The Greg Secker Foundation Village

I feel really lucky to be able to spend time with these amazing people, most especially the forex guru and philanthropist, Greg Secker, on a weekend filled with a lot of interesting activities.

We flew to Iloilo and stayed at Richmonde Hotel, then we flew to Lemery via a helicopter. We visited the Greg Secker Foundation Village, and met a lot of nice people there.

After three days and two nights in Iloilo, we flew back to Manila. We were able to volunteer at the medical mission of Starkey Hearing Foundation, and I was able to meet Bill Austin, the founder of Starkey Technologies, the top manufacturer of hearing aids in the US and 6th globally. 

Oh, we actually rode the chopper from BGC to QC and back. So while in QC, we also went toy and book shopping at Trinoma, which we donated to the children of the House of Refuge.

We really had a fun and productive weekend. :)

Beauty Review: My Staple Makeup Products

I don't really shop for cosmetics that much because I don't explore much when it comes to makeup. I just want my look to be plain and simple on an ordinary day. Well at times I try to put more effort on doing my makeup when attending events/parties or nightouts.

Probably I have only gained a higher interest with makeup when I have travelled to Seoul, Korea, where cosmetic shops are literally everywhere. And I think, the most expensive makeup item I have bought in my life is the Naked palette.

My tendency is to buy the same makeup item after what I have runs out. I don't buy/own multiple face powder/foundation at once, not unless they're given to me as gifts. I stick with the items that don't irritate my skin.

So far, here are the makeup products that I've been using. I recommend these items because they're very affordable and they're perfect to use on a daily basis. In fact, I can't leave the house without these stuff.

CONCEALER:

L'Oreal or Maybelline

I use it to cover some pimple marks and freckles.

(no photo)

FOUNDATION/POWDER:

Maybelline Mineral Foundation

Revlon ColourStay Mineral Foundation

These two have a really nice finish. However, they're quite messy to apply since they're loose powder (with brush). Also, it's quite a hassle carrying them in a small bag/clutch since they're  quite bulky.

Revlon PhotoReady (pressed)

This is what I'm currently using and it's my favorite! I love its matte finish, and my face doesn't get oily that much. And hey, it's compact! I can slip it in any clutch when I go out.

EYEBROW LINER:

Nature Republic

I used to have a Maybelline one but when I found this in Korea, I tried it and loved it.

BLUSH:

Maybelline Mineral Blush (Shade: Rose)

It's not as compact as other blush-ons but I want it because it can give a natural blush (when a little is applied) or a full make up look at night (when more of it is applied).

EYELINER:

Shiseido Integrate (Black)

Before, I was using the Maybelline HyperSharp Liner when I want a thin line, and the Nature Republic pencil eyeliner when I want a thicker line. However, pencil eyeliners often smudge and make me look like a panda; while the HyperSharp liner kind of dries up fast so it can't be consumed for a long time. When I came to Japan, I borrowed my cousin's eyeliner and I liked it. It's the Shiseido Integrate black pen eyeliner. It doesn't smudge. It dried quickly once applied. And the tip of the pen doesn't dry out fast so it can be consumed for a long time.

MASCARA:

Maybelline

Every time my Maybelline mascara runs out, I buy another Maybelline mascara of a different type. I prefer a mascara that adds length and volume to my natural lashes. So far I have used the Volum' Express Cat Eyes (black&pink), Colossal (yellow), HyperCurl (black&pink), and Lash Stiletto, which is what I'm currently using. Next in line that I wanna give a try are the Rocket (blue) and Magnum (yellow) Volum' Express.

LIPSTICK:

Mac

I like the Candy Yum Yum, Russian Red, and Ruby Woo. However, those shades are not wearable everyday. I mean, I'm not the type who wears red lipstick at daytime haha. But Russian Red helped me pull off my Halloween costume as a sexified version of Wednesday Addams. Anyway, Mac lipsticks are quite expensive too, for someone who doesn't spend much for makeup. The Addis Ababa shade of Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream actually looks like Candy Yum Yum, and it's way cheaper.

Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream (Istanbul/Milan)

I discovered this in a bazaar in Eastwood. I love its matte finish. Plus, I love pink! And these are the shades of pink that are wearable on a regular day. Milan is brighter, while Istanbul is neared the nude shade. However, they almost looked the same. Maybe, Milan is better in events/parties or nightouts.

So, when my staple daily makeup products are put together, this is how it looks like:

See, I like that natural glowing look. Furthermore, I can wear the same makeup for a nightout. I just apply a thicker eyeliner, false lashes or more mascara, dark brown eyeshadow, and richer lip color.

xoxo,

city girl

Giving Joy to the Kids of SSAE Memory Foundation

Two weeks ago, my friends and I had an outreach program for the kids of Samantha Sarah A. Espanol Memory Foundation. This foundation was founded a couple of years ago by the family of Sarah after she died from a car accident in the US. This foundation aims to provide education to the less fortunate kids in Marikina.

On the kids' first day in school, we visited them. We had some games and the prizes were sponsored by our good friend, Cheena Ng Lio, designer/owner of Amour Manila. Also, the food we served were also sponsored by one of Sarah's classmates in high school. The lunch boxes were sponsored by our ramp model friend, Farah Ramos. She's also responsible for putting the outreach program all together. The loot bags we gave away also had shirts in it. We didn't have much time to gather donations, but this one's been carried out well after only a week of preparation. We had fun, most especially because the kids were too cute! Doing such things is really priceless!:)

It's been the tradition of me and my friends to hold outreach programs annually. But this time, we plan do it more often, whenever we can. It really feels good to share our blessings. Thanks to everyone who have contributed/donated and made this charity event possible. We hope that you continue to help us in our next outreach activities.