a really fancy dresser, I have to tone it down with a cover up.

Dress: Morgan & Co

Sweater: ?

Shoes: Chinese Laundry

I found some Morgan & Co party dresses here that are so cute! If only I went to a lot of parties...

I tried putting my hair down but I guess it looks better (a little more polished) when it's up :)

Wardrobe Remix #20

My "Old" outfit... because I have quite a bit of stuff accumulated from Old Navy that I bought a long time ago. I like that it's relatively inexpensive, I don't like spending too much on clothes.

Dress: Old Navy

Vest/Hoodie: Old Navy

Bag: B. Makowsky

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

I like everything about this bag, most of all the leather... It's awesome!

Wardrobe Remix #19

One of my friends got me this shirt from the kids section at Bayo. I'm a size 14 in kids :) The challenge was to make it look more "grown up". Solution: add something tight and white + heels :)

Shirt: Bayo Kids

Pants: Shapes

Shoes: Joan & David

Bag: Old Navy

I'm crazy about the texture of this bag. It's super soft and I love how the shape accomodates just about anything...
Nobody wears espadrilles anymore, except me! They are just too comfortable...

Wardrobe Remix #18

At first glance I didn't know if it was a top or a dress (too long to be a shirt, looked too much like a top to be a dress). I still don't know what it is, let's just call it a shirtdress. It might be a little short to be worn alone though, maybe next time I'll pair it with tights or leggings.

Tube top: People R People

Shirtdress: Old Navy

Boots: Otto

Bag: B. Makowsky

Watch: Fossil

One of my favorite bags, I only bust it out on special occasions though...
They had a buy one, get one sale at Otto so I got this in black too. I like how the heel is hidden inside - gives me the illusion of being taller while wearing "flats" :) Sneaky...

Wardrobe Remix #17

Yes, you CAN wear shorts to work! As long as it's not that short :)

Shirt: Kamiseta

Shorts: Ann Taylor Loft

Shoes: Steve Madden

Laptop Bag: Sumdex

Blazer: H&M

Everyone should have a black blazer. Seriously.
I like the terra cotta/burnt orange color of this bag. Plus it has quite a few pockets for other electronic accessories...

Wardrobe Remix #16

Built the outfit around the scarf... Pretty basic color scheme here - green, white and blue.

T-shirt: Gap

Skirt: H&M

Scarf: Old Navy

Shoes: Franco Sarto

Bag: American Eagle

This is how I drape my scarves 90% of the time. Keeps my neck warm + looks quite stylish with zero effort.
Up close it looks like cheesecloth :)
My "cork" shoes... Love them to bits!

Wardrobe Remix #15

My "bum" outfit. Basically, I randomly picked a few things for this wardrobe remix just to see if they would go together. Well, it's decent enough I think...

Top: People R People

Miniskirt: Le Tigre

Shoes: J-41

Bag: Artwork

Watch: Baby-G

This is an old hoodie shirt that I have worn dozens of times. It already has some discoloration/stain in the back but I'm not throwing it away because I like the print...
Another old timepiece (note the scuff marks and scratches). I wear this a lot, it's really light I don't even feel it's there most of the time.

Wardrobe Remix #14

My mood is not so good today, feeling bloated and crampy because it's that time of the month again. So, depressing black and gray seem to mirror the pained expression on my face :(

Shirt: Zara

Pullover: Julie's Closet

Miniskirt: American Eagle

Shoes: Arturo Chiang

Bag: Via Spiga

Got this bag at a bargain. I like how it's so sturdy, can hold a ton of stuff and water resistant :) Perfect for rainy days when you don't want to risk your other nice, more expensive bags...