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

An Overnight Trip in Iloilo City

I love Iloilo City. I'm not an Ilongga, but I have a lot of Ilonggo friends (based both in Iloilo and Manila) that's why I keep coming back to this city. I like how everything is so affordable there most especially the food that are super yummy! Oysters, cream horn, butterscotch, kansi (bulalo), inasal...name it and they have it!

I got really excited when I found out I'll be traveling there overnight for free. It's for work actually, but it so happened that my friends got a big event coming up on the same weekend so I knew that overnight trip would be really super worth it.

On September 21, lunch time, I flew to Iloilo with Angelia, Shamcey and LLoyd for a fashion show. From the airport, we headed to Sarabia Manor Hotel to check-in and have lunch. We rested for a bit while waiting for Daniel, who's also a part of the show. And when he arrived, they had some quick rehearsals.

my lunch :))

post lunch photo (Angelia, Me, Shamcey, Lloyd)

this hotel is pretty old

The event was organized by UP Visayas - ICON (an student organization) and College of Management Student Council for the benefit of Chameleon Foundation. The event was entitled, "BISTE 3", featuring five young designers of Iloilo City namely Jor-el Espina, Ram Silva, Alberto Barros, Paul Conte and Marvin Monfort.

Here are some of the photos of the fashion show:

Paul Conte with Shamcey Supsup

Alberto Barros with Daniel Matsunaga

Ram Silva with Shamcey Supsup

Daniel Matsunaga for Jor-el Espina

Shamcey Supsup for Jor-el Espina

After the event, we rested for a bit in our rooms and headed to Lamesa Grill for our late dinner. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up. Then we're off to La Tolda at Plazuela to party!:)

lloyd, shamcey, angelia

hungry daniel :))

The party we headed to was entitled, "Those Damn Nerds A/V Tour in 3D"; and it was our friend Renzi, one of the organizers, who invited us. DJ Mia Ayesa was one of the spinners. There were big screens that featured graphics and lyrics in 3D that's why there were 3D glasses all over the place. 

We really had a blast! Just four of us finished a liter of Black Label in 20 minutes. It was my first time doing a bottoms up of scotch haha! It was followed by another bottle of that...then another bottle of Jack. It was really a fun night! Here are some of our crazy photos:

the guests: Maffy, Me, Angelia, Daniel

us and the party host, Renzi. all wearing black except Maffy.

back in the hotel, still holding the pizza we found inside Renzi's car LOL!

The last time I had an overnight trip like this was in Isabela last April, for Angelia's hosting job. And for this trip, she was the one who joined me for work. No matter where we both are, we're always having fun. Thanks so much to my soul sister, whom I call "kapatid".:)

I would like to thank Jonas, and Maffy of Mercator Model Management for being so professional and considerate. Thanks also to Shamcey and Daniel for being so patient and accommodating, most especially because there were a lot of people taking photos with them. Thanks to Lloyd for joining us. Also, I would like to thank Renzi for inviting us and giving us unlimited booze at the event...oh, and for being our driver. haha!

That's it! Well, Iloilo never fails to impress me. I really love this city. Can't wait to be back!:)

xoxo,

citygirl

Fairy-themed Garden Wedding

A friend of mine got married to a British guy and their wedding was held in Punta Villa, Iloilo. I was one of the bridesmaids and I liked the Tinkerbell-inspired gowns we wore.

I did my own makeup with Urban Decay's Naked palette and Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream (Milan). The hairstylist helped me with my curls and in putting on the cute headdress.

Here are some photos before and during the wedding...

wings of the flower girls

with my fellow bridesmaid, Faith

with the pretty daughter of the groom

bride, junior bride, maid of honor, and bridesmaids

outdoor

another fellow bridesmaid

And here are some photos at the reception and the after-party...

the reception

me and the newly weds

her first night of being married

I can't wait to join them on their 2nd wedding in London next year :)

the girls

British friends :)

Impulsive Makeup Purchase =))

The original plan was to buy a concealer... But...Oh my!

Went to Watson's Gateway to get the cheapest concealer possible. Well, I wanna get something cheap 'coz I have 'soon-to-arrive" Estee Lauder makeups from my Aunt who works in EL, and I wasn't sure what were the items she'll be sending me.

So I checked out Maybelline, but the saleslady offered me a liquid concealer, but I insisted that I want a cream concealer stick. So she introduced me to the saleslady of Revlon. The new saleslady let me tried the concealer stick, but when I told her that I'll be using it on some of my blemishes, she offered me a liquid one. It contains salisic acid that helps a pimple heal too. I found it as a good feature because other makeups only irritate pimples further. Then the saleslady said that if I'll buy two items, I'll get 20% off each item. Oh my, I got tempted so I thought about getting a blush. The saleslady applied everything on my face, from concealer to lipstick, to help me decide on what other item I would buy. So it looked like a had a makeover! hahaha!=)) I chose the blush-on 'coz it also has a bronzer. But the greatest dilemma I had that time was choosing between a Peach and a Nude Blush-on. haha! Well they kinda looked the same but I ended up buying the Peach one.


I didn't withdraw much cash from the ATM so I just used my credit card. Each item's original price was P725, which I got for only P680 each...two items for P1160. Well not bad, at least I didn't spend cash haha! Credit card bill comes at the end of the month anyway.=P

PS. Oh my, I think I would have to come back to buy the super nice nude & glossy lipstick that the saleslady applied on me. It's indeed a long wear lipstick!