Meet Up & Makeup Event with a Cause =)

I'm lucky enough to be part of "Seminar for a Cause: To judith with Love" conducted by Nikki of Askmewhats last Saturday (January 31,2009). I was a little late because I got lost a little and I just walked from the MRT station hehe..but still, my excitement didn't falter even a little even if I was sweating buckets already..I was so happy to be able to arrive in the room and see everyone..Nikki's hubby, Keith, is so nice and offered me a glass of water to freshen me up..after I relaxed a little, I started to interact with the other girls..Aside from Nikki and Keith, I met Crystal (Musicalfan), Rhea and her husband Nap, Nina (who's the youngest among us all) and Shen (Kikay Pinay). It is so funny coz we recognized each other easily because of our blogs..It actually made me feel comfortable that I knew majority of the people in the room.

I enjoyed every minute of it..it feels like all of us are long time friends and are just having a get-together..and that we are just playing with our toys (makeup of course!)..while the girls are playing with makeup, the boys are playing with their cameras..it is such a carefree and happy group and I hope I'll have a chance to meet them again sooner or later :)

Anyways, here are some the pictures taken that day :)

This is my look before the makeup seminar..I just wore a little foundie, oil control powder, undereye concealer and lipbalm coz I know I'll just remove it later on.

By the way, I had a haircut from Menage Salon a day before the Chinese New Year..it is said to be lucky to have a haircut before the new year starts so my sis and I got one..this is way better than my uncut hair so I'm working this style now..super low maintainance..I'll keep this until I have time to have someone fix it again to a better style hehe :)

Here are my FOTDs..thank you girls for letting me try your products..this is a breather from using all out MMU for the last 3 years hehe :)

FACE:

- Skin79 BB cream as base - thanx Nikki for letting me try your BB cream. It feels great..I like it better than Skin Food and BRTC..it didn't broke me out too..hmm this makes me think if I should start using BB cream again hehe :)

- MakeUp Forever HD foundation in 120 - this is the first time I used liquid foundation in years! It feels lightweight and easy to apply (I used my MAC 187 SE)..I didn't broke out..and it does make me look good in pictures..thanx Shen for letting me try it and for helping me apply it :)

- Ellana Sheer Velvet FP and another HD powder dupe (I forgot the brand Nikki used sorry)

- Paul & Joe blush - I forgot to check the shade but it has 2 colors that has a peachy orange effect on cheeks..it looks so pretty and fresh

* this photo is taken by Kuya Nap after Nikki completed my look..thanx kuya! :)

The 2 next photos are taken by me after 6 hours of no retouch..still looks good hehe




Here are some of my EOTDs..This look is Nikki's work..It is an easy smokey eye look..I really love the Paul & Joe curling mascara Nikki used on my lashes..It actually kept the curl! I can't believe it..all of my mascaras that are volumizing and waterproof (Lancome & Shu Uemura) weighs down my lashes and makes my curled lashes stick straight as if I didn't curl it with an eyelash curler..this is one of the reasons why I really don't like putting mascara..but this product from Paul&Joe changed my mind..my lashes looks great the whole night..it didn't smudge too so I'm loving it..I hope I can have one during their sale coz it is kind of pricey hehe :)


EYES:

- UDPP on lid and lower lashline

- NYX concealer on undereyes

- Eyeshadows - black (all over lid & lower lashline), golden bronze (on crease), highlight (on browbone & inner corners)

- Paul and Joe curling mascara


And here is a group picture of everyone..the boys are not in the picture coz they are th one taking them hehe..this one is taken by Kuya Nap..It was so nice meeting you all! Till next time :)

*from left: Shen, Gale, Crystal, Nikki, Rhea & Nina


And here's my certificate :)

This picture is taken around 9pm at Kamayan Restaurant in West Ave. I went with my mom to her high school reunion. I was assigned to sit with her friends' kids, luckily they are girls too so it was easy to chat. One of them, Tiffany, was a fashionista by heart but don't know how to apply makeup so when she saw I have so many makeup on my bag (I brought them with me to the seminar), she asked me to teach her the basic..so I still ended my day talking about makeup haha..it was fun!

* from left: Tiffany, Gale and Shobe

Till my next post. Ciao! =)

My latest V&M and Skin Hour Haul with a Review

Here's my latest organic haul from 2 of my fave brands now..I got myself some Venus&Mars' Royal Pearl Soap and Skin Hour's Lucia Body Cream because of the raves it got :)

I haven't tried V&M Royal Pearl soap yet coz I still don't have a go signal at the moment from my derma..but if I can't help it, I'll probably use it on my body first haha..I also got another sweet note from Jamie..thanx Jamie! I hope I'll like it too :D

My sister wants to order another pot of Skin Hour Revitaleyes balm coz our pot is going low already..so I thought of trying their new Body Cream since it was on sale and I am looking for another body lotion to use on my super dry legs..I have tried it already..I like the smell coz it is very light but my brother don't like it..he always complain to me whenever I put some cream on myself haha..we share the same room so it is hard for the 2 of us..this is also my problem with my V&M Cleopatra rub..i love it but my bro and bf don't...I don't know what's with guys..they always complain about the scent of lotions and cologne if it is sweet smelling hehe :D

Anyways, Skin Hour Body Cream is suppposed to give intense moisture..and if paired with their body scrub, it will definitely soften your dry skin..in my experience, it does moisturize and absorbs well..it is not sticky and heavy even if it is hot..I like this lotion but sadly, I think I need a heavier duty one for my dry and scaly legs to be used at night coz it just lessened the dryness but not totally healed it..as I've said, the scent is light and not overpowering to the nose.. I love the tub container coz it is so easy to get products and I can finish it up to the last drop unlike with squeeze or pump bottles :)

I also got a sweet note from Char and a sample of their liquid body loofah..she's so sweet coz she sent me a sample to try it with the body creme..they have the same scent and I love the texture..it does not scratch my skin at all..and I feel clean after shower..love it! I'll definitely get myself a tub once I used up all of my body scrubs..thanx Char! :)

I'll comeback with a review on V&M Royal Pear soap after I used it for a month..Ciao! :)

UPDATE

Guys,

I'm so sorry if I was not able to post here in my blog this past 2 weeks or so..my laptop got broken again after being fixed for only one week..huhu..I'm really sad coz blogging is already part of my routine and I miss posting and checking out blogs..I also have so many stuff lined up to be reviewed and I want to share to all of you..

Actually, I'm here now at my cousin's room to borrow his computer just so I can check my mail..so I can't stay too long..but hopefully, my computer will be fixed soon..and I can go back to the blog world hehe :)

I miss you guys!

love,
Gale

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!!!

Cyleina Organic Haul

Because of the rave, I gave in and got myself some Cyleina Organic soaps. I love organic products and since I'm also looking for whitening soaps I gave this brand a try. Why not get 2 things I'm looking for in one product right? So I got the super famous Black Pearl (P60), Rice Bran (P65) and Strawberry (P65) soap variants. I plan to use the Black Pearl soap on my face but since I'm still under treatment, I'll just test this on my underarms and butt area first and see if they will get lighter. The Rice Bran variant is antibacterial and whitening so it is great for the body while the Strawberry soap is an exfoliator so this is best used 2x a week..I plan to test out the soaps one kind per 2 weeks so that I will know if my skin is okay with or not :)

I have so many insect bite marks on my legs so I hope this combination of soaps will help me even out my color..wish me luck! I'll post a followup feedback after a month :)

What about you? Have you used these soaps already? I would like to hear your feedbacks about them ..thanx! Ciao!

A Derma Visit + Pedicure

Today, I went back to my dermatologist for a checkup. Dra. Manuel wants to see the condition of my skin after the 1st chemical peel she did on me last December 30, 2008. Since I still have areas that are still peeling, my forehead and jaw, she gave me a new skin care regimen to follow.

AM:
wash with blue soap
apply acne lotion on areas with pimples
apply sunblock spf 80

PM
wash with blue soap
apply acne lotion on areas with pimples
apply Tretinoin cream <-- this is a new addition to speed up the peeling on my face

I'm still on an every other day antibiotics, Tetralysal. She told me to come back after a week to see any improvements and if I can decrease my antibiotic to every two days (I'm already on the tapering period). She also want to check my right cheek's condition (my right cheek is the only area on my face that still has pimples now, and they are recurrent on the same spots), and if tretinoin can't help in treating that area, she will give me a special topical antibiotic to use on those antibiotic resistant bacteria that's causing my pimples. Here's a picture of my skin care stuff now..from top: the blue soap, acne lotion, lightening cream (for spot treatment of dark spots), tretinoin cream, sunblock spf 80, V&M lip detox, mama lotion (sample given to me for testing), skin hour revitaleyes and clearagen lip therapy :)

I arrived early in the clinic so while waiting for Dra. Manuel to arrive, I asked Ate Sel (her assistant) to give me a pedicure. I rarely get pedicure coz I easily get hurt but I got the urge to get one today and Ate Sel did a great job! I didn't bleed and still my toes got clean. She suggested a red colored nail polish to make my feet look fairer. I was skeptical at first coz I haven't tried any red toned polish ever, they are scary for me hehe..but I felt adventurous today so I agree. After she cleaned my toes, she applied Orly bonder then a red Orly nail polish (I forgot to ask the shade name..sorry). This shade of red is so pretty..I'll definitely buy this shade when I go to the mall (after I get the name) hehe :)

And here's my smallest and oldest dog..her name is Petite..She's almost 13 y/o already :)

And here's my snack of the day while doing this blog entry..Yummy!

Waterthins Cheese Twist in Feta and Olive

*I transferred the cheese twists on a plastic container and placed a label on the cover so that it will stay crunchy*

Seminar for a Cause

Hi guys! My online friend Nikki of askmewhats will be doing a "Makeup Seminar for a Cause". Check out the complete info below..Let us help her by either joining the event or by spreading the word about the event. Thank you so much!

Source:
http://askmewhats.blogspot.com/2009/01/askmewhats-seminar-for-cause.html
*Copy and Pasted POST*

Dear Philippine Readers:

Yours truly will be holding a 3 hours make-up seminar to a limited number of slots. (details below)

Why?
My high school friend, Kerby, who's sister Judith suffers from Leukemia, she's undergoing Chemotherapy and my friend is the one who takes care of her. They already spent so much for the treatment and the group of friends (us) already sent a couple of emails and messages to others to help our friend Kerby.

We've got positive responses, but last night, I got a text from Kerby himself, thanking us for the help, and told us that his sister was in the hospital since December 23, yes they spent Christmas and New years in the hospital. He messaged all of his friends to let us know that his mom is selling off watches and some jewelries to help out with the finances.

I felt bad...I wanted to help... and just right on asking money won't be right...I have to do something... with a lot of thinking, and eating LOL (joking aside)

Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause was born!
(note from author: ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE GIVEN TO JUDITH'S FAMILY)

(Thanks to my friend Sophia for the flyer! :D)

When: January 31, 2009
Time: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Fee: Php1,500/head (snacks will be provided)
Where: 2107 21st Floor One San Miguel Bldg, San Miguel Ave. Ortigas Pasig City
For Inquiries and Reservations: email ntiu1027@gmail.com

Thanks and please help me spread the word!
God bless!!!
Stay Happy!

Review: Ellana Buffer Brush

As promised, here's my take on Ellana Extra Large Buffer Brush that my sister gave me for Christmas :)

Description from Ellana's Website:
"Feel the difference with our brushes which are made of the highest quality nylon hair, for professional and personal use. Our brushes do not stiff in prolonged use, and are extremely soft and best for use on sensitive skin."

"This brush [extra large buffer brush] is larger than your average buffer brush. It is a full, dome-shaped brush for applying and distributing powder on the face for a polished, flawless finish. It's similar to a full size kabuki with a longer handle [5 inches] for better control"


My take:

Price: 4/5 - I am very much happy in getting this brush as a gift coz the price is a little pricey for me at this point in my life. But if you have a constant source of income, the Php750 is probably very affordable. Considering you are getting a good quality brush for less than a thousand pesos.

Quality: 4/5 - This brush has been with me for 2 weeks now and I have washed it (with mild shampoo and water) twice already. I am glad that even without conditioning the hairs, they are still as soft as when I first touch it. The quality of the hairs did not change. It had shed a couple of hairs but I guess that is normal in all brushes and hopefully will stop after a few more washes. And since this is synthetic, there is no weird smell from it. The hairs doesn't irritate my sensitive skin too because it is so soft just like my EDM long handled kabuki. It makes my makeup application a pleasurable experience hehe..I also like the size of the head, this allows me to finish my makeup faster coz it can cover a bigger space. The size of the brush head is similar with Charm pink kabuki (I'll edit this post later to add a picture comparing Charm and Ellana). I think with proper care, this brush can last me a very long time.

Size Comparisons:* Buffer brush vs my hand

* Buffer brush vs a P5 coin

Will I purchase again? Yes, if ever this get broken or lost. It has everything I want in a brush. Soft, doesn't shed, big dome shaped head, synthetic hairs and affordable. But hopefully, I'll get lucky and won't need to buy another one to replace it :)

For those of you want to get one of this, I got mine from my sister and her online shop is http://itzmei.multiply.com

My attempt of being a MUA

I played makeup artist last December for my two aunts..My sister was showing her ELLANA MMU stash to our aunts (selling actually hehe) and when they want some demo on how to apply the powders, they asked me to teach them since they know I love MMU..so here's me playing make up artist using Ellana Minerals products :)

Here's my Tita Armi..She loves glowing makeup but still full in coverage so I layered the premium foundie then applied glows on top of her blush..since it's getting dark already, I applied a black eyeliner and red lips :)
- Ellana Premium foundation in Hazelnut Latte
- Ellana White Chocolate Sheer Velvet finishing powder
- Ellana Blush in Heaven
- Dayna's Glow in Violet Vesper
- Ellana lip color in Sensual
- Ellana MPM in Ethereal as liner

Here's my Ninang Mayet..she loves fresh natural look..so I just applied 2 layers of premium foundie to give her a flawless base then applied matte blush..I skipped the glows coz she doesn't like shimmer very much..and a reddish lip to complete the look :)

- Ellana Premium foundation in Hazelnut Latte
- Ellana White Chocolate Sheer Velvet finishing powder
- Ellana Blush in Bliss
- Ellana lip color in Sensual

I used the new HD finishing powder of Ellana to both my aunts so that I can test its photogenic effect..and my experiment is a success..it does give a beautiful finish :)

Here's an FOTD from me..I used the following to achieve this look :)

FACE:
- Meow Flawless Feline foundie mix
- Dayna's Mineral Foundie in G2
- Ellana Sheer Velvet FP (sandwich method)
- Meow Cat Got Your Tongue blush
- Dayna's Minerals Violet Vesper Glow

EYES:
- MAC paintpot in painterly
- Lumiere e/s in Turquoise (base)
- Clinique e/s in Beach Plum (on crease)
- MUFE star powder in 902 (all over)
- MAC e/s in Unorthodoz (highlight)
- Ellana e/s in Ethereal (upper lashline)
- Clarins purple eyeliner (lower lashline)

LIPS:
- Venus&Mars emu oil lip balm
- Ellana lip color in Sensual

What do you think about my work? Is it okay? What can I still do to improve the looks I did? thanx!! Ciao!

My Christmas in 2008

Hi guys! As promised, I will make my official first post of the year 2009 to be about my Christmas...so here goes :)

I celebrated my Christmas Eve with my family at Tito George's house (my dad's best friend who lives a few houses from our place)..this is a first for us..we usually celebrate our Christmas with my great-grandmother in our province, but since she already passed away last year (January 10, 2008), we decided to just stay here in Manila..then on December 25th, Christmas Day, my mom's family had a reunion on my Tito Rich's house in Commonwealth...here's a shot of me with their cute puppy.
I have a huge zit on my right cheek..yah I know, it sucks to have a huge acne during the holidays when everyone are taking pictures...anyways, this acne is due to those late nights and oily foods during the holidays hehe :)

One of the most unexpected gift I got last Christmas is from my sister..I did not expect to get any from her..so I was quite shocked when she gave me a package full of my "to buy" stuff..thank you Mei! actually, I love the note she placed on my gift better haha

It's so sweet right? Now I don't need to buy the White Chocolate HD powder and buffer brush...I'll give a separate review on the buffer brush next time...I'm still testing it out :)

And since I was so excited to try my brushes, I cleaned my new and old brushes on Christmas Eve!

Here's how I dry them..this method cuts the drying time i half..especially for my kabuki brush..

I hang the thick brushes in front of the fan so that instead of a whole day, they will dry overnight..it saves time and keeps the water from seeping into the ferrule of the brushes..preventing shedding.
Thanx Aileen of Shades of Hue for giving me this idea :)

I also attended a Reunion Christmas party with my high school classmates..here are some shots with my best buddies :)

Ciao!